| Author |
Message |
Frank Wiedmann (Frankieferrari)
Junior Member
Username: Frankieferrari
Post Number: 145
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 03, 2003 - 11:23 am: | |
Well,Michael,if you need to get a new battery. Try one of those new,"Optima" Batteries. I just got one for my 308,and it's starting up nice and quick.(also have the "battery tender" on it...I'm not taking any chances!) I got my Optima battery at an Autozone autoparts store,for $109.00. Yes,a little more than a regular battery,but,from what I was told (and read ) about them,it's worth it...especially for a Ferrari ! |
Dennis (Bighead)
Junior Member
Username: Bighead
Post Number: 206
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 03, 2003 - 7:41 am: | |
The ground strap update is just a new ground strap from the alternator to the chassis. 355s did not have this originally. You can buy the Ferrari part for $21+ from a dealer, or go to your local parts store and buy a generic one (~6-8"). It cures a host of electrical ills on the 355. Because the alternator is randomly losing its ground, it will periodically not charge the battery while driving, hence the dead battery. Do it often enough, and the battery gets fried. You can diagnose this with a voltmeter (plug it into the lighter).
Or, you may have another electrical problem. Or it could just be a dead battery. But the ground strap is a good update to have anyway.
As for a new battery... simple enough to do at home. Under the front bonnet, remove the right side access panel over the fender and disconnect the battery (there is a knob you turn). Jack up the right front. Remove the wheel. Unscrew the inner fender liner. Disconnect the terminals from the battery. Unbolt the battery clamp that holds it in place (along the bottom edge). Remove battery, take it to your local Sears or Wal-Mart (or wherever you buy batteries) and trade it in on a new one. Do the above, in reverse.
MAKE SURE THAT THE NEW BATTERY HAS A FULL CHARGE - it should come from the store fully charged, but also hook up the battery tender to make sure - wait until the light goes green. Then you should be all set.
vty,
--Dennis
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Alex Papas (Alexpapas)
Junior Member
Username: Alexpapas
Post Number: 63
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 02, 2003 - 9:44 pm: | |
If your battery was really dead, the battery tender will not charge it. You can let it sit forever. The 355 alarm system is probably the culprit here and it eats batteries.
You have the battery tender, now get yourself a new battery and keep it connected to the tender when the car is parked at home. The new battery will last for years, but the dead battery is just that - dead. Sorry |
michael mcnamee (Mm20288)
New member
Username: Mm20288
Post Number: 49
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 02, 2003 - 9:40 pm: | |
I do not know of a alternator ground strap. Is this somethibg FOH would be doing on a service? |
michael mcnamee (Mm20288)
New member
Username: Mm20288
Post Number: 48
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 02, 2003 - 9:38 pm: | |
I have not tried to start it yet. I'm in no hurry. I thought I would give some time and if nothing charged, I would some how get it to a battery store. |
Frank Wiedmann (Frankieferrari)
Junior Member
Username: Frankieferrari
Post Number: 141
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 02, 2003 - 9:33 pm: | |
Did you try to turn it over yet? |
Dennis (Bighead)
Junior Member
Username: Bighead
Post Number: 205
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 02, 2003 - 9:20 pm: | |
Michael, quite possibly your battery is dead. Get it tested. Have you had the alternator ground strap (update) installed? This cures a host of 355 electrical issues, including a frequently dead battery.
vty,
--Dennis |
michael mcnamee (Mm20288)
New member
Username: Mm20288
Post Number: 45
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 02, 2003 - 3:56 pm: | |
It's been 24 hours since I started charging with my new "battery Tender". Still have a red light, which means it is still in the charging state. Seems like a long time. How long does a battery take on a 355? |
Martin - Cavallino Motors (Miami348ts)
Senior Member
Username: Miami348ts
Post Number: 5896
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 02, 2003 - 8:39 am: | |
3 nuts:
One comes from the battery and is the power supply to the terminal.
