Hi guys, read in the 360/430 section about the F1 relays going with some frequency. I understand that the 360 has an upgraded part. Is this also true for the 430? Is failure current induced secondary to insufficent component specs? I.e. do the transistors burn out because they get too hot? Is it contact based because they fail due to not being "robust enough"? If this is the case, Has anyone wired a second relay in parallel to lower the current? I imagine this would function as a higher rated relay, provided no error codes were thrown. Anybody done this?
Current draw due to worn out pumps cause relays to stick, which then finishes off the pumps. Seizure follows shortly after. Later the 360 used a different relay. 430 uses a better pump with lower draw ('06 onward) and I have yet to replace a failed relay, and only 2 pumps, despite the same pump also having to power the e-diff as well. In summary, adding extra relays is an answer to a problem that isn't there. Pumps wear, replace when worn or upgrade to the later 430 type. Original 360 pumps are identical to the Alfa selespeed unit, which can be had for around £120 as opposed to the thieving factory/dealer/specialist suppliers price....
Thank you Eddie. There's s thread in 360/430 about some guy arguing for a lawsuit because multiple relay failures and they're stringing him along.. not diagnosing it properly..IMHO..
Curt- In the fall of 2003, Ferrari changed the F1 wiring harness on the 360, CS, and 575M (Assembly Number 52556 for the 575M) to fit a 50 amp F1 pump relay instead of the 30 amp relay in earlier cars. Midway through the 30 amp relay use, the early relays (Siemens?) were replaced with improved Tyco relays that were tougher than the originals. The 50 amp relays do not fit the 30 amp relay harness, but there are aftermarket 30 amp relays (Tycos) with hardened points. I have one in my 575. Eddie is correct. The problem is really the motor that pulls too much amperage and cooks the relay, which then runs the motor continuously and burns out the motor. There are improved motors and relays to bandaid the problem, but Eddie's method of replacing with an F430 motor is probably ideal.
