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Old 03-17-2009, 09:52 AM
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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....
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Old 03-17-2009, 10:40 AM
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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.
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Old 03-17-2009, 11:33 AM
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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.
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Old 03-17-2009, 11:39 AM
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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.
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Old 03-17-2009, 11:45 AM
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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 :-)
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Old 03-17-2009, 11:47 AM
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Originally Posted by 280zdude
never been real confidant in a Haynes manual.
Funny you say that... the 280zx Haynes manual is based on the FSM. Both are very good.

Clicky: http://www.xenons130.com/reference.html
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Old 03-17-2009, 11:53 AM
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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.
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Old 03-17-2009, 05:46 PM
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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
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Old 03-17-2009, 10:57 PM
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that and you can often find them for five bucks online. Worth every penny. The Nissan manuals can get pricey. $50-80 for the 280ZX is common.
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Old 03-18-2009, 05:28 AM
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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?
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Old 03-18-2009, 07:00 AM
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^^^ Yep. The voice warning box.
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Old 03-18-2009, 07:03 AM
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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?
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Old 03-18-2009, 07:08 AM
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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.
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Old 03-18-2009, 07:14 AM
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I think you hit the nail on the head. It has an aftermarket deck in it. I will definitely look up this thread you are talking about, cause I think that would be so cool.
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Old 03-18-2009, 07:55 AM
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It is cool. I think it even adds 8 hp to the engine when working properly.
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Old 03-18-2009, 07:57 AM
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^^^Now that's funny...
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Old 03-18-2009, 08:06 AM
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Oh yeah...here is another newbie question. What's with the flat spare tire? Hownahell are you supposed to ride on that?
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Old 03-18-2009, 08:15 AM
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With one of these:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Datsu...Q5fAccessories

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Old 03-18-2009, 08:17 AM
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I can't get to ebay from work....what exactly is it?
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Old 03-18-2009, 08:30 AM
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It's a spare tire inflation canister filled w/ CO2 I believe. It's the 70's / 80's style of space saver.
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Old 03-18-2009, 08:46 AM
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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...
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