Really need some help here as my baby is sick! My 430 spider(2006) started giving me the Slow Down warnings. Almost always when coming down the gears. Ie from 6th down to 1st. As the car warmed up, it got much worse. Now the red engine light flickers on too and the gear issues are almost intollerable. Also it stays in a gear and i must restart the car to change gear Took it to my mechanic who advised me 20k fix. Need to replace total f1. After I vomited and changed my duds, i asked his reasoning. He showed me some metal shavings on hudraulic oil Could be pump, actuator,solenoidd or whatever else in in this assembly Im not convinced this is the problem. Im sure this is a problem but not the problem i took it in for. It really feels electronic to me and i had a minor rat problem getting into the engine compartment and sitting on the motor. Apparently there was some minor cable damage I really need help. Mechanic seems to know his stuff but ny gut says be careful Feel free to comment!!
The difference is, your mechanic has put hands on the car, inspected it, and I presume also put it onto a Leonardo/SD3 and read what fault codes are being sent. From my vantage point here behind my keyboard it's hard to see in the engine compartment.. If you post the errors the SD3/Leonardo is spitting out, you'll probably get a better response as to what part is defective or what the error might be. Start there then work from there.
I find it difficult to believe that every component of the F1 system would need replacing. Also metal shavings in the transmission screen is not unusual -- if they are aluminum and not steel. Seems as if Ferrari doesn't do a good job of removing the case machining residue. We found a few aluminum shavings in my screen when my indie mechanic changed my fluid which tells me it was never cleaned even though previous service was done at dealership. Alan
Alan is correct. The little screen the transmission does pick up metal shavings that are visible. If the metal is in the actual hydraulic system, it is a separate system from the trans fluid, never heard of that before. I've seen several 430's that had loose actuator bleed screws from the factory. A little air gets into the system and causes problems after it heats up. The air expands and creates a larger bubble that seems to confuse the hydraulic system and a lot of different issues arise It has stumped a few mechanics. A hydraulic system bleed and tighten the bleed screws fixes a lot of problems. Slow Down warning is a high cat temp. I don't think there is any relationship between that light and any transmission function. Although I will ask my mechanic who has repaired several of these 430 actuator issues.
hi if you have animals in your engine bay better check all wire harness carefully. also pumps do go bad for the F1 systems
Hi all. Thanks for offering advice The diagnostic tool showed NO errors. Very strange I know. I was hoping not to look at any more wiring harnesses I am aware of pump issues but i think the pump is ok. Not sounding bad and system holds Pressure. Mechanic also thinks pump ok I agree with Stout. The car is happy according to its errors. The metal shavings appear to be alluminium The mechanic re calibrated/ set the actuator. Apparently there was some plag in the neutral position but i dont think tgats a big problem Im inclined to re-assemble, new oil and see what happens Dont have spare 20k to hope it fixes the problem Please comment!!
From what I have seen in the local shop, Drain, flush and refill using the computer sometimes fixes the problem. Problem is that from what I hear the computer needs to rapidly activate the valves (or something) in the system -actuator or something like that- and if it is in a bad shape probably the car will then not be able to move anymore. BUT the actuator is the same used in the Alfa Romeo selespeed models, and on this side of the pond, it costs some 120-170 euros depending on condition. So, I would suggest that you make a deal with your mechanic and manage to get an Alfa actuator. This may or may not work. If it works youre looking at some $ 1000 the most. If it doesnt just add that 1000 to the 20.000 your mechanic is asking. -this is Madaboutred's son on the keyboard- so don't blame the poor guy if I am not very clear or correct. Crearing an account for myself just now.
