Sticky buttons

There are lot of topics covering this. But, I'll provide my opinion...if you want them done right, then you should remove them and have them refinished. You can use different "cleaners" but there are risks associated with it (i.e. inadvertently removing graphics). I think people have used, denatured alcohol, GOOF off, etc. but someone else will need to tell you what they used as I had various buttons professionally refinished on my 430 and my turn signals on my 458. Sorry I can't be of more help.

 

You have 2 options: Done right or not. We can and do fix parts with no decals, proper refinishing, not just cleaning. Our coatings are the best and they don't fail. Email or call if you wish to discuss further. BTW, I don't recall any refinishing job ever hitting $10K

 

Acetone followed by BBQ black spray paint

 

I keep hearing about these sticky buttons problem that Ferraris get. I have seen examples of it in pictures, but never in person.

Can someone explain what causes this problem? Is it preventable, or is it an inevitability for every Ferrari? If it is unavoidable, generally how long does it take for the problem to appear?

 

Heat, Humidity, Time and chemicals are responsible for the failure. Since the early 90's (348's and 512 Tr) this problem is ongoing and up to current models. It's not preventable. Time is roughly 4-8 years.

 

This problem has never made any sense to me. I'm sure the obvious question has been asked in the past, but asking again hoping that those at the factory that care will call one of the existing Japanese auto companies and ask them what they use in their cars, I've never personally encountered this problem in any Ferrari, but obviously many have if it exists at a level that allowed for the creation of a 3rd party business to fix it. I've never taken the time to read through past threads on the subject, so my apology if the factory is already addressing this issue.


Jim

 

I did not have the sticky button issue on my 2013 Italia, and hope that the issue has been resolved on the 2018 488 I ordered. My cars are stored in a temperature controller garage where moisture is not an issue.

I'm wondering if oil from the skin may be a contributing factor and if so, perhaps wearing driving gloves would help. Of course, in some neighborhoods one might be considered a jerk for wearing driving gloves, but that's an entirely different conversation.

 

The problem is a result of soft touch coatings. It's not a Ferrari problem - it's a problem with any and all products that have soft touch coatings. I have a Rotel Hi Fi system - the remote went sticky in a few years sitting a drawer never used (I have a universal remote).

All new model Ferrari's still have soft touch coatings. We've already refinished 488 parts - although they were not sticky, the coating was peeling.

 

Dave, just want to express my appreciation for being a resource for all of us who's really figured this out. I've had no problems with my 2013, but it's comforting to know that when I do you'll know how to fix them for good.

 

Thank you, Kieth.

One of my best fiends has a 2013 458 also. I found the car for him and handled the purchase. To be honest, I had to tell him a little white lie that he won't have the problem. He would have never bought the car. I've come clean with him since and when it goes bad, we will take care of it for him. As of today, his car is still OK.

 

I would expect such deficiency to be covered under warranty? No?

 

Perhaps early on but most of the time the failure happens outside of the warranty and it's not covered. Ferrari apparently released a bulletin about this - I have a friend who will send it to me - I need to ask again.

 

I would love to see the bulletin.

 

Also - for anyone interested:

https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/458-sticky-refinishing.529386/

 

Thanks for the info Dave. I guess Ferrari should consider replacing the soft touch with something that is less susceptible to these issues, especially given the number of owners that seem to be experiencing the problem.

Please don't misunderstand my comments, this is not aimed at your business, which obviously many have used with great success. You saw a need, and found a way to fill it, typical business model and one that is providing an apparently excellent service to those that need it.

Best!


Jim

 

Jim - Ferrari could switch to a hard touch today (like McLaren, Porsche, Land Rover, etc) and we would have plenty of business long after I'm dead

 

Understood, thanks Dave, I'll probably need your services someday!

Jim

 

my buttons are all sticky, 2010. still trying to find time to remove parts on my own

 

Wish there were DIY videos on each car to do R&R. I figured out most on the 360 except the vent covers at the base of the windshield. They not only turned gooey but shiny and created glare. I never found a way to remove them without taking apart the entire dash, or get at them to at least remove the tarry stuff. The cover under the steering wheel was really bad, and I got that black, tarry stuff all over my pant legs before removing it with isopropyl.

Are there videos of how to remove the sticky 458 parts? So far, only the button cover for the frunk and gas door release is sticky but the rest are only a matter of time. And then it’s Stick Rx time!


Sent from my iPad using FerrariChat

 

Sadly, living in WNY, we don't have a surplus of Ferrari models to gain access. And, it takes a lot of time to create the videos. We will be doing a local 575 soon and plan to do videos of the parts for that car.

 

Attached.

 

Dave is the best in the business at refinishing these parts. No question. And, I say this knowing he hates my cars (HA).
As Dave pointed out, this isn’t a Ferrari only issue. Find a 20 year old Toyota with soft touch parts and you’ll likely see them sticky. The solution is to stop making these stupid soft touch parts.

 

LOL! Thank you, Jeff. And I don't hate your cars - I just like the 458 over the 488

 

Thank you!