280zx dies while driving, restarts by shaking ignition switch

[Nigel1943]

Yeah, I've got the FSM, but it's nearly impossible to tell where it's actually located according to the diagrams.

In the engine bay, passenger side, group of three, one nearest the front of the car.

There is also another ignition relay under the dash,passenger side, high level, second one in towards the front.

Edited April 4, 2009 by Nigel1943
forgot you guys drive on the wrong side of the road

[nickg]

if the inhibitor switch or relay were bad, why would the starter motor even turn?

[Nigel1943]

if the inhibitor switch or relay were bad, why would the starter motor even turn?

The inhibitor switch circuit appears to not only have an effect on the starter but also the ignition.

[nickg]

It appears to only have an effect on the starter motor, actually. The inhibitor relay is activated when the ignition switch is in the IG position, and I believe the inhibitor switch is the one that prevents the starter from turning when the shifter is not in park or neutral. The ignition relay is also triggered simultaneously... but it does not appear that the inhibitor relay or switch does anything to affect the actual coil. I just mulled over the wiring diagrams for an hour and I'm fairly confident in that.

[nickg]

It seems that it was the ignition module. I replaced it and haven't had a problem in several days.