Topic: Anyone have a Datsun 280Z?

[B. Alec]

I have a 1977 and the ignition switch is completely locked up.  Neither of the keys I have will turn the thing from 'Lock'.  This happened once before and I thought it was a key problem, but doesn't seem like it now.  It freed itself up last time without me doing anything special. Any suggestions of what to do short of opening up the steering column, which is a huge pain?

PS. If only there were a board like this one specifically for Datsuns! 

Ben

[Tim2005]

You ought to try here... http://www.zclub.net/

Cheers

Tim (former 260Z owner)

[Raul CB750K1]

Please forgive me if I state the obvious. When the wheels have been turned till they lock and there is counterforce it is impossible to move the key. Try to wiggle with the steering wheel while you try to turn the ignition key as usual. Wiggling with the steering wheel should remove the force against the locking mechanism and let the key turn.

Raul

[mcpuffett]

hi ben, don't know if you can do this with your datsun  but on some of the old english cars you could take the back off the ignition and use a screw driver to start the car  hope this helps  mick.

[heffay]

speaking of 280z's... the guy i just bought my zx750r from has a 280z project... beautiful new paint job waiting for the newly rebuilt corvette z1 motor sitting alongside.  can we say SQUIRRELLLY!

[eldar]

I would love a 280z. Besides my 78k, it is the one other vehicle I really want.

[Buffo]

I have a '73 914-6 and although they are different cars...  IF you have a heavy key chain what has most likely happend is the wieght of the key chain has wore your tumbler out. It happens a lot on older cars AND bikes. You can take your key to the lock smith and they can cut you a new one that is slightly bigger than yours...this doesnt work 100% of the time but it does work....if this is the case you should have the tumbler replace as soon as possible.

BTEAS

[B. Alec]

There must be a sensor in there somewhere that was loose...I jiggered around with the gearshift and the steering wheel and something magical happened.  Now I just have to remember not to turn the key to 'lock.'   

P.S. Z's are soooooo sweet.  It's the perfect complement to my '76 550.

[Buffo]

i still think it is a worn out tumbler...very common.

[Raul CB750K1]

There is nothing wrong with locking the steering wheel, that should be a theft-time-waster device. The only thing is to remember how to disengage it.

Try to do it again. Remove the key and lock the wheel. With the left hand try to turn the wheel while it's locked and at the same time try to turn the key. It should be impossible. Then, while exerting force on the key, turn the wheel in the opposite direction. The key will just turn when the locking force is gone. There should be nothing with the gearshift (unless it is automatic transmission)

Regards

Raul

[mrbreeze]

My dad had a 78 280-Z back in the late 80's.If I remember right,it was the first year they went to fuel injection.The 260's had the twin carbs. Anyhow,I remember driving that 280 down the highway. The damn thing just up and hauled ass until it hit around 90 MPH and then the front end started lifting up like it wanted to fly off the ground but it still had alot more room for more MPH. Yeah.......I remember that car.

[Terry in Australia]

I really want a series 1 Mazda RX7. I keep walking past one that's for sale and I think to myself "surely Wendy won't mind just one more vehicle in the yard?" but sadly I already know the answer, so I trudge on past..........