Flashing "Slow Down" light...Causes? | FerrariChat
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Flashing "Slow Down" light...Causes?

Discussion in '348/355' started by scuderia_bubba, Jan 14, 2010.

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  1. scuderia_bubba

    scuderia_bubba Rookie

    Jan 14, 2010
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    Ben
    #1 scuderia_bubba, Jan 14, 2010
    Hello, I am new to the forum.

    I have a 1999 F355 Spider with the F1 Gearbox and approximately 20,000 miles. Several months ago, the "Slow Down" light would come on and flash. I would do this almost all of the time after the car warmed up.

    A mechanic told me it was a plugged catalytic converter, so the factory units were replaced with hi-flow units. This didn't change a darn thing...The light is still flashing.

    This light indicates a high exhaust temperature, correct? Could the cause be a faulty O2 sensor? How many sensors do these cars have?

    I am open to suggestions on what is causing this, please throw your ideas out there...

    Thanks
     
  2. ernie

    ernie Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #2 ernie, Jan 14, 2010
    It means you are driving to fast and the car doesn't want you to get a ticket.

    :p :D
     
  3. ernie

    ernie Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #3 ernie, Jan 14, 2010
    Okay, okay.

    Run a search of the archives for "cat ecu". You'll find plenty of reading.
     
  4. scuderia_bubba

    scuderia_bubba Rookie

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    #4 scuderia_bubba, Jan 14, 2010
    Last edited: Jan 14, 2010
    Thanks for the advice, I am already learning a lot about this issue.

    A couple of noob questions, if you don't mind:

    I keep hearing about the 2.7 and 5.2 Motronic - what are these and what are their differences?

    How do you identify the cat ECU from the bypass valve ECU?

    Where is / are the TDC / crank sensors located? How many are there?

    Thanks for your patience with me, but I assure you I am a fast learner and the more I know the more I can help other new owners...
     
  5. AceMaster

    AceMaster Three Time F1 World Champ

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    #5 AceMaster, Jan 14, 2010
    LMAO!!!

    on a more serious note, what Ernie said here:

     
  6. ferrame

    ferrame Formula 3

    Mar 2, 2005
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    Orange, Calif
    #6 ferrame, Jan 14, 2010
    I keep hearing about the 2.7 and 5.2 Motronic - what are these and what are their differences?

    '95 model gets a 2.7 Motronic and '96-'99 model gets a 5.2 Motronic
     
  7. BT

    BT F1 World Champ
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    #7 BT, Jan 14, 2010
    The 5.2 is 2.5 more than the 2.7 motronics... They wanted to go for a 100% improvement but the bean counters cut them down to 3:05.
    But it is less likely to cause slow down lights, since it is more tolerant of high speed driving.
    No Doubt will probably have some bogus explanation here shortly.
    BT
     
  8. ernie

    ernie Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #8 ernie, Jan 15, 2010
    In a nut shell.

    The '95 cars have TWO 2.7's ecu's. One for bank 1/4, and the other for bank 5/8. You can also tell by just looking in the engine bay as there will be 2 mass air flow sensors. 1 on the left, and 1 on the right, going into each of the plenums.

    The '96-'99 cars have ONE 5.2 ecu. One ecu for the entire engine. You can visually tell because there is only 1 mass air flow sensor in between the air flitter/intake boxes.
     
  9. scuderia_bubba

    scuderia_bubba Rookie

    Jan 14, 2010
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    #9 scuderia_bubba, Jan 15, 2010
    I am not sure if the spark plugs have ever been changed on my car. I am going to change them myself, but it looks like the intake manifolds will have to come off to reach them.

    Is my assumption correct? I have already searched and not found anything outlining the procedure. Will I need new manifold gaskets?
     
  10. f355spider

    f355spider F1 World Champ
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    May 29, 2001
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    #10 f355spider, Jan 19, 2010
    Stop! You must be a scamming us...seriously. ;)
     

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