Ferrari Mailing List: Diagnostic Problem - 1995 348 Spyder

[BRIGANDBAR (BRIGANDBAR]

The 348 was out for its first spring run since the battery was installed  and 
as seems to be the case with most of my cars, despite regular exercise, it  
only made it to the shop for a new steering wheel and halfway back home before  
another problem came up.

The indicator is the "Check Engine 5/8" light, which first illuminated only  
at idle and then only for a short period of time ("sporadic error pg. C11  
Owner's Manual) and a little later on the same light illuminated and then did  
not go out ("static error, ibid). The manual refers to an OBD system and  
explains which button should be pushed to "pull" the diagnostic codes near the  
ECU, 
but makes no reference as to where to read the codes, how they are read or  
what they mean.
 
There is also a great deal of ambiguity as to exactly what a "sporadic" or  a 
"static" error indication in the Check Engine 5/8 would possibly  indicate.
 
Additional information. All gauges read within normal parameters and no  
other caution or warning lights are illuminated. The "sporadic" indications  
first 
occurred en route to where I could access a lift to change out the  battery. 
There were no indications of any errors during or immediately after the  
installation of the new battery and I had initially just wrote off the  
indication 
as a voltage/amperage issue with the old battery. The car starts up  well, but 
then stalls out as if it would not reset to a fast(er) idle until it  warms 
up. Restarts immediately and then will run as long as the accelerator  pedal is 
depressed to raise the idle speed by several hundred rpm. Restarts  correctly 
when hot. The "Check Engine 5/8" light re-illuminates upon start up  and 
remains on in the "static error" mode.
 
I'd appreciate any suggestion as to the cause of such a problem,  
instructions as to "pull" the codes from the ECU for diagnostics, the  
limitations and 
potential seriousness of the illumination of the "Check Engine  5/8" light is 
illuminated, yet all gauges and indications (other than that  specific caution 
light) are normal and the car appears to be operating  normally.
 
I was planning to take the car to Chicago next week but of course,  depending 
upon the severity of the defect or malfunction, and the time required  for 
its repair, that plan may be placed on hold for that trip.
 
Please ask an additional specific questions or request any additional  
relevant data that might be required or used to assist in the diagnostic and  
repair 
process. I've tried to present the problem in the greatest detail that I  
could but of course I may have omitted a critical detail.
 
TIA for your advice and counsel.
 
Dr. Steve  

1964 Rolls  Royce Silver Cloud III    1975 Pontiac GV Conv.
1980 MB  450SL                 1982 RR  Corniche
1988 Rolls Royce Silver  Spur         1994 F-350 Powerstroke  4x4          
1996  Bronco                                  2000 Lincoln Town Car
1995 Ferrari 348  Spyder                 2004 Excursion
+ Audrey's 3x MB's

Dr. Stephen B. Spies, CES,  CFI
Director, Forensic Sciences Laboratory
Explosives Engineering  Technologies

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