CALIFORNIA 4.3 immobiliser malfunction. BCM issue? | FerrariChat
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CALIFORNIA 4.3 immobiliser malfunction. BCM issue?

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by scaramagna, Nov 12, 2024.

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  1. scaramagna

    scaramagna Rookie

    Jan 23, 2022
    8
    #1 scaramagna, Nov 12, 2024
    Thank you in advance for your time and advice.

    I'm having trouble starting my 2011 California 4.3. About 50% of the time, the "immobiliser malfunction" error shows when I turn the key to position 2 (ignition). I have to turn the key to zero and back on about 3-6 times before the error message disappears. The problem is intermittent, but increasing in frequency (and frustration).

    I've read through all the suggestions in the forum and looked at a number of videos. I've taken it to multiple garages to have it diagnosed. We've changed the batteries in both fobs, experimented with the antenna position (referenced here: https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/help-need-ferrari-458-immobilizer-malfunction.582612/).

    The garage is now saying that it is a BCM issue and that that component needs to be replaced. Any thoughts on this?
     
  2. mcw

    mcw Formula Junior
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Aug 10, 2008
    412
    #2 mcw, Nov 12, 2024
    Consider changing the main car battery. Make sure you have read some of the threads on what battery and battery tender usage issues can cause for error messages and key function.
     
  3. chalayyy

    chalayyy Rookie

    Oct 25, 2024
    8
    Full Name:
    charlie chao
    #3 chalayyy, Nov 15, 2024
    did you ever find a solution for this? i am experiencing this issue in my 458 as well..
     
  4. scaramagna

    scaramagna Rookie

    Jan 23, 2022
    8
    #4 scaramagna, Nov 16, 2024
    Thank you for your help! I switched to an Antigravity Battery sometime last year - did not experience any issues with the immobiliser until a few months ago. I will revisit the battery threads and hopefully find some clues there!
     
  5. scaramagna

    scaramagna Rookie

    Jan 23, 2022
    8
    #5 scaramagna, Nov 16, 2024
    Not yet - have given it to the local dealership to see their findings. Will keep you posted.
     
  6. chalayyy

    chalayyy Rookie

    Oct 25, 2024
    8
    Full Name:
    charlie chao
    #6 chalayyy, Nov 16, 2024
    thank you! my radio also stopped working... i had my battery checked couple days ago and they said my battery was fine, it is not the oem battery, maybe i will change to one of the batteries recommended on the other thread. Thanks!
     
  7. scaramagna

    scaramagna Rookie

    Jan 23, 2022
    8
    #7 scaramagna, Mar 2, 2025
    Quick update on this issue. The dealer said the issue is with the Body Computer Node (Part Number: 286303). Been waiting 4 months already for a replacement but none in stock.
     
    Willl likes this.
  8. dfan56

    dfan56 Rookie

    Dec 31, 2020
    2
    Full Name:
    Danny Fan
    #8 dfan56, Mar 11, 2025
    I have the same issue, any latest how to fix?
     
  9. scaramagna

    scaramagna Rookie

    Jan 23, 2022
    8
    #9 scaramagna, Mar 16, 2025
    Still waiting on the Body Computer Node (Part Number: 286303). No stock at the dealer, and the factory, or any 3P websites. Can't believe its taking this long.
     
  10. dera

    dera Formula Junior
    Silver Subscribed

    Oct 7, 2023
    322
    Charlotte, NC
    Full Name:
    Mikko
    #10 dera, Mar 17, 2025
    Is it the same garage who suggested changing the fob battery for an immobilizer issue? I would get a second opinion.
    (The immo works even with no battery in the fob).
     
    Qavion likes this.
  11. scaramagna

    scaramagna Rookie

    Jan 23, 2022
    8
    #11 scaramagna, Mar 21, 2025
    Just to update this thread. The dealer told be the Body Computer Node (Part Number: 286303) will now only be available in August at the earliest. My car has been with the dealer for 4 months already. They aren't helpful at all. They also refuse to make inquiries for me with other dealerships or vendors, and have also refused to program the BCM for me if I obtain it from somewhere else.

    I want to consider using a third party service to acquire and program the BCM. Does anyone have any experience or recommendations here?

    Many thanks
     
  12. dera

    dera Formula Junior
    Silver Subscribed

    Oct 7, 2023
    322
    Charlotte, NC
    Full Name:
    Mikko
    #12 dera, Mar 22, 2025
    Get a second opinion. They told you to change the fob batteries, which tells me they have no clue what they are talking about.
     
    Willl likes this.
  13. fmaderi

    fmaderi Formula Junior

    May 8, 2005
    258
    clearwater Fla/NY
    Full Name:
    frank maderi
    #13 fmaderi, Apr 24, 2025
    make sure you get YOUR used/not working part back. inspect it or let someone. Be nice to see a burnt plug or wire terminal or they repaired something making poor contact.
     
  14. chalayyy

    chalayyy Rookie

    Oct 25, 2024
    8
    Full Name:
    charlie chao
    #14 chalayyy, Apr 25, 2025 at 3:53 AM

    hello, so i took my car to the ferrari dealership and they were able to fix my immobilizer malfunction by moving the antenna around, my problem was exactly what you were saying, i would have to keep turning the key 3-6 times before starting too. They said they moved it around and now it works 90% of the time on first time. occasionally here and there it would not work but would work on the second try. They said if the antenna didnt work i would need to switch out the immobilizer and reprogram all my keys again and it would cost around 15k...

    My radio was fixed by a company in China, (im located in taiwan, so China was relatively close for me) my shop took off my NIT and sent it to them and they fixed it in about a week for 1000 dollars or so. You can send it to some local shop familiar with the ferrari NIT system, depending where your located i read someone had it fixed in new york. Also, my backup camera stopped working, and Ferrari quoted me 15k for that, they said they dont sell the camera by itself, and it came with the ECU, so i ordered a used one from eurospares, and got it within a few days. Installing the camera next week, as well as my headers/exhaust. Good luck with your car man, this has been a headache for me... spent a ton of money and just bunch of electrical issues.. welcome to ferrari i guess.. I have a mclaren as well and i was hoping ferraris would be more reliable.. but i guess my 458 is 14 years old, so its expected..
     

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