Stradale start up problem - the solution | FerrariChat

Stradale start up problem - the solution

Discussion in '360/430' started by JChoice, Mar 18, 2014.

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  1. JChoice

    JChoice Formula Junior

    Jan 20, 2004
    582
    Southern California
    Full Name:
    JC
    #1 JChoice, Mar 18, 2014
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    So I didn't have a ton of luck looking for a definitive answer to the common Stradale start up problem. The problem is that when the car starts, only half the banks fire up and the car feels like it's in limp mode. If you drive it, the check engine light flashes and then stays on if you drive it more than a couple of minutes. Restarting the car fixes the problem.

    I've always did the right start up process (wait for the Check OK light, don't hold down the starter button too long) but the problem would still crop up. I even tried Red Line fuel cleaner per some of the suggestions in other threads. I always keep my cars on battery tenders- including my Tesla which has the ultimate battery tender.

    Here's how I solved it with my Stradale:

    My issue was that the battery was weak- it didn't have enough cold cranking amps (CCA) to fire up everything. The voltage was fine but it took a battery test to see the CCA were at 250 vs the 750 recommended for the car. This made sense since the car started fine when cold (perhaps the tender helped?) but had intermittent starting issues after I had driven it somewhere and let it sit for an hour or two.

    So if you're having Stradale starting problems, have your battery's CCA's checked.

    I also found a solution to the loosening oil cap that Stradales are also cursed with- just pay Ferrari $3k to order and install a new oil tank and cap that has the new design that doesn't have the issue. Another fairly priced solution from Ferrari... NOT. I'll just check mine each time before I drive.
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  2. voicey

    voicey Formula 3

    Jul 29, 2009
    1,193
    London, UK
    Full Name:
    Aldous Voice
    As it happens, I am corresponding with someone about this same issue (rough running on start up). I'm glad your new battery fixed it as that was my very first suggestion!

    As an aside, I believe a strong battery is the cornerstone to worry free motoring in a modern Ferrari. If you have any doubts with your battery swap it out - it is cheap insurance.
     
  3. Kevin Rev'n

    Kevin Rev'n Two Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Nov 29, 2009
    24,503
    Honolulu
    Full Name:
    Kevin
    When I first got mine I was not using a battery tender. I was following the rule of trying to drive it at least once a week. The first time I let it slip to about 2 1/2 weeks between drives this happened to me. I used a battery tender ever since and no stumble! :)
     
  4. SoftwareDrone

    SoftwareDrone F1 Veteran
    Sponsor Owner

    Jan 19, 2004
    7,860
    San Jose, California
    Full Name:
    Mike
    I had this problem often. Replacing the battery made the issue vanish as well.
     

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