CS TCU install problem | FerrariChat
Buy

CS TCU install problem

Discussion in '360/430' started by MC DOUG, Apr 12, 2013.

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

  1. MC DOUG

    MC DOUG Karting

    Mar 7, 2010
    65
    White Rock,BC Canada
    Full Name:
    Doug
    #1 MC DOUG, Apr 12, 2013
    Tried unsuccessfully (at my local ferrari mechanic shop) to install a CS TCU into my 04 spider. The TCU is new and from the factory. The settings were extracted and the procedure in the ferrari manual for "TCU replacement" followed to the letter.
    When the old TCU came out, and the new CS TCU went in, the gear-box illumination light on the console would not light up and the gears couldn't be shifted with the paddles (but could with the computer). Obviously something is wrong. We swapped the old TCU back and all is well for now.
    Any professional input on this issue (that is based in actual experience) would be of great help.
    Thanks guys!!
     
  2. netman

    netman Formula 3

    Jun 17, 2008
    1,905
    OC SoCal
    #2 netman, Apr 12, 2013
    Sounds like the new ECU has issues. If another vehicle is available to test with, it would prove the ECU bad.
     
  3. MC DOUG

    MC DOUG Karting

    Mar 7, 2010
    65
    White Rock,BC Canada
    Full Name:
    Doug
    #3 MC DOUG, Apr 12, 2013
    That had crossed our minds...gotta check all angles out before the long journey back to the source.
     
  4. alvav

    alvav Karting

    Apr 27, 2012
    123
    Montreal, Canada
    Full Name:
    Leonidas Vavougios
    #4 alvav, Apr 12, 2013
    My tech put the TCU in a self learning mode where the transmission was clicking in and out gears for several minutes. Then off I went.
     
  5. mike01606

    mike01606 Formula Junior

    Feb 21, 2012
    794
    Cheshire UK
    Full Name:
    Mike M
    #5 mike01606, Apr 13, 2013
  6. SnowmanUK

    SnowmanUK Karting

    Dec 11, 2010
    174
    London, UK
    #6 SnowmanUK, Apr 13, 2013
    Just for confirmation what is the part number of the TCU that you bought?
     
  7. RedTaxi

    RedTaxi F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Mar 1, 2012
    3,312
    New Zealand
    Full Name:
    Glen
    #7 RedTaxi, Apr 13, 2013
    Yes lets start with part number please.
    Mine was recommended by the main dealer w/s and 1hr to fit and wow.
     
  8. rustybits

    rustybits F1 Rookie
    Professional Ferrari Technician

    Jan 28, 2007
    2,509
    Somewhere, anywhere
    Full Name:
    Eddie B
    #8 rustybits, Apr 13, 2013
  9. MC DOUG

    MC DOUG Karting

    Mar 7, 2010
    65
    White Rock,BC Canada
    Full Name:
    Doug
    #9 MC DOUG, Apr 13, 2013
    Part # 196986. Made 24-05-12
     
  10. MC DOUG

    MC DOUG Karting

    Mar 7, 2010
    65
    White Rock,BC Canada
    Full Name:
    Doug
    #10 MC DOUG, Apr 13, 2013
    Thx Rusty Bits...Maybe the Ferrari instructions out of the manuel were wrong. Will try again using your notes...if it doesn't work maybe the unit has software issues. Its a straight swap out though.., right?. I was led to believe there was no re-configuring of the harness or pin placements...
     
  11. alvav

    alvav Karting

    Apr 27, 2012
    123
    Montreal, Canada
    Full Name:
    Leonidas Vavougios
    #11 alvav, Apr 13, 2013
    As far as hardware is concerned, yes, it is a straight swap out.
     
  12. RedTaxi

    RedTaxi F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Mar 1, 2012
    3,312
    New Zealand
    Full Name:
    Glen
    #12 RedTaxi, Apr 13, 2013
    That is the correct # for a strad TCU. Same as mine.
    1 hour at the F-car w/shop and i was grinning with snappy shifts.
    Your tech is doing something wrong or the part is faulty.
     
  13. rustybits

    rustybits F1 Rookie
    Professional Ferrari Technician

    Jan 28, 2007
    2,509
    Somewhere, anywhere
    Full Name:
    Eddie B
    #13 rustybits, Apr 14, 2013
    I've fitted many many of these and I have never received a faulty TCU.
    No Changes to wiring required, it is just a straight replacement.
     
  14. nchhotu

    nchhotu Formula Junior

    Nov 19, 2007
    310
    Roseville, Ca.
    Full Name:
    Nick
    #14 nchhotu, Apr 14, 2013
    I had a few issues with my CS TCU it seems there is a specific way it needs to be installed.
    I had mine installed at a very reputable garage that works on exotics and for some reason the PIS could not be changed and i had issues with it not shifting into 1st sometimes. After a few trips to the garage i took it to the Maserati dealership and they used the factory Ferrari computer to update the TCU and a specific procedure to have the new TCU learn. All issues fixed and 360 shifts awesome.

    My understanding is some of the new CS TCU had even more advanced programing and therefore have a slightly different set-up process. For example my car cycles the F1 pump when you open the door (normal) then again when you put key in ignition and the car will not start till it has cycled and the OK light comes on only after that does the car turn over. A tech guy from Ferrari stated there were 2 versions of the CS TCU and the newer version has a few difference.

    Anyway i agree with the previous post highly unlikely you have a bad TCU.
    Good luck
     
  15. rustybits

    rustybits F1 Rookie
    Professional Ferrari Technician

    Jan 28, 2007
    2,509
    Somewhere, anywhere
    Full Name:
    Eddie B
    #15 rustybits, Apr 14, 2013
    No updates were made to the CS software. There is no way to update it with an SD2 or SD3, or indeed any computer, regardless of what you have been told. Poor operation is only ever a result of poor installation.
     
  16. MC DOUG

    MC DOUG Karting

    Mar 7, 2010
    65
    White Rock,BC Canada
    Full Name:
    Doug
    #16 MC DOUG, Apr 15, 2013
    Thanks Eddie, I'm re-doing the install in a day or two. I forwarded and discussed your install steps with my mechanic. The Ferrari shop manuel installation method differs from yours. it is much more elaborate with multiple ignition (key) sequences required...etc. (you probably already know this).
    Will let you know when we do it.
    Thanks again,
    Doug
     
  17. MC DOUG

    MC DOUG Karting

    Mar 7, 2010
    65
    White Rock,BC Canada
    Full Name:
    Doug
    #17 MC DOUG, Apr 17, 2013
    Well Eddie, I gotta say thanks!
    All worked out (as you said) and the car came alive. This mint black 04 Spider has been tuned, the exhaust from the head to the tips has been changed, it is really mint and above all..it rips as it should through the gears. I can't believe the difference!
    Much thanks!

    Everyone...if you are changing TCU's forget about the Ferrari manuel and TCU replacement procedure from the factory, its "horse" crap.

    MCDOUG
     

Share This Page