Testarossa ('89) intermittent starting problem | FerrariChat
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Testarossa ('89) intermittent starting problem

Discussion in 'Boxers/TR/M' started by fire_n_ice, Feb 18, 2009.

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  1. fire_n_ice

    fire_n_ice Formula 3

    Jun 9, 2006
    1,087
    #1 fire_n_ice, Feb 18, 2009
    Battery is fully charged, turn the key and nothing. No attempt at cranking at all - just silence. Repeated attempts, same result. Then, 2 weeks later, fires up on first try. Already had her in the dealer once and they could not reproduce the issue - kept starting fine. Then she quit again this winter until one morning she fired up again - so I drove her to the dealer again, where she is now. Just want to point them in the right direction, if anybody has had a similar experience? So weird. Goes from starting no problem, to absolutely nothing when the key is turned. Starter solenoid? Some electrical part?

    Thanks.
     
  2. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Jan 11, 2001
    26,840
    30°30'40" N 97°35'41" W (Texas)
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    Steve Magnusson
    #2 Steve Magnusson, Feb 19, 2009
    Many, many reports of your exact "nothing" symptom, but you need to determine if:

    1. a reasonable voltage is reaching terminal 50 (the white wire) at the solenoid -- if so, probably need a new solenoid, or

    2. no, or only a low, voltage reaching the solenoid -- if so, check voltage/conditions at the various connections in the wiring path from the battery to the solenoid.

    Try a search on "TR WAI solenoid" -- should get you many similar threads discussing the various options & tests.
     
  3. tessmania

    tessmania Karting

    Oct 20, 2006
    110
    Ireland
    #3 tessmania, Feb 19, 2009
    For what it is worth, my car did the same a couple of years ago and it was an ignition amplifier. I don,t know much about it other than there is 2 in the car (one for each bank). Also they are magnetti marelli and it was the excact same part for an alfa romeo at a third of the price. Hope this might help.
     
  4. rustybits

    rustybits F1 Rookie
    Professional Ferrari Technician

    Jan 28, 2007
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    Eddie B
    #4 rustybits, Feb 19, 2009
    Did this happen when the engine is cold or hot?
     
  5. mv75

    mv75 Rookie

    Jan 6, 2009
    42
    France
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    Marc
    #5 mv75, Feb 19, 2009
    Just had similar trouble with my TR, except that it only occurs when the car is hot. When cold starting, no issue at all. We could still start the car when the engine was hot by engaging the 2nd gear before starting, and ultimately displacing the car ny hand for 50 cm.
    Local dealer mechanics say that cause is the engine starting motor that "sticks", and needs to be un-stuck so you can start without problem. To completely solve the issue in my case, they say engine starting motor needs to be changed, but nice ticket...
    Hope that helps.
     
  6. rustybits

    rustybits F1 Rookie
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    Jan 28, 2007
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    #6 rustybits, Feb 19, 2009
    Often caused by high current draw from the starter solenoid once the engine gets hot. Get yourself a nice heavy duty relay and hook it up to the solenoid crank wire. Done this a few times it works at treat on these and 348's too.....
     
  7. fire_n_ice

    fire_n_ice Formula 3

    Jun 9, 2006
    1,087
    #7 fire_n_ice, Feb 19, 2009
    Thanks for the responses, guys. Just spoke to the dealer and they said they found the problem. Something about a couple of wires that weren't grounded properly and also the battery, although showing charge, being faulty. I'll get more details from them when I pick it up and let you know.

    Cheers.
     
  8. fire_n_ice

    fire_n_ice Formula 3

    Jun 9, 2006
    1,087
    #8 fire_n_ice, Feb 19, 2009
    Yep, they replaced the battery and cleaned all the ground cables. Hope that does the trick. The report says performed AVR battery failed. Not sure what AVR means.
     
  9. Modeler

    Modeler F1 Veteran

    May 19, 2008
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    a.n.other
    #9 Modeler, Feb 19, 2009
    Ask them, man!
    A good shop should help educate you about your car and its care as well as just fix it.
     
  10. fire_n_ice

    fire_n_ice Formula 3

    Jun 9, 2006
    1,087
    #10 fire_n_ice, Feb 19, 2009
    I plan to. Was just in a rush today, is all. Had to get home before the snow!
     

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