E-Diff Question

Looking through service records for a 2006 430 MANUAL. One record says "customer states vehicle automatically goes into E-diff mode and warning light goes on". Fix was to replace the E-diff solenoid valve. Can anyone explain to me what this means? I didn't think a manual car had an E-diff.

 

E-diff has nothing to do with whether the car is an F1 or regular manual. E-diff only means that the locking action of the diff is electronically controlled... in part using a solenoid valve. You can have an E-diff on a car regardless of the transmission. My Jag has one. It works much better than other limited slip diffs, which are usually mechanically controlled by clutch packs or other mechanical means (e.g. Torsen).

 

^ correct!

All F430's have ediff.

The solenoid valve is a really commonly replaced part if this warning comes on.

Basically --- no biggie.

 

The E-diff is pretty cool, too, it works. Takes alot of times before you realize you can just drop the pedal at the apex of a corner before you are comfortable with it, but... it is an effective technology that really makes the car unique from your average ABC.

 

My Scuderia burned this e-diff valve back in May.

The F430 Manual and F1 share the F1 pump motor, but it works only for the e-diff (oil pressure computer controlled mechanical Limited Slip differential).

The e-diff valve fails because of heat from the catalytic converter and time, it is a maintenance part.

We are working on insulating the cats, and add better insulation to the two sensors on the driver's side around the diff: the F1 solenoid and the e-diff control valve, they are located near each other and they both fail from excessive heat.

 

Thanks all for the education. I really appreciate the help. One other item I could use some advice on--the service records state that campaign 173 "cpl bracket for exhaust system", campaign 290 "complete new tailpipes" and 291 "exhaust brackets" were completed. Do these campaigns solve the cracking exhaust manifolds issue or should I still expect a problem at some point? The dealer says the exhaust manifolds have NOT been replaced.

 

My 430 needs a new solenoid. How much are they and how difficult are they to install?

 

My car has been through 7 e-diff solenoids. The new solenoids are different than the older ones and don't work as well. Ferrari even sent the factory reps to visit my car in the shop. We know it is the solenoid since we put an original one in from my other 430 and it is fine. Ferrari's solution, "keep replacing the solenoids until you find one that works." Unfortunately the service agency has run out of solenoids

 

what type of catalytic converters are you using?

Most likely, it is a heat radiation killing them. Insulate the cats and add extra heat shields to the e-diff solenoid and also the F1 control valve (3" apart on the same tranny cover).

 

How much do they cost to replace? parts and labor?

Thanks,