New F430 Spider owner: I'm worried......

I’ve red quite a few threads where misc problems like these can be sorted out by replacing the battery (strange but apparently true), with a new one.

If you go that route, don’t forget to do the ECU self learning routine afterwards.

 

Do you have to do ECU self learning even if you just switch the battery off via the knob in the frunk?

 

At this stage I would go with a new battery.

 

Reading the service it is likely the clutch was replaced not due to wear but due to the failed bearing (whilst you're in there) and the tires were probably original and dangerous etc etc - no doubt the battery was original (ie too old) and the car has been off the charger once too often

This is a car that needs driving and recently has been (and is being) prepared for that

 

Battery renewal is a good suggestion.

 

Yes you do. It is a very simple procedure.

 

Get it back from the dealer and take it to a good independent shop. As others have said it may just be the battery but the dealer may be eating you alive.

 

But it’s at the dealer you bought it from, so he’s got to make good on all the problems, no?

 

Needing a new clutch at that miles is a concern, mine is 21% worn at 11000 miles. I see they had to renew the flywheel at the same time so it has had hard use or damaged by oil or grease.

For some unknown reason the spark plugs were also changed but they are good for over 40 k miles
It has certainly had a lot spend on it for the miles it has recorded

 

Just sounds like it havent been driven in a while and a lot of parts while not broken visibly, are "tired". My clutch needed to be replace early too because of how little the car was driven, the throw out bearing gave up due to age and leaked hydraulic fluids all over the friction surface of the clutch.

I think you are paranoid about your car being a lemon and it is honestly all paranoia / not justified. Welcome to the exotic car ownership life Drive it, fix it, spend the money.

 

As a new owner, I too get a bit scared of potential issues.

Right now, I've parked mine until I get all of my fluids changed and replace my accessory belt (almost at 15K). I'm doing the work with an independent supervising me. Figured doing all of this minus the F1 flush would put my mind at ease for a 200 mile drive to an indy that could flush my F1 system (my local guy can't).

And I'll know the work was done right and get to know my car better.

From what I've read so far, replace any battery older than two years if you have any weird gremlins. It's a cheap way to eliminate a known variable with these cars.

Steve

 

NEVER assume that the dealer will do anything other than detailing the car to make it look nice.They took it in on a trade and want to send it on. Has the dealer agreed to fix it all on their ticket? About replacing batteries every two years? Crazy! Just keep it on a Ctek charger any time it is not running. If routinely on a Ctek, sealed maintenance free batteries will last 5+ years easily.

 

My dealer where I just got my car went through darn near every part of,the car and did $12k of work before selling it. I mean they even made sure power mirrors weren't jerky.

 

When buying Ferrari have a PPI done on the car, also hope for the best, but expect the worst. Also having $5K to $10K in your back pocket helps too.

 

lol the self learning procedure is overrated... not once out of the 20-30 times i had to recharge a 100% flat battery last year I let it self learn....
it drives a little on the rich side at 1st a few minutes later it will drive like how it should.

 

Boy I'd want to know for sure who was paying for what. The "0" might just be a placeholder until "10,000" is put in. I hope you don't get a big surprise.

 

With 360s and F430s, try to maintain a reserve fund between 15 percent and 20 percent of the purchase price.

My 360 Spider has its own stock account.

 

Good point, who did your PPI?

 

Agreed. I have had to turn off the battery several times. I did the self learn procedure once, just drove it any other time. No difference, the ECU learns eventually.

 

I bought my 360 Modena in 2012. At the time I owned a 1987 3.2 and had it at San Francisco Motorsports, as a potential buy want John Heim to look at it. John did, but the buyer backed out. Sold it six months later through a broker. Since John did such a good job on the 3.2 I had him inspect the 360. So this was a PPI after I purchased the car.
Bill came to $28K, so now you know why I say have a PPI before you buy. Hind sight being 20-20 I probably would have bought the car any way. The seller need money and had lowered the price by $13K. But now I have a 360 which runs very well and look great. I used John to do last year's annual, and will do the same in April. Only difference,
John now work at GPM in Novato. Great shop, and great people. If you are thinking of having a Ferrari worked on or inspected give Tracy (the lady who makes all the arrangements) and ask for John. Her number is 415 985 9300. The shop is not cheap, but I believe half of what you are paying for is the knowledge John has.

Good luck
Chuck

 

If the battery is new I would take it to dealer or independent with the fancy smancy gizmo that the dealers use to plug them in and diagnose.

Currently mine (430) is at mechanic after having a few electrical gremlins, one of which the top didn't go down well. He says the computer isn't communicating with parts of the car properly and he's sorting it out.