Hi Hoping that someone on here has a view on what could be wrong with the suspension on my '90 Mondial T Although I have searched, none of the threads quite replicate the problem I am experiencing. Symptoms - Suspension is compliant and I assume in standard mode. No light on dashboard under startup or during any changes in switch setting. Switch does not seem to make a difference. Things I have tested - All Actuators perform a self test on ignition on and seem to do so as per design. Checked that with the ECU unplugged the test does not happen, so ECU is certainly alive in some way. Checked connection of switch and accelerometer is clean. Checked bulb in dash is OK (also replaced with new) In many ways this is not a real issue, the car drives lovely, but I would like to get it working if I can. Any ideas ? Jon
Please restate the problem. It looks like you said everything works fine. Does the light come on sometimes?
I think he's saying the suspension button settings do not make any difference for him on any setting. Sounds like its not functioning as designed. I remember a few threads on this, I'll look for it. edited: Here are some threads on same problem: http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/mondial/409224-ride-control-t-how-do-you-know-if-its-working.html http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/technical-q-sponsored-algar-ferrari/314298-mondial-t-suspension-switch.html http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/308-328/69258-mndial-t-shock-settings.html
The only way to test it is on a bumpy road as the inertial sensor will automatically increase hardness in a turn. My guess is that if you don't see a distinct difference on a rough road, it's probably your shock absorbers. Dave
Hi, Thanks for the thread links and I will read through them. The problem is that the suspension settings do not change with the switch and the light never comes on at all. All actuators cycle through whenever the ignition is switched on and go from one side to the other and then back to the middle. I do seem to have a few top row light issues, Only the brake and fog light(s) and heated window ever seem to come on. The car drives great, no issues at all outside of this one. Is there a particular Jon
Quick question, is there a particular mounting point for the actuators, i.e I can see no key to suggest that the go onto the shock at a specific point.?
These might help and an older link for a guy who rebuild his actuator. http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/technical-q-sponsored-algar-ferrari/165621-mondial-t-adjustable-suspension-troubles.html Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
OK, found my first fault which is one of the actuators, although turning on self test like all the others, is missing it's teeth so that one will need to be fixed/replaced. Does not explain the lack of lights etc but I guess it's a start Thanks for all the replays so far.
Thanks, if I can't find someone in the UK at a similar cost next week I will post it off to them. I have since removed all of the actuators and manually set the suspension all the way on and off by hand and can confirm the shocks themselves are doing the correct job. Hard to believe that such a small adjustment can make so much difference. I will have the actuator fixed and also get the ECU checked by a Indie who has access to the tool.
On a T when you change the selector switch is the new shock setting instant, or does it take a little time?
OK, got the light working now, which is slightly depressing as it is always on, but at least I now know I just need to get it switch off Got 3 spare Actuators which all seem to work having plugged them in on the front, but the known bad one is on the back so need to jack the car up and get the arch liner off to access the plug I believe. Will try and do that tomorrow.
If I understand correctly you should lift the engine cover and the two actuators should be right there on each side on top of the shock towers. Very accessible. No need to jack the car up. Or, did I not understand? The front ones on my '90 T are a tiny bit more difficult to get to but still relatively simple. When I got the car there was no bulb in the warning light due to a PO not wanting to repair the problem. I rebuilt one of the rear actuators and all is well.
While the actuators themselves are very accessible, the connector cable is not visible which I think means it is in the area behind the liner
I just checked. I can just about get to the plug, but there is not enough slack to get it all the way up to comfortably disconnect. So yes, it looks like you have to pull the rear wheel. But once you fix it, it should be good for years, since the replacement gears are metal and not plastic. Regards, Jerry
OK, suspension now fully operational with the replacement of the known faulty actuator with a temporary loaner (will send original one off for the metal gears as a spare) Also had to go around all four and reset them all by removing, turning the shock top all the way left, and refitting the actuators. Prior to doing this the self test was completing and a few seconds later the light was coming back on.
Turning them all to the left is new to me. I thought they defined the range of motion upon each start-up?? Both left and right?
I was told by the specialist who loaned me the actuator that it was important to ensure that one of the stop points was hit early in the cycle and that either full left/right would assist in this. It is fair to say that after replacing the actuator I did still have a fault coming up. The light would go off for a second and then back on. After going around all 4 it stopped the light coming back on. Gave the car a brief run and there was certainly some change in how firm the ride was in different modes.
Sorry to revive this old post - but I am working through sorting out the suspension on my T. First, the suspension light never comes on (except for when I press the parking light switch). But I pulled the two rear actuators and they are toast. There are no gears left all in there. So I am going to send these guys out to be rebuilt as step 1. My primary question is - will it cause damage to the SCU by driving the car around without the actuators in place, assuming I am not going to see them for several weeks?
My understanding is that there is a failsafe mode when there is something wrong with the adjustable suspension system where the suspension computer gas a default mode which is the medium setting on the suspension. I guess! when there is a missing actuator in the system, it remains in default mode. Good luck! Make sure that the rebuilder replaces the little gears with the new metal ones from Hill Engineering.
