Help. Car looses power.

Have you checked for any pending or stored CEL? They will not always illuminate the light on the dash. I would start simple if you can't find any pending codes. You will need someone with a scan tool to go through reediness and operational tests for various components. I would recommend checking the simple things like MAF sensor(s), Spark Plugs/Coils, O2 Sensors, Vacuum leaks, TPS, Cam sensors etc.

The best thing is to test and evaluate each component individually before diving headfirst. A lot of the electrical components can be tested with a simple multi-meter.

 

It sounds like you are having a "slow down light" issue. It's possible someone pulled the SDL bulbs out of the dash, which may explain why you are not getting any lights. Run a search of the archives, as this has been discussed MANY times.

 

That was the first thing I though of as well. SD lights should come on when you start the car and then go off after it is running.

 

I had almost identical symptoms with my 348. But I could never get the problem to show up when I was at the mechanic. But just a couple of months ago it happened when the car was in for it's annual service and the problem was diagnosed to be a bad fuel pump relay. The weather has been great here and I've been driving the car a bunch with no recurrance.

 

The SDL very well could be removed. As well as the CEL. Pull codes to verify.

 

He has a '95 with the Motronic 2.7, so he needs the light to pull the codes.

 

Yes! And how about the "check engine" light? That should also come on when you first turn the ignition on. I suspect an unscrupulous previous owner or technician removed the lights bulbs. First step is reinstall them (very easy), there are two Philips screws below the binnacle to access the back of the instruments. With lights restored, you will know immediately which side to start looking at (1-4 or 5-8). Reading out the fault codes will be helpful as well.

 

On a 348 the cat TCUs are mounted on the bottom of the shock towers.

 

The system works fine with test pipes, so people can leave it connected. I suspect if it is disconnected it will throw a CE light. If you restore the lights, you can determine which side you need to focus your efforts on. (basically a little swapping of parts left and right, and through "trial and error" figure out the bad component, then replace it)

 

Slightly off topic:

I'm a dealer, and have had many 355s in inventory. More than a couple have had the CEL and SDL bulbs (and holders!) removed. I don't sell cars unless they are completely sorted, so of course I replace them, and then have to fix whatever was setting off the lights. (Not to mention that I buy used dash binnacles just to get the little red bulb holders...)

Anyway, I just needed to vent. Who knows who removed the bulbs; an unscrupulous dealer, repair shop, or private individual. Just irritates me. Of course, now, I always ask for a video of the car starting, so that I can see the lights come on and then go off (hopefully!)...

 

Add to that the unscrupulous owners that unhook the speedo sender so miles don't accumulate on the odometer. That is why I only want a car with documented services so I can verify the mileage. I have been told in the past that probably a quarter of all Ferraris have had disconnected speedo senders for a portion of their life...its just too easy, and miles are $$$ on these cars. Shameful behavior.

 

Another valid reason to buy an f1 because you know the miles are legit.