One goes direct wired to the starter.
One goes into the general electrical system of the car, ECUs etc.
Charging with the power switch off will not work since the power switch disconnects right at the battery so you do not get any jiuce to the battery unless you hook up directly to the battery, in a 355 and late 348 a tricky thing with removing the wheel and housing covers. The jump poles are the best way to charge.
On my Challenge car I actually cut a whole into the sheet metal to not have to remove the cover all the time when recharging the battery, which it needs frequently.
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michael mcnamee (Mm20288)
New member
Username: Mm20288
Post Number: 43
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Monday, September 01, 2003 - 4:23 pm: | |
Thanks to all that have helped! I bought the battery tender today and have hooked it up. Hopfully, it will start later after it is full charged.
Mike |
Dennis (Bighead)
Junior Member
Username: Bighead
Post Number: 202
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, August 31, 2003 - 9:34 pm: | |
The "Battery Tender" by Deltran, and sometimes marketed under other names, is perfect to maintain the battery. I've used one on my motorcycles for several years, and the 348 and 355 as well with no problems.
More info can be found here: http://www.batterytender.com/index2.html
It comes with two methods of attachment to your battery -- regular alligator clamps (like on jumper cables), or a connector where the ends terminate in metal o-rings (like a washer). Each method connects to the charger through a little plug-together connector. The o-ring connectors, intended for semi-permanent mounting, slip right through the bolts used to attach your terminals to your battery. Then simply tie down the length of the wire, until you have only the other connector poking out into the trunk. Thus, when you're in the garage, pop the lid, snap the two connectors together, and voila! On the 355, instead of attaching at the battery, I attached to the jumping +post in the engine bay and the chassis ground.
Alternatively, one can get a charger that attaches, piggyback style, to the battery (the most popular is manu. by Schumacher, and sometimes marketed as a "factory" charger, e.g. Ferrari); the 120v plug is located inside the car; you just have to connect an extension cord when needed.
Why do I consider the Deltran method better? Well, I'm presuming that the Schumacher is also a computer controlled charger like the Deltran. The primary advantage, in my mind, is that you don't have the charger sitting in the car -- only the wiring. Thus, (a) it's lighter, (b) you can use one charger for more than one vehicle if you alternate, (c) the wire coming out of the trunk is thinner and you can in fact close the lid with the wire dangling out, if you wanted to so you can put the cover over the car, (d) I guess if the car gets stolen, you didn't lose the charger as well, (e) if the circuit breaker (or whatever) inside the Schumacher fails, it melts INSIDE the car, right next to your battery; I'd prefer to have the thing melt down outside my car, not in it!!, and (f) another "clean" method of attaching a battery tender is to go to Radio Shack and buy a cigarette lighter adapter with a 9 foot cord attached. Then wire this into the "hard wire" connector kit, by removing the o-ring connectors and splicing in the cigarette adapter instead. No having to pop the hood anymore, just remove cigarette lighter and plug in, provided that the cigarette lighter is POWERED when the key is off.
Also, do NOT use the battery kill switch when charging, if you hook up the charger to the jumping post.
