Hi all.
I have a bog stock 81 model Datsun 1200 ute. I have had an issue with the car losing power (electrical) at random times. The radio even turns off.
Any ways today I was tooling around under the dash while the radio was going, pushed down the brake pedal and the power goes off. Repeated it 5 times and then it stopped happening. I tried another 20 or so times and nothing happened.
My question is, where do I start trying to isolate this problem. There are no wires rubbing on the brake pedal. The only wires near the pedal go to the brake switch. Could the switch be the issue? I know next to nothing when it comes to the electrical side of cars.
Any help would be appreciated.

Josh.

start basic and charge your battery or buy a new one.
check earths, make sure there's an earth from battery to body (battery tray on stanza) then the same spot to the engine, i had similar issues when one of my earth wires had frayed and rubbed and was no longer completing the circuit..

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1979 Datsun Stanza Coupe
1979 Datsun Stanza Coupe Project
1979 Datsun Stanza GX
1982 Datsun Stanza GX
1966 Nissan Cedric Custom Six
1972 Volkswagen Beetle
1974 Toyota Landcruiser Stallion (SWB)
EziAutoParts

Those switches are normally very reliable. You really need a good wiring diagram for your car to follow where the wiring goes after the brake pedal switch and check the physical condition of all the connectors, wires and terminals etc on that circuit.
As mentioned, might be a loose/corroded earth lug. Have you disturbed any earth terminals lately?...

I haven't disturbed any earth leads, but I have only had the car three weeks. I will check the earth and battery condition when I get home from work and then look at other options.

OEM Service Manual for the B120: -
https://www.mediafire.com/folder/cat77k ... %26%20Body

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Regards, Graeme
Just trying to help...
http://nissanman.shutterfly.com/
graemes@internode.on.net

Thanks Nissanman.
Can I ask if it just my computer, but when I download the files the text on each page is doubled up. Is this normal?

Issue sorted, I need to download it, not just view it.

Josh

Older thread but I'm bored so replying anyway.

I've had to replace a failed brake light switch before. They're mounted on top of the pedal in most cars, uncomfortable job but easy enough.

First thing I'd do is test the battery and charging circuit (easy enough, use a multimeter after looking on youtube for videos), then look for though any melted globes/fittings, also anywhere obvious that a wire has rubbed through the insulation. If that still fails then I'd have a look at the switch.

You can also test the switch itself with a multimeter, but for me that would be too logical.