My 1980 280zx is having issues with the turn signals. They work fine when the car is off, but when I start it and try to use them they will blink 1-4 times then stop (this happens on the console and the exterior lights). I took the relay apart twice now and cleaned all the contacts with alcohol and q-tips to wipe off any build up, this made the signals work for maybe 1-2 car trips then they went back to being messed up.

With that fixing it for a little but not completely I am lost and really not sure what to do next, I'd appreciate any advice on the next step or an answer if someone had this problem and solved it, Thanks.

 

There is a black 'box' in the engine compartment on the passenger side in front of the strut tower. Inside the lid you will see 5 plug-in relays. They are all the same style. Try moving them around and see if the issue clears up. If you can identify the troubled relay, replace it.
they are expensive from Nissan but used ones can be found. Maybe Mike in IL has one he can spare.

 

Alright thanks Bleach, I will mess with those a bit to see if it clears up.

 

Um if I remember right theres no flasher relays in the block box in the engine bay In fact on my Z (which is an 80 as well) its up under the drivers dash clipped onto the brake pedal assembly. Just gotta remove the kick panel and the air vent and their inside there.

 

I already inspected both of those, and they seem ok, pins aren't rusted or in horrible condition, checked the holes too. Thanks though, cause it was just by luck mucking around in there that I found them, except they aren't clipped to anything anymore, does that matter? they still have the plastic clip piece just didn't know where to attach it.

 

The flasher relay is under the dash.

I had a 1982 Z that would randomly turn on the left blinker and it would stay on for as long as it chose; sometimes draining the battery to nothing. I also had a very sensative four way flasher button that had to be in just the right spot to turn on and stay on. I found one of those engine compartment relays to be bad and replaced it. All my turn signal and flasher issues went away.