I'm having a problem with the passenger door lock solenoid being constantly energized and draining the battery. Indications are that the problem is with the module that controls the solenoid. Is there any place that can bench-test these things and tell me if I am headed toward the problem? Module is made by "bitron video", and has P/N 2043018 on the case. It also bears # 549.197 on the case. I'm sure this is a $50 unit marked up to $550 by Ferrari, and don't want to buy a new one until I am sure this is my probem. Thanks in advance..... Jim Ratterree
If the ECU turns out to be bad, you can replace it with ANY central locking system ECU or universal one from a kit available on ebay. You'll have to swap the wiring to the replacement ECU connector, but it will work... I know from first hand experience.
Jim: Where did you find this "module"? I'm wondering if maybe what you found is NOT the Ferrari factory "door locking electric board", part #139522, which is located behind the right floorboard fuse/relay panel. Maybe someone has installed a keyless entry system that uses the Bitron Video module you are describing. Don't know, but it's a thought.
Jeff, it IS the module that you describe, and it is in the place you describe. It is connected to the regular Ferrari wiring harness, and is not an add-on. The wiring pins on the base of the module are rather well marked (+, grd, 2M, 1M, 2, 3), but I don't have an understanding on how the system is designed to work, so I can't self-test without this knowledge. If anyone can point me to a site that details the workings, I would appreciate it and I believe I am competent to self-diagnose. I've opened the unit, and see no signs of overheat, corrosion, etc. Jim R.
I have an issue with mine and investigated the "bitron video" ecu myself. Still have not figured out the problem. I tried to search for the unit on bitron's website but could not find any info on where to find the unit. I took the part number down just as you did but had no luck. I am curious to see if your ecu is bad, because I don't have the expertise to diagnose the pins on the ecu without knowing what to expect each one to do. I hope you or someone comes up with your solution..
a bit old topic but this thread was the only result found by google with "bitron video 2043018" keyword Just to let you ferrari folks know that this very same bitron box is also equiped in an Alfa Romeo 33 (atleast in my 1991 model) and they might come cheap from european markets as the alfa 33 is really under appriciated at the moment. Hope this helps anyone. Regards, Pasi from Finland
Apologies here for breathing life into an old thread also, but this is also the part used in the central locking of my 1998 Maserati Ghibli GT, so thanks to the previous posters for giving a bigger selection of people to go through to try to find a replacement. Mine has started making a whining noise after a while which won't go away unless I go headfirstinto the glovebox and pull the unit out. I'm interpreting this as a sign it's on it's last legs. Interestingly, the unit itself looks somewhat 'second hand', with what looks like a securing bracket at the top having been snipped and filed off. Looking in the handbook, it seems like the one in the pictures was similarly modified. Have stetson and spurs, will build Maserati ....
