Hi all, I'm newbie and need some help. The check-control unit (that console between the seats with all the little lights and the big green, orange, and red lights) in my 87 Mondial, does not light up when the headlights are turned on, it's completely blacked out. However, if I open a bonnet, the red warning light comes on and the first 5 little lights light up. Therefore, I don't think it's a fuse. What else can it be? The car has under 15k miles, and it's never had any type of electrical problem. Ferrari wants too much money even to look at it. Any help would be very much appreciated. Thank you _________________ 11. Know Thy Options!
First, , don't attempt to remove it without FIRST unplugging it from below. THIS is how they all get broken......! (The printed circuit board inside can be repaired,, it is quite simple. ) You have to take the console apart to fix this. I can talk you through it,, ,spend a couple days doing it, ,clean out all the nooks and crannies . .. . It will be fun.
If I remember correctly, the way my 83 works, the warning panel is not back lit with the rest of the controls when the parking/driving lights are on. It stays dark until it finds a problem, then it lights up the appropriate section. I do know the green light come on with the ignition and goes off after starting. Is this the way is suppose to work?
These lights are the Italian version of the American "idiot lights" found in the newest cars. Nothing to worry a about until a light STAYS on and even then as long as the gauges don't show any issues (e.g. high temp, oil pressure, oil temp, etc) then no worries. I've been advised by Ferrari mechanics that the control panel was problematic (like the reputation for late model BMW warning lights - I have one) and was altogether dropped from the car later on. Really if they happen to work well in your car- lucky for you. Mine have been fine. Most of the lights have to do with electrical sensors. By the way, panel that has the window and a/c switches are illuminated via fiber optic wires (cool-no bulbs to replace). Pretty straightforward to service once you take all the screws out first...like the ones in the ash tray opening.
