XenonZcar Banner
Shop
XenonZcar Full Service Shop

XenonZcar.com - 280ZX Turn Signal Repair Advice

There seem to be two different turn signal systems used in the ZX; the older models used the same system as the Z, in which there were 2 flashers, one for the 4-way flasher and one for the turn signal, whereas the later ZX used a single flasher unit for both the 4-ways and the turn signals.

⚠️ Warning:

This may seem like a simple and straightforward procedure, however, there is always the possibility of error, and you are responsible for any damage you cause by attempting this procedure yourself.

Turn Signal & Flasher Diagnosis – ZX

My blinkers and signals weren't working, so here I am again trying to understand how this system works. This is a ZX I’m working with, and it has only one flasher, which is located above the brake pedal.

4-Way Blinker Switch Wiring

  • Blue wire: Ignition input into the switch to feed the L/R signals
  • Red/White wire: 12V input to the switch to feed the 4-way blinkers
  • Green/Yellow wire: 12V output to the flasher
  • Green wire: Returns from the flasher and branches to the L/R signals
  • Green/Red & Green/Blue wires: Output to the left and right signals

Turn Signal Function (Emergency OFF)

When the emergency blinker switch is OFF and the ignition is ON, the Blue wire carries 12V to the Green/Yellow wire, which feeds the flasher. From there, power flows through the Green wire back to the switch, and is routed to either the left or right signal depending on user input. In this case, power is being drawn from the ignition via the Blue wire.

4-Way Flasher Function (Emergency ON))

  • Connects power from the Red/White wire to the Green/Yellow wire, while disconnecting the Blue wire from Green/Yellow.
  • Routes the return signal (Green wire) to both Green/Red and Green/Blue wires, activating both sides.

So when the emergency switch is ON, constant 12V flows through the Red/White wire → Green/Yellow → flasher → Green wire → both L/R indicators via Green/Red and Green/Blue.

Diagnosis and Fix

My turn signals and flashers stopped working. Based on the wiring behavior above, I disconnected the switch and tested for continuity — and found none. I had three extra emergency switches on hand, but none of them worked either.

I disassembled one of the switches and discovered it consisted of a ball, a few contacts, and some dried-up contact grease. I cleaned the contacts with sandpaper, applied fresh contact grease, and reassembled the unit. Upon retesting, the switch showed good continuity and everything worked perfectly once it was reinstalled in the car.

Sources Used