360 F1 Transmission failure light & warning sound | FerrariChat
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360 F1 Transmission failure light & warning sound

Discussion in '360/430' started by S F Yellow, Aug 13, 2014.

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  1. S F Yellow

    S F Yellow Rookie

    Jan 4, 2014
    11
    Shreveport, Louisian
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    Greg Barro
    #1 S F Yellow, Aug 13, 2014
    I have an '04 360 Spider with a bit over 22k on it. I was driving last evening (not hard) and the transmission failure warning light came on as did the audible warning sound. I drove it straight home.

    This morning, I fired up the car and the dash warning light was still on. But I think it was just a hold over from last night.

    I put the transmission in reverse with no problem, and the light went out. Then I put the transmission in neutral and then first gear, all with no problem. I did not drive the car, I just ran through these gears while idling in the garage.

    My question is what do you thing the most likely cause is? We don't have a Ferrari dealership in town, but a very accomplished shop that works on Ferraris and other exotics.

    Any idea if this problem is serious enough to trailer the car to the nearest dealership? Or do you think it is a minor problem that can be handled here.

    Thanks for your help.
     
  2. 360Tom

    360Tom Formula 3

    May 9, 2013
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    Burbank, CA
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    Tom
    #2 360Tom, Aug 13, 2014
    You might just be low on fluid. When i first got my car, that happened to me. I thought it was the rear hatch light. lol Check the reservoir in the back right corner of the car. Just a starting point.
     
  3. greyboxer

    greyboxer F1 World Champ

    Dec 8, 2004
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    Jimmie
    #3 greyboxer, Aug 13, 2014
  4. English Rebel

    English Rebel Formula 3

    Aug 13, 2013
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    Alan
    #4 English Rebel, Aug 14, 2014
    And don't use the dipstick to measure the level. Correct level is 5mm (approx 3/16") above the screen in the bottom of the reservoir.
    Alan
     
  5. bisel

    bisel Formula 3
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    Sep 12, 2012
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    Scottsdale, Arizona
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    Steve Bisel
    #5 bisel, Aug 14, 2014
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    I had same problem

    Since you are able to shift gears, a very inexpensive thing to try is the brake light switch. This small plastic switch on your brake pedal cost about $50 ... less if you can find a cross ref part from non ferrari source. The switch made by Bosche.

    My local ferrari dealer tech says very common problem.

    After I replaced switch. ... takes only five minutes to swap out. ... my F1 light and warning sound went away.

    Steve
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  6. DrDon

    DrDon F1 Rookie
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    Jul 11, 2012
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    Armando Decredenza
    #6 DrDon, Aug 14, 2014
    Mine does that occasionally, if I'm stuck in stop and go traffic in the heat of the summer for an extended period of time.

    Since Obama saved us from Globual Warming this summer, it's not been much of a problem.
    (please don't move to P&R)
     
  7. tazandjan

    tazandjan Three Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Jul 19, 2008
    39,163
    Clarksville, Tennessee
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    Terry H Phillips
    #7 tazandjan, Aug 14, 2014
    If your techs have an SD2 or equivalent and are competent Ferrari techs, I would have them check it and perhaps change and bleed the F1 fluid and run it throught the self tests. Latest F1 maintenance recommendation on the 599 is to change F1 fluid every 3 years or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first. Took them a while to figure that one out.
     
  8. S F Yellow

    S F Yellow Rookie

    Jan 4, 2014
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    Shreveport, Louisian
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    Greg Barro
    #8 S F Yellow, Aug 18, 2014
    Gents:

    First, let me thank all of you for your responses. Second, please forgive me for my delay in thanking you. I was called out of town on business the day after I submitted my post, and I'm just now returning to my office.

    I think many of your comments apply to my problem. On the day the warning light came on, it was pretty hot outside and I was in a lot of stop and go traffic. I had all the fluids (including transmission) changed last year, and that might have something to do with it.

    I took the car out for a pretty spirited ride early last evening. It was much cooler and on open roads. I went through all the gears, (up and down) and used my transmission as a brake fairly aggressively---no warning light or sound.

    I'll check the fluid level when I get home. Thanks again for all of your help.

    Greg
     
  9. up4speed

    up4speed F1 Rookie
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    Feb 16, 2012
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    Chris
    #9 up4speed, Aug 19, 2014
    Same issue with mine
     
  10. English Rebel

    English Rebel Formula 3

    Aug 13, 2013
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    Alan
    #10 English Rebel, Aug 19, 2014
    If you replace the switch make sure you get the correct one. The early ones have a threaded body with a lock nut. Later ones are different. Don't know the year that they changed but my 99 has the threaded body. Got mine from Ricambi and they swapped it out for the correct one without any questions.
    Alan
     
  11. S F Yellow

    S F Yellow Rookie

    Jan 4, 2014
    11
    Shreveport, Louisian
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    Greg Barro
    #11 S F Yellow, Aug 19, 2014
    Guys, can you educate me some on the brake light switch fix? What does a faulty brake light switch have to do with the F1 transmission failure light coming on? How are the two connected.

    Thanks, Greg
     
  12. rustybits

    rustybits F1 Rookie
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    Jan 28, 2007
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    Eddie B
    #12 rustybits, Aug 19, 2014
    So, so far we have fluid level, brake light switch and reverse switch :)

    Before you star throwing parts at it with wreckless abandon, take it somewhere with a diagnostic tool to look at it properly. It could be many, many things causing this issue, some of which, if not diagnosed PROPERELY could be doing further damage.
     
  13. rossocorsa

    rossocorsa Karting

    Jan 29, 2004
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    UK
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    Colin
    #13 rossocorsa, Aug 19, 2014
    +1.....Vehicle diagnostics are not a guessing game.
     

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