Is it true that the Mondial T has electrical issues?

No electrical issues with mine. In fact, no breakdowns or major repairs in 3 years of ownership.

 

I have not had mine that long, but zero problems on everything, all works perfect. Hank your up next.

 

Hi Alex, and thanks Howie, for the intro.

Going on eleven years with mine - - one coil and plug wire replacement . I don't believe that the T is "prone" to any particular failures. Any and all the Cabs have lousy top latches, but we have Ron Frohock for dealing with that issue .

The T has some uniquely amazing features, in addition to lots more hp. But regardless of your final choice, make sure you have a PPI done by a knowledgeable tech - - and get the best car you can afford.

Good luck,

Hank

 

Hi Alex, I have had one coil and one ignitor replaced. I have had one burnt connection under the passenger footwell which I cut off the connector and reattached outside the connector. I have had a broken fuse on the one of the fuel pump relays in the trunk. I have had Dave Helms rebuild my fusebox due to deterioration and delamination. I have had my ventilator fan motor stop working. My car has about 50K miles on it. Other than that it has been quite reliable. As an aside, I did have my rubber anti-vibration sleeves on my fuel pumps disintegrate and send fine particles of rubber into the fuel pumps and fuel filters which necessitated a complete cleaning and replacement of those sleeves. Other than that the car has been wonderful. You will not buy a 25 year old car without problems.

 

Sounds more like ethanol induced material degradation and hardly the car's fault.

 

You are probably right. Nonetheless the observation applies to all Mondial T's and other Ferrari's like the 348 with these sleeves and alcohol mixes in the fuel supply.

 

All old Ferraris have their electrical issues including the T (there are exceptions) I have had my share with my 3.2. Usually corroded connecters and issues with the fuse board. I would say expect some electrical problems sooner or later. Usually they are easy fixes if you can do it yourself. If it will be an ECU problem it becomes a different story. The last one is a rare occurrence.

 

348 has the same engine and an identical transmission as a T so you own already a half a Mondial You will know how it should sound like etc. However, I would do a PPI to rules things more or less out.

regarding the electrical issues. My experience it can be like anything as any old car. My model generally has fuse box issues. However I do not have them, but I did had sticky relays causing all kind of annoyances so I replaced all to new. I think for a T most electrical issues were with the windows and top of the convertible. Perhaps someone can jump in here for Alex.

Paul has a very nice site on owning a T
Ferrari Mondial t | World's only 4 seat, mid engined, convertible.

Buyers guide
http://alexachua.com/forza_b.pdf

 

Yes, applicable to the Mondial t and the 348:

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/142632825-post5.html

 

Correct, no more electrical issues than other cars of that vintage.

I did a Dave Helms fusebox, because stock is just not a good design. When (not if) you see burned connectors, it will be time for an upgrade. Just be prepared to do it, and 1 less thing to worry about.

The t does have adjustable shocks. The plastic teeth tend to wear out, showing a fault code. Gears are available, they are similar to the gears from an early Corvette FX suspension setup of similar vintage. Can do a search on here for the recommended repair shop for those. It is not expensive at all.

Mondial is like a 348 with adjustable suspension, power steering and usable back seat!!

Regards,
Jerry

 

We've had our t for 8 years. At the moment everything works from fog lights to tail lights. We have so far replaced the suspension computer, both O2 sensors, both crank sensors, and bothCat temp ECUs. We also sent the fuse box to Dave Helms for rebuild. Dave also sells a kit to replace the many connector pins on the engine harness. These pins are a problem. For years I was chasing oxygen sensor error codes until I simply cut out the connectors and crimped them in. Problem solved. Not a practical fix for every connector but proved the point that connectors are an issue. If you like to do your own work I'd reccomend a later t with the Motronic 2.7 rather than the 2.5. The later version allows you to get stored error codes by pushing buttons in the trunk and watching the CEL lights blink.
If you like the t over the 3.2 then I wouldn't let the possibility of the occasional electrical bug change your mind. However, if you like them both the same the 3.2 is probably less troublesome.

Good luck with your search,
Dave

 

Knock wood.....

Only issue in ownership is a fussy hand brake switch lite that sometime does/does not go out when releasing...

 

I think this happens on every Mondial, my 3.2 has the hand brake light that doesn't go off until you start driving the car. Are you saying on your car, sometimes it doesn't go out at all after releasing and driving away?

 

I had repeat issues (but usually 12 months apart), and generally always centered around the radiator fans not turning on (with engine temp shooting into the red). owned the car for 20,000 miles/5 years, and it happened at least once a year. And always when far from home.

Had some sporadic non-repeating issues, like the speedometer stopped working on the way back from Vegas; an occasional light with the shocks; occasional slow down light came on.

Rear left window motor and switch were flaky.

Could probably identify a few more, but was my second Mondial, and frankly, I'm ready to buy another Mondial again.