My 99' F1 Can't select 1st gear when leaving a stop light? | FerrariChat
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My 99' F1 Can't select 1st gear when leaving a stop light?

Discussion in '360/430' started by Star-Garage, May 16, 2010.

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  1. Star-Garage

    Star-Garage Karting

    Apr 4, 2010
    77
    Delray, FL
    Full Name:
    Mike Massari
    #1 Star-Garage, May 16, 2010
    Has anyone experienced this? Every once in a while, I stop at a light. Shift into neutral. When the light turns green, I press the brake, click the right paddle, and it will not select, nor display 1st gear! I can re-press the brake and re-click the paddle several times and it won't come out of neutral. Then I panic and hit the 'auto' button to get out of the way and escape embarrassment!! It will work perfectly after that for about three or so trips. No MILs display. F1 fluid level is correct. Next time it happens I think I will try selecting reverse and/or re-start the engine to see what happens. I kind of ruled-out a faulty switch on the right paddle, because it works immediately after take-off in 'auto mode'
    Anyone???
     
  2. Financialman

    Financialman Formula 3

    Sep 8, 2005
    1,841
    San Jose CA
    Full Name:
    Dan Carpenter
    #2 Financialman, May 16, 2010
    Odd for sure. When I had my 99 360 the only trouble I ever had was when the clutch was getting worn it would just go into nuetral from any gear while driving. New clutch, problem gone. It had around 20K miles when that happened.
     
  3. E60 M5

    E60 M5 Moderator
    Moderator Owner

    Jan 2, 2006
    8,167
    Wash DC area
    Full Name:
    Robert
    #3 E60 M5, May 16, 2010
    First, there is no reason to put the car in "N" when stopped, none. If for some reason it happens again, try pressing hard on the brake pedal, I mean real hard and see if that helps.

    For sure get the problem diagnosed by a mechanic.
     
  4. Star-Garage

    Star-Garage Karting

    Apr 4, 2010
    77
    Delray, FL
    Full Name:
    Mike Massari
    #4 Star-Garage, May 30, 2010
    Thanks for the comments so far. I am a mechanic of 16 years, but there is just no substitute for experience with a particular vehicle and it's known problems. I've also found over the years, and this site is proof, that owner's of exotic cars often know just as much, sometimes more about the common problems of their cars, than their mechanic might. I know it is not necessary to shift into neutral while coasting to a stop, but I figured it should extend the life of some very expensive parts. I also hate the idea of sitting on the brake pedal for long stop lights, I already had to replace 3rd B.light wires and I have seen brake light lenses melt on these cars. I was hoping to hear from someone who might have had this problem. I would also like to add that I noticed at times it will not select Reverse without pressing repeatedly and holding. Does anyone else have an occasional glitch in selecting 1 or R? Has anyone had this problem?

    -Mike

    Star-Garage
    (Mercedes-Benz Master Technicians)
    (Ferrari Enthusiasts)
    Margate, FL
     
  5. Sellnit

    Sellnit Formula Junior

    Mar 22, 2010
    975
    Cincinnati
    Full Name:
    James
    #5 Sellnit, May 30, 2010
    How many miles since the clutch was serviced/changed?
     
  6. Hellfrost

    Hellfrost Formula Junior

    Dec 3, 2009
    433
    Naples, FL
    #6 Hellfrost, May 30, 2010
    Same thing happened to me a few days ago on my 2000 360 modena. Got stuck in traffic and had to get it towed. Mechanic said it was just the clutch position sensor had read an error 14 times so far, for some reason though this time it was not engaging gear at all. Just needs to fix that and it will be good as new.
     
  7. Star-Garage

    Star-Garage Karting

    Apr 4, 2010
    77
    Delray, FL
    Full Name:
    Mike Massari
    #7 Star-Garage, May 31, 2010
    The car has 26k on it. I have no service records for it, so I don't know the clutch life. I'm planning on buying a used SD2, but in the meantime I might pay for a readout of DTC's and clutch life to see if the position sensor is faulty or the clutch is close to the end. It does NOT slip at all though? Also never seen the F1 malfunction indicator lamp come on?
     

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