No blinkers (turn signals)

[Pomorza]

Hello all

This past weekend I installed a new battery on my Z and finally got it running properly. Long and behold I don't have blinkers for some reason. The hazard switch works (I have two, and tested both the hazard lights turn on) but when I go to turn on the blinkers (turn signals) nothing, no lights no indicators on the tach nothing. Any ideas on what could be going on?

Thanks

Jan

[SteveJ]

Things that could be going on:

The hazard switch is not completing the turn signal circuit when the switch is off.

The fuse is blown. (Fuses are cheap. Buy some new ones and put them in. Your car deserves it. )

The flasher unit is bad. (The hazard lights are on a separate flasher, so they could still work.)

There is a problem with the ignition relay. (You'd probably find other circuits with issues, too.)

There is a bad fusible link. (You'd probably find other circuits with issues, too.)

A connector has come loose.

The turn signal switch has gone bad. (Look for the signs. It hangs out with the wrong crowd. Beer cans mysteriously show up in your Z. Your wallet is missing after you sit in the Z. )

For diagnostics, check the voltage at the downstream side of the fuse with the key in the ON position. (See the attached PDF for the fuse location.) If you don't have voltage, replace the fuse and try again. If you still don't have voltage, you'll need to check the connectors upstream, ignition relay, and fusible link.

If you have voltage there, check the voltage at the flasher. The green wire is your positive, and it should be hot when the key is in the ON position. If you have voltage there, check the voltage at the connector in the steering column. It's the white wire. When you hook up your voltmeter or test light, you should see the voltage fluctuate as the flasher operates. If you have no voltage on the white wire, replace the flasher.

That should be enough to get you started.

76 280Z Turn Signals.pdf

[Pomorza]

Things that could be going on:

The hazard switch is not completing the turn signal circuit when the switch is off.

The fuse is blown. (Fuses are cheap. Buy some new ones and put them in. Your car deserves it. )

The flasher unit is bad. (The hazard lights are on a separate flasher, so they could still work.)

There is a problem with the ignition relay. (You'd probably find other circuits with issues, too.)

There is a bad fusible link. (You'd probably find other circuits with issues, too.)

A connector has come loose.

The turn signal switch has gone bad. (Look for the signs. It hangs out with the wrong crowd. Beer cans mysteriously show up in your Z. Your wallet is missing after you sit in the Z. )

For diagnostics, check the voltage at the downstream side of the fuse with the key in the ON position. (See the attached PDF for the fuse location.) If you don't have voltage, replace the fuse and try again. If you still don't have voltage, you'll need to check the connectors upstream, ignition relay, and fusible link.

If you have voltage there, check the voltage at the flasher. The green wire is your positive, and it should be hot when the key is in the ON position. If you have voltage there, check the voltage at the connector in the steering column. It's the white wire. When you hook up your voltmeter or test light, you should see the voltage fluctuate as the flasher operates. If you have no voltage on the white wire, replace the flasher.

That should be enough to get you started.

I am having an issue with my ignition (Key). Its very finicky, when you put it on the "ON" position it has to be in the right spot for it to engage power to everything. If its not in the "exact" spot it won't give power. This is what I mean, this morning I get in the car and turn the key to the on position. There's a click (from the relays) the pump turns on and then another click and everything is off. I played with the key for a second and "click" power again. I turn the car on and it runs fine. Could this have anything to do with it?

Thanks

Jan

[SteveJ]

If the ignition key is not operating properly, you might not be getting power to the coil for the ignition relay. That would keep the turn signals from working. Again, check the voltage where I suggested with a voltmeter, but check both sides of the fuse. If there is no voltage on either side, either the relay coil is not energized, or the contacts in the relay aren't completing the circuit.

If it is just the ignition switch, you can replace the switch part in back. It's about $18 + S&H from Rockauto.

[Pomorza]

If the ignition key is not operating properly, you might not be getting power to the coil for the ignition relay. That would keep the turn signals from working. Again, check the voltage where I suggested with a voltmeter, but check both sides of the fuse. If there is no voltage on either side, either the relay coil is not energized, or the contacts in the relay aren't completing the circuit.

If it is just the ignition switch, you can replace the switch part in back. It's about $18 + S&H from Rockauto.

Hello all

I figured I'd let everyone know that I found the problem, it was in the end the switch. Replaced it and all is back to normal.

Thanks for all the help

Jan

[SteveJ]

It's not an uncommon problem. I've seen many threads where people have suggested replacing the back of the switch. I'm glad you got it fixed.