the California key fob sucks!

Ugly. Looks like a USB drive. And, as someone said, no cavallino?!?
T

 

Wow, that's disappointing, even garrish. No cavallino, and worse yet, an oversized "Ferrari" emblazoned across the back -- really? Nothing subtle or classic about that. Reminds me of the absurdly large Polo brand logos on the shirts that the ball boys/line judges wear at the US Open tennis event. Sometimes less is more.

 

I guess I've been with the sports car genre too long (started with an MGA, many Corvettes, Porsches, Ferrari) but I never thought presumed enthusiasts would expound at length over a key fob.

 

Do the lights still flash once/twice upon closing/opening?

I wonder if the sound can be turned off in the settings? I would not mind turning it off, since the flash is enough for me. The beeping is loud as all get out.

T

 

Rob, if electronic components fail to work, especially when the engine is not running, turning the alternator ...it may well be your battery is not supplying sufficient voltage/amperage.

If you are the new owner of a used recent model Fcar, you should make sure the battery is working properly because it can pretty well ruin your driving experience if the battery "only sort of" works.

 

Before I've mentioned that I find my Cali's key very basic and simple to use even on the dark because it only has three buttons. When I put it inside my hand facing upwards, as soon as I touch the trunk opening bottom button which has a depression on the surface I know straight away that the top left button opens the doors and the right one closes them.
However today I've experienced a bit of what Rob pointed as being the negative aspects of this key. I got out of the car with the key on my hand and pressed the trunk opening button and nothing happened, I pressed it again and again and it felt soft and nothing happened. I was a bit puzzled and thought may be is the battery or the button is not working properly so I opened the trunk with the button located on the driver's floor. Afterwards closed the trunk again and pressed the button on the key and it opened at the first touch. Since I've opened several times the trunk with the key and everything seems to be normal.

 

Fcars probably incorporate more electronics than Masers.

You need to actually check the battery before and after driving. If the battery tests high when engine is running or after a long hard drive and the beeps work again, it's likely the battery. Use the battery tender.

Be aware the Fcar batteries today do not test like regular batteries. It's too complicated to explain here but only the dealer has the correct tester as they are customized for Ferrari.

 

This thread got me wondering about what type battery the Cali fob uses. It's a CR1220 as reported elsewhere on F-chat.

Just ordered a 5 pack from Amazon for $5, just to have some extras lying around, if needed.
T

 

If your complaint is about your key locking and unlocking the car without beeping (you had written: "...when you lock or unlock the car, it really doesn't make any identifying locking sounds or beeps like most cars."), then I highly doubt it's due to the key fob not working.

The car does not have a separate sensor for the locks and "the beeper". If the key can activate the locking system, it is the car that triggers the "beeper", not the key.

 

Why do you say that? If the key locks/unlocks the car, it would be the car that activates the "beeper" loudspeaker, not the key.

 

Unless you consider a difference in opinion or an honest technical discussion a troll, NO.

You should also refrain from making disparaging personal remarks against me for pointing out your mistake. I don't call you clueless and I've only been trying to politely help you. Calling me clueless is actually a provocation and should itself be considered trolling behaviour.

I'm frankly rather baffled by your belligerence and lack of restraint.

As for the battery in the key, it only powers the radio signal that the key sends out. Once the car is able to receive the signal it's the car that will operate the locks, flash the indicators and beep. The key does not operate the beeps, it's one of the car's ECU that operates the beep. Whether the car beeps or not after the car operates the locks has nothing to do with the key.

 

Batteries for the fob are a buck a pop on Amazon, so it's a cheap and easy experiment. I ordered a 5 pack last night.
T

 

Rob, you are entitled to your own opinions and it's also your car, so you can do as you please. However, you should lay off making personal attacks.

 

Rob, let us know if the battery resolves the issue. I'm experiencing a similar issue with my second key. Best

 

I am merely standing up for my rights to be treated fairly and with respect. As far as I know, people are encouraged to discuss their ideas in a polite manner, even if they hold a different opinion. Being polite also means ultimately agreeing to disagree to avoid bad feelings.

So as I said earlier, you are entitled to your own opinions and it's also your car, so you can do as you please. I think that's a very reasonable and polite answer to your message.