1999 355 Top stuck and blowing fuse | FerrariChat
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1999 355 Top stuck and blowing fuse

Discussion in '348/355' started by [email protected], Apr 6, 2011.

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  1. cfish01@comcast.net

    [email protected] Rookie

    Apr 5, 2011
    4
    #1 [email protected], Apr 6, 2011
    I had the hydraulic changed in my top about 8 months ago. The top got stuck about a month ago and I realized that the 30 amp fuse behind the middle console had blown. I replaced it and the top went up with no problem. The next time I tried to put the top down it got stuck again and the fuse was blown again. I checked all the wiring for a short and could not find a short. Now the top is stuck and it blows the fuse everytime I try to close the top. I called my local Ferrari dealer who was hesitant to give me any information. He diagnosed the problem as a bad seat potentiometer and told me it would be $4,000 to fix the problem. I know that the potentiometers go bad but never heard about it blowing the top fuse. Any information would be much appreciated!! Also if anyone knows a mechanic that works on Ferrari's in the Philadelphia area please let me know. Thanks is advance
     
  2. FerrariDeeJay

    FerrariDeeJay Formula Junior

    Jun 2, 2009
    418
    Chino, CA
    Full Name:
    Michael
    #2 FerrariDeeJay, Apr 6, 2011
    Have you checked to make sure it has oil? Once they go dry all hell breaks loose and they get stuck. I would start there. Also, when you begin the process do your seats move forward?
     
  3. FloridaF355

    FloridaF355 Rookie

    Oct 12, 2008
    32
    #3 FloridaF355, Apr 6, 2011
    If it has oil in the reservoir move the seats fully forward using the regular seat switches and then use the emergency switch that pops out of the side of the center shroud to see if the roof goes up and down. If it still blows a fuse you know it's nothing to do with seat potentiometers.

    When you had the new roof, what exactly did they change? If they didn't replace the old hydraulic fluid you may need to flush the system.
     
  4. cfish01@comcast.net

    [email protected] Rookie

    Apr 5, 2011
    4
    #4 [email protected], Apr 6, 2011
    It has hydraulic oil and was flushed in the last year. If I replace the fuse I can move the seats forward and the top starts to work. The fuse then blows when it is about a quarter of the way up.
     
  5. FloridaF355

    FloridaF355 Rookie

    Oct 12, 2008
    32
    #5 FloridaF355, Apr 7, 2011
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    I assume that the fuse that keeps blowing is one of these two in the picture. I'm surprised that the seats won't move even independently of using the top with this blown, but others may know better.

    There is a good thread on this forum on how to fix potentiometers, if that is your issue. I'm surprised that would blow a fuse though. Never heard of that happening. There is also a thread about the center bar in the roof being bent. Perhaps the motor is under too much strain when in reaches that point in the cycle. You can also undo the cylinders (primary and secondary) from the frame and ensure they are not seized. Search for threads on bleeding.

    When using the O and C switches from the pop out you can operate the roof independently of the seats. Therefore I would suggest that if you're still blowing a fuse using O and C with the seats fully forward, it's nothing to do with potentiometers.
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  6. cfish01@comcast.net

    [email protected] Rookie

    Apr 5, 2011
    4
    #6 [email protected], Apr 8, 2011
    Thanks for the information!!
     
  7. pchop

    pchop F1 Rookie
    Rossa Subscribed

    Jun 12, 2002
    2,673
    Usually NY often elsewhere.
    Full Name:
    John
    #7 pchop, Apr 9, 2011
    Last edited: Apr 9, 2011
    I can't answer your question re: blown fuse, but for the stuck top (especially when lowering), you need to check the main bar across the top and make sure it's pulled back towards the rear of the car and not towards the windshield. If you are sitting in the car and look up, the Main bar is the very first bar after the Roof Latch lever. Overtime the roof fabric loses elasticity hence can't pull the bar back and causes the top to get stuck. Once it's pulled back (only requires a gentle tuck on the bar itself) the top should come right now.

    If you continue trying to lower the top while the bar is stuck you will bent the frame and causes the "fork" not catch the rod when you put the top back up. The "fork" is the black piece that rests on the aluminum metal rectangle piece when the top is at rest. When you raises the top, the "fork" is suppose to catch a shiny round rod which then pushes the entire top assembly forward. If the frame is bent and the "fork" doesn't catch you need to guide the "fork" on to the rod, other wise the top will jam on it's way up, too.

    If it's still not clear, let me know and I will take a video with my cellphone over the weekend.
     

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