Generic Failure | FerrariChat

Generic Failure

Discussion in '458 Italia/488/F8' started by Ristretto, Jan 20, 2013.

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

  1. Ristretto

    Ristretto Karting

    Nov 19, 2008
    116
    Full Name:
    Robert
    During my drive today I noticed the "Generic Failure" warning light came on. There were no other warning lights that accompanied the GF light, which I understand from the manual is normal. I am not sure at what point during my drive the GF light came on, but after I noticed it I took it easy and headed home. When I got home I turned off the engine and restarted it, and the GF light did not come back on. I did not drive the car again at that point so I am not sure if the problem was resolved by a reset when I shut the engine off and restarted it, or whether the problem will reoccur when I drive it again.

    The manual states that the GF light is an indication one of the following:

    Airbag warning light failure (priority level 2);
    Manettino failure (priority level 1); or
    Failure in the electronic system (priority level 2).

    Has anyone had a similar problem and did it resolve itself with a engine restart? I will definitely call the dealer tomorrow to discuss, but was curious if anyone else on this forum has dealt with this issue.
     
  2. RBK

    RBK F1 Rookie

    Jul 27, 2006
    3,105
    Calif and Nev
    Full Name:
    Bob
    I have owned my 458 since February 2012 and during that time various "electronic" false signals have occurred. They are rare and do not usually repeat. For example, when turning front lift on , usually goiing down my driveway, I was turning it off immediately after the need eneded. I found my car did not "like it", so allow it to go off naturally at 25mph and no problem. Always note the circumstances and if repeating, at a minimum you have something to say to the service department. Best
     
  3. Rcktrod

    Rcktrod F1 Rookie

    Dec 21, 2010
    3,946
    USA
    I agree that if you see it again you should contact the service department at your dealer.
     
  4. travellingbearsva

    Jul 22, 2012
    88
    Virginia
    Full Name:
    Dave
    I've got a FF and got the General Failure when battery charge was low recently. I was told by service advisor that not all modules fire up and you get the goof message. Resolved upon restart. Recommended solution was full recharge of battery at dealer. Keep getting reminder to use battery tender on my FF if it sits for a few days although I drive it five days a week (but just for short trips). Most intermittent electronic gremlins that I've noted were related to low battery.

    Dave
     
  5. Ristretto

    Ristretto Karting

    Nov 19, 2008
    116
    Full Name:
    Robert
    I started her up today. No warning light so we took a nice drive. All is well. I did speak to dealer/service department today and the tech stated if the light does not come on again then the problem resolved itself. Not to worry. This cars are a marvel of modern technology, and hi-tech can be finicky sometimes.
     
  6. frefan

    frefan F1 Veteran

    Apr 21, 2004
    7,370
    In other words we have no idea and the factory wont pay us to go on a wild goose chase so just ignore it and call us if/when you have a complete failure. Pretty standard answer these days
     
  7. KINGMONKEY

    KINGMONKEY Formula 3

    Aug 16, 2008
    1,194
    San Diego / Roma
    Full Name:
    J K
    I had the same problem with my coupe disconnect the battery for 5 minutes to reset the ECU and it never acted up again
     
  8. Ristretto

    Ristretto Karting

    Nov 19, 2008
    116
    Full Name:
    Robert
    I don't know if I should start a whole new thread but here is another curious event:

    After disconnecting the battery tender the car wouldn't start. I checked to make sure all the doors were closed. Still no response. Then I opened and closed the frunk and it started right up. This happened twice. What's up with that?
     
  9. Entropy

    Entropy Formula 3
    Owner

    Jul 10, 2008
    2,149
    I would bet the hood microswitch was not fully depressed and when you opened/re-closed it was fine. You need everything closed up to fire up...which is sometimes annoying as I usually start the car to warm it and then get out to do a few things before I take off.

    Lots of microswitches and sensors on this car....I rarely open the bonnet on the 458 compared to the doors and engine cover, I wonder if the switch gets "stuck".
     
  10. Entropy

    Entropy Formula 3
    Owner

    Jul 10, 2008
    2,149
    I would bet the hood microswitch was not fully depressed and when you opened/re-closed it was fine. You need everything closed up to fire up...which is sometimes annoying as I usually start the car to warm it and then get out to do a few things before I take off.

    Lots of microswitches and sensors on this car....I rarely open the bonnet on the 458 compared to the doors and engine cover, I wonder if the switch gets "stuck".
     

Share This Page