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2011 California Shutting Down While Driving

Discussion in 'California(Portofino)/Roma(Amalfi)' started by Wseimo, Sep 14, 2024.

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  1. Wseimo

    Wseimo Rookie

    Sep 3, 2024
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    Will
    #1 Wseimo, Sep 14, 2024
    Well I’ve already had enough that I need to post something here.

    I just purchased a used 2011 California with just over 22k miles literally 4 days ago. Flew in to the dealership, and drove it through pouring rain over 200 miles back home, no issues.

    When I purchased it, it was continually showing flashing errors - Mannetino, and a few other ancronyms upon startup. The dealership assured me that it was most likely nothing to be concerned with, and that those faults eventually go away. I confirmed with my local Ferrari dealership service advisor - who I’ve now become very friendly with, and he did warn me that the batteries on these are extremely finicky. These faults are most likely not a concern and usually a battery issue. But a trickle charger is critical to have.

    Well, I’ve been driving the car every day since now locally and on two separate occasions, the car has completely shut down on me. What happens is the instrument cluster starts to go haywire flashing anll the failures, blinking lights, and the car will not accelerate out of first gear. It’s pretty nerve-racking because both times I’ve been on the highway. The first time, I was able to restart the car and get it off safely. Then called a tow. Albeit frustrating I was glad to get it to the dealership. Once there, the next day the car started splendidly like nothing happened. Wtf.

    The second time which was just hours ago, I finally got a video of what was going on, as I fought in first gear to get it off the highway through traffic. You can see for yourself what’s happening. I’ve had to call a tow company both times. This second time I was capable of restarting the car after an hour and getting it back home. But I’m really having enough of this already. And I’d like to identify what the hell is going on. I definitely do not feel safe enough to put my family in the vehicle.

    Has anyone experienced this? It is worth noting the car did not come with a trickle charger, that was my first purchase and will be delivered here soon. Also, my guess is it’s been sitting in the dealer lot and the battery unattended, working off a poor charge. Any guesses on this? Most appreciated in advance. I’m already ready to return this thing.


    https://share.icloud.com/photos/013zvyfM56sSBW3qhPIpJTQgw
     
  2. SVCalifornia

    SVCalifornia F1 Rookie
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    #2 SVCalifornia, Sep 14, 2024
    These errors are usually associated with startup not when driving. As a startup failure it usually was starting the car too quickly before all the subsystems were ready, in my experience. A weak battery makes it worse by delaying the startup so for the subsystems. I.E. you would see this more often with a weak battery. The simple workaround is if you see this at startup turn the car off, remove the key, open the door, close the door turn the key on for a few seconds then press start. Temporary errors should be clear.

    I’ve never seen this during normal operation however. I’d look first at the battery and the terminal connections and then the wiring and connections to the rest of the car. That it happened in the rain may indicate something getting wet near the battery.

    Also, a CTEK charger maintainer is a necessity. I would recommend an Antigravity Lithium battery and lithium charger to solve most of the electrical woes you might encounter.

    SV
     
  3. Wseimo

    Wseimo Rookie

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    #3 Wseimo, Sep 14, 2024
    Thanks for the reply. I should’ve clarified; I did not get any errors at all in the 200 mile car ride home. And that was the drive in the ran.
     
  4. Redneck Slim

    Redneck Slim Formula 3
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    Walt Kimball
    #4 Redneck Slim, Sep 14, 2024
    And I would suggest a Braille lithium battery.
     
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  5. SVCalifornia

    SVCalifornia F1 Rookie
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    #5 SVCalifornia, Sep 14, 2024
    Oh oh oh.

    Is the OP blind? I’m sorry I didn’t realize! A braille battery can be a big help!

    Ok. Just kidding. I’ve used AG lithiums the last 4 years or so with perfect results so I’m just giving a personal recommendation.

    Best to you!

    SV
     
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  6. vjd3

    vjd3 F1 Rookie
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    #6 vjd3, Sep 15, 2024
    When starting the car, turn the key and wait a few seconds for three beeps that indicate you are ready to start before you hit the button. That will get rid of the cascade of errors.

    The car shutting down abruptly sounds like a ground problem, there is a terminal block that sits on top of the battery, make sure that is secure and that the cables are tight. And a new battery is always a good idea, even an Interstate is a vast improvement over the factory battery.
     
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  7. Redneck Slim

    Redneck Slim Formula 3
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    #7 Redneck Slim, Sep 15, 2024
    Braille and Antigravity both have excellent reputations. I am suggesting Braille because of my own experience with Braille.
     

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