Hi, I'm a newbie owner of a 1998 355 Spyder. My "check engine" light came on and the local repair shop (NOT a F dealer) determined the air pump required for emissions control needed to be replaced because it was freezing up and causing the fuse to blow, which caused the "check engine" light to come on. The airpump (stock #165903) was quoted as $1450 and $225 labor to replace. Does this seem reasonable to you guys with a lot of experience. This is my first Ferrari and I'm suffering from sticker shock. I did a google search for the pump and also searched for an exhaust valve (#155006) that I discuss in an earlier thread. I found examples of both items for as low as 50% of the price quoted by this repair shop. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
You can replace it yourself in about 10 or 15 minutes. I bet I can replace it in 5 minutes. You can also lubricate it after taking it apart. You can also buy a new one, for $1100 from Ferrarichat sponsors. That is all wonderful news. There is a bit of bad news: This may very well not be the cause of the light. Many people just disconnect the pump, but in your case I would fix it, and then cross your fingers. That is the right way to do it anyway, as opposed to just pulling the fuse. Other people from Iowa can steer you to a Ferrari savvy mechanic in your area, and try your local forum as well as the F355 specific forum. http://ferrarichat.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=40
+1, try cleaning and lubing it first. Dave Helms mentioned removing the fabric air filter and cleaning it, and under it. Also, it is approved by FNA to replace the 15amp fuse with a 20amp fuse as it as underated from the start. Upping the fuse 5 amps may correct your problem all by itself, so try that first, as it is a known issue with all F355s.
Please post up the codes you get with the check engine light. Those labor quotes seem high. Both of these parts (exhaust valve and air injection blower) are easily accessible and can be chaged out in less than 1 hour by an average mechanic. My mechanic has no problem with me supplying parts if I can get them cheaper the he can. During my major, I got the parts from a friend at FNA for less than half of list price. Ricambi is a great source for parts and prices are lower than F dealer.
Look at this thread. http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=360321 same deal. Oh and you dont need it.....