vty,
--Dennis
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Frank Wiedmann (Frankieferrari)
Junior Member
Username: Frankieferrari
Post Number: 126
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, August 31, 2003 - 8:00 pm: | |
Michael,I would call or visit your local Ferrari dealer. I would be willing to bet that they've installed "battery tenders" on cars,and could really help you out. When I got my 308,the dealer was telling me that more than half of their "go out" service calls,were to peoples houses to start up cars that have been sitting,and their battery died! |
Robert J. Steinhagen (Bob)
New member
Username: Bob
Post Number: 30
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, August 31, 2003 - 7:31 pm: | |
When I start mine after the battery has been turned off, I notice that it idles about 300 rpm higher. Also, when I try to move it, it does not like to rev. Once the ECU is stable the idle drops and the car runs fine. |
michael mcnamee (Mm20288)
New member
Username: Mm20288
Post Number: 41
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, August 31, 2003 - 6:51 pm: | |
The remote is not color coded. I think they are all hooked togather by a back plate? Basically all you see is three nuts holding heavy duty wiring, and each set of wires goes off in different directions. The manuel suggest a bolt off to the side as a ground. |
Frank Wiedmann (Frankieferrari)
Junior Member
Username: Frankieferrari
Post Number: 122
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, August 31, 2003 - 6:41 pm: | |
One goes to the positive battery terminal (RED),and the other one goes to the negative battery terminal (BLACK). *ONLY*. So,look to find out if they are color coded (Red & Black) OR... marked as "POS" and "NEG" |
michael mcnamee (Mm20288)
New member
Username: Mm20288
Post Number: 40
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, August 31, 2003 - 6:19 pm: | |
After looking at the remote in the engine area I noticed that there are 3 main wires screwed into it. Which of the three do I connect the battery tender too? One seems to led to the front of the car. The other two lead down togather into the lower engine and out of sight. |
Frank Wiedmann (Frankieferrari)
Junior Member
Username: Frankieferrari
Post Number: 118
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, August 31, 2003 - 3:24 pm: | |
That,Too. |
Frank Wiedmann (Frankieferrari)
Junior Member
Username: Frankieferrari
Post Number: 117
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, August 31, 2003 - 3:23 pm: | |
Well,I don't really "time it",or anything. I am just saying "10 minutes" as a generalization. But, I try to run the car long enough so that the engine,exhaust gets HOT enough to "burn off" any condensation that may have collected. Water very bad for engine and exhaust pipes,mufflers,etc... |
michael mcnamee (Mm20288)
New member
Username: Mm20288
Post Number: 39
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, August 31, 2003 - 3:23 pm: | |
The manuel says it needs 10 minutes to reset the ecu along with other electrical aplications. |
Ricky Nardis (Rickyn_f355)
Member
Username: Rickyn_f355
Post Number: 439
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, August 31, 2003 - 2:59 pm: | |
what happens if you dont let the car idle for 10 minutes after turning the battery back on? I dont notice any difference whether it sits for 3 minutes or for 10 minutes. |
Frank Wiedmann (Frankieferrari)
Junior Member
Username: Frankieferrari
Post Number: 108
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, August 31, 2003 - 12:26 pm: | |
I always plug in my "battery tender" when my car is parked in the garage. Also,I start it up every few days,to let it run for about 10 minutes or so,to get all of the juices flowing and the rubber parts lubed.This also keeps the battery chaged. ( will probably get someone to post " hey,you have to let your car run at least 12.5 minutes for it to work",or,"its not neccessary to start your car,blah blah blah")But,THATS WHAT I DO,AND,NO LONGER HAVE ANY PROBLEMS WITH MY CARS CHARGING SYSTEM. AND...IT KEEPS THE ENGINE LUBED. |
michael mcnamee (Mm20288)
New member
Username: Mm20288
Post Number: 38
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, August 31, 2003 - 11:27 am: | |
Is it important to turn off the battery switch when charging with "battery tender"? |
Robert J. Steinhagen (Bob)
New member
Username: Bob
Post Number: 29
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, August 31, 2003 - 6:04 am: | |
My F355 Battery died last week. It had a new battery installed at FOW in December. Car sat until I bought it in May. I have driven it almost every day....did not help...battery went south. My car had the battery tender by Interstate Batteries (looks just like the one mentioned previously). I had not used it, but used it to get enough charge on it to get the car started to take it to FOW. I then got it back with a new battery and plugged in the tender to make sure it had a full charge. I will plug mine in about every two weeks from now on. I also shut off the battery switch when it is plugged in. Make sure that you start the car and give it the full 10 minutes to reset the computer per owners manual when you turn the switch back on. These cars drink a lot of juice when sitting! By the way my tender still took two hours to get the new battery fully charged...would recommend putting it on the new one after it is in the car. They do lose charge when just sitting on the shelf waiting to be installed. |
Frank Wiedmann (Frankieferrari)
Junior Member
Username: Frankieferrari
Post Number: 105
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, August 30, 2003 - 9:17 pm: | |
YES !!! THAT is what mine is. I just called it a trickle charger. But,yes,I agree with you . Get a "Battery Tender". It only activates when the charge on your battery dips below 12 volts. charges. Then,shuts off automatically when it goes to 12 volts. |
P. Thomas (Ferrari_fanatic)
Member
Username: Ferrari_fanatic
Post Number: 590
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, August 30, 2003 - 9:06 pm: | |
Micheal, get the "Battery Tender" hands down the very best. It will bring your battery up to full leveal and then float versus a continual tricle charge.
