348/ Mondial T Electrics Failure (not all though) | FerrariChat

348/ Mondial T Electrics Failure (not all though)

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by lajerry, May 28, 2008.

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  1. lajerry

    lajerry Rookie

    May 26, 2008
    1
    Sussex, England
    Full Name:
    Jerry Luff
    Hi all,
    4 Days ago I finally bought my first Ferrari - Mondial T.

    The radio and the air-con and its fan didnt work from the outset.
    1st days driving and suddenly the indicators stopped working simultaniously with the electric windows. The WHOLE dash cluster including the speedo/ odometer were suddenly dead too. Ive since noticed the brake lights dont work either.

    I had to get the car back to dry storage (with the windows wide open and British weather being so temperamental) so I carefully drove to my garage in twilight, with my lights on for the first time. Half way along the 6 mile jouney she conked out having lost power. I tried to restart her but the battery was almost dead. Fortunately I keep a jump pack in the car and hard wired it to the battery and she burst into life to get me home safely (at this point I noticed the cooling fans werent turning on either!!)

    2 x 20 amp fuses were blown so changed but no visible fix. Anybody any ideas please?
    I read on a forum that GT4s had awful Fuse boxes and theyre better overhauled or replaced. Is this the same for the Mondial T?
    Could there be a Master fuse that controls lots of electrics? Any suggestions gratefully received.

    Lastly does anyone know if the Mondial T is the same wiring and fuses as the 348 since it shares the same engine & box?
     
  2. 3forty8

    3forty8 F1 Rookie
    Owner

    Apr 25, 2006
    2,713
    San Diego
    Full Name:
    Eric
    Sounds like two seperate problems. Radio and HVAC are probably related to the blown fuses; the other troubles you experienced seem to indicate an alternator going bad. Start with the following:

    1. Have the battery and alternator tested.
    2. Check all fuses and relays; clean with electrical contact cleaner.
    3. Ensure you are getting a good ground from the battery to the frame.

    If the Mondial T is anything like the 348, electrical gremlins are one of the *charming* characteristics of these cars!
     
  3. Dr_ferrari

    Dr_ferrari Formula 3
    Consultant Professional Ferrari Technician

    Nov 2, 2003
    1,071
    Pocono Sportscar
    Full Name:
    Jim McGee
    Also, check all the pin connections to the fuse box. these cars are known for either the fusebox having bad internal connections or the pins coming loose.

    Regards, Jim
     
  4. ernie

    ernie Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Nov 19, 2001
    22,620
    The Brickyard
    Full Name:
    The Bad Guy
    #4 ernie, May 29, 2008
    Last edited: May 29, 2008
    In addition to what the other guys have said. The modial T's have the Delco alternator in them.

    Here are the instructions for removing it http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=142329 It's for the Nippondenso alternator, but it's just as easy to remove the Delco unit. The only real difference is the support bracket for the Delco, but still almost the same procedure for removal.

    Here's the info you'll need for your Delco unit rebuild. http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showpost.php?p=135611780&postcount=10

    It shouldn't cost you more than 100 quid to get it rebuilt. Heck you could even buy a new one here from the States at "half price" as the GBP is 2-1 against the US dollar right now.
     
  5. ferrarilou

    ferrarilou Formula Junior

    Apr 13, 2004
    513
    US
    Full Name:
    Lou Menditto
    Depending on the service history of your car, the alternator might have already been updated by a dealer to the upgraded Nippondenso unit specified by the factory. It was a $1500.00 upgrade several years ago.

    My best guess is that the fuse box is flaky. They use a multilayer circuit board that delaminates over time. If you remove and re-insert some of the relays, do the symptoms change? I used to have to do this periodically (once a year when something stopped working).

    Also, I suggest checking that your battery cables are tight, that the ground strap is in good condition and tight. Final point, there was a recommended upgrade to add another ground strap (just a thick wire like a 4/0 gauge) from a convenient bolt under the oil cooler to the frame.


    Lou
     
  6. Marco Bussadori

    Marco Bussadori Formula Junior

    Aug 6, 2007
    430
    London
    Full Name:
    Marco Bussadori
    Jerry,

    I have had a T for one year. I have fixed everything in the car, every bulb, fan, switch, everything works!.

    If you want to, I'd be happy to pop over (I'm in west London) and have a good look over yours. I also have assembled vast amounts of info which will save you a ton on repairs, services etc. (eg. Ferrari headlights = 375 pounds + VAT used at Eurospares, the Hella equivalent used on london transport buses - which are IDENTICAL less the horsey logo - 68 pounds NEW!!!).

    Sounds like your alternator's brushes or diodes (I'm pretty sure the brushes) went. The car would be able to run on the battery charge for quite a while depending on the use of lights etc. Replacing the brushes is the cost of a ramp/lift + about 15 pounds an 1-2 hours.

    Good luck, and feel free to call me on 0777 037 3029 if I can be of help...

    Marco
     
  7. PerryC07

    PerryC07 Karting
    BANNED

    May 30, 2008
    168
    Mobile, Al
    Full Name:
    Perry C
    Hey Jerry,

    If you would like send me a PM and let me know what issues you're still having then feel free.

    I believe I still have a wiring diagram you and I can go over to further assist in these problems.

    Have a great day and contact me if needed.
     
  8. SonomaRik

    SonomaRik F1 Veteran

    my 1st bet is fuse box. If you can, check the connectors at plugin point to box, then if daring, take out fuse box and look at back for layer seperation...if so, you'll need to truly consider replacing fuse box: Somewhat common on 348/T models. I got an ONS from Europe for, not cheap, $1,000 delivered and felt very lucky.
     

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