Slow down | FerrariChat

Slow down

Discussion in '348/355' started by Speedwayspyder, Nov 24, 2013.

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  1. Speedwayspyder

    Speedwayspyder Karting

    Dec 25, 2012
    81
    New Smyrna Beach, Fl
    Full Name:
    David
    Can slow down happen even if no lights pop on? After a spirited drive yesterday about three blocks from home, I could tell the car went into slow down mode. 1999 355 F1. I will start the car later today to see if it resets itself.
     
  2. whyte

    whyte Formula Junior

    Apr 25, 2006
    409
    Merritt Island, FL
    Full Name:
    John C
    Not sure on the 355, but I'm fairly certain that a 348 will throw a code before it goes into limp home mode. After just resolving some ECU issues of my own, I am fairly certain that the ECU shows the slow down warning light independently from telling the main ECU to shut down the bank.

    Assuming this is true, a faulty ECU could likely shut down a bank without any Slow Down warning, but I think a shut down bank does leave a code on the main ECU. Any codes?
     
  3. Speedwayspyder

    Speedwayspyder Karting

    Dec 25, 2012
    81
    New Smyrna Beach, Fl
    Full Name:
    David
    I have now way of knowing. I just put gas in her at the corner and she ran fine. Now I am puzzeled. This car has never given me any trouble except the top needed a couple of hoses and fluid flush.
     
  4. whyte

    whyte Formula Junior

    Apr 25, 2006
    409
    Merritt Island, FL
    Full Name:
    John C
    Do you know that your Slow Down lights work?

    Without any sort of codes diagnosing this comes down to guesswork, but after 8 years, I can safely say that 99% of my 348 problems have come down to electrical connections. Be it bad solder joints, corroded plugs, broken housings, you name it.

    Take an afternoon, get a can of good contact cleaner, and carefully go through all your engine bay connections. Pull them off, look at the pins for proper contact, give em a spray, plug and un-plug a few times to clean off any oxidation or surface corrosion. Even garaged and pampered cars will have these issues eventually, and a little maintenance can go a long way to prevent future problems.

    Many of the signals our ECUs rely on are based on voltage levels coming from engine sensors and devices. When one of these has a corroded connection, is loose, or has moisture in it, the readings can be affected, causing everything from reduced performance to incorrectly indicated errors.

    With all that said, I'd still get an ODBII reader and check for any codes. Most of the auto parts places will pull your codes for free, or you can take a run down US1 south and I'll pull em for ya. :)

    If you find a stored code related to exhaust ECU temps, or this happens again, then please check into it. While many of these are bogus and due to infamously flaky ECUs, receiving one after a "spirited drive" would warrant investigation to make sure you don't have an overheat issue with a blocked cat / failing headers causing you to run hot on one side, etc.

    Remember that these are safety devices for you and your engine. They may "cry wolf," but better to play safe until you confirm otherwise.
     
  5. Speedwayspyder

    Speedwayspyder Karting

    Dec 25, 2012
    81
    New Smyrna Beach, Fl
    Full Name:
    David
    Thanks for your help. Good advise. Cats have been replaced, but that's it. She is stock.
    No mods. Will take a look at connections. Slow down light works as do all.
     

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