I have not driven my 328 for 2 weeks and the battery is stone dead. I would like to jump start the car from another car but cannot find the jump points for the jump cables. My 328 is a 1992 and has the battery under the front left headlight. Someone said the connection point is in the engine compartment ???? I saw a cover on the right hand side of the engine. When I pulled off the small square cover there is two bolts there. Is this the connection points? If so which is the positive and which is the negative. Help! I have only owned my car for I month. Ranses
Sorry, but this doesn't sound like a 328. Stopped making them in 89...replaced by 348. Battery is in front middle for 328. I recomend pulling the battery and taking to Autozone for cell diagnostic; also, tracing/cleaning the cables (328 has manual disconnect terminal up front as well) could help.
+1. As a general rule I'd also avoid jump starting the thing anyway - recharge or replace the battery. I know that on later models jump starting runs the risk of frying some of the electronics. Not sure if that's such an issue on 308/328/348s but given the replacement/repair costs, I just wouldn't risk it.
Whether it's a 328 or a 348, if the battery went dead after just 2 weeks of sitting, either your left something on in the car that drained the battery, or the battery needs replacing. Even if you get it started, you might want to take the battery to a store with proper test equipment, and find out if the battery is still good. If it has a bad cell or other problems, replace it. If the battery is good and you can charge it up and get the car started, the next step is to check the charging system, make sure that the alternator is not going on you, or that the regulator has gone bad. In any case, be sure to clean the battery terminals and cable connectors, especially the negative. Even a moderate amount of corrosion on the terminals or cable connections can cause all kinds of electrical problems.
Sorry guys, I asked for help very late at night. I meant 348 not 328 So I should not chance jump starting the car as I might damage the electronics? I have a small floor jack but it is not low enough to go under the car to take off the wheel to get to the battery. Any other suggestions besides calling in the local Ferrari dealer to come to my house? Really appreciate your help.
Yelcab told you what to do -- look for the small compartment he was talking about. Jump start the car by attaching the positive lead to the point in that compartment, and attach the ground to the engine block, and start it. No need to call a Ferrari mechanic for this one. Go buy a bigger floor jack, jack the car up, remove the wheel and take the battery out yourself. Otherwise, any local mechanic should be able to either come over and do it on the spot, or pick your car up and take it to his shop and remove the battery in no time, test it, charge it or install a new one, test the system to be sure it's charging properly, etc., all for less than one hour of the Ferrari dealer's time. p.s. If you are jacking the car up and working under it, be sure to use a jack stand under the frame. Lower the car onto the jack stand for safety. Don't rely on a floor jack when going under the car, or we may end up nominating you for a Darwin Award.
I replaced a ABS ECU earlier this year due to some dingus tried jump start a 92 348 I'm still trying to sell, they are not cheap unless you find a used ECU from a parted out car. When not driving it for more than 3 days just turn the battery off but start it at least once a week if you can. Welcome to the fun of 348 ownership.
If the battery is dead (especially if in only two weeks), it's usually better to disconnect the battery from the car (battery disconnect), and put the battery on a 10A charger. Less risky to the electronics ... and to the alternator. Make sure the battery has electrolyte, and charge in a ventilated space. (Potential hydrogen out-gassing.) Most modern chargers have a desulfinating mode.
