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I have a 1987 Z31 Nissan 300zx non turbo. I bought a brand new battery, and got the car started. I walked outside and noticed my lights were on, and it was wierd because I flicked the blinker ****, and the lights shut off. I woke up this morning, and the battery was completely dead, despite no lights being on. Why is this?
The headlight switch (blinker) controls all the headlights, high beams, headlight motors, side marker lights, tail lights, dash lights, blinkers....
The headlight switch has multiple contacts and it seems at least one contact is making a circuit when it shouldn't. The flicking the blinker broke the bogus contact but it looks like it reconnected during the night and killed the battery.
The headlight switch malfunctioning is a very common problem with the Z31 and mine went bad when the Z was only 8 years old. Usually the contacts get dirty and need to be cleaned or are worn out and the switch needs to be replaced. In my case, a high beam stayed on and the others went off as they should.
Being an 87, the switch may be NLA and the best thing is to take it off the steering column and take it apart and clean it. The Z store may stock the 87 switch for $169. https://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/PROD/45-4063
Below is some help in removing it and cleaning it.
NOTE: When taking off the steering wheel, DO NOT REMOVE THE NUT ALL THE WAY, LOOSEN IT BUT LEAVE IT ON A FEW THREADS. Most wheels are stuck and when pulling on it, you will get smacked in the face with steering wheel when it lets go if the nut has been totally removed.
