Which Suspension Mode is Sport? | FerrariChat

Which Suspension Mode is Sport?

Discussion in '348/355' started by sgtpeper, Jun 22, 2020.

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  1. sgtpeper

    sgtpeper Formula Junior

    May 4, 2004
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    Jeff
    I'm making a new thread for this. Everyone says that when the light is on on the dash, that the car is in sport mode. However, I found this note from the dealer my car was purchased at saying something to the contrary. So which is it??

    See item 7 on the attached image.

    Thanks,
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  2. Qavion

    Qavion F1 World Champ
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    #2 Qavion, Jun 22, 2020
    Last edited: Jun 22, 2020
    A confusing issue which has been talked about several times on the forum. I think it's safe to say that you have a light which says SPORT and a switch which says SPORT (and the switch is aft/down), then sport is what is selected. I have a gated Australian F355 which doesn't have a switch or light labelled "SPORT", but a different symbol (a shock absorber). The light illuminated indicates that I'm in soft suspension mode (which is considered abnormal in some circles). If you have an F1 car, SPORT affects the gearchange and the suspension.

    I stand to be corrected :p USA cars are very confusing. I'll try and find the message threads relating to this.
     
  3. Robb

    Robb Moderator
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    Feb 28, 2004
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    I believe 95 is always in sport without tripping the switch and without the light in the dash.

    rest of years, you have to click the switch to be in sport mode and then the light will go on in the dash.

    :D

    Robb
     
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  4. Qavion

    Qavion F1 World Champ
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    Or as in my case (a '98), it doesn't. Sport mode is no light. Hence my comment about "SPORT" labelled switches.
     
  5. Gizzi

    Gizzi F1 Veteran
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    Interesting! I thought it was the other way around also, but there you go. I’d better check to make sure the actuators are actually working


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  6. Qavion

    Qavion F1 World Champ
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    If in doubt, consult your Owner's Handbook. That's what mine says... light illuminates for comfort. Do you have a shock absorber symbol or "SPORT"?
     
  7. sgtpeper

    sgtpeper Formula Junior

    May 4, 2004
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    Interesting. I didn't realize there were 2 options - mine is the shock absorber. Why would there be 2 different versions? My car is gated.

    So with a shock absorber button, when the light is on, the car is in comfort?
     
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  8. Ferrarium

    Ferrarium F1 Veteran
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    Because its not German, its Italian. Wonderful isn't it. I think so. :)
     
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  9. 97 Spider

    97 Spider Formula 3
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    It was a change in the production run. Early cars have a shock symbol and when it is lit up you are in SPORT, later cars 98+ish have the SPORT symbol and when it is lit up you are in comfort. You have to love those Italians.
     
  10. zstyle

    zstyle Formula Junior

    Jun 28, 2007
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    There are three different sports switches for the 355 series with the '95 as the odd ball having the Sport suspension always on unless manually turned off.
     
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  11. sgtpeper

    sgtpeper Formula Junior

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    I think that's the same on my '97
     
  12. emac

    emac Formula Junior
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    Pretty sure my 96 spider gated is in comfort mode when the light is on. Default is sport, light off.
     
  13. Robb

    Robb Moderator
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    Well I know the 95 mode. And our 97 is opposite...

    time for the rest of you owners to read the manual...

    Robb
     
  14. 97 Spider

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  15. 308 GTB

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  16. 308 GTB

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  17. 308 GTB

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  18. bjwhite

    bjwhite F1 Rookie

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    What about my 348?

    Oh yeah, it's ALWAYS in sport mode, no button or light needed. ;)
     
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  19. Gizzi

    Gizzi F1 Veteran
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    Mine has a shock absorber symbol. I’ve just read the rest of the comments here...wow! It’s worth a giggle, these bloody Italian electrics!


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  20. eyboro

    eyboro Formula Junior
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    You're wrong, it's the other way around 95-97 lit-up= comfort 98-99 lit-up=sport
     
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  21. Qavion

    Qavion F1 World Champ
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    Brian corrected himself later. Also, I have a '98 which disagrees with your statement. I have a shock absorber symbol on my '98.

    As I said and as the manual pages above show...

     
  22. 97 Spider

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    Yeah, that’s what I meant then typed it perfectly backwards. It was too late to edit when I realized but I then made post #16 with the manual screenshots.
     
  23. 97 Spider

    97 Spider Formula 3
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    So the 95 manual mirrors exactly what the 96, 97, and at least part of the 98 say. Seems the only outliers are the later production 98 and 99 that have the “sport” light.
     

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