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Random suspension indicator

Discussion in '456/550/575' started by Fcarhappy, Feb 4, 2013.

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  1. Fcarhappy

    Fcarhappy Karting

    Dec 19, 2012
    104
    #1 Fcarhappy, Feb 4, 2013
    Relatively new to forum, but have lurked for some time. I believe this may have been covered in the past---what is with the somewhat random suspension light dash indicator on my 98 550? I've noticed if my car gets wet after a wash the indicator will come on then quit after a few starts. Sometimes it can just have sat for a couple of weeks and on start produce the indicator, after a few starts it disappears. Inclines, etc.
    But now on occasion I can be driving, hit a quit burst of speed and on comes the indicator!!!
    My mechanic after unwinding something on the shocks several times finally relented and replaced the front actuators. He was livid when told by the parts people that they break all the time but went ahead and replaced the parts. Light disappeared for a time only to return later, but again disappears without intervention.
    The only thing I can think is that we didn't replace the rears.
    I know I've seen you guys talk about the actuators---what is the fix?
     
  2. maranello72

    maranello72 Formula Junior

    Jul 4, 2009
    354
    Munich, Germany
    Full Name:
    Stefano
    #2 maranello72, Feb 4, 2013
    In my case the problem was not on the actuator itself. Each actuator engages a small metal gear on the top of the shock absorber. This metal gear was cracked on my front right, and I was getting the occasional indication. Replaced it and the problem went away. It's easy to check at the front just by pulling the actuators out. The rear actuators don't seem to give problems.

    Stefano
     
  3. bay

    bay Formula 3

    Mar 13, 2011
    1,274
    Belgium
    Full Name:
    Bernard
    #3 bay, Feb 4, 2013
  4. tazandjan

    tazandjan Three Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Jul 19, 2008
    39,175
    Clarksville, Tennessee
    Full Name:
    Terry H Phillips
    #4 tazandjan, Feb 4, 2013
    Bernard- Your English is as good as mine. Should be noted that the F355, 456, 456M, and 550 (probably missed one) all use the same shock actuators.
     
  5. Fcarhappy

    Fcarhappy Karting

    Dec 19, 2012
    104
    #5 Fcarhappy, Feb 4, 2013
    I believe you may be right on the gear --- does anyone know a source for that tiny piece?
     
  6. ddnguyen

    ddnguyen Karting

    Aug 11, 2005
    247
    Orange County
    Full Name:
    Duane
    #6 ddnguyen, Feb 4, 2013
    Ricambi (a sponsor) sells the actuator gear. If that's not the problem then you may be able to get the actuator rebuilt by captain Z if it's a mechanical issue. After that you probably need to replace the actuator. Used ones can be found for much cheaper if you are willing to go that route. Good luck.
     
  7. Cribbj

    Cribbj Formula 3
    BANNED

    Jan 1, 2011
    2,316
    Cooke City MT, The Coolest Small Town in America
    Full Name:
    John
    #7 Cribbj, Feb 4, 2013
  8. dakharris

    dakharris Two Time F1 World Champ

    Jun 7, 2001
    29,441
    Sleepy Hollow
    Full Name:
    Cavaliere Senzatesta
    #8 dakharris, Feb 4, 2013
    Could be something as simple as a tangled wire. Also, uneven pavement sets it off. If the light is turning itself off, that means that it is working correctly. I do not think that a broken gear would give an intermittent signal that would reset. But I'm no expert.
     
  9. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
    37,105
    Cowboy Capitol of the World
    Full Name:
    Brian Crall
    #9 Rifledriver, Feb 4, 2013
    dakharris is right on the money. If a gear was broken you would have a light that never went out.


    Diagnosing a suspension warning light in a 550 is no different than diagnosing anything else in the world. An understanding of the operation of the system, possesion of the equipment required and the willingness to use same in a systematic manner to find a resolution.


    Just throwing parts at it is a waste of time.
     
  10. wbklink

    wbklink F1 Rookie

    Sep 2, 2009
    3,420
    Los Angeles
    Full Name:
    Bill Karp
    #10 wbklink, Feb 4, 2013
    If you live anywhere close to N Calif you a lucky man !

    Take it to (Rifledriver) Brian Crall Post # 9

    Fix it he will !

    cheers,

    Bill
     
  11. bay

    bay Formula 3

    Mar 13, 2011
    1,274
    Belgium
    Full Name:
    Bernard
    #11 bay, Feb 5, 2013
    Last edited: Feb 5, 2013
    For me I think "yes" ;)
     
  12. oss117

    oss117 F1 Rookie

    Jan 26, 2006
    4,185
    Plantation, Florida
    Full Name:
    Alfredo
    #12 oss117, Feb 5, 2013
    Definitely an intermittent yellow light is a signal that one or more actuators are on their way out.
     
  13. ferraridriver

    ferraridriver F1 Rookie

    Aug 8, 2002
    4,152
    Bay Area Calif.
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    Dave
    #13 ferraridriver, Feb 5, 2013
    The most likely cause of an intermittent light is a cold solder joint in the actuator. Its an easy fix if you know what actuator is causing the light. An SD will tell you what one.
     
  14. 360modena2003

    360modena2003 Formula 3

    Jul 11, 2009
    2,438
    #14 360modena2003, Feb 5, 2013
    Any SD? The cheap ones off ebay will work as well?
     
  15. ddnguyen

    ddnguyen Karting

    Aug 11, 2005
    247
    Orange County
    Full Name:
    Duane
    #15 ddnguyen, Feb 5, 2013
    Cheap ones on eBay are OBD2 readers and only throw generic codes. You need a mechanic with an SD to diagnose properly.
     

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