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78 280z not cranking. not starting. please help

Old 03-22-2012, 12:35 AM
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78 280z not cranking. not starting. please help

So i try to start up my 280z. When I turn the key nothing happens but a clicking noise on the passanger side by the fuse box. I believe the clicking noise is the ignition relay.

Power is getting to the car because when i turn the key i can turn on the ac unit. But the volts and gas meter won't turn on.

I replaced the starter in the engine and the ignition switch.

(I'm not to sure what to think of this. The battery is charged. But its not even cranking unless I manually touch the 2 bolt pieces of the starter in the engine to manually make sparks and start it but it just keeps trying to start like there is no gas!? I am lost!)

Thank you for your help!

Last edited by 3d_Ryan; 03-22-2012 at 12:39 AM.
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Old 03-22-2012, 06:25 AM
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Check your fusible links, and make sure they aren't crispy.
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Old 03-22-2012, 12:19 PM
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I have replaced and checked the 2 fusible links but it apears to be fine


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Old 03-22-2012, 12:22 PM
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Originally Posted by 3d_Ryan
I believe the clicking noise is the ignition relay.
I would start with replacing the relay.
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Old 03-22-2012, 01:18 PM
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Think you found your problem.
You should have 4 fusible links in a 78...
It would appear you are missing your third red link (ignition switch) and a black link (Alternator & Ignition Relay)
But it also seems like where your back red link is in your picture, that should actually be a black link, and your box that should have 2 red links is just gone...


Last edited by Bates; 03-22-2012 at 01:25 PM.
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Old 04-04-2012, 05:44 AM
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The fusible links have been bypassed (yellow wires). It looks like an inline fuse on the one yellow wire. Check that. Download the FSM and start checking for the cause.
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Old 05-22-2016, 06:23 PM
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What is the easiest way to remove ignition relay and what is the part number . 1979 280zx
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