| Author | Message | ||
| TR Heaven (Johndillinger)
Junior Member Username: Johndillinger Post Number: 160 Registered: 7-2002 |
did a little adjustment to the connectors and pins (and what do you know) no problem.... you guys are the best - if you ever make it to Florida drop me an email - but come in December - im dying down here !!!!! | ||
| Dave Helms (Davehelms)
New member Username: Davehelms Post Number: 50 Registered: 5-2003 |
Most of the 360 dash problems are in the cluster itself. The dash has been a bit of a problem on the 360's from day one. You either have a good one, or a problem one. The dash is a non-serviceable part, and is a stepper motor afair with its own computer. I have had the identical fuse box problems on (2) F40's, and dozens of Mondials. I have not had any electrical problems except for grounds on the F50's. Ferrari felt the carbon in the tub was a good ground, and it really is, but the connection points left a bit to be desired. Ground connections in the 360 has turned out to be a science in itself. Ninty percent of the glitches in the 360 can be traced to ground problems. | ||
| TR Heaven (Johndillinger)
Junior Member Username: Johndillinger Post Number: 156 Registered: 7-2002 |
i was extremely careful when closing the pins (tried to keep them in the ori shape) but this small adjustment needs to be done every so often.My connectors are in good condition - only one that took some heat (of course) was the a/c pin, even if i install a new set of connectors and pins, i will still need to check them once in a while (small design flaw) but ill purchase the Stabilant to aid the connection. do you know if the 360, f40, f50 have simular electrial issues ???????? met someone in a 360 who told me his dash lights would just go out on him while driving down the road - brought it back to the dealer several times to be fix - but said they couldnt find the problem - that made me a little nervous regarding 360's. at least with the TR - we know where it is.... | ||
| Dave Helms (Davehelms)
New member Username: Davehelms Post Number: 47 Registered: 5-2003 |
Unless your are very careful, pinching some of the connectors will distort them from their origional shape. A pinched "round" connector will end up egg shaped, and the contact will change to 2 small points, rather than a full circle. This can agrivate the problem further, as it must pass the same current through a smaller contact area. The pin connectors are available through Ferrari dealers, but many of them are not unique to Ferrari. A lot of them fit many european cars. Ferrari parts sold a kit to the dealers (back in the TR time span), but now they are only available on a individual basis. Ferrari dealers have a yellow picture book that shows a picture of the connector, noting the wire gauge it was designed to handle. The plastic plugs are a whole differant matter. I remember ordering them, and not recieving any for about 8 months to a year. There are a number of TR's out on the road (because of the parts, or lack of them) that I simply drilled out the plug, fed the wire through the hole, and soldered it to the pin on the fuse box. Ugly fix, but it beats the car sitting in the shop waiting for a $.06 part, for 6 months! If you need, somewhere in my notes from back in that era, I have Fiat part numbers for the plastic harness plugs/connectors, and we found them to be readily available from them. I have not needed any for a few years now, so Ferrari might have a good supply now, though I highly doubt it. | ||
| TR Heaven (Johndillinger)
Junior Member Username: Johndillinger Post Number: 153 Registered: 7-2002 |
When repairing a loose connection - ive been using a pair of small teizzers to pinch them shut - then i plug the connector back in place - Is this what you mean by "fix and repair" or do you have a source for the connectors and pins ????????? | ||
| Paul Bianco (Paulie_b)
Junior Member Username: Paulie_b Post Number: 214 Registered: 1-2003 |
John, another suggestion. Use a Battery Tender. I have used a Battery Tender for many years including when I owned my '89 TR. Don't use the F cars muchg but when I do, there is nothing more aggravating then getting in the car and it won't start! The Tender keeps it fully charged but not over charged. Also prolongs the life of the battery. I also use it on my 360. Make sure the new battery has plenty of cold cranking amps to turn over those 12 cylinders! | ||
| Dave Helms (Davehelms)
New member Username: Davehelms Post Number: 45 Registered: 5-2003 |
John, that was just a suggestion, all of the suggestions mentioned here are valid. A quick simple look wont take but 5 min's, and this is one of the problem areas. The fuse box is a problem in far more areas than just the fuel pumps! Also look at the harness plug in the LR of the engine bay. Stabilant 22 is a wonderful product, but will not fix a burnt or loose connection. Make sure you repair the connection, then coat it per instructions. When the starter problem happens, there is usually about 9.0-9.5 volts evident at the starter solinoid, which in a hot condition is not enough to draw in the solinoid. Find the missing 2.5 volts, and you have found your problem. It could certinly be the starter, or the solinoid that is bad, but I never have replaced one yet, always found it to be a wiring/fuse panel/plug issue. The addition of the relay, is done when I "repair" a marginal fuse box that is heavily damaged. There was a time that the fuse boxes were on inter-galactic back order, and we had to find a way to "fix" things with no parts available. With Steves diagram you should have no problem pin-pointing where the problem is, given you can duplicate the problem in the garage. Nice job Steve! Just a suggestion from a putz... | ||
