Hi, I got a 1982 280ZX N/A. I was having problems with something shorting out and putting heavy load on the battery. With the key off I have 12-13 volts, but then when I turn it to accessories it goes down to 8 volts and even less when I turn it to on. So it has something to do with a circuit that only has power when the key is in accessory mode. I tried disconnecting the radio with no success. Is there something that is common with the 280ZX?

Also, I need the wiring diagram for the radio antenna can't find it in the FSM. Thanks in advance.

 

Well. Go to the fuse box that is located on the passenger side foot well.
Start pulling fuzes one by one, see which line is shorted.

If you want to get fancy, make a tool which is a lightbulb with two wires. And then wire it in line with the battery positive terminal. If current is flowing, the bulb should glow. Do that, then start pulling fuzes until you figure out the shorted line.

But remember, when your door is open there are a lot of lights that go on.

Once you figure out which line is shorted out, you would have to go through all the sockets and lightbulbs and electrics that are on it.
I think the sockets around the steering column tend to go bad. Check those.

 

Thanks, it randomly decided it is fine now I'll have to wait until it does it again and test those. Does anybody know about the radio antenna? I see there is a ground on the anntenna and two wires going to it, are they both power (one to go up and one to go down)? Thanks.