Heres a really odd one.....

[Bandit240]

This issue is on my '80 210. Its been like this since i got the car, and no one around here can really figure out whats up. The headlights will come on right away when the lights are turned on, but the rest of the lights take their time. It depends on the temp as to how long it takes them to come on. This evening before i left my dads, it took about 5 minutes for them to come on and it was about 40~ outside. Last night when it was 28~ it took about 15 minutes to get them on.

[ratsar_nx]

It could be the headlight switch itself. Is it a stalk mounted one? The switch may be a bit worn and the metal contracting from the cold can cause contact issues.

 

Regardless of what type it is, when the switch is in the "on" position, wiggle the switch a bit (try wiggling in the direction that you would move to turn the lights on first). If it's on the stalk, try twisting, if it's on the sash, try wiggling in and out a bit.

 

My '86 Pulsar (stalk mounted switch) will sometimes do that when it's below -20 Celsius (-5 Fahrenheit). The headlights will come on but the dash lights won't. I've found if I wiggle the switch back a bit, usually just up against the stop that makes it click to the previous position, the dash lights come on. Just like yours, it only does it when it's cold and it's fine when it's warmed up.

[datzenmike]

They are lubed with thick grease. When cold it's like putty and the contact rides up on it and isn't making contact until it warms and thins.

[izzo]

I am not sure if this is a good idea,

 

But on my 720 i had the same issues. The headlights come on right away, and the running lights and dashboard lights took a little while. Sometimes tapping hte column worked. What i did was take the plastic casing off the column. Then i looked in there while turning the lights on and off until i seen the connection. I took my little can of WD-40, put the straw on to get directly on there. And just barely held it down until a drop or two came out and touched the contacts. It works fine, lights come on the second i hit the switch every time.

 

Ps. Mine did the same depending on the tempature, colder it got the longer it took, warmer it is the faster it works. Dont have to worry about it now. Sometime in the summer i may take it apart and clean it.

[650savag]

I have had the same problem with my 1980 720 w/ L20b, and usually just in the Winter months. The headlights will come on as soon as i turn the switch on but the dash lights and also the taillights will not come on for a varying period of time. I have learned that when this happens, I can work the dimmer switch a few times and they come right on. Try it and see if it helps.