| david handa (Davehanda)
Member Username: Davehanda Post Number: 870 Registered: 5-2001 |
S-22a sure couldn't hurt. You can get it at a decent price from your local VW dealer. Usually special order, around $50 for the 15ml bottle. | ||
| TR Heaven (Johndillinger)
Junior Member Username: Johndillinger Post Number: 149 Registered: 7-2002 |
Stabilant 22 Contact Enhancer - was thinking of purchasing this product for the fuse panel connections - has anyone tried it ? i really dont want to start messing with adding external relays (if i can help it) | ||
| TR Heaven (Johndillinger)
Junior Member Username: Johndillinger Post Number: 148 Registered: 7-2002 |
never had a cold mis-start - she always starts first shot, it sounds like the starter solenoid that you mentioned - im getting the 20k service done soon (so im not to concerned about it) ill have them replace it while the motor is out. But regarding the fuse panel - it could be one of those (notorious) loose pins - correct? | ||
| Steve Magnusson (91tr)
Intermediate Member Username: 91tr Post Number: 1837 Registered: 1-2001 |
If you want to try to directly measure the output of the ignition switch "start" position, there are three (reasonable) places to check: 1. white wire on terminal 50 at the back of the starter solenoid, 2. white wire, third position from right on the "y" connector at the bottom of the fusepanel,  3. or white wire in the 4th position from the bottom on the "w" connector (the "w" connector is the single vertical connector on the LH side of the fusepanel). The complete food-chain is: power -to- ign. switch -to- white wire "w" connector -to- white wire "y" connector -to- white wire at starter solenoid (so the "w" to "y" link is the fusepanel involvement). Have you ever had a cold mis-start? | ||
| Henryk (Henryk)
Member Username: Henryk Post Number: 771 Registered: 8-2001 |
TR: Before I would jump to the fuse panel, I would try other things first.....fuse panel problems in TRs are usually related to the fuel pumps. I would start with what James and Steve suggested. If the terminals are clean, then clean the contacts on the rotary on/off battery switch. Next, go to the ground strap, from the rotary switch to the frame. Finally, and hardest, clean the contacts in the ignition switch. | ||
| TR Heaven (Johndillinger)
Junior Member Username: Johndillinger Post Number: 147 Registered: 7-2002 |
Dave, You think its the fuse box connections instead of the starter issue mentioned by Steve ? | ||
| Dave Helms (Davehelms)
New member Username: Davehelms Post Number: 41 Registered: 5-2003 |
Weakest link in the TR is the fuse box connections. Look at all the plugs going into the box until you locate one that is charred from too much heat. I usually put a stepping relay back by the engine after the connections at the box are repaired to eliminate future problems. When electrical problems pop up on Mondials or TR's, look to the fuse box connections for the source. | ||
| Henryk (Henryk)
Member Username: Henryk Post Number: 770 Registered: 8-2001 |
Never had this problem. The battery I took out......the one that lasted trouble free for 6 years, was also an interstate. Not once did I have to charge it, even after 5 months storage yearly. | ||
| TR Heaven (Johndillinger)
Junior Member Username: Johndillinger Post Number: 143 Registered: 7-2002 |
i heard good things about the interstate batteries - ill have to pick one up - henry did you ever have this problem before the interstate? | ||
| Henryk (Henryk)
Member Username: Henryk Post Number: 769 Registered: 8-2001 |
TR: I just installed a new battery in my TR. It was recommended by the dealer.....Interstate, model MTP-91. Cost was $89. When I store my car for 5 months during the Winter, I just disconnect the battery switch.......no problem starting in the Spring......except this year, but the old battery was 6 years old. | ||
| TR Heaven (Johndillinger)
Junior Member Username: Johndillinger Post Number: 142 Registered: 7-2002 |
Ill do some research - thanks guys | ||
| Steve Magnusson (91tr)
Intermediate Member Username: 91tr Post Number: 1836 Registered: 1-2001 |
More than few of us TR/512TR types have reported hot start problems traced to the starter solenoid (which was 100% reliable cold). Do a search on "Ace Electric Solenoid" (AND mode) and you should get to most of the previous discussion. | ||
| TR Heaven (Johndillinger)
Junior Member Username: Johndillinger Post Number: 141 Registered: 7-2002 |
terminals are spotless - havent tried horn or lights while it wont start - but i will - could it be the starter ? | ||
| James Selevan (Jselevan)
Member Username: Jselevan Post Number: 567 Registered: 6-2002 |
Wrong assumption, John. If it starts sometimes, and not other times, check the terminal connectors on the battery. Clean them with wire brush. Sounds more like insufficient amperage to solenoid. When it does not start, will the lights and horn work? Failing batteries are not intermittent. Jim S. | ||
| TR Heaven (Johndillinger)
Junior Member Username: Johndillinger Post Number: 140 Registered: 7-2002 |
Unfortunately i dont have time to drive my TR very often - maybe on Sunday's Noticed (Diehard) starting to give me some problems - it seems to start fine, but after I drive to my destination and the car sits for an hour or two, i go to start her and (nothing) wait a little while then she'll start - im assuming its the diehard Question: Do you guys know of a better battery for the Testarossa ?? Does anyone charge their battery while it sits in the garage? Whats a quick test to make sure the TR is charging it while i have her out? Thanks in advance |