F1 Gearbox Issue

Which model California do you have and which model did the replacement box come from?

 

I am just guessing but these modern cars that use the CAN bus can use software to restrict recognition of certain major components to only ones that the ECUs are programmed to recognize. The factory can use this to prevent incompatible or unauthorized replacements.

I am suggesting this partly because the P196C fault code you mention as a “high level” fault. In computer operating systems jargon, high level refers to user or administrative level events and do not indicate a problem in hardware or software, but rather, that it is an improper or incompatible software configuration or setup.

 

You need a DEIS.

 

When Ferrari/Getrag manufactures a DCT gearbox, it is tested and a software file is created for that particular serial number gearbox. All of the parameters that are required to operate that serial number gearbox are in that file and it must be downloaded into the transmission ECU in order for it to operate correctly.

When you get a new replacement DCT gearbox from Ferrari, the matching software (called a marriage file) is downloaded from the factory to the dealerships diagnostic computer, which is then downloaded into the cars transmission ECU by the technician.

Unless you have some friends in high places at Ferrari, I don't know how you are going to get the correct marriage file for your used transmission. It may be possible that it will work with the software that is already in the transmission control unit, but you are going to need a Ferrari specific diagnostic computer to be able to clear the fault codes to figure out what is going wrong.

The park-lock is inside the gearbox, and is controlled by a solenoid/oil pressure from a signal output by the transmission ECU. There is a manual over-ride for the park-lock that is a special tool that is in the toolkit and is inserted into the gearbox through a hole in the trunk floor in order to get the gearbox out of park when the battery is dead (read your owners manual for the procedure).

 

Thanks very much for providing the useful technical low-down. It will save some owners potential frustration. I can only guess at what our Italian designer friends may have been imagining when they considered the consummation of such a marriage "contract".

 

Did you ever find the issue? I am having the same codes but the transmission was never changed. It will not go into P or R.

 

Edit: it will not go into drive or R. Only neutral.