83 280ZXT radio packed up!

[yuppie69]

Hi...I've an 83 280ZXT, and when I turned the key to acc position 1, the point at which the radio/subwoofers/antenna go on, the radio played/displayed a few secs then went out/no display, and I've not been able to get it going since! I checked the radio fuse, as well as the other fuse the self powered sub amps run off of and no burnt fuses. The subs powered up along with all other acc position 1 devices, so I am pretty sure there's nothing wrong with ignition power relay, and I am pretty sure no aftermarket fuses were wired into the radio, only underhood relays for the amp-which are ok too! The antenna doesn't go up, though, which is to be expected, I guess (assume there's no other fuse/relay for that, right?).

I checked the Nissan service manual, and they don't show any other fuses at the point of the radio, so I'm reluctant to pull it out for that. Can anyone tell me if there's another fuse or relay that could affect the radio alone? If not, which connector do I pull off the radio once I pull it out and check what pins on it for 12V operation.

When/if I get that far, can you tell me if its usually cheaper to send these out somewhere to fix if it's a power supply/amp issue within the radio, and WHO DOES THAT? If not, any leads for an identical replacement at low cost, other than waiting on Ebay?

Thanks

John-Natick, MA..was going to use the "rear" ash tray cut out for my 60GB iPod

[sblake01]

Most aftermarket stereos have an inline fuse in the harness that connects the unit to the cars system. It's a little black box made of plastic and it prys open so that you can change the fuse.

[yuppie69]

Hi

but this is a stock ZX RADIO TAPE UNIT..I'll call the dealer that used rca plugs to line out to the amps, but I have checked left and right of the radio (without removing the damn harness!) and haven't found what you're talking about...though I was hoping on finding something like that.

I assume, by your mentioning "aftermarket" that you don't think the STOCK Nissan (Clarion, I believe) automatic tuner/cassette unit has this extra fuse block, do you? I have a feeling it would be on the service manual wiring diagram, but could you or someone point out more specifically WHERE on the harness it'd be....there are a lot of extra goodies underdash, in my not-so classic ZX!

Thanks

John

[sblake01]

My bad! I didn't realize it was a stock radio. I have a JVC head unit in my 78 and it has the above mentioned fuse. When it blows, everything that powers through the radio, the antenna, amp, etc., quits. But as far as a factory radio goes, I have no clue.

[yuppie69]

HI..yeah, maybe I should have "updated" but I don't want to blow another $1000 bucks..the thing worked reasonably well with my Ipod and 12 disc changer on FM frequencies. Funny thing is, the thing still lights up with the dashboard lights...as if to tease me for being a walking anachronism!

FWIW, I guess its a Clarion OEM unit...doesn't anybody remember this unit?!!!!? It seems pretty cool for 1980+!

Thanks anyway,

John

Bonus question: if I buy one on ebay which has another color vinyl trim (mine's red)...is anyone alive long enough on this earth to tell me if I can swap the electronics (radio and tape) easily from another color trim/mounting housing(!?) that I buy with it as used (red seems somewhat rare!)?

John

[hls30.com]

If you are after the electrics only, I have several working-at least when pulled-radio and cassette units they could be had cheep, and swapping the trim is easy! maroon was one of the most plentiful colors, but it fades and gets "the cumblies" horribly. I have a pretty good selection of spare interior trim too.

Will

Here is the message again-no new post to revive the thread:

Here is a picture of most of the 280Zx radio parts I have. As you can see, the parts are all made by Hitachi not Clarion. All of these pieces were working when removed, and none of them has damage to the wiring. They are all as pulled, and as such will need cleaning and some touch up unless otherwise noted. None of the parts are is new condition, but all of them are restoreable, have no cracks or serious scratches, and would be right at home in a daily driver-after some cleaning.

AAA is an almost complete radio pod-the only thing missing is the cigarette lighter.

The ashtray, radio faceplate, and the cassette deck faceplate have obvious wear, with the cassette face plate being worst. The ashtray needs to be repainted. Notheing past the pigtales is included.

$50

BBB is the circuitry for the sterio Wide switch, it has bothe the control found in a pod, the unit (found unre the passenger seat, and all the wiring between.

$10

CCC is a cassette Deck with a faceplate-the faceplate need some cleanup/touchup, but is is complete and not damaged.

$20

DDD and EEE are radios with no faceplates but with all buttons-could use some cleaning. $30

I did not find a lone antenna switch-I know I have one, but more searching will be needed.

If you want more pictures of specific items, just let me know. If there are items you are interested in, let me know and I will get you the weights and shipping costs.

Will

PS, I will let you know on the other pieces from the '83 turbo, but I am keeping the alternator.

I am hoping to pull the engine in a couple of weeks, when I do, all of the left overs will be available.

Will