488 Scary and disappointing experience -. Engine Control Failure Alert

Glad you made it out alive with your Expensive warches, handbag, clothes, jewelery.

 

I would pay the $300 for them to check it out particularly since you still have some sort of warranty. At least the occurrence will be documented and you may catch a break if it happens again once your warranty is over. I would also draft a letter to Ferrari of North America about your roadside service experience. Likely won’t help but maybe the can look into their processes which may help the next one of us that breaks down.

 

Sorry to hear you had such a bad experience with the car and Ferrari. Hope it gets worked out to your satisfaction.

 

Every company grows one sale at a time! Lots of choices at this price point and not endless buyers. You sir are not insignificant

 

No ... Ferrari the company and its dealers don't care too much unless you're rich enough to own multiple Ferrari's and order the new models then they care.

 

I think that used to be the case. Recently you could just walk into a dealer and order a new car as long as not a special series. Never used to get the case. I think the sales model has changed. Anyway I don’t think the OP should feel insignificant.

 

QUOTE "I just have a 488. Nothing that special." Mate bit your tongue. So many people would die for a 488 GTB.

Now back to your problem as you have posted many other times.

DO YOU HAVE A NEW BATTERY ? IF NOT CHANGE IT IMMEDIATELY. FULL STOP.

When our great car has a slight low voltage all this crap will happen.

 

Wait, What?! There was a street hooker? All I saw was hooker; I can't really recall most of the other words to typed but can you please give me the address of that parking lot and I'll go ahead and drive there for you. Just so I can test out the roadside assistance program. I'll call them and see how long they say it'll take for the tow truck and I'll find something to do while I wait. Thanks man.

 

Let me start first by saying that a fuse on a wire is only there to protect the wire from catching fire.

IF you blew a 40 amp fuse I WOULD BE VERY VERY concerned. There has been a short circuit somewhere. The only time I have ever seen this is if the car has been involved in an accident. With that the car is repaired without the owner realising that that surge has created many other problems ECU's other melted wires which can manifest itself latter on.

I am not sure if I have asked but you bought the 488 GTB second hand ? And this could be the reason for so many issues. Not knowing the real history of the car.

 

should have just called a tow company and cops and got out of there .

would not wait on Ferrari.

just my take.

 

A CPO car doesn't guarantee 100% that something didnt happen to the car. Accidents ? Dont know if they have to disclose that? Some incompetent aftermarkets company accidentally shortening a wire when installing a stereo , alarm camera etc.

Have you made any modifications with your car ? Anything other than open the valves by disconnecting them ? Did you add one of the remotes or did the car come with any modifications ?

40 amp fuses just do not blow and if they do I can assure you well over 40 amps went through that line.

 

It seems like most “roadside service” manufacturer offers are just a low-cost provider offering a limited time discounted service. AAA service is the more dependable option I have found over some thirty years. Opt for the highest package and you get a 150 mile tow annually. Peace of mind and one number to call regardless of the car you are driving.

Thinking “Ferrari” roadside service is somehow a premium roadside service option given they have basically zero affiliation with Ferrari is naive. It is like thinking the satellite radio operator activating your Sirius XM is going to treat you better because you have a Ferrari.

 

Dont get me wrong I do support high end shops but being involved in car audio I have seen many hake jobs even by professional shops.

My conclusion still goes back to a short. Something has happened.

BTW can I assume you have bought a car starter ? If not BUY ONE. Unless the fault is catastrophic the car will protect itself and put it into limp allowing you to get home.

Christmas tree lights are generally battery issue. Even if you started the car at home and gone for your ride to the local pizza shop doesnt mean she will start again. That is where a starter is a God send. Ild rather start her than call Ferrari for a tow.

Curious did the fuse blow after the said mods ?

 

Spot on. If I ever need a tow it will be with a flat bed with a person I have used many times moving my cars around when they were being worked on. Trust him 100% and ALWAYS answers a call anytime.

 

My experience I am always weary about fuses blowing after electrical modifications AND even battery changes........

Having said that did you get a reason why the 40 amp fuse had burned ?

Good on the NOCO. BTW Nothing wrong to connect the NOCO if you ever have the Christmas tree again.

 

I second the fear on the fuse having blown. Whether 10a or 40a, a fuse isn’t supposed to blow unless something else associated with the circuit goes wrong. For 40a to blow… it’s something juicy. You don’t want whatever that is well.. doing something worse than blow a fuse.

Just my own opinion but if it’s me, I assume there’s something quite wrong with wiring somewhere, and find out exactly what that fuse is protecting, and work back from there. It could be very innocent and an easy fix once found, but if anyone said “oh it was just a fuse we replaced it” and nothing else, it would bother me. Again it might also be nothing, but I personally don’t mind chasing ghosts, run down those rabbit holes all the time haha : )

Good luck however you go from here and glad you didn’t run into any trouble beyond the car.

 

I feel really bad for you suffering through the kind of trouble that you are having and have had. I would have no confidence taking your car out other than for a short pleasure cruise. I can't see how its a problem with "Ferrari" and hate to say, thoroughly going through what was done has to be the best place to start. Curious, how many owners did your car have? The more hands it goes through........You do need a wizard (now how to find one of those) that can go through the wiring system and see where that goes. I have 50 year old muscle cars with original wiring that works perfectly with no draws on power. Whats going on with your car is uncalled for unless you can find the "gremlin(s)" that are causing the issue. Without any resolve there, life is too short and moving on to another vehicle might be the only answer.

Getting stuck in Orange County......that's sounding like getting stuck in Chicago nowadays. Orange County used to be so desirable and look what they did to it and everywhere else they get their mits on. GL of course.