Mine is hard wired to the battery and the plug is nylon wire wrapped and is located under the panel on the passanger side in the trunk (where your battery cut-off switch is). The model you want is the Battery Tender Plus
Here is the link:
Batterytender.com
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Frank Wiedmann (Frankieferrari)
Junior Member
Username: Frankieferrari
Post Number: 102
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, August 30, 2003 - 8:48 pm: | |
Also,check with your local Ferrari dealer about using the trickle charger on a remote post. I cannot see why it wouldn't work,as long as the cables eventually go to the battery,it should be O.K. |
Joseph Caretti (Pino)
Junior Member
Username: Pino
Post Number: 176
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, August 30, 2003 - 8:47 pm: | |
>>Can the trickle charger be used the same way on the remote in the engine area?<<
Yes, it can. I have the charger terminals that normally would hook to the battery mounted at this point. Just hook it up to the AC charger and you are set.
You can also mount the charger terminals to the battery itself and have the end poking up next to the battery cut-off switch under the trunk lid, or I've seen it sticking out of the wheel well liner as well.
Either way, a trickle charger is a must on cars (and motorcycles) that sit for a few days at a time without use. |
Frank Wiedmann (Frankieferrari)
Junior Member
Username: Frankieferrari
Post Number: 101
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, August 30, 2003 - 8:43 pm: | |
Do you have a couple of guys around (in a safe area) to give you a "push start?" |
michael mcnamee (Mm20288)
New member
Username: Mm20288
Post Number: 37
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, August 30, 2003 - 8:32 pm: | |
Thanks for the imput. I don't think I can get to the battery with out taking the right front tire off, then unscrewing the cover wall. |
Frank Wiedmann (Frankieferrari)
Junior Member
Username: Frankieferrari
Post Number: 99
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, August 30, 2003 - 8:28 pm: | |
That,I don't know-sorry! I am not familiar with the 355 set up.(I have an '81-308) But,it is a small,slim steel "box",just a little bit bigger than a pack of cigs. It attaches to the side of a battery,(not permanently) and there are two small,thin wires,with flat washers at the ends, one for each battery post,and also about an 8-10" cord that just hangs. (I suppose you can clean it up) But,the cord needs to be accessable so that you can plug it in to an extension cord. (right now,I have to open my hood,take out the spare tire,take off the battery cover,and plug it in. the battery is in the front on a 308,in front of the spare tire) It sounds like alot of work for me to get to my plug, but it isn't. Right now,I have a really bad back(except when I am in my Ferrari) and haven't had a chance to hook it up like I want to,so that the cord will just be accessable underneath the front of the car,so when I park it in my garage,I just have to lie on the floor,and reach up underneath the front of the car and plug it in. Which is a hell of alot quicker and effortless! They are REALLY EASY to hook up! Check out your local auto parts store for a cigarette lighter jump starter,a trickle charger,and,if you need it,a new battery. I got an Optima. Really nice! GOOD LUCK!!! |
michael mcnamee (Mm20288)
New member
Username: Mm20288
Post Number: 36
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, August 30, 2003 - 8:13 pm: | |
Can the trickle charger be used the same way on the remote in the engine area? |
Frank Wiedmann (Frankieferrari)
Junior Member
Username: Frankieferrari
Post Number: 98
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, August 30, 2003 - 8:07 pm: | |
