renny

Last year the 280ZX car would not start at the beginning of the summer. Brought car into dealer and they replaced the distributor and it ran great for 3 months. The car then started running very rough where the car would start but when I try to accelerate, it takes along time to increase the RPMs. Eventually the RPMs increased but the car runs very rough as if no power. I changed the spark plugs and spark plug wires but no change. Put the car away for a 10 month in my garage. Brought car out, started immediately but had the same problem. Took it back to the dealer and they recommended to replace the ECU. They did not replace the part because they told me they could not get the part.

Two questions:
1. Does everyone agree with the analysis? Any other suggestions?
2. Where is the ECU located in case I should replace it?

benny127

I am 90% sure the ECU is bad. If you are on a driver seat spread your left leg and it right below your left knee. Does this makes sense? Dealer will charge you atleast 500 bucks for it.

And 10% is the MAF I have that also brand new. Again, dealer will charge you maybe another 300 or 400 for it.

I have 1 came off my car working fine. I am not using because I just upgraded to the Z31 ECU. I take 100 bucks/each shipped to anywhere in the US.

NismoPick

If the car starts, I doubt it's the ECU. Instead of jumping to the expensive items first, start with the basics...
check timing
check TPS & connection
check CHTS & connection
check AFM & connection
check ECU connections

What you described is a classic TPS problem, but sometimes can be the AFM.

renny

I am new to this forum and do not know the acronyms. What is:

TPS, CHTS, and AFM?

check TPS & connection
check CHTS & connection
check AFM & connection
check ECU connections

Thanks for the help

WildmaN

TPS: Throttle Position Sensor, CHTS: Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor, AFM: Air Flow Meter.

Hope that helps you out, and good luck.