280zx TPS adjustment and repair

[@cageoaddell8318]

I have a survivor ‘79 and have been chasing this exact issue for a year. I followed your steps and sure enough idle circuit out of spec. Thanks for taking the time to video and post.

[@gagefixeseverything]

WOOHOO!!! I am so glad it helped you! It's great to hear other people still taking care of these cars. Most people don't care to learn them

[@moccar100]

Thank you for the great explanation, the Gremlin that appeared at 65mph has been exorcised!! 1000x👍👍👍👍👍

[@gagefixeseverything]

Im really glad this helped you!

[@miked4947]

Thanks for this excellent tutorial. I have a '66 Corvair Corsa that the 2nd owner converted to EFI with '79 280zx system in the mid 80s. I've been deep into the 1980 EFI Bible and just ran all the resistance and voltage tests. Throttle switch idle has no continuity when it should be full. Your video connected all the dots with why and where I need to head next. Thanks again!

[@benjaminnielsen4288]

Great video. My 83 says 900 rpms via the FSM, but maybe the 81 is 1400? Perhaps thats what the 81 FSM calls for in the throttle valve switch troubleshooting guide. Nissan calls it a TVS instead of a TPS. Anyways, if you're still having startup and idling issues, one other thing to check is the CHTS (cylinder head temperature sensor) yours might still be in thermostat housing, but also might be on the side of the head under the spark plugs, as they relocated it in later years. anyways, test this component because it can cause a lot of running issues if its bad. cheers

[@noahgo3309]

This video was super helpful my tps just broke now I know how to adjust the sensor once the new one comes in lol

[@stevegantenbein979]

U made it look easy! I can't wait to do mine!

[@gagefixeseverything]

You can do it!!!

[@MrJearley6]

Thank you for this Video!! Thank you!!

[@gagefixeseverything]

Glad it was helpful!

[@raceday-iy7vm]

Great video thanks for the info 😊

[@gagefixeseverything]

Glad it was helpful!

[@markcanchetti7989]

what is the difference for the Turbo 1981

[@TheTorkerman]

My L24E has a problem where the throttle ‘hangs up’ and very slowly returns to idle, even twitch the throttle shut, would this adjustment help you think?

[@gagefixeseverything]

It wouldn't hurt to double check this adjustment. Check for vacuum leaks with a smoke machine if possible

[@markisaacs6592]

My ‘82 turbo has that sputtering problem. When you start it cold and immediately put it in gear and drive, the problem is minor. If you are driving around and shut it off for a few minutes to go into a store and then restart it, it will sputter until rpm is above 2000. After driving it a block it clears up and runs great.

[@gagefixeseverything]

Sounds like it could be caused by the TPS for sure

[@jesseandfriends1]

@@gagefixeseverything Definitly sounds like a heat soak issue mixed with the TPS to me

[@Kylem5005]

Should there be a place where the middle spot doesn't touch either the idle and the wide open throttle or will it jump from idle straight to wide open throttle

[@gagefixeseverything]

No, on this system there is not a middle setting in the tps, the ecu uses a base map for that fuel mixture when not at idle /WOT

[@myjrny2]

I have an 82. So you only do this when the car is idling poorly? Or do you do any adjustment on it when the car don't run smooth or seem to lack power, sometimes "coughing" when driving?

[@gagefixeseverything]

I would do this under that circumstance as well. This car would backfire as well

[@MetroBroker]

Kinda late! Both of my screws flew out of mine. What size are those if you happen to know?

[@gagefixeseverything]

Oh dang man! I dont have the car with me to check im sorry

[@calebhunt6457]

I got a buddy who has a 77 280z sitting in my garage and we are trying to get it running. Currently idles but the second you hit the “gas” pedal it dies. Any suggestions? We are thinking MAF sensor which is pushing $250 so if anybody knows any other ideas it is much appreciated!! Hopefully we can get his looking and running as good as yours!

[@gagefixeseverything]

Definitely don't buy any parts until you go through the diagnostic procedure 100% Check / measure everything you can, and write down all the measurements of each system.

[@atranfanatic]

You have an AFM (air flow meter) and not a MAF sensor. First things first clean all of your plug contacts for your sensors. You can use WD-40 and a used toothbrush. If you have any green residue and such, you are not getting a good connection. And after that if you are still having issues. Gently pry the black cover off the AFM, using a razor blade or sharp exacto knife. Then with the car running, gently push the pendulum downward and see if the car surges like wanting to die. If it does then your AFM is working correctly. If it doesn't try adjusting the fuel/air mixture by loosening the screw but firmly hold the white gear so it doesn't spring loose. It will be a royal pain to get it right again as you have wind it all back up. Oh and also remember to mark the spot on the white gear before you start adjusting. Just in case you have to put it back where it was from factory. Moving the gear to the left should richen it and moving it to the right should lean it out. Hope that helps.

[@RobertRandin]

thank you

[@gagefixeseverything]

yeah!!!

[@josephanthony9814]

With a bad throttle position sensor make my car run rich

[@gagefixeseverything]

makes sense

[@mrkat8137]

Great video! I was able to do it myself and the idle got better! Not sure about the overall ride yet, didn’t take it out for a ride 😂 If my car has a jumpy idle could that mean a timing issue?

[@gagefixeseverything]

Great work!! A jumpy idle COULD be timing, but not as likely as something else. The timing doesn;t move on it's own from the factory setting. I'd do a vacuum leak test with a smoke machine

[@mrkat8137]

@@gagefixeseverything timing was my next step! I recently reinstalled my turbo after getting it rebuilt so I made sure that I covered all possible vacuum leaks. Currently, I’m at 18 BTDC as told by Nissan though I’ve heard that the turbo model needs to be at 24 BTDC so I’ve been looking into it.

[@nateb4904]

Do you have any idea how much time you saved me? Thank you!

[@gagefixeseverything]

Yes.... yes I do... Haha. I had to teach myself this years ago. I used to work on a ton of Z cars. I am so glad this helped you!