355 Alarm issue

Have a 1998 355 Spider, there is some sort of issue wih the alarm. The issue has happened over time and I can not figure it out, sometimes it just works ok other times it does not. I think the alarm shuts the fuel pumps off because we get spark but no fuel, then we play around with the alarm a little bit and the fuel pumps witch on.. Is this even possible?? If anyone knows a way to help let me know PMS are welcome..
Chris

 

Chris, there are issues with the alarm, usually related to the alarm battery, built into the arm module itself, in the left front of the car, behind the bumper (requires bumper cover removal). Try a search of "355 alarm" using the search function in the upper left of the page, you may find something useful in the archives related to your problem.

Is your alarm light always on? (that is constantly on, not flashing) That is a sign that the battery (ni cad) inside the module is no longer holding a charge. It is not designed to be user replaceable, but can be. The thread search will bring up Bruce Wellington on this board who sells the battery, and instructions for it's replacement.

I was under the impression that the alarm interrupted the starting circuit, not the fuel pump...but what do I know?

 

I will check it out, doing the search now.. Is there any way to just dis-arm the alarm and install one of those new pager type alarms?
Chistopher

 

i replace the unit ( siren unit) car still wont start

 

The siren unit has nothing to do with the car not starting.

I ran mine (99 355F1) for several years with the siren unit out of the car sitting on the work bench.

All that happens is the red LED never goes out, locking system still works, just no chirp

 

strange we are not getting spark and earlier where haveing siren box ( alarm battery issues) so we assume its related and perhaps the kill is still on somehow

 

With the siren unit out of the car you still have to press the remote to enable starting. The LED will blink when you do that just like normal; and the light remains on after starting.

Is the dash LED blinking when you press the remote? Is the LED on the remote on when you press the button? Try another remote if you have them.

 

yeah the alarm appears to be working as before ( prior to new module)
still cranking not firing

we think something is still killing the engine electrical fuel or ignition

 

thanks all we are giving up and sending her to a ferrari shop

 

I have the same problem with mine..1997 F355. No one seems to help.I been working with the alarm for about a month.I already found the starter cut off(I used to work with car alarms)I still need a decent Motronic 5.2 Wiring diagram(no one seems to help Me neither).I let you know My progress..

 

you can download the workshop manual by googleing it its a 1 gig file so you will need to use a p2p torrent to download it


i believe the diagram is in there

 

The "supposed" Ferrari pros won't tell you, but you need to always "unlock" the doors (even if they are already unlocked) on a 355 immediately before you turn the engine to fully deactivate the immobiliser.

Whether you do the door unlock before or after hitting your alarm remote is an open question (you should be able to answer it shortly, though).

 

What is the reason for unlocking the doors before starting?

The immobilizer activates independant of the door locking sequence, so why would unlocking be necessary to "fully" deactivate it?

 

are you pulling my leg?
The owner has had the car 9 years- i think assume he know how to start the car...

or am i missing the point of what you are tring to say

 

no doubt, he knows all, he has internet access!

No really, let's look at this logically;

The alarm needs reset via the remote to allow the engine to run, it will crank but not run the pumps otherwise. If this is a new problem, the second remote should be tried, also the alarm battery as mentioned. Do you have the 4 digit access code to reset via the ignition? Does that work? Please describe all actions tried and effects, we will get you appropriate information

 

ok thanks

the battery module was replaced-not the main alarm brain....just the battery box.... as it was found to be dead, once installed the dash light on vent went back to normal, alarms works exactly as should. we tried the security 4 digit pin twice to ensure....

disconnected main car battery for 15 minutes and reconnected

maybe the unit has a code that needs to be cleared or maybe the main alarm brain is messed up-

new battery in one of the keys, engine cranks we believe no fuel or spark.

 

Confused electronics...

 

But your suggestion is not a secret fix that "supposed Ferrari Pros" are hiding from 355 owners. What you are simply suggesting, is something that worked for ONE person, that obviously has a defective alarm. How can the logic go that everyone should now "always" unlock their doors or they will not be able to start their car? That your secret information, not shared by "supposed Ferrari Pros" is leaving us all stuck by the side of the road?

My opinion, is the way you should have posted, is thus: "Your alarm maybe defective in operation, one test would be to try unlocking the doors each time you also deactive the immobilizer with your remote control, if this solves your starting problem, you have found the cause."

Leave off the unnecesary snide cut to Ferrari techs who generously offer they time and expertise to this forum. Chasing them off is not helping this site one bit.

 

18 years ago I had a Camaro that did the same thing. You had to remember to manually unlock the doors (even if they were already unlocked) to be certain that the alarm was really disengaged.

It's a common circumstance for factory alarms.

 

Your suggestion is a diagnostic tool, not a solution to the problem. Obviously, the car was not designed to require one to remember to go through the door unlock procedure in order to start the car each time.

 

...And it's a free tool/test!

 

Free is ALWAYS good....!



Mike in Kuwait

 

after an extensive search a lose wire was found to be the culprit- wire reconect and the car fired right up!
on with the PPI

 

Sounds like an important wire!

 

Which one was?