ignition problem with 1981 Datsun 280zx GL turbo

[Narciso]

Hi I have a 1981 Datsun 280zx GL turbo I got the car at a salvage yard and was in fairly good condition. i looked at the car and the ignition switch was disconnected and looked like the car used to get started with a screw driver but then i found a separate switch that leads to the starter and wen you flip it on it turns the car over but the car wasn’t starting. I checked for fuel pressure and there wasn’t any and i also checked for spark and there wasn’t any spark either. The dashboard is a mess and there’s wires hanging everywhere, i was wondering if the ignition coil or and the fuel pump are not working or if the cpu isn’t getting any power so it’s not starting. I really don’t know what it is but i was told the car wasn’t thrown in the yard because it didn’t work, the owner of the salvage yard told me the car was impounded and no one went to get the car afterwards.

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[Narciso]

Hi I have a 1981 Datsun 280zx GL turbo I got the car at a salvage yard and was in fairly good condition. i looked at the car and the ignition switch was disconnected and looked like the car used to get started with a screw driver but then i found a separate switch that leads to the starter and wen you flip it on it turns the car over but the car wasn’t starting. I checked for fuel pressure and there wasn’t any and i also checked for spark and there wasn’t any spark either. The dashboard is a mess and there’s wires hanging everywhere, i was wondering if the ignition coil or and the fuel pump are not working or if the cpu isn’t getting any power so it’s not starting. I really don’t know what it is but i was told the car wasn’t thrown in the yard because it didn’t work, the owner of the salvage yard told me the car was impounded and no one went to get the car afterwards. Do you have any advice for me or suggestions?

[Brett W.]

Do these have crankshaft position sensors?

[Narciso]

yea the car should have a crank shaft position sensor and it has a ECU and everything.

[Brett W.]

id check the main relay for ecu your problems could be vast sounds like you def have a mess on your hands

[Mike]

In a case like this, I’d recommend getting a factory service manual, and then slowly, wire-by-wire, undoing and sorting out the rat’s nest of wiring inside the car. Try to get things wired up the way they were originally.

Trying to get a car to run when you don’t know what is hooked to what, what is hot, and what modified circuits are fused or unfused is always an exercise in futility and can be potentially dangerous.

[Mike]

I wouldn’t get too hung up on sensors and such. From what I’ve read, your car should have (unless it’s been modified over the years) the Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection system, which was an analog system, and much simpler than today’s digitized technology.

[Narciso]

i don’t think it’s been modified the only think that has been messed with was the ignition, there’s wire’s showing everywhere because someone messed with it and took out the stereo deck where the stereo used to go. and i will try and find a diver’s manual but first ill check all the wiring see if it’s cut or anything.

[Author]

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