HELP Please: My 550 won't start

I am having trouble getting my 550 to start and stay running. I am looking for any thoughts or suggestions.

Recent history:
A couple of weeks ago I took the car out for a 50 to 60 mile drive. The car ran great with no indication of problems. I parked the car in my garage for about a week. I unlocked the car, and it started up like normal for about 2 or 3 seconds, and then died. I attempted to start it a few more times and it would turn-over but wouldn't start. After a few days I spoke with Mark Darragh at Sphere Motorsports here in Houston and did some searches here on FChat. First thing I did was add some extra fuel just to make sure it wasnt low and my fuel gauge was functional. Next, I opened the switch on the neg side of the battery for about an hour to let the computer reset and clear any codes. I tried to start it again but same result, it would only turn-over. Next I checked all of the small fuses behind the passenger floor kickplate. No fuses were blown. Then I changed the battery in the Fob to make sure the alarm isn't keeping the car from starting. I got in the car and it fired right up just like normal. While the car was sitting there idling (approx 5 mins) I went back around to the passenger side of the car to put the kick plate back in its normal position. As soon as I got the kickplate back to the closed position the car started dying and died within a second or two. That leads me to think I have an electrical issue in the passenger fuse box. I opened it back up and checked all of the fuses again and checked to make sure all of the wiring harnesses were seated properly and not loose. I attempted to start the car again and it turns over good and sounds like it tried to fire a time or two. Again, I opened the neg battery switch and let it sit for 15 mins or so. I tried to crank it a couple of more times with no luck.

Sorry about the lengthy explanation. Any suggestions will be much appreciated!!

Thanks,
John Rush

 

A little O/T but if the battery gets low, don't try to turn it over or you'll blow the airbag ECU.

 

Thanks for the heads-up!! I didn't know that could happen.

 

I would have guessed a problem with a fuel pump. But it sounds like something is loose and you have a short or maybe some corrosion in the fuse box. Check the fuel pump relays.

 

Have you started troubleshooting it yet?

Do you lack spark, or fuel during a no-start?

That will point you in the right direction.

 

John, have you checked your inertial switch? (located behind & below the battery isolator switch) These are apparently somewhat troublesome and can produce the symptoms you're having.

If it's tripped, it's supposed to give you an amber (system enabled) indication on the MFD, showing a gas pump with a cross bar through it. There's a reset button on top of the switch that you can use to reset it.
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What is the function of this? Does it cut off the engine in the event of an impact?

 

If the car "died" within a few seconds, its very probably fuel related (either pressure, delivery, etc.)

If it were the ignition, it would cut off immediately.

I would inspect fuel delivery (pump, pump relay/fuse and fuel pump circuitry).

As a "fire test" you could "rig up" and direct 12V to the pumps and see if this gets the car to run.

See if the pumps engage when cranking the engine.

 

In the event of an impact, it's supposed to actuate and cut power to the fuel pump relays.

Apparently with the 550 and a couple other models, it's also been known to actuate in the event of a rainstorm, car wash, full moon, etc. The harness side female electrical connector is facing up - a bad design feature in any car - it encourages water to run down into the connector body.

Here's a screen shot from the 550 owner manual.
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Great, thanks.

Does the 456GT also have this feature?

 

Dunno, but "in general" most cars with EFI and electric fuel pumps have these, so they go way back.

Don't know how far back they go for Ferrari, and I wouldn't want to speculate too much as it's an open invitation for a smackdown by an expert

 

Great, thanks.

Make sure to keep us posted on the outcome!

 

Does it actually blow it up (i.e., you have to replace it), or does it just trip it (i.e., you have to reset it to turn the check airbag light off). I know in many cars, putting load on a battery when it's nearly dead can cause the airbag light to trip. But you should be able to re-set the light and not have to replace the ECU.

 

~$1500 replacement necessary.....

 

Hi,

A couple of weeks ago, I had the exact same problem. My 550 did turn over but did not start. Some black and white smoke came out but that was it. I waited a few days and tried again. This time it started. I let it run for a couple of minutes but did not rev it. Suddenly, it stopped again and I didn't manage to start again. I tried for a couple of days and only ones more did it start, just for it to die as I tried to reverse it out of the garage. It felt like it got too much petrol.
I finally, decided to transport it to my local dealer for a check-up. Previously, they had advised me to press the throttle fully down as the engine then not will be flooded with petrol., but with no success. At arrival, it started up at first try. They then revved it above 3000 rpm for a while. Additionally, they took it for a spin. The car then started again with no issue...and no charges..
I drove it home (30 minutes’ drive) without any issues. I stopped it by my garage. 5 minutes later it wouldn't start again...Grrrr
A couple of days later, just as I was about to send it back to the dealer again, it started up and I revved it above 3000. I drove it for about 30 minutes and stopped at a gas station close to my house, just in case. I filled her up and since then I have had no problem.
The Ferrari dealer claimed that it was a common problem for them when they sometimes just drove the cars in and out of the dealership as they then got “sour” due to the short drive. They therefore advised never to take too short trips for the same reason.
Odd observation: Usually, when I open the fuel lid, lots of gas comes through. However, during the time the car wasn’t starting, no gas at all appeared when opening the fuel lid. Previously, even during long storage times, some gas would come through when opening the lid.

I am not sure I was at much help, however there were no indication from the computer on any faults. The car was simply “sour” and needed a good rev.

Patrik

 

Thanks for all the replies!!

Patrik, Maybe I am having the same problem as you did.. I would like to find a more defined issue as a blown fuse or something, but maybe it is just "sour" as your dealer said.. I just hope I can get it started again without hurting the starter or affecting the airbag ecu as previously stated.. IF it starts again I will immediately try to take it out for a drive and let it rev some and see if that helps the issue. It is due for an appointment with Mark Darragh at Sphere Motorsports as soon as I can drive it there. I will keep you guys up to date. Thanks again!

 

"Odd observation: Usually, when I open the fuel lid, lots of gas comes through. However, during the time the car wasn’t starting, no gas at all appeared when opening the fuel lid. Previously, even during long storage times, some gas would come through when opening the lid."

Patrik, this sounds very odd and is definitely not normal. I have a 550 Barchetta and have had 2 different 575's and this has never happened to me....even when I top up the fuel before heading out of the city on a long drive.
I am not a mechanic, but it sounds like you have a flow/fuel tank pressure issue.

"IF it starts again I will immediately try to take it out for a drive and let it rev some and see if that helps the issue. It is due for an appointment with Mark Darragh at Sphere Motorsports as soon as I can drive it there."

John, this is only my opinion, but I would not chance driving your car with this unknown issue going on. You may end up doing more serious damage to other components. The car is self protecting by not starting or continuing to run.

Why not get it flat bedded to the shop unless you can figure out what is exactly wrong with it?
Do you have an AAA membership where you can have the car picked up and delivered?
I would not want to hear that there was further damage done to your car because of trying to force it to operate properly.

 

Sorry Patrik, I misunderstood your statement.