Trickle chargers. They cost any where from $25 to $50.00,and are available at any auto parts store. It has all the hardware(simple)to attach to the side of your battery. Take off the cable,slip the connections on,put the cables back on and tighten. Its attached to your battery,and has a small cord with a 3 prong plug, and you can just plug it in to an extension cord,and into any socket in your garage. And,the nice thing about it,its worry free. Just plug it in,while your car is parked. It will only turn on when the voltage drops below 12 volts,slowly charge your battery,then shut off when it is charged,all automatically,so that your battery does not get "overcharged" or,loses charge. |
michael mcnamee (Mm20288)
New member
Username: Mm20288
Post Number: 35
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, August 30, 2003 - 7:44 pm: | |
I saw the diagram in the manual about the post in the engine bay. I was not sure if this was for jumping or what. So what do most people do who have cars that sit for a few weeks and batteries run down? Do I need to keep a charger around? So theres no way to jump these cars? |
Frank Wiedmann (Frankieferrari)
Junior Member
Username: Frankieferrari
Post Number: 96
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, August 30, 2003 - 7:44 pm: | |
P.S.-By the way. The reason that I had to replace my battery. I jump started my car,drove it awhile,thought that it had charged up. Turned it off,and,nothing! So,to get back home,asked a couple of guys (who were admiring my Ferrari) to give me a push start. A push start will start your car,but,if you run it and the battery is no good and doesn't charge,you could do some damage to your electrical system,or even the computers-? I don't know for sure,but,if you don't think that your battery will charge once its started,might not want to chance it. But,if you think that the battery is good,just dead,get a push start,drive it around your neighborhood a little to see if the battery charges up. Then,go to your house ,shut it off, and see if it starts back up. If it does,you should be O.K. If not,leave it at home,until you can properly charge the battery,or,replace it. |
Joseph Caretti (Pino)
Junior Member
Username: Pino
Post Number: 175
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, August 30, 2003 - 7:35 pm: | |
Actually, the battery is IN FRONT of the right front tire.
I can not stress enough how much you SHOULD NOT jump start your 355! Bad things happen. Namely Airbag ECU failure, and sometimes worse.
If you want to charge the battery with a charger you can do so with the remote posts located in the engine compartment. You must first remove the side cover on the right side of the motor.
There you will find a + battery post with a cover, and a - battery post.
Again, be sure not to use excess amperage.
This is also a good location to mount lead wires for a trickle charger plug (for next time!)
The other alternative is to remove the right front wheel and remove/replace the battery.
Best of luck,
Pino |
Frank Wiedmann (Frankieferrari)
Junior Member
Username: Frankieferrari
Post Number: 95
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, August 30, 2003 - 7:34 pm: | |
They make all kind of "Dead Battery Jump Starters" that just plug into the cigarette lighter of cars, and start them up. I never used one,or know anyone who has,but,they carry them at most auto parts stores,usually have a few different kinds. So,I would imagine that they would work. Could they get away with selling them if they didn't? I just bought one of those new,"Optima" gel batteries for my "81-308,and as I installed it,also attached a "trickle charger" so that I can plug it in,and it will only get the charge that it needs,then it shuts off automatically so that it doesn't "overcharge" the battery,and ruin it. Maybe someone else on FerrariChat has used one of those cigarette lighter jump starters. |
michael mcnamee (Mm20288)
New member
Username: Mm20288
Post Number: 34
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, August 30, 2003 - 7:07 pm: | |
I was heading out tonight and suprise my battery is dead. After reading up on it, it seems the battery is located behind the right front tire. The manual says there is a easier way to jump this car, has anyone done this before. could use some simple instructions. |
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