550 Maranello Tire Pressure Sensor? | FerrariChat

550 Maranello Tire Pressure Sensor?

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by mpatrizio, Mar 22, 2006.

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  1. mpatrizio

    mpatrizio Formula Junior

    Dec 29, 2004
    776
    Miami, Fl
    Full Name:
    Mike P.
    How does the 550 tire pressure monitoring system operate? In my BMWs the computer monitors wheel speed and detects that one tire is spinning at a different speed, which activates the dash warning to check tire pressure. In the Corvettes, I believe there's a sensor in the wheel somewhere.

    The reason I'm asking is that my 550's passenger side rear tire has a slow leak and no regular tire shop will touch the car for fear of damaging anything. For some reason they're worried about damaging the 17" rim, these are the same guys that mounted ultra stiff sidewalled Bridgestone SO3s on my 19" M3 wheels. The potential damage bill from the car is just not worth it to them for a $20 task.

    So I'm about to take the tire off the car, pop the wheel center cap off so the tire folks won't know that it's off a Ferrari and have the tire repaired.

    But then I wondered about the tire monitoring system, is the Ferrari a sensor in wheel system, or a different type. I'm not sure and I don't want to pay $10 to have the tire plugged or patched only to discover that the guys doing the tire work destroyed a $500 sensor.

    BTW, I find it rediculous to take the car to the dealer to have this done.

    Any input would be greatly appreciated!!!! Thanks in advance!!!!
     
  2. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
    37,098
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    Brian Crall
    550's Do not have the system. It did not start until the intro of the 575. It is made by Beru and has pressure transducers combined with trasmitters in the wheels that communicate with recievers in the wheel wells.

    The transducer is located at the tire stem and is fragile. It costs on the order of $450 for the part.


    Most tire shops do not feel the risk benefit ratio of damaging a $1500 wheel for a $20 charge ($5-10 profit) makes good business sense. I happen to agree.

    The small fee you pay your dealer or other shop gives you that insurance.

    If you hide the fact that it is a Ferrari wheel and something bad happens, expect them to tell you (and rightfully so) to take a hike. An important part of every business decision is to limit liability exposure and in the Ferrari business we face it every day. It is a very large part of why they are expensive to work on.
     
  3. Texas Forever

    Texas Forever Eight Time F1 World Champ
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    Apr 28, 2003
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    Thanks Brian, I was being to wonder!
     
  4. mpatrizio

    mpatrizio Formula Junior

    Dec 29, 2004
    776
    Miami, Fl
    Full Name:
    Mike P.
    Thanks....

    But, how did my 550 know that I had a flat tire then?

    The dash computer put the flat tire symbol on the small screen?

    I don't understand....
     
  5. Texas Forever

    Texas Forever Eight Time F1 World Champ
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    Apr 28, 2003
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    I think that might be the ASR symbol. It means that you are not going fast enough. :)
     
  6. ferrarifixer

    ferrarifixer F1 Veteran
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    Jul 22, 2003
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    err, maybe you've got a 575??

    Seriously, AFAIK, 550 never had it, but maybe yours is a very late one and perhaps an option....

    Do you have the little control panel for it... for calibration etc?
     
  7. mpatrizio

    mpatrizio Formula Junior

    Dec 29, 2004
    776
    Miami, Fl
    Full Name:
    Mike P.
    The small digital on screen display where the "ASR" letters flash while the traction control is working is where the symbol shows.

    It was a digital image of a car with arrows pointing up at the 4 wheels. I filled the tire with air and restarted the car, then the symbol was gone.

    I've got a 1999, so it's not a later model.

    The car was stationary when the symbol came on, so I can't figure out what triggered it besides the flat.

    Anyone have any ideas?
     
  8. nerd

    nerd F1 Rookie

    Oct 12, 2003
    2,535
    Coronado, CA
    Full Name:
    RSK
    Probably a coincidence. The error symbol you describe is of course a suspension diagnostic failure which is seen often in 550's. Usually this error is a false indication cleared the next time you start the car. If it doesn't go away (which it has for you) you may have twisted-off one of the shock adjustment motors. To reiterate, the 550 has no TPS system that I know of.
     
  9. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
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    Your owners manual has a complete list of error symbols and their meaning.
    You should familiarize yourself with them so appropriate action can be taken when one lights up.
     
  10. Texas Forever

    Texas Forever Eight Time F1 World Champ
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    Apr 28, 2003
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    We don't need no stinkin manual. Just mash dat pedal on the right and hang on!
     
  11. ferrarifixer

    ferrarifixer F1 Veteran
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    I can hear your clenched teeth grinding from here in Melbourne, Brian.....
     
  12. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

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    Brian Crall
    I was trying to be polite.
     
  13. ferrarifixer

    ferrarifixer F1 Veteran
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    Oh, in that case you should write "sir" at the end.....!
     
  14. mpatrizio

    mpatrizio Formula Junior

    Dec 29, 2004
    776
    Miami, Fl
    Full Name:
    Mike P.
    Thanks for your ever insightfull input.

    You must have stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night.... ;)

    My manual was in my office, but I assumed this was a tire pressure monitor alert. I didn't even know there was an error fualt like this. My BMW M3 has a similar alert....

    So I put two and two together. Flat tire.... screen alert pointing at tires.... Seems like an obvious one to me, I didn't fell the need to check the manual.

    Live and learn....
     
  15. Texas Forever

    Texas Forever Eight Time F1 World Champ
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    Apr 28, 2003
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    Texas!
    I have just gotten back from driving 200 miles in my Maranello on an afternoon jaunt.

    Trust me, when that ASR light comes on, you have been bad. Very, very bad.
     

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