Check Engine/Slow Down Light 95-355 | FerrariChat

Check Engine/Slow Down Light 95-355

Discussion in 'Chicago' started by sklitz11, Feb 3, 2005.

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

  1. sklitz11

    sklitz11 Formula Junior

    Joined:
    Sep 4, 2004
    Messages:
    295
    Location:
    D.P. Illinois
    Full Name:
    Vince C.
    I have a check engine light that comes on every once in a while. I guess the term used is a "slow down light." I have read a bunch of old threads on this and it seems that 9 times out of 10 it's an easy and cheap fix. Am I correct in assuming this? I just thought I would ask you guys for your input.
    I could be in for a trip to LFSC!


    Thanks!

    V.C.
     
  2. F355Berlinetta

    F355Berlinetta Formula Junior

    Joined:
    Nov 3, 2003
    Messages:
    250
    Location:
    South Barrington, IL
    Thankfully this light has not come on in my car yet.

    I do recall that this issue commonly involves overheating cats...
     
  3. richard_wallace

    richard_wallace Formula 3

    Joined:
    Feb 6, 2004
    Messages:
    1,957
    Location:
    Cincinnati, Ohio
    Full Name:
    Richard Wallace
    I would also guess you may have a cat overheating - could be going bad...

    But First - I would take a look at the sensors and make sure you don't either have a bad one - or maybe a bad connection... Look at where the cats are on your car and you will see a sensor on either side - make sure they are seeded well - you can take them out and make sure they have good contacts, etc.

    Other things - if you think a cat may be going bad - how do you tell?

    1.) Sometimes at the beginning you might get a bit of blockage - put you hand behind the exhaust - do you feel any difference between the right our left - if you do - you have have a bit of blockage - call it cat constipation :)

    2.) Do you see what looks like a little glitter - coming out of the exhaust - you might see some on your hand after step 1.

    3.) Do you hear any rattleing in your exhaust area - kind of like pebbles in your exhaust.

    4.) Is your exhaust any louder than normal - on either side....

    If it is a Cat problem.

    Chances are with a 95 (like mine is) - the cats are probably going - not uncommon - nor bad from a cost standpoint to fix - there are many aftermarket and you can have your current ones rebuilt (Do a search - I think it is like 350 each) You can also go test pipes, etc for less...

    Not a serious issue if it is the cats - on a rare occassion the cat internal material will block the exhaust and that is not good - but I think that is rare - due to it usually breaks up in small sandlike particles...

    Check the sensors first - then look at the cats..

    Rich Wallace
     
  4. 250SWB

    250SWB Guest

    Make your life simple. 98% of the time the cause is a bad catalyst or "slow-down" ECU. If you only have one of the two lights coming on, swap the 1-4 & 5-8 catalyst ECU's. If the problem changes sides then the ECU is bad. If it does not change sides the it is usually the thermocouple. Rarely is a catalyst overheating without a change in the running condition. Probabally just a bad ECU. Make sure you are seeing a RED slow-down light and not the YELLOW check engine light. If it is a check engine light then disregard the above and visit a dealer to diagnose.
     
  5. Darolls

    Darolls F1 Veteran BANNED

    Joined:
    Jul 2, 2003
    Messages:
    7,782
    Full Name:
    Sparky
    Could also be something as simple as fouled plugs or bad wires.

    At any rate, the light is trying to tell you that the cat is overheating.

    Question: Are cats 'in heat' at this time of the year?? ;)
     

Share This Page