Gas and Breaks pedals felt really hard this morning. It was hard to get the 348TS out and back into the garage. Any suggestions? Thank you.
Not trying to be a smart ass, but see if your floor mat is scrunched up underneath them. That's about the only thing I can think of that would affect both pedals.
I've checked the rug...the local ferrari shop mechanic told me it could be because I don't drive the car often...he wants me to bring the car over. Do you think I should drive the car for a while to see if gets better?...I'm afraid to ruin it.
This is a very unusual symptom for a 348. I don't think the floormat could have anything to do with it, since the brake pedal shaft is way up above the gas pedal shaft. There is no grease fitting to lubricate either of the pedal shafts. It is very difficult to get under the dash to look up at the brake pedal shaft/linkage/housing, and there's not much to see anyway. If the brake pedal feels hard, then chances are that either the shaft is binding on its bushings inside the housing, which seems very unlikely unless the car has been in a flood, or the master cylinder is sticking. Does the car roll OK, just pushing it, or does it seem like the brakes themselves are binding? Can you feel the pedal moving a small distance and returning against its spring? On the gas pedal, again it seems unlikely that the shaft is binding unless the car has been in a flood. It's possible that a rock has fallen down inside the box at the base of the pedal. I would recommend that you open the engine compartment and see if the linkage will move normally at the cross shaft where the rear end of the cable attaches. Be careful not to knock the cable off the "shoe". If the linkage moves correctly at the back, but sticks at the front, at least you have narrowed down the possibilities. It's good that you are taking this seriously, you certainly don't want to take it lightly if your brakes don't feel right. Welcome to Ferrari Chat, tell us more about your 348.
Wow Miltonian you are very knowledgeable. First of all I'm a woman and I feel like you're talking Japanese to me...lol... The car used to be my husband's and I got it as part of a divorce settlement. It has been covered in the garage for a long time. I just moved the car out of the garage to move some stuff around. Here is a picture, The car runs fine...just the gas pedal and breaks were both hard to press...but I got it out and back in...and yes, it will move if I push it. Thank you a million guys. I was told I have to drive the car at least once a month...is that right? If yes, do I drive it as any other car (shift type)? I'm sorry but I know nothing about this car. Image Unavailable, Please Login
Have you ever driven the car before? There is a good possibility that there is nothing wrong with it, if you're just not used to it. I believe that at least one of the contemporary road tests made the statement that the car was NOT for a woman, it simply required a great deal of effort of operate the pedals and the steering and the shifter, and even the handles for the doors. That may be sexist, but it also may be absolutely true. And no, it isn't necessary to drive at least once a month. Edit: I found it. From Car & Driver, March 1993: "The shifter effort is but a foretaste for other controls on the 348. At the risk of sounding sexist, we wonder how many wealthy women would consider purchasing this car. Certain buttons and latches, like the outside door button and front trunk lever under the dashboard, require extraordinary one-finger strength. Ferrari said these items were out of adjustment on our test car, but with the prevalence of stiff controls, from the inside door handles to the steering to the shifter, it's hard not to conclude that they were simply designed that way."
I drove a stick before...but not this car. I must admit, it's intimidating and I feel much better driving my automatic SUV. But you're right, I'm not used to the car, so maybe there's nothing wrong. I feel like I'm sitting on the ground when I'm inside the car. I'll try again tomorrow. I AGREE WITH YOU...I THINK MEN LOOK MUCH BETTER DRIVING THIS CAR...Thank you!
Hey There's likely nothing wrong and you will get used to it. Do check the tire PSI if it's been sitting and keep a battery charger on it if you store it for more than a few weeks. Take your time learning how it handles and remember that because it may sound louder than the cars you're use to you may tend to shift too soon so watch the Tach and let it rev a bit higher. Welcome
Thank you for the encouragement. What do you mean with "watch the Tach and let it rev a bit higher."?
I mean that the sound of the engine will make you think it's time to shift before it is. Read the owners manual and note the proper shift points. Watch the Tach and shift accordingly.
By the way, my good lady, it appears from your picture of the car that your front wheels are mounted on the wrong sides of the car. It won't hurt anything, it's just a "pet peeve" with 348 nuts. I might also mention, just in case, just in case, because you are new to the car, that you should NOT check the engine oil level when the engine is cold - DO NOT add oil to the tank if you check the dipstick with the engine cold and find the level to be low. Do you know how to operate the handbrake lever properly so that you are not driving with the handbrake engaged?
You might think about taking the car your closest Ferrari Dealer or Independent Repair Shop and have them give you some driving instruction for the car. You just might find that it is a real blast to drive. It could become your favorite car. Keep in mind that to us Gear Heads, there is nothing hotter than a woman driving a Ferrari.
Dear Ferraristi, OUCH !!! My worst fear...Divorce settlement ! That's why I can't bring myself to get married. Ok, that out of the way...mrestivo, WELCOME to the board ! Please ask all questions...nothing is silly. We were all new to these cars once upon a time no matter what your gender. I hope you will keep it and drive it. The more you drive it, the less problems you will have. Just think....a divorcee in a red Ferrari...you will get all the guys...maybe a few gals too. Please excuse us tripping over ourselves but we're a bunch of guys and don't come accross female Ferrari owners often. You may want to post in this thread and introduce yourself. http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=200532 Shamile Freeze...Miami Vice !
