599 Transmission Fluid Light

Upon startup today, I got a notification that the “transmission fluid is low.”

The manual recommends the gearbox oil should be checked by dealer, but the manual also lists the weight 75W90 for the fluid and there is a sticker under the hood.

But does anyone know where the filler cap is located? Is it really this complicated that a dealer needs to be involved?

 

do you have the WSM? Looks fairly involved.

Jim

 

There’s no instrumentation to detect low fluid level in the gearbox itself. There is however a level gauge in the F1 fluid reservoir. This must be what you’re warning is about.

On the 612, it’s a bit of a pig to get at the reservoir. The rear under-tray needs to come off, and even then the reservoir is in an awkward place, so the fluid needs to be injected (thanks Luigi). I have a feeling it’s a little easier to get at on the 599 though.

Bigger question is why the level is low. Should hopefully see any leaks when you have it apart.

Anyway, it’s not 75w90 you need to get, but F1 fluid (shell Donax I think is what they state in the manual, but it’s basically an ATF formulation).

Sent from my iPhone using FerrariChat

 

It looks pretty complicated with removing a bottom cover, a wheel and introducing oil through the filter (small amount) and filler (large amount). To reach the filter, you have to remove a chassis cross member.

Looks like the problem with adding fluid is determining the exact amount and the techs do it by measuring it before using a hose and funnel to add the fluid in two places to an empty gearbox.

If you do not have any leaks, odds are it is a sensor problem rather than oil loss in a closed system.

 

There is no sensor for the oil inside the transaxle. The error on the dash is for the F1 fluid sensor in the tank for the F1 pump/accumulator/actuator. All you need to do to check it is remove the under paneling. The only complication is the cap to the tank is relatively difficult to take on and off without the tool, and measuring it accurately without overfilling is difficult without the tool.

 

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Whoops, still a pain, but more possible.

 

I had the same warning light as well this morning. There was no oil stain on the garage floor. I started her then switched off after 5 minute idle, started again and no light. I then let her sit for 7 hours started and there was no light. I presume either sensor was not reading correctly at the initial start. We have been in lock down and I have not started her for 4 weeks so I presume maybe the oil drained past the sensor so the sensor read low level. Upon starting and letting her idle oil pressure moved the oil around and the sensor was happy. I will monitor over the next few days. If sensor is faulty the low oil level light should come on again. My battery is always on the tender and the battery is in great shape so I do not think it would be an electrical level drop trigging the sensor but then again she is a thoroughbred Ferrari with her foibles and battery issues are a common denominator across all models and years just like our sticky buttons.

I suspect I will not have the warning light again it is her way of telling me that she wants to go for a long drive. Once lock down is lifted she will be allowed to run free. She needs to get her mileage up. I don't believe in keeping the mileage low.

 

I've got no leakage on the ground at all, perfectly dry. I'll restart and see if it continues. Wouldn't be the first time I've had an errant light, usually "Electrical System Failure" warning.

Thanks to all for your input!

 

Started her up today and no lights. Yesterday she just had a hissy fit.

At times I also receive the "Electrical System Failure" I just switch off remove the key wait 5 seconds and start her up no problem. Light does not come on very often. I believe the light comes on if some type of electrical charge drop is sensed. Once again a hissy fit.

With these cars you learn to ignore certain signs like you do with your wife/GF.

 

Don't do what my Indy did and put the wrong oil in - Idiot !