1999 355 F1 - "Gearbox Failure Warning Light" | FerrariChat

1999 355 F1 - "Gearbox Failure Warning Light"

Discussion in '348/355' started by yellow wheels, May 24, 2015.

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  1. yellow wheels

    yellow wheels Karting

    Mar 17, 2005
    68
    clarkston, MI
    Full Name:
    marc henretta
    Hi All

    I have a 1999 355 F1 GTS that has 27,000 miles. It's always run perfectly. When I woke it up from this year's hibernation (I live in Michigan) the "Gearbox Failure Warning Light," continues to blink, and it won't shift into any forward gear or reverse.

    Anyone else ever have this condition?

    Anyone have any hints on what I should look for?

    Last summer it shifted perfectly, just like the previous 11 years since I've owned the car.

    Thanks!
     
  2. taz355

    taz355 F1 Veteran
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Feb 18, 2008
    6,016
    Indio Ca/ Alberta
    Full Name:
    Grant
    Check the wiring to the f1 hydrauloc pump. I understand it does not shift but does the pump prime for pressure, is there enough fluid in the reservoir, is the relay behind the drivers seat ok, many possibilities probably need more info.

    How many flashes when you turn on the key, are the bonnets or doors open, like i said many possibilities.
     
  3. WATSON

    WATSON Two Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Sep 9, 2010
    23,689
    WI
    The blink during start up indicates that the system has not built pressure. Once the pressure is hit, the blinking stops.

    The pump needs to run to build the pressure. The number of blinks to accomplish that could be as high as 12 or 13. Past that, I suspect something is not right with your pump.

    Can you hear the pump running?

    If you can't, check the two large fuses in the passenger footwell.

    Then, as mentioned, check the relay next to the F1 ECU. In fact, contact Juri on this site and switch that relay anyway. The fail state of the Ferrari one is "on" and has burned up many a pump. The fail state of Juri's is "off". Yes, the car will not run if the relay fails, but they are $30. Buy two and put one in the travel kit.

    There is a pressure switch to shut the pump off once pressure is reached. Check that the wiring is not corroded.
     
  4. 2NA

    2NA F1 World Champ
    Consultant Owner Professional Ferrari Technician

    Dec 29, 2006
    18,221
    Twin Cities
    Full Name:
    Tim Keseluk
    Did the fluid leak out during the Winter?
     
  5. taz355

    taz355 F1 Veteran
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Feb 18, 2008
    6,016
    Indio Ca/ Alberta
    Full Name:
    Grant
    Thought i would publicly thank Watson.
    In the ten plus years of ownership my F1 has rarely let me down. Today in traffic the pump quit building pressure. These cars are getting older so I knew it woukd happen eventually. I didnt know what happened but the light which flashes during key on started flashing, the transmission shifted from 4 th to2nd and as i pulled up to the traffic light slowly trying to get off the road it shifted into neutral. When light changed i turned left while pushing the car because it wont shift and coasted into a parking lot. I had about 2 minutes.

    So thanks watson for your post it was the 40 amp fuse. I thought it was electric because the light started flashing instantly and once over to the parking lot i could not hear the pump.
     
  6. taz355

    taz355 F1 Veteran
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Feb 18, 2008
    6,016
    Indio Ca/ Alberta
    Full Name:
    Grant
    Next question i have is what would make the fuse blow, and yes i have the new relay.
     
  7. WATSON

    WATSON Two Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Sep 9, 2010
    23,689
    WI
    Fuse will blow if the motor is over amp. Reasons for over amp?

    Too hot
    Dead short in the system....unlikely if it fired up with a new fuse.
    Working too hard
    Motor windings failing

    You have the 360 pump conversion yet? If not, start buying the parts. You may be heading for a new pump soon. The 360 conversion is pretty simple with the Hill kit Ricambi sells. Worth it.

    If you do, PM Juri for a new 360 pump...and remember to reverse the leads before you plug it into your car!
     
  8. judd10

    judd10 Formula Junior
    Silver Subscribed

    Dec 30, 2006
    479
    Seattle, WA
    Check to make sure that the rear engine lid latch is completely closed. I believe the F1 transmission won't engage into a gear if it believes that the rear lid is still open. This happened to me once.
     
  9. taz355

    taz355 F1 Veteran
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Feb 18, 2008
    6,016
    Indio Ca/ Alberta
    Full Name:
    Grant
    Thanks Watson what is yuris full contact name etc.

    Judd i know about all the f1 lockouts. It was not that, I just wanted to share what happens with other f1 owners if your fuse blows. Basically you got about three min car will change down to second then neutral after 30 seconds all the while the f1 red light is flashing telling you the pump is not working. If you do not have a spare fuse you are stranded. The tool kit does not have a spare in it and we all should put a 20 and 40 amp f1 fuse in the tool kit.

    Watson also my f1 light flashes 9 times when priming from cold and pump kicks out after about 15 seconds total. Seems like it has not changed last 10 years.
     
  10. WATSON

    WATSON Two Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Sep 9, 2010
    23,689
    WI
    9 flashes is pretty good. When mine died it was pushing 15+.

    Do a search under "Juri". He has the 360 pump & the better relay. Both at a very reasonable price. He still checks on here from time-to-time.
     
  11. CarlFox99

    CarlFox99 Karting

    Sep 8, 2011
    55
    Atlanta, GA
    Full Name:
    Carl Fox
    I had the exact issue a year ago. The F1 Pump burnt out and the car would not go into gear. The permanent fix is to upgrade the pump to the next generation 360 pump. It is much superior and there is a retro-fit kit available. I had mine replaced and had a custom heat shield also fitted for it. The car shifts amazing and the pump pressurizes the system in seconds once you turn the ignition. While you could possibly find a used 355 F1 pump, the upgrade is by far the way to go. The pump itself is not expensive and you can actually use the Maserati version of it... it fits. Hose adapters are involved, but the upgrade is pretty straight forward. You will never have F1 issues again.....
     
  12. taz355

    taz355 F1 Veteran
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Feb 18, 2008
    6,016
    Indio Ca/ Alberta
    Full Name:
    Grant
    At this point i just put a new fuse in and itsbeen working for the last few days. I am thinking maybe fuse was old. But logic tells me i have a problem, just have not found it yet.
     
  13. CarlFox99

    CarlFox99 Karting

    Sep 8, 2011
    55
    Atlanta, GA
    Full Name:
    Carl Fox
    I replaced my fuse twice before the pump just failed. Hopefully you can run with the new fuse and avoid the upgrade \ replacement. Plenty of knowledge base for you should you have to upgrade it.... luckily several 355s have already been very successfully upgraded and it is not a show stopper for your Ferrari.
     

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