Code Help on 97' 355

Bad cat(s)
Exhaust leak
Bad O2 sensor

 

Jeff, you need to do a search on this site for the codes for the F360, which are largely the same as the F355. The lists are here on this forum, and will help you with figuring out what they are for. The P1448 I believe is related to the exhaust bypass valve for example....in other words some of the codes are manufacturer specific, and you cannot trust the interpetations of your code reader.

Bottom line, it sounds like you need two each, new pre cat O2 sensors, and likely your catalysts are failing, and need replacement. Both problems are not uncommon to the F355.

Email me, and I can send you the list directly if you like.

Dave

 

P0422 is definitely telling you your passenger side catalyst is failing. If that code does not go away, then the cat is done. (again, a common problem)

Not sure on the other code, as it is not on the 360 codes list...(which is the list commonly used on the F355, since the F355 list is not available in the public domain. But appears to be related to (possibly) fuel trim.

 

What I would like to see is owner reporting of if cats whether their motors were timed or set to assembly marks for the belt changes. It would be interesting to see a correlation. 355's gave ferrari headaches as too much for the street at that time. Nothing since has been tuned to this level.

 

I agree with Dave on the catalyst.

If you replace the O2 sensors make sure to use the correct ones. If you search for the generic replacements for a 97 F355, you will get the wrong parts. Search for a 99 F355 instead. I have a long thread on here somewhere where we spent a lot of time figuring out which O2 sensors were correct.

For the P1448 and P1451, check your electrical connectors. Especially the ones to the vacuum control solenoids. You can easily get to the vacuum control solenoids by looking up just behind the passenger side (LHD) wheel well. The one that controls the bypass valve gets corroded fairly quickly. Clean both solenoid connectors. Also look at your thermocouple ECUs. They are in the same area as the solenoids. Make sure they are not cracked. The black ones crack and can cause these codes as well.

Tom

 

FBB, the cats are crap, plain and simple. Yes timing may be contributing, but in my case, it has been set properly at Ferrari of Seattle, for both major services (they use degree wheel), and it has gone through 2+ sets of factory oem cats. The big problem I can see with the oem ones (that I have personally replaced) is the ceramic core is not well secured in the housing. What happens first is the core comes loose, then rotates and moves around, slowing grinding the core down...if left long enough, they move enough to start breaking apart. Mine never got that far, only rotated and moved enough to cause the end of the ceramic core to start developing a taper to it. Once the exhaust flow is going around the core, rather than through it, you get the "low catalyst efficiency" code and "check engine" light.

Last year when I replaced the third catalyst on the passenger side, I had smithcat.com recore the oem housing with a metal catalyst. So far, so good, no CE lights and I am hoping this will last considerably longer than oem.

 

p1448 is the exhaust bypass valve is leaking or not openning

 

Or the ecu plugs swapped, or bad ecu's, or bad connections, or... assume nothing, verify everything. Far too much time and money is wasted assuming every code is correct or the true source.

Jeff,

As this car is new to you, assume that these codes you pulled could have been in there for years without them properly being deleted when repairs were made. Deal with the new codes you get but keep records of those you deleted and watch for a track record to show itself over time.