348TS a/c control freaks out

Probably just dirty connections between the PCB's inside it - there have been a few threads on this recently if you do a search.

I found a dry joint on mine with caused the clock to keep resetting to 0:00.

Replacement units are seriously expensive so be careful with it...
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A simple search of the archives yielded this info:

http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19629&highlight=348+climate+control


and you should also do this:
http://www.ferrariforum.com/tech/view.php?id=14

 

Your are 100% correct ... replacement units do not exist (at least not that I've been able to find). I would imagine an unopened OEM original unit would *easily* bring $1500 on eBay.

 

The answer is not from me I copy it for you.

The 348 Series cars have a known weak link in the electrical portion of the AC System that will eventually render the system inoperable and can lead to expensive component failure if left unaddressed.



In the front trunk, under the felt cover on the right hand side lies the main Electrical Harness and relay center for the 348's climate control system. Along with these wires and relays is the main power feed for the system. This main + feed wire is a Brown 12 gauge wire with a 30amp push in (blade type) fuse wired in-line.



The Factory Fuse and Fuse Holder can melt due to overheating. This problem has been traced to excessive amperage draw for the amount of contact surface area provided by the blades of the fuse and fuse holder. As the fan motors age they tend to draw far more amperage than the factory allowed for across this circuit. Left unattended this problem leads to complete AC System failure. However, the solution to this problem is inexpensive and easy.



Widely availible stereo fuse holders and fuses of the correct amperage (30 amps) but with 400% more contact area for electricity flow and plated in gold to prevent corrosion can be easily substituted for the factoy fuse arrangement providing a high quality permanent repair.

Start by unplugging the harness from the relay and unwrapping to give adequate slack to the fuse holder. Then cut the old fuse holder from the wire. Next strip about 3/8's of an inch of insulation from each wire. Now carefully apply solder to both stripped wire ends. Carefully position the new fuse holder within reach of the two soldered wire ends and make a small mounting hole in a nice location. After insuring the wires will reach and the location chosen is secure, insert wire ends into new fuse holder couplings and tighten securely. Mount fuse holder and install new Gold Plated 30 amp fuse. Finished.

To date we have never experienced a failure of this repair and upgrade to the system and it is now SOP to check and advise any new clients that have not previously had this repair done. Total time for repair approx. 1 hour and about $25.00 in parts.

 

Hi, Might be going out on a limb here being new to the 348 Brotherhood and all but I was told Ferrari just recently announced these units are available again. Just thought I would pass on and see if anyone had heard this or was interested in knowing. I am not sure on the cost.

Best Regards,
-chris

 

That's true...at least for the 1992 and earlier years. Ferrari installed an inline bullet style fuse there to replace the old blade fuse in my 1994 model year 348 Spider, and I'd guess that they made this change in the '93 through '95 models.

 

How do you know if the bullet-style a/c fuse in your Spider is original? Could it have been installed before you bought the car? I'm not saying you're wrong, I'm just wondering if ALL later 348's came with the revised fuse as an update from the factory. Personally, I don't know.

 

Good question.

I assumed that it was a factory job because the inline bullet fuse has the Ferrari flat metal "wire" in it...compared to the stereo bullet fuses that typically insert a round glass fuse.

But I suppose some American **could** have tried to make the change appear "factory."

 

Reading all the posts I can on this subject I have stumbled across this one.
I have had various E? number errors on my climate control in the past, but now it seems to operate correctly, except the heater never gets very hot, even when on FULL. and after about 15 mins of operation it gets cooler, until it only blows very look warm air.

I have the unit out and am cleaning the contacts (doubt this is the problem, but I know people will ask if I have done it).

Was now going to replace the 30A fuse. My 348 is a UK TS 1994 and I was wondering if the question of the in-line fuse on different models was ever answered.

I bought the upgraded fuse kit from Maplins yesterday but could not find the fuse to change, admittedly it was dark and I was using a torch.

Has anyone got any pictures of what I am looking for?
Should it be easily visible when the right hand side hatch is removed?

Finally, right hand side? This is the side with the drivers seat in the UK?
Are the US and UK models the same.
In mine the right hand side has the screen wash and the left hand side has the relays and battery cut off.

 

Go here: http://webpages.charter.net/aircover/348/1994Ferrari348Spider.html#AirConditioning

That will tell you how to put your 348's A/C-heater system into diagnostic mode. Go into the mode that gives you the sensor readings to see what temperature your cockpit temp sensor is reporting.

The usual heater failures on these systems are temp sensor or heater valve, but your symptoms strike me offhand as leaning more toward the temp sensor.