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battery or alternator?

Discussion in '348/355' started by ferrone, Jun 2, 2007.

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  1. ferrone

    ferrone Karting

    Aug 20, 2006
    146
    Ontario, Canada
    Full Name:
    Don
    #1 ferrone, Jun 2, 2007
    can anyone help? my battery light came on in my 355 then after 15 minutes all the other lights came on untill finally after driving the lights went out and the car stalled. now my question is, is it the battery or the alternator? how do i check
     
  2. PAP 348

    PAP 348 Ten Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Dec 10, 2005
    100,224
    Mount Isa, Australia
    Full Name:
    Pap
    #2 PAP 348, Jun 2, 2007
    It seems to me, that your battery is totally dead now? :D:D
    I would remove the battery, fully charge it, then take it to a reputable Auto Electrician to get load tested to see if it is the problem. If the battery passes the load test, then you may have to look at your alternator. Remove alternator (from underneath) and take it to Auto Electrician to test for you. I have a feeling it is an alternator problem mate. :)
     
  3. 355

    355 F1 Rookie
    BANNED

    Jan 4, 2005
    3,643
    Toronto
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    Frank
    #3 355, Jun 2, 2007
    Also check the plug into the alternator. Those wires sometimes burn out for what ever reason.
     
  4. ernie

    ernie Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Nov 19, 2001
    22,617
    The Brickyard
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    The Bad Guy
    #4 ernie, Jun 3, 2007
    My vote is with the alternator. You can remove the alternator and take it to a shop to have it tested. More than likely the regulator has had it. This thread should help you out. Be sure to read the whole thing.

    http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=142329

    Happy wrenching.
     
  5. No Doubt

    No Doubt Seven Time F1 World Champ

    May 21, 2005
    72,740
    Vegas+Alabama
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    Mr. Sideways
    #5 No Doubt, Jun 3, 2007
    ...great posts above!

    I'd add that after your alternator is rebuilt/replaced, don't make it charge up a completely dead battery. That can overheat and kill even a brand new alternator.

    At the very least, remove your car battery and charge it inside your garage. When charged, re-install it into your Ferrari. This has the least electrical spike impact on your car's fussy Italian electrics.
     
  6. J. Salmon

    J. Salmon F1 Rookie
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Aug 27, 2005
    4,367
    VA
    #6 J. Salmon, Jun 3, 2007
    Definitely alternator. The car will run 100% with a good alternator and a completely dead battery. And you did completely kill the battery running it with no working alternator.

    Be careful doing that! The ECU's don't like it when the voltage drops. I forget the exact explanation, but I know it is bad.

    Be sure to check all the contacts and leads. I cannot speak directly about the 355, but the 512 alternator has a 12 V switched lead dubbed a "tickle charge" that tells the alternator to work. If this is not hot, you will not get charge. Don't go through the hassle of removing your alternator only to find out it is a wiring issue. Ask me how I know (I can now change the alternator in my 512 in under an hour).

    Good luck to you!
     
  7. No Doubt

    No Doubt Seven Time F1 World Champ

    May 21, 2005
    72,740
    Vegas+Alabama
    Full Name:
    Mr. Sideways
    #7 No Doubt, Jun 3, 2007

    Yes! A true tifosi! How can I tell?! You've done the job enough yourself that your car is actually fixed!
     

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