Latest Updates: Following work was done by Vinnie’s Exotics in Baton Rouge week of June 7, 2021. Mileage 26,683 Replaced left and right CV Boots Checked CEL that came on when driving to drop off the car for the cv boots. Found low voltage faults. Attributed to my red top optima battery so they replaced with an Interstate battery Checked my request to see what was causing smoke at start up the last two times. Happened after two particularly long intervals between startups Tech Response was that oil in intake manifold drips down after sitting for long periods and works down into the engine. Burns off when starting. Non- issue. Personally not concerned, but wanted it checked just in case. It has only happened twice, smoke clears after cold start, drives fine w/o smoke Inspect power steering fluid - good Inspect/replace radiator cap as recommended by Brian Crall in Austin when he looked over the car about two years ago. Old radiator cap had slight seepage. Replaced with factory new cap. Brake light flicker upon WOT unresolved. - I’m running out of time in Baton Rouge, and because this issue is not what I brought the car in, it’s in the back of the queue; so they may or may not have the time to find the gremlin before I move to my next work location. Earlier attributed maybe to the battery, and it seems incidence was reduced with the new battery. However, still comes on occasionally. Brakes feel fine, pads are a little low, but told they were good last time I was in (only a few non-track miles ago).
The light on the dash that says “BRAKE” flickers occasionally when at wide open throttle. I’ve got another thread on that one. Best guess is that it’s almost time to change the pads, which is next on my list, but there are one or two other theories that were brought up on my other thread. Such as slightly low brake fluid, where it appears full, but under WOT the fluid in the cylinder sloshes back just enough to trigger the sensor, or potentially bad fluid level sensor. https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/brake-light-intermittent-flashing-at-wot.634285/
Update. Brake light flicker may have been resolved by the new battery. Interesting that I didn’t start having the issue until I around the time I swapped for the Optima battery. Anyway, upon pickup at Vinnie’s shops, he said he checked the brakes and they were still good, also the brake fluid was filled correctly which makes sense because Ferrari of Austin did a flush a few months ago. Gave it about a 30 min drive at various speeds/acceleration, and no flicker. We’ll see if it holds.
Latest Updates: Oil Change performed week ending 4/30/22 Outside drivers taillight was replaced using Scud Ing Swiss (2nd of 4 replaced with this product) All four o2 sensors were replaced week ending 4/30/22, faulty Fabspeed extenders were removed. Around March 2022 I had Trev do his software flash on my ECU.
Latest Updates as of today, mileage at 27,800. Vinnie's Exotic's completed it's work and the car is headed for a mini detail including conditioning the leather. F-1 Pump Accumulator was replaced Fuses PDF4 & PDF24 were found to be blown, and were replaced. This resolved an issue with the O2 sensor's CEL. Intake gaskets were replaced which resolved cylinder 8 misfire and rough idle compression test was done, and returned normal with no issues Spark Plugs were replaced
Latest updates 8/14/22, 27,850 miles. Alan at Biragov Detailing in Baton Rouge did an EXCELLENT job cleaning up the ride, including applying a special leather conditioner to all of the leather in the interior. He does incredible work, and has worked on some top dollar cars. I've attached some pics he took after the detail. My OBD finally shows all tests were able to be performed and the smog check cleared. Now I just need to get it formally inspected when I get back to Texas after this project (Octoberish).
Update as of last week: ECU re-flashed with Trev software, stage 2 at the EAG shop in Round Rock, TX. The car drives and shifts much better than stock. I was assured that reliability is not impacted and no changes that would cause increased wear and tear on the powertrain. CEL's not impacted, the car will still show an error code if there are issues, so no danger of missed mechanical issues due to upgrade. I also went ahead and got the State inspection done now that my O2 sensor issues have been addressed. Passed Texas inspection and emissions with no issues. In general the car is driving the best it ever has, and can recommend this software flash to anyone with a F430. This is coming from a guy that prefers OEM power train and tries to limit changes to just the exhaust.
1/31/23 Update Mileage 28,287 The following was completed by Ferrari of Austin as of today: Install new Coolant Thermostat Coolant Flush Install new accessory belt Wash
Holy cow, good catch. Didn't see it on the write up, I just sent the advisor a follow up asking if it was done. They're the ones who insisted it needed to be done in the first place (not that I was pushing back). Luckily I haven't picked up the car, in case they overlooked it. Will update once I get a response.
Update, it's confirmed the brake cap recall was performed during this visit. The service advisor at FoA had only emailed the write up for the items they charged for payment purposes. Brake Cap recall performed at Ferrari of Austin Thanks again for bringing it up so I could double check @Sj_engr .
3/17/23 - I took off the tint today. Wow! Looks much better! Will have to update pics, but took tint off the windshield and side windows. It really feels like a different car without the tint.
Would you mind posting how you removed the tint, and difficulty please? I’m interested as I may someday want to remove mine. Edit: never mind. Just saw your other post.
The tint was very easy, the glue less so. Fortunately, the small triangular side windows didn't have any glue stuck to them, the tint came right off without leaving residue. The windshield was challenging as there was a lot more glue. In fact, I have to spend some more time today and tomorrow just using a small razor blade and windex to remove the remaining glue. I probably should have spent more time using the heat gun over it, but I had such a good result from the sides, I got confident and pulled it down more quickly. Definitely a DIY job, if you have the time. It's not a technically challenging thing, it's just challenge to scrape off glue residue towards the bottom of the windshield.
As of 4/5/23 Replaced both window up/down switches. The originals went sticky (seems like overnight), and one had the button falling off the switch. Easy DIY project. The replacement was with new OEM parts from Eurospares.
As of 5/12/23, mileage about 28,560. FINALLY. The old PPF was removed off the car, as well as the racing stripes. Car was completely polished Headlights covers were redone. I believe he said he even stripped the clear coat or something like that? Don't quote me, but all I know is that they look like new. Remaining glue from the tint I removed was professionally removed. Shout out to Joe's Auto Spa in Georgetown, TX. Joe did a great job, and pricing was very competitive; not to mention veteran owned. Some pics below. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
That's actually why I finally did it. However, it's not helping me let it go . I should have done this a long time ago.
Final update as caretaker of this F430. The car was traded-in to Plano BMW (used car side) with 28,604 miles on 6/16/23, and will ultimately land with another buyer who is a small dealer around St. Luis, MO; who's also a Ferrari fan; until he decides to sell it. This was a great, fun car, and I will certainly miss it. The reason I did all of this (diary) is because when I got it, there was zero history. I had no clue what I was getting into, and I know how frustrating that can be when buying an aging exotic and the miles are creeping up. It is my hope that the next owners can add on to this for the sake of future caretakers. Attached (maybe posted if I can figure it out) is the final list of costs, repairs for the duration of my ownership. Not included is Trev's software update as I don't consider that a necessary cost of ownership; nor the yearly detailing and leather conditioning, or the radio replacement. This should capture most everything else. VAF84, signing off as owner of the log. Image Unavailable, Please Login
