360 - 360 Spider Rooftop won't Close ... Mircroswitch Maintenance ? | FerrariChat

360 360 Spider Rooftop won't Close ... Mircroswitch Maintenance ?

Discussion in '360/430' started by Herbert Hamber, Apr 6, 2021.

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

  1. Herbert Hamber

    Herbert Hamber Karting

    Jul 17, 2020
    66
    Irvine Ca
    Full Name:
    Herb
    My 360 Spider rooftop won't close, the metal lids open up properly, but the fabric roof got stuck when the folded fabric part needs to come out. :(

    I took it to the Ferrari service in Newport Beach (Red Hill Rd, Costa Mesa) and Paul (the 360 expert mechanic) very nicely came out and looked at it. He then used a longish (10 inch) thin steel rod with a small "L" at the end to touch (fiddle) with all the micro switches.

    He says there are six of them, and they could be stuck (dirty), or need replacement.

    After he fiddled (pushed in and out I suppose) with them for a few seconds, the top closed with no issues. :):)

    This was before Easter, he suggested I come back in time when I feel like it, and he'll run diagnostic to see which one of the switches is a problem, and then clean or replace. And lube the whole rooftop mechanics, if needed.

    My question is : Can I inspect, but more importantly clean the switches myself? Are they easily accessible? And then, what product(s) do I use?

    Or should I just have them (the Ferrari Service) do the job properly ??
     
  2. Qavion

    Qavion F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Feb 20, 2015
    11,484
    Sydney
    Full Name:
    Ian Riddell
    I've found limited success with microswitch cleaning in general. If the offending microswitch is hard to access, you're more likely to wash contaminants into the microswitch than away from it. The electrical contact points are deep inside the body of the switch. I would use non-residue electrical contact cleaner or isopropyl alcohol in a spray can to flush out the internals and let drain or evaporate for a long time. I guess you could use a small dab of lubricant on the plastic button.

    Image Unavailable, Please Login

    I have seen bent lever arms, which sometimes can be straightened, but you run the risk of snapping the arms. Sometimes the mounting screws come loose. Tightening them may help.

    Here's the wiring diagram with a graphic showing the general location of the of the switches. There seems to be only a few switches at the rear.

    https://www.dropbox.com/t/5mHBpuMwz1gyZ4YN


    You may find some quality aftermarket switches, cheaper than OEM, but good ones are not exactly cheap. Some soldering or crimping may be required.

    Note: I don't have any experience with the F360, but have a background in aircraft avionics and have played with my F355 roof from time to time :D
     
    Need4Spd, Herbert Hamber and hessank like this.
  3. Herbert Hamber

    Herbert Hamber Karting

    Jul 17, 2020
    66
    Irvine Ca
    Full Name:
    Herb
    Ian, Many Thanks for your detailed reply !! And thank you for the diagram.

    In view of your comments, I might try a little electrical contact cleaner ... a bit wary of alcohol, as it contains water and is a conductor.

    Will inspect the mounting screws as well. And any amount of silicone lubricant on the plastic parts.
     
    Qavion likes this.
  4. ChuckEBaby

    ChuckEBaby Formula 3
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Nov 7, 2003
    1,002
    Seattle
    Full Name:
    Chuck
    I had the same problem in 2017. It kept getting stuck at 90 degrees & would not fold down into the Tub. Took it to FoS, here was the problem:
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  5. Qavion

    Qavion F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Feb 20, 2015
    11,484
    Sydney
    Full Name:
    Ian Riddell
    Great tip, Chuck. The "ED/A" or "16Q" sensor is shown in the wiring diagram in the rear left hand corner of the roof, but I don't know how hard it is to access.
     
    Herbert Hamber likes this.
  6. ChuckEBaby

    ChuckEBaby Formula 3
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Nov 7, 2003
    1,002
    Seattle
    Full Name:
    Chuck
    I didn't even attempt to diagnose/fix the problem. It cost me $400 w/tax, which is my cheapest trip ever to Ferrari of Seattle.
     
  7. Qavion

    Qavion F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Feb 20, 2015
    11,484
    Sydney
    Full Name:
    Ian Riddell
    Then thank you even more for your contribution to the FChat database. Unfortunately, I'm in the group of people who can't afford to own a Ferrari, but I have one anyway :D My last Ferrari specialist bill was U$21,000... so I'm putting all the money I save (with my DIY fixes) towards my next major bill.
     
    Herbert Hamber and lkstaack like this.

Share This Page