Uh oh, my GS is a paperweight - Gearbox is stuck between 3rd and 4th gears

[Mukilteo007]

Happy New Year, everyone. I think I have a unique problem with my F1 gearbox. I had a bit of a system meltdown about a month ago. My GS failed to shift out of third while coming down a long hill near home. Gearbox light came on at the same time. I was able to lug the poor girl up my driveway where she died about 20 feet short of the garage. Stuck in 3rd gear, unable to shift to neutral and unable to start. Wheel dollies and the whole family pushing saved the day. I've poured over this forum and M/L, hoping to find a DIY solution and avoid having her towed to Ferrari of $$$eattle. So far, none of the common fixes have made a difference. My current theory is that I've got air in my system, which I'll get back to in a bit.

The most I can get the transmission to do now is shift back and forth between 3rd and 4th, and it will only manage that once in a blue moon. 99% of the time, it sits there in one of these gears, refusing to do anything. Pulling both paddles results results in a faint hum from the area of the solenoid block and what I believe is something engaging at the forward end of the transmission... clutch, perhaps? These sounds last as long as I'm pulling on the paddles. That engagement sound is sort of like a very muted thud when I first pull the paddles back and another soft thud when I release them. The pump is behaving normally, although it was a bit erratic before I swapped the motor out today.

Here is what I've tried (in order):
- Reset battery multiple times, ranging from seconds to hours, and repeated as I've tried other things.
- Replaced relay twice.
- Confirmed fuses are good.
- Inspected/tested hood latch, door micro switches and trunk latch. All appear to be functional.
- Inspected/tested brake light switch. Brake lights operate normally. Since my car was in motion when the fault occurred, I don't think this is to blame. I've ordered a new switch to be safe.
- Topped off F1 fluid (it was very, very low... empty).
- Replaced F1 