New to my 280ZX

[trforfun]

I recently acquired an 82 ZX. It runs great, is very clean inside and out (I paid $1800 for it--a good deal I think). In going through it I looked at the fuse box and discovered that the fuse (15A) for the fan motor was missing. I inserted one and now the fan comes on as soon as the car is started. I assume this is wrong--that it should only come on when the engine gets really hot. Any suggestions on what might be causing this? I'm thinking it must be some temperature sensor or relay. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated. Also, one of the windshield washer electrical connections was not connected (the connection right at the wires leading to the washer motor). When I connnect it, the warning light comes on so does this mean the motor or sensor is faulty? Again, any thoughts are greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[zbane]

If I were to guess, the fan motor relay is most likely out. The fan should come on at shutdown and run for about 15 minutes. If it's not the relay, one of the connectors at the thermostat housing may be the culprit, though I don't recall which one.

As to your windshield wiper issue, the light should only come on when the spray reservoir is low or downright empty. Check, and fill, then see what happens. If the tank is full, it could be that the contacts in the tank, or underneath have corroded or gone bad. Clean as necessary.

[trforfun]

for the reply. I'll check the fan relay and connections at the thermostat and check the connections on the washer motor.

[RogerZ]

there are two washer motors One for the front and one for the back plus the connections for the float switch. someone may have miswired or otherwised fubared the set up. Hot wire the pump motors direct to see if they work. They are a small vane pump. If you don't have a rear wiper not sure what they did all my 280 had the rear wiper but I believe some didn't. It is easiest just to pull the tank out and work on the stuff on the bench. clean all connectors obviously.

[palladin]

The WS washer warning light should come on when the res is low. If it is ON, take the res lid(and sensor) out and turn it upside down. It should go out. If so, then there is a problem with the float. As for the fan motor, which one? The one in front of the radiator that comes with Turbos and is activated by the sensor in the waterneck, or the fuel injector cooling fan. Neither should come on on start up. the injector fan does not necessarily come on on shutdown. Don't know about TURBOS.