Hi Guys, I gave a '90 NA manual, S1 ptu still inside. Last night I started attempted to start her up for the first time in a couple days. It coughed and spluttered and carried on and then stalled. I tried again and gave it some throttle and I would idle but it missed like crazy. I turned it off and checked all the coil connectors were contacted, could see much else at 8pm so I tried to start again. This time it was just the starter motor winding and nothing else, I turned the key to off and it kept winding. I pulled the key out and it kept winding for 30 seconds or so until the battery died. In the night before I was doing a bit of cleaning and changed out my radio bezel by map light. Any chance I could have Damaged some ignition wiring behind the stereo if there is any? I may have run the battery down a bit, would that cause my symptoms? S1 PTU dead? Please help guys, not long to Zedfest. Cheers, Joel
Dead battery, seems like the only possible thing from what you've done. As always, check fuses. And for god sakes man, get a S2 PTU! I don't know why those of you with S1 PTU's don't change em, first thing I would be doing!
Agree, check your battery voltage via multimeter.... also $114-119 s2 ptu with plugs here: http://carcraze.com.au/nissan-300zx-z32-series-2-ptu-ignition-module-with-plugs/
Would that cause the starter to keep going while switched off tho? Ive got one with pigtails but I haven't got around to wiring it in...
When u say cleaning, are u referring to engine bay? Was the starter motor still turning the engine over or just spinning on its own? No chance someone has spliced into the ignition wiring under the steering wheel for a power source is there? Id be checking there first.
It could be the battery. I had my car sitting for a couple of weeks recently and when I tried to start it, it sounded like it was turning over but there wasn't enough power to actually get it properly going. I was actually worried it was something else because it didn't really sound like a flat battery, but I put on a float charger overnight and it was good as new the next day. And you said cleaning...that in the engine bay or inside the car. Oh and check fuses as well, just to be sure.
Sounded like it was spinning on it's own... And cleaning inside the car, had the maps lights on for about an hour total
Battery is definitely flat, just trying to get an idea of the starter situation while it charges.. Don't really wanna burn it out when I do get it going. Might have a hand on the starter fuse when I turn it over
What do you mean "starter situation"? The only thing that might damage the starter is constantly trying to start it without the engine actually starting. Let it rest a minute between tries. If you are worried, buy a float charger like I mentioned earlier. They are about $40-$60 from Supercheap from memory and they slowly charge up the battery and automatically mantain it at the correct level. Usually used by boat owners etc. Plus they are alot better for your battery than a jump start.
I saw something much like this very recently... Turned out to be a worn ignition barrel causing the car to missfire and starting problems. There is no reason i can think of that a low battery voltage will keep a starter motor on from my knowledge, however i don't own a z and cannot comment on the design of the electrical system. if someone is aware of the ignition switching relay type it would helpful. The starter should not continually run on after you turn the key back from engaging the starter motor relay. Ever... this can be caused by 3 typical things generally. -faulty relay sticking in closed position -electrical backfeed causing relay to stay closed/solenoid in starter to remain engaged -faulty ignition barrel The last is the easiest to test so eliminate it first. You'll need a multimeter, and ill explain the rest tomorrow if you like. charge your battery first
Just on the subject on S1 PTUs, I got one however I was told by my mechanic it has been modified or chipped to bypass the issues the S1 face. Will this last or should I just put a series 2 in..? I feel like the question is just saying how long is a piece of string, however I don't know how far a modded S1 PTU will go.
Pretty sure the battery died as I can't get it to hold charge, I'll chuck a new one on after work and see what happens. If the starter keeps giving grief I'll check the barrel. Thanks for all the replies guys, I've had other people telling me all kinds of shit that doesn't fit with what I'm experiencing. Pretty sure they were just trying to give me the run around
Some people cut them open and repair them i believe but for the small cost just put a s2 in and you shouldn't ever have a problem. As for it being chipped sound like a bs story to me. Cheers Dave
Update Put a brand new battery in it, same symptoms without the flat battery. Starter is still sticky. It's winding over the crank but not firing. Couldn't hear the fuel pump but I can't always hear it anyway. Fuel pump fudable link is fine, cant find any bad fuses. Didn't have time to check for a spark yet as I only have 45 minutes from when I get home from work to too dark to see. 13 hour days suck the proverbial balls Any ideas guys? Not looking forward to pulling out a fuel pump unless I have too
Hi Joel Go back to basics. what have you done since it was last running fine? Backtrack over what has been done. Carefully removes the radio bezel and check for any damage to the loom. If all good, rules that out. Next check for any rodent damage, chewed wires, hoses,ect. I have a spare S1 PTU if that will help.
Definitely worth a check. I've got an S2 with pig tails, I'll wire that in on Saturday regardless now.. I couldn't fit the Veilside valance in coming back from qld, if you still want it I can get dad to ship it to you. Might not be worth the freight for you tho. Also got a border style bonnet and slightly damaged skirts. Skirts aren't a great fit tho
I still cant believe so many run around with an S1 PTU in their Z's These were recalled for a reason. My first piece of advice to any Z'dr is make sure you dont have one and if you do - get rid of it as your first priority - there is no shortage of posts damning the S1 on this forum and the problems they can cause are so wide and varied they are just not worth having or even attempting to get by with even temporarily. Do yourselves a favour and get rid of them - there should not be any S1 PTU's left in any Z in the world by now. I guess you get the feeling I hate them by now, well its true, I went through hell when I got my Z with one of those S1 pesky trouble makers and I cannot believe I still see so many posts that are having trouble with their Z and still have an S1. Even if its not the cause, it wont be long before it is given their history. Cheers
