f355 steering wheel

Was this just a clean swap without an air bag deployment? Was the light on before the swap ?

 

Did you use the battery cut-off switch to kill the power to the car's electrical system before disconnecting the old airbag? If not, that could be your problem right there. May just need a re-set at the dealer. Not sure if they use the SD2 or SD3 to accomplish that.

Before I disconnected my factory airbag & steering wheel to install my Momo steering wheel, I engaged the battery cut-off switch. Used the Momo-supplied resistor on the unused airbag wiring lead, then turned the power back on at the very end of my installation. No airbag light.

 

The air bag computer expects a certain resistance value from the air bag. If that value is higher or lower than the OEM air bag, then the computer assumes a malfunction.

All air bags are not neccesarily the same resistance.

Also, once the computer senses a fault, the fault will stay registered until it is cleared by an SD2 (or equivalent Ferrari diagnostic tool). Using an off the shelf code reader that resets the code faults WILL NOT reset an air bag fault. Even if you re-install the original steering wheel, the air bag computer will need reseting by the dealer. It uses a separate computer to monitor the bags.

I would also be worried about a non factory air bag as it might not be deployed properly if the computer senses a crash situation as the aftermarket airbag might not detect the trigger signal.

I replaced the steering wheel in my 355 with a non air bag wheel and tricked the computer to "think" it was still installed by using the correct value resistor between the contacts in the connector inside the hub.

JD

 

Exactly what JD said.

I had the same issue with my Lotus while installing an airbag switch. I had the right switch, but had the wired crossed the first time I turned on the car. Light came on. I realized my error and fixed the wiring, but had to go to the dealer to re-set the light. Once re-set it stayed out as I had the right switch with resistance equal to the bag.

 

I installed a 360 wheel on my car but had no issues with the light. I suspect the issue is what Greg is referring to about the power. I was told that it can be quite dangerous to install a bag with the power on so I disconnected the battery and let the car sit overnight. I then did the steering wheel swap, reconnected the power and all was well. I would recommend disconnecting the power for an hour or so and then reconnect to see if your light goes out.

 

+1

 

you need to be EXTREMELY careful and have yourself grounded.
ANY spark of static discharge could trigger the bag when you are working on it.
That could be life threatening.
Technicians who normally work on air bags have themselves connected to a ground strap to avoid the static electricity discharge.
If you have already "played" with the connectors, consider yourself very very lucky.

Also, let your lawyers know you are now self indemnified if the airbag fails to expand in an accisent as the manufacturer no longer carries any responsability for the proper deployment as you have taken it upon your self to modify and alter the OEM Federally mandated system.

JD

 

Mine was a straight plug in. No mods required. I wonder if they changed over the years. My 355 is a 98 but not sure what year the air bag was from.

 

Somewhat related, anyone have pictures of a finished install? I love the look of the 355, but really hate the steering wheel. I'd like to see a shot of how the 360 wheel looks installed.

 

Here you go along with lots of info. If anyone is interested I do have an extra 360 wheel available. It needs the airbag and be warned they aren't cheap. I have it because I went with the CS wheel instead.

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=217577&highlight=355+challenge+stradale