458s on Fire

I believe they reposition the vapor vent (breather tube). I wish someone with technical expertise - like a factory-trained Ferrari mechanic - would explain to everyone exactly what TI 336 is all about and if it is the fix that prevents spontaneous combustion. I'm guessing they are being tight-lipped about this whole issue in hopes of fixing it quietly and w/o a major recall and all the finger-pointing that can hurt the brand's image. The upside of this whole affair is that it might scare off someone ahead of me on the list and thus move me closer to placing my order and getting my 458!

 

It is my understanding that besides the DMTL diagnostic pump intake mod.....They are relocating an electric line that may be shorting-out on the exhaust manifold.

J

 

Article today in italy's largest newspaper, Corriere della Sera, on this matter .. really not good for the brand.

Does anyone know specifically which VINs are affected by the campaign. My dealer says I am good to go and don't need it but I want to make double sure that he knows what he's talking about.

 

It's not a quality issue, the engineering department pushed a couple of parameters, which, IMO, actually defends the core values of the Ferrari brand.

 

I might agree with that - but I don't think that changes the perception in the market ..

 

458's from start of production up to Assembly 93364

 

Thanks very much - my assembly is 926xx, June 2010, so seems like I should be affected. However my dealer said I am good to go and not covered by the campaign. Given the matter I want to make double sure, any ideas how I can find out if the service was done whether by dealer or otherwise??

 

"There are no fires in the 458."
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u sure?
my car is 75740 and i just got in a few weeks ago.

 

I agree 100 percent with Hawkeye and for that reason I do not believe it will be difficult to fix.This overall layout has been around for many years.Once the point of ignition is determined they can reduce the heat source and be a long way toward correcting the risk of fire.They have,however, boxed up a lot more HP in the same cavity and this might present heat dispersion issues.

 

I am pretty sure - if I understand where to find this number, I checked in the engine bay under the intake area. See attached image (I blacked out the last two digits).
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my bad...i thguoht u meant the last 5 of the vin

 

You're probably right. I think those that have a negative perception of Ferrari for this issue are not real buyers, they are tire kickers and enjoy telling people about their recent "test drive" at cocktail parties

 

The dealers are heavily documenting the modifications.....If your car was updated at the factory or dealership, that information would be in the system.
The campaign officially began on August 11th. I would venture to say that if you received you car before then; chances are the mods have not been done.
FYI, the assembly number plate is riveted on the frame below the the engine bay cover latch mechanism.

J

 

Thanks again, you really are a fountain of good information. My car was shipped out Aug 13 from dealer, so I was right on the cusp. I wonder if they did anything before then, as the PDI was done earlier in August. Unfortunately service dept is closed today until Monday .. and I would really like to know as I was planning on doing a relatively long road trip today. I'm the paranoid type and would make me feel better one way or the other ..

 

Preety good spin on an apparent design mistake.

 

I'm with you, Lou.
I'm not sure what performance improvement a DMTL Diagnostic Pump Intake Mod gets you, but don't think that shortening a wire by 15mm thereby putting it too close to the exhaust such that it potentially ignites the car is anything like a valid performance tradeoff.

If this is what's supposed to help with the self-immolation issue, I'm not sure how they would be getting by it in the US because of things like the TREAD Act which requires positive action to be taken with regards to safety issues. Also, (and this is the bigger one) the different descriptions of the service actions and causes leads me to believe we may be hearing more on this within the next week from FNA.

 

I assume then, that all cars that are currently at the factory now will go through these modifications?

Let's say, for example, a 458 slated for October delivery?

 

That's affirmative.

 

Thanks.

 

"perfect"? Was the last year of the 355, 360 or 430 perfect? I have owned three Ferraris in my years, and I hope many more, but one thing I have learned is never to expect perfection. Passion? Sure. Excitement? You bet. Pure exhilaration? Absolutely! But a "perfect" car is never going to happen. Buying the last of production might be a slightly "better" car, but nothing close to perfection.

 

does anyone have any documenation from their dealer cuz my dealer still hasnt heard anything...

 

My car is 4509. My dealer showed me a list of affected cars, and to my surprise my car was not in the list.

How can this be when numbers before mine and AFTER mine are listed. Did Ferrari make cars differently? or was it a LOT or LINE or DATE of PRODUCTION issue where Mario was asleep at the fab line?

I am completely lost. I am looking at the rear right and engine area when I drive to make sure there are no smoke or flames every 5min, the car is so nice except this worry.

In Japan, weather has been crazy, going up to 40deg C on some days, with bad traffic. I drove mine last week for 5 hours in 10km traffic.

Can anyone give me a suggestion as to what action I should take after the dealer said " you not on list " ?

 

I am in the same situation - the dealer confirmed that my car was not affected, even though according to Jati's information I should be. Dealer is going to check again on Monday with FNA. We may get more news this week one way or another from Ferrari, I would hope. They need to do something to diffuse the situation or show they have it under control.

 

hahaha ... well said ...