'97 F335 Spider Convertible problem

Jim C - LOL

I use my top all the time. In over 2 years only one failure..actuator and replaced the unit itself rather than seat rail assembly. Did the same thing as Doody and must have caused the ECU to freak out or just coincidence.

Richard Wallace and I have an agreement. First guy who has a top failure is going to convert to manual top. If interested keep your eyes on this site, as we will do a write up with photos here.

The other thing that might be useful to some: The emergency over ride switch has a long pig tail on it. You can run that wire directly to you normal switch via the tunel and opertate the top bypassing the ECU - top goes up/down no parking brake, no seat movement, etc etc.

 

Correction on the screws. First remove the the two screws (they are T25 allens "star" shape heads). Once the two screws are removed, the plate will come off. Finally remove the center screw (use a 6mm screw driver). The Mercedes hydraulic oil works fine. Hope this helps.

 

Well here are a few tricks I have for the 355 top, remember they are getting to be over 10 years old!!

1. I have noticed mine worked much better in the warm sun. Whenever I leave mine in the garage and its cold and try to put the top up it will bind up. The fluid is full and everything is perfect per the dealer so I just deal with it. So now I let it sit out in the warm sun for about 15 minutes always to warm up and loosen to raise the top (doing this the top has always worked). I have not had any issues lowering the top cold. Cold I mean under 60 degrees and in the shade, in Colorado thats about 7+ months of the year. hehe

2. I make sure to "help" the top lift its self up/down the first part of the cycle both ways very softly so less strain on the motor.

3. here is a photo of the oil that the dealers sell and used. I dont remember how much it was (30$-40$ I think). Oil: Univis J26 500cc 100850-900, one can should last you a lifetime! I have heard some other brands work and that it might even be some type of generic oil that is not special at all. I know the dealers can order it and get it no problem.

4. I PRAY to the Ferrari gods each time I raise and lower my top and hope it works the next time so I dont have to go manual like my 91 911 that crapped out last year and would have cost over $2,000 to fix!

5. I really like the BMW dealers soft top cleaner they sell. Good rear window cleaner, top cleaner and conditioner.
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What year is your 355? Mine is a 1997 same as Aeroengineman, and it was 6mm Allen screws and a 13mm bolt. Every thread I have ever seen on refilling the reservoir had mentioned the exact same fasteners. I am guessing your car might be either very early or late production, which might account for the difference. That or someone swapped the fasteners?

 

Interesting observation, mine works fine, hot or cold. One of your rams may be getting ready to pack it up. You don't have to go manual, just pay up! Personally, I don't like owning a car with stuff that is broke and don't work.

 

My F355 is a 1995 and you maybe right about the screws being different size since they changed alot of things from 1996 to 1999 models.

 

Why does it seem that everyone is starring at you in your bright red Ferrari while you are having top problems...because they are

The 2 times I had top problems a small crowd of strangers gathered around my car. The top went back and forth like an Austin Powers scene

I draws attention from strangers like installing gurders on bridge...You know all the guys stand around and say stupid stuff like "yep gurders, that otta hold it".

 

Hey everyone, I run a full service upholstery shop here in Las Vegas. I had a dealership bring us a 1998 Ferrari 355 F1 Spider. They wanted the top diagnosed. the problem is not with the top itself. There is no operation of it at all. If you press the button in the center console it just beeps. If you use the emergency top operation switch, you can hear the motor kick on but nothing moves. Where can I get a wirring diagram for the top operation of this vehicle?