I've fixed it but just want to know what happened. Here's the scenario: I usually leave the car in first gear when parked. Hooked to a Ctek charger. I drove it 3 days earlier (about 25 miles). Less than 2 weeks ago had F1 fluid changed at dealer and drove it 80 miles to home. No problem. Last Friday, I wanted to drive the car. I heard the F1 pump sound while getting inside the car. Prior to starting the engine, on position II of ignition, I flipped the paddles to neutral but no response. Tried several times and it was "stuck" at first gear. I stepped on the brake and tried to start the car anyway but no response at all (I know why). I checked the battery terminals and connection seemed fine. Voltage was 13.5. Hoping to "reboot" the electronics, I turned the power off, then on (thru the knob on the front compartment). Tried to start the car again. Same thing, still stuck in first gear and won't start. I removed the AGM battery and brought it to the shop for analysis and was told it was in top condition. (I bought it in Feb 2016). Voltage fresh off the charger was 13.7. Installed the battery today. Turned on ignition, flipped the paddles to neutral and it did (by this time, I knew the car would start), and vrooommm! As if nothing happened. What caused the aforementioned? Just curious and we may all learn from this. Btw, am not a DIYer. I was resigned that the dreaded F1 problem has finally struck and the car would have to be towed to RTGT. Am glad I did the above. Thanks in advance for your input.
Just a guess. I have heard of F1 cars being stuck in 1st gear because the gears are stuck under pressure. Rocking the car back and forth sometimes lets the trans select neutral. Perhaps while you were removing and or installing the battery you accomplished the rocking motion to unbind the gears.
I've heard about that approach but I have wheel chocks so I don't think the car moved the slightest at all during battery installation. Thanks.
Likely what happened, it is also possible that you had a little air in line and was not building as much pressure as normal, gears were hot when parked maybe when cooled,off stuck a little. I know the manual says park in gear but i do not just because of what happened with you. It has happened with others i know as well. Glad to hear you got it sorted out.
I assume you let the pump build full pressure, and i assume your pump is priming in the normal amount of time.
Thank you. Yes on the pump pressure and priming. I guess I'll just leave it parked in neutral from now on. Now, during track days, we are advised to leave it in first gear when parked (and not to use the hand brake). I assume the gears will still stay warm in between session but I wonder if it can get stuck again. The solution to the problem seemed simple but installing the battery in the 360 is a pain.
F1 issues are to numerous to go thru without at the very least a diagnostic readout of the TCU & ECU. Getting stuck in gear can be anything from a throw out bearing sensor reading to valve body leaks. My suggestion is to find a shop that can run a diagnostic on the F1 system.
I agree with the two points above, resetting the battery switch and rocking the car for gear alignment/mesh. I can tell you that my Ferraris, a 348 and now a 360, are plenty freaky when it comes to electronics. And computers are just dumb logic circuits, especially the capote. Whenever you discover a weird computer problem with no explanation, reboot it. Whenever you discover a transmission issue like locking up for no reason, especially after parking, think of the gears. I tried to move the car or shift gears with the door open a couple days ago. It refused as designed but I figured that out immediately. My 5 speed Miata sometimes refuses to shift into reverse after parking because forward momentum or gear alignment has locked them together or tooth to tooth. I simple shift of your body weight forward an back inside the car can be enough to line them up. The 348 tranny will fight going into first sometimes so a shift into reverse or neighboring gear helps reset the "system."
