F1 'gear box failure light' and loss of power in 6th gear

I'm driving on I95 doing around 85MPH in 6th gear and the F1 gear indicator (number 6) starts flashing and I feel a loss of power. The red 'F1 gearbox failure' icon comes on the info display. As I move a couple lanes to the right and near the shoulder, I shift down to 4 and catch the gear. The indicator light goes off and I get back up to speed in 6th gear and keep going. I keep it around 75MPH and get to my destination about 15 miles away without incident.

On my way home it happens again on I95 in 6th gear when I am in the left lane doing 80-85MPH again. Same thing. As I am moving to the shoulder I shift down to 3rd or 4th and catch the gear. The indicator light goes off and I get back up to 6th gear. I keep it around 75MPH and get to my destination.

The manual says the flashing gear indicator reflects 'low system pressure'.

The F1 pump primes for about 5 seconds when I open the door to take the car out. Pretty normal.

Could this be a relay? Or a pressure sensor? Or the pump failing? Or....?

I'm taking it to my local shop tomorrow, but I'd sure like to hear your expert opinions.

Thanks!

 

I'm sorry, but I don't know what you are asking me to do.

When I open the car door after it sits all night and the pump runs for 7 seconds. I can turn the key to Accessory. But I can't shift gears. And I can sit there for a few minutes and never hear the pump run. I take the key out.

I go away for a few minutes and when I come back and open the door the pump runs for a split second. I turn the key all the way, but don't start the engine. I can go to 1st and 2nd gear, but no farther. I go back and forth 10 times and never hear the pump run. After a couple of minutes I take the key out.

After a few minutes, I go back and open the door and the pump runs for a split second.

Can you be more specific, please?

 

Thanks for the help, Dominick!

 

BTW - this is a 2000 360 Modena with 24K miles and a clutch replacement 2 months ago.

 

Dom,

The diagnostics indicated the performance of the F1 pump as 'marginal'. Stan is suggesting a new F1 pump in the $400 range. Not the entire assembly that Ferrari asks ~$13K for. Estimates about 3-4 hours of labor. Stan said he could hear the pump, and it is supposed to be silent, but you can feel it when it operated.

Does that sound about right?

 

His diagnostics can't identify if individual components such as the solenoid leak. He said that's why the dealer will recommend replacing the entire assembly. The accumulator did not indicate a problem. The replacement pump has been ordered.

He says it's simply a temperature issue. The fluid gets hots and thins (e.g. engine oil) and the 'marginal' pump can't keep the pressure up. After running hard on I95 for 12 miles, the F1 system pressure error popped up. I took some load off the system (dropped my MPH) and made it to my destination.

We shall see if it's only the pump. Soon.

 

Thanks! Will do!

 

Hey guys. Thanks for all the great input. Got the car back from Strictly Foreign and the car is running great. The pump/motor assembly was replaced.

I will have to get it out on I95 and run it at high speed for a 20 miles to see if the error is thrown again. If it does I will be back to update you all. If not, I will be very happy to be $1,425 lighter in the wallet.