F355 Berlinetta Dome light problem? | FerrariChat
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F355 Berlinetta Dome light problem?

Discussion in '348/355' started by KingSteve, Apr 19, 2016.

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  1. KingSteve

    KingSteve Karting

    Jan 16, 2015
    55
    Maranello
    #1 KingSteve, Apr 19, 2016
    Hi all, I know I haven’t introduced myself formerly as of yet, but when I find something interesting to say, and get a chance to was and re-polish the car I shall post some nice pics and a few words. But until then I have a few small niggles that became apparent on the drive home form the dealer, that I’ve already started pulling things apart to get to the bottom of!

    First off, the interior/dome light came on, and stayed on, after a severe (in a 355!) bump on the motorway, and now I cant switch it off. I’ve searched, but the only previous threads I can find, are were someone didn’t realise they had pressed the button in the centre console, lol!… So its not that. Also the red door marker lights appear to go out when the doors are closed, and when opening the window switches illuminate ok. So I’m thinking that the door contact switches are ok, (incidentally, are these located inside the door somewhere actuated by the check straps?) I removed the Dome light unit located in the rear of the ceiling, and all is well there, the switch functions correctly, and the map light works as expected.

    Next plan is to start removing the centre console and integrate the P button!

    Anybody experienced anything similar?... Any further ideas?
     
  2. PhilB

    PhilB Formula 3
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    Feb 17, 2004
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    #2 PhilB, Apr 19, 2016
    My dome light goes on automatically at sunrise, and shuts at sunset. But that's because I have a spider. ;)

    If your dash button is not pressed in and stuck (depressed?), I'm wondering if the bump you mentioned caused the switch connector to loosen up in some way. When I got my car, the power lock activation switch didn't work, but the deactivation switch did. I removed the switches and found that the wire harness/plug wasn't inserted correctly into the back of the switch and one of the switch contacts wasn't engaged. Simple fix.

    Once you remove the switch the light obviously should go out. Jump the right two poles in the plug to check the light's on/off operation. That would lead to the issue being the switch. I've found that the light (on a spider it's in front of the rear view mirror) and the fuel door switch are fiddly and have a tendency to stay engaged when pushed.

    If you're in the central NJ area and want to drive over I can assist.
     
  3. 97 Spider

    97 Spider Formula 3

    Dec 15, 2012
    2,241
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    Brian
    #3 97 Spider, Apr 19, 2016
    Did you toggle the light between the sun visors? It has 3 positions. The light itself rocks. In the middle it turns on with the doors opening. Clicked back it never comes on and clicked forward it is always on. Rock it to the middle position to operate with he doors- open/close.
     
  4. PhilB

    PhilB Formula 3
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    Feb 17, 2004
    2,338
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    #4 PhilB, Apr 19, 2016
    The 3 position light between the visors is only on our spiders.
     
  5. 97 Spider

    97 Spider Formula 3

    Dec 15, 2012
    2,241
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    Brian
    #5 97 Spider, Apr 20, 2016
    Oh, I guess that's not it then. :)
     
  6. Qavion

    Qavion F1 World Champ
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    Feb 20, 2015
    14,437
    Sydney
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    Ian Riddell
    #6 Qavion, Apr 20, 2016
    I think the centre console button might be a good bet. If there was a loose connector going to that button, it probably shouldn't illuminate, but if the button internals have jammed closed, then it would keep the light on.

    I've pieced together a circuit diagram which may help:

    http://www.iinet.net.au/[email protected]/FerrariF355Spider/InteriorLightProblem.GIF

    The Courtesy Lamps Time Delay Relay provides an earth (ground) to the Dome light when the doors are open (via the contact marked "L" on the relay). Depressing the Centre Console button should also put an earth at "L", turning on the dome light.
    You can also turn on the dome light by providing an earth via the dome light switch and pin "C" on the dome light assembly connector. Did you check the switch on the dome light by checking for continuity between contacts B&C on the Dome Light plug?

    Unfortunately, there are separate outputs from the Courtesy Lamp Time Delay Relay for turning on the various lights, so, while some lights will go out, the dome light may remain on. i.e. you may have a relay problem.
     
  7. KingSteve

    KingSteve Karting

    Jan 16, 2015
    55
    Maranello
    #7 KingSteve, Apr 25, 2016
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017

    Wow, awesome response, thanks' very much for such a detailed explanation.

    As I said I would do, the next time I had a chance, I pulled out the switch panel around the gear leaver, as I also wanted to find out why the Parking lights did not work when pressing the "p" button! Low and behold, what a surprise the connector wasn't even attached! Looks like some lazy tech has been here before me, Typical!!!!! Well once reconnected, the Park light functions fine now, and also the interior dome light has started behaving! Strange, but perhaps just a lose connection, when i get another chance I shall pull the panel out completely and inspect properly (once my new HE Slick shift arrives) it all needs a bit of a clean anyway. And the cables to the front switch row are stupidly short.
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  8. Qavion

    Qavion F1 World Champ
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    Feb 20, 2015
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    Ian Riddell
    #8 Qavion, Apr 25, 2016
    Great to hear! Thanks for the feedback.

    Sometimes if the retaining plate* for these switches is not positioned correctly, it causes the switches to stick in the down position.

    Crossing my fingers for you (that the problem doesn't return).

    Cheers

    *not visible in the photo
     

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