polarbear321

Well i just purchased my first 280zx knowing that there would be some work necessary. We got it home I took the battery out to clean things and put it back in and it wont start. No crank, nothing except for a faint whirring sound which i think is the fuel pump. The engine ran fine with some vibrations on the drive home so i don't think the engine has seized and we just replaced the battery and that didn't solve the problem either. There is also an alarm system that is hooked up to the battery and i'm not sure if it is factory or after market and I don't know if it is disabling starter or if whoever may have put it in did a bad job and messed up the ignition wire. Looking for anyone who can help me to get my car to start. Thanks

Genewiz

Sounds like you have power to run the fuel pump. I would use a multimeter and and see if you have any volts to the starter solenoid when you try to crank it. If you don't ,then the anti theft system is most likely the problem or maybe a loose connection of one of the wires at the battery terminals.

pnoyslimm

Sounds like starter went out, brah. I dont think factory alarms run straight to the battery. have you checked fuses? maybe you popped one or two(s) when disconnecting and connecting battery...

polarbear321

So if im checking for voltage to the starter solenoid i have one lead on the negative batttery terminal and the other on the lead for the starter solenoid? and what should i set the voltmeter to?
Because i feel like i tried to test this but im pretty confident that i did it wrong.

Also i did check the fuses and i didnt see anything abnormal but i will check again.
Is there a way i can test the starter to see if its working?

pnoyslimm

Having the FSM is handy for diagnosing or you can take your starter to your local auto parts store and have them test it for FREE!!!

Lesnocker

Been here many times. Take a wire jump the positive on the battery. Take it down to the wire on the starter that has the plug. Top of starter. It should kick the starter but not crank the engine. This checks the starter. Now jum p that with another wire to the lug directly below it. This will crank the motor. With both wires attached. With the key on doing this will hot wire your car. find the name of the system. And I can further help.

Lesnocker

I had a nighthawk 3 all it did was isolate the ignition. Easy fix with a toggle switch. Others killed the fuel pump. Then you need the fsm. Do not I repeat do not go removing it. 80s systems are ugly and over over complicated. Mine tied into everything in the car. From all lighting including interior. Horn turn signals door handles. Yea lol then try to find the alarms wireing diagram. Lol nasty

polarbear321

Well i think name on the key fob is "code alarm" but i cant find it anywhere in the service manual which is why i think it's an aftermarket alarm.

Here is the web address to the website where i downloaded the service manual.
1981 280Zx
XenonS130 - S130 Reference

Also when you say "wire jump" do you just mean like wire with alligator clips on them? I just dont wanna accidentally fry something cause i did it wrong Thanks!

polarbear321

ok, so i just tested to see if i would get voltage to the starter. I hooked up one lead to the battery negative and the other to the plug not on the starter but the end of the wire going to the starter. At that point im pretty sure i was supposed to see battery voltage. I saw less than 1 volt. So at this point it is either the starter relay the neutral safety switch or the ignition wiring. Correct? So as long as i did that test right, does anyone know where the neutral safety switch and the starter relay are?

Lesnocker

I know code alarm. Try disconnect the battery turn key to on position and re connect the battery. Should start fine. If not take one side of a jumper cable. Red attach to the positive on the battery. Now take the same lead red and touch off on the starter with the clamp from the lead. See if the starter cranks. Lol

polarbear321

Thank you lesnocker! disconnecting the battery worked!
Thanks again!