300ZX (Z31) Forums Dedicated to 84-89 ZCars otherwize known as the Z31's

Dash and accessories don't work until engine revved

Old Aug 15, 2021 | 08:47 AM
  #1  
Gearhead63's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 10
Dash and accessories don't work until engine revved

I just bought an 87T and am sorting through a number of electrical issues. The current one I am addressing is that when I put the key in, turn it to 'on' or 'ignition', I none of the electrical work- no lights, horn, wipers, digital dash, nothing. It will start and run. Nothing else works until I rev the engine and then the dash lights up and all the other systems mentioned now work and stay on, even when the engine goes back to idle.
I checked voltage at the battery (supposedly new) while car is off and am getting high 12s. When I start the engine and rev it, the voltage stays the same, maybe even dips with increasing rpm. So I know I have a week charging system (new alternator on order).
I put the battery on a charger overnight to make sure it's at full strength but it has not resolved the symptom. I am looking at the fsm electrical and looking for a relay that might be suspect. Fusible links are all good.
Anything else I should be looking at?
Thanks!
Old Aug 22, 2021 | 03:30 PM
  #2  
Gearhead63's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 10
Update. I have installed a new alternator and it is still not charging. Now none of the dash comes on even whe n the engine revs. Voltage regulator?
Old Aug 22, 2021 | 07:33 PM
  #3  
Gearhead63's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 10
Battery fusible link was the culprit. It did not appear to be blown but for whatever reason, it tested with zero continuity. I jumped it and the dash lights up as they should, accessories work and the alternator charges properly. Weird.
Old Aug 23, 2021 | 04:36 AM
  #4  
curtisr's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 20
From: The Great White North
My first thought would have been cleaning the grounds but glad you got it sorted.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
blockmaster
240Z, 260Z, 280Z (S30) Forums
4
Nov 7, 2013 02:30 PM
dat280
280ZX (S130) Forums
6
May 12, 2012 10:19 AM
weykool
300ZX (Z31) Forums
6
Nov 17, 2010 11:39 AM
duckyz
300ZX (Z31) Forums
3
Oct 29, 2002 06:32 PM


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -7. The time now is 11:55 PM.