new user...new owner
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Registered User
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 63
From: Alabama
new user...new owner
Brand new to the forum and to the foriegn car world. I have an 82 280zx that has a few problems and I don't know where to start.
The most important at this time, is the HVAC. I can't get the air to come out the dash for defrost mode, so therefore, when it is raining, the entire car fogs up.
I know it must be vacuum actuated dampers, but how do you get to them and what is the common problem?
Thnkfully the car purrs like a kitten and runs like a scalded dawg....
The most important at this time, is the HVAC. I can't get the air to come out the dash for defrost mode, so therefore, when it is raining, the entire car fogs up.
I know it must be vacuum actuated dampers, but how do you get to them and what is the common problem?
Thnkfully the car purrs like a kitten and runs like a scalded dawg....
The Good Twin
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 20,639
From: Wild Wild West, UTAH!
Welcome to ZDriver! 
Do you have the Auto Climate Control or Manual Climate Control? The ACC is very picky... but either way, the problem is a vacuum leak. The controls are set to default to defrost when no vacuum. Check your lines from the intake manifold. If you have vacuum into the cabin, there is a leak somewhere under the dash.
Since defrost isn't working, you might need to pull the dash & physically check the actuators.
Do you have the Auto Climate Control or Manual Climate Control? The ACC is very picky... but either way, the problem is a vacuum leak. The controls are set to default to defrost when no vacuum. Check your lines from the intake manifold. If you have vacuum into the cabin, there is a leak somewhere under the dash.
Since defrost isn't working, you might need to pull the dash & physically check the actuators.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 63
From: Alabama
I do have the ACC. But it is not at the default position, or either the duct has come apart. I supposed I need a manual to get at these parts? If so, where is the best place to get one, and are there particular manuals that are better than others.
The Good Twin
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 20,639
From: Wild Wild West, UTAH!
280zx Haynes manual. You can get it at your local parts store. Also check out the downloadable FSM at www.xenons130.com Both have good diagrams of the HVAC system. DO NOT BUY A CHILTONS.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 63
From: Alabama
never been real confidant in a Haynes manual. I went to the site you listed, but I didn't see anything about an FSM. That is really what I am looking for. I have one for my 75 cadillac, and it is worth its weight in gold...even though it is on CD :-)
The Good Twin
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 20,639
From: Wild Wild West, UTAH!
Funny you say that... the 280zx Haynes manual is based on the FSM. 
Both are very good.
Clicky: http://www.xenons130.com/reference.html
Both are very good.Clicky: http://www.xenons130.com/reference.html
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 63
From: Alabama
That is good to know. The only thing I have to base my opinion on is the Haynes manuals for like GM autos, where one manual is for like 5 different vehicles. They basically the same cars, but the detailed info is what a manual is good for. I will check out the one for the 280. I am trying to look at the one you sent me the link to right now. It is taking a little long so I'll get there sooner or later. Thanks for all the input.
Über User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 9,532
From: lemont, Illinois
haynes turned to **** just like chiltons the later the years of vehicles got for some reason, its weird. haynes rocks ***** for these datsun's though, its pretty strange, its like they actually cared
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 63
From: Alabama
GREAT INFORMATION!! I will certainly check them out as I have only had the car 3 days and have now encountered another weird problem/item. There is a small box mounted just in front of the right rear shock/strut (whichever it is) that is concealed by the plastic trim. It is about 4 inches square and has an electrical connection. When you open the drivers door with the key in, it hums very softly. Any clue as to what this is?
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 63
From: Alabama
REALLY!?!? That would be so cool. Is there a way to disable it? Meaning, is it possible, that it has been disabled, or is it just bad. If it is just bad, how much does something like that cost?
The Good Twin
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 20,639
From: Wild Wild West, UTAH!
You can unplug it to disable it.
It has warnings like "left door is open" / "fuel level is low" / "emergency brake is on" / "your lights are on"
If you can't hear it, most likely someone chopped into the radio harness when installing an aftermarket deck & never hooked it back up correctly. Search for VOICE WARNING BOX as this has been discussed in detail before.
It has warnings like "left door is open" / "fuel level is low" / "emergency brake is on" / "your lights are on"
If you can't hear it, most likely someone chopped into the radio harness when installing an aftermarket deck & never hooked it back up correctly. Search for VOICE WARNING BOX as this has been discussed in detail before.
The Good Twin
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 20,639
From: Wild Wild West, UTAH!
The Evil Twin
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 9,297
From: Seattle, WA
or a hand air pump or 12v electric air pump. I carried both in my Z. The new electric pump was dead the one time I needed it.
Or throw a compressor with air tank in the back of your Z. Its only an extra 300 pounds...
Or throw a compressor with air tank in the back of your Z. Its only an extra 300 pounds...
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