Jump to content
We Need Your Help! ×

IGNORED

1978 280Z Need Help Identifying Cut/Disconnected Wiring


mrodrig2

Recommended Posts

Hi guys,

I just acquired a '78 280Z and the wiring is in pretty poor condition. It looks like some has frayed and some has been disconnected or bypassed by the previous owner. I do have the FSM and have looked through the electrical section but these items have both ends cut so I can't trace them. Can someone help me identify the two items circled in red?

1) This part is in the driver's side of the engine bay next to the ignition coil. Both ends frayed off.

post-27748-14150824317137_thumb.jpg

2) These two wires are coming through the firewall near the battery. One is gold and the other is white. The PO has them taped to two other wires that have been cut. No clue what they should be going to.

post-27748-14150824317705_thumb.jpg

Thanks in advance. I have a few more coming that I still need to get pictures of.

-Alex.

Edited by mrodrig2
Link to comment
Share on other sites


The top pic is a condenser that is supposed to be connected to the coil. It's function is to quiet ignition noise so the radio doesn't pick it up. You can find the condenser in the lower left hand corner of the wiring diagram.

The other two wires? No idea. The previous owner could have been using them for anything. What does the other end inside the interior connect to? Anything?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for ID'ing the condensor. After searching about it, seems like I can just remove it without any real consequence. If I decide to replace it, can I use any available capacitor?

I'll be pulling up the carpet and looking into the other wires next weekend. I have a lot of electrical gremlins to look into - no headlights, no dash lights, passenger side turn signal goes on but doesn't blink, no heat or vents, slow wipers.... etc etc.

Edited by mrodrig2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

In the second photo, the wires are coming out where the vacuum line for the ventilation controls should be. It doesn't looks like those wires are colored (they look white) so I would say that they are something that the PO put in. Follow them inside to see what they connet to.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for the suggestions guys. Still haven't had a chance to look into it further. It's been raining unfortunately.

Tomohawk - The wires are colored. One is white and the other is goldish in color so it could also possibly be yellow or brown?

MillerTime802 - The PO did add a button to the dash for a horn. Looking through the FSM and based on location I do think it is related to the console harness or the console to engine harness connection.

Edited by mrodrig2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

As per the two wired coming out of the firewall, my 280z is wired so that the heater fan is connected to the battery there. If your blower motor works fine then never mind, you might just wait until you have to replace the heater core to check it out. (Though my car is a hodgepodge of wiring I get to go through and fix).

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

I figured out my two mystery wires - they were for an aftermarket alarm which the PO left only partially dismantled. There's an alarm brain under the dash with a few pigtails and some stuff still hooked up. While under the dash I also saw that someone started disconnecting the optional AC but then also messed with the regular heating/vent controls. This is going to be a nightmare.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I would get a copy of the Colored Wiring Diagram from PROSPERO'S GARAGE. It is well worth the $25 you'll spend and it will save loads of time. I would also download the FSM and EFI Bible. I have the FSM in pdf if you want it.. PM me for the download link..

Edited by ZCurves
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Who's Online   0 Members, 0 Anonymous, 214 Guests (See full list)

    • There are no registered users currently online
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Guidelines. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.