CEL at start up

Totally normal. I think it's Ferrari's twisted joke personally, you sit there just watching it, hoping that it goes out.

 

I do the same freaking thing every time pray that it goes off. So far it has.

 

what's CEL?

 

It could of course only be the normal check to see that the CEL is actually working. But I would want to read the code to see what the Check Engine Light is telling you, just to be sure. Plenty of threads (and good opinions) on which OBDII code scanner to use.

That is of course assuming it is an OBDII relevant code; if Ferrari-specific then you need the SD.

It could of course only be the normal check to see that the CEL is actually working.

 

CEL stands for check engine light. Just went out this afternoon in the 430 and timed how long the light stayed on after the car started. 20 seconds. Does that every time.

 

F430 starting ritual:

Put on seatbelt
Turn key
Wait for Sport/Race/Wet (depending on manettino setting) to appear
Push start button
Press OK on radio to confirm that the phone has paired with Bluetooth
Press OK on radio to confirm you'll use caution when using NAV
Press Auto to change to manual shifting
Release parking brake
Wait another 10-15 seconds for the CEL light to go out.
Select gear
Drive away

Wave at person behind you to apologize it took so long to let them have your awesome parking spot.

 

Thanks so much. Just got the 430 about 3 weeks ago and that long CEL was very concerning.
Interestingly in my 575 it doesn't stay on for 30 seconds.

 

Affirmative, with the 575M, it is more like 5 seconds, but still cheers you up when it extinguishes. Funny, because both use Motronic 7.1.1, which you would think would react at about the same speed. The F430 has a later iteration and may be checking more things, like variable valve timing, before the lamp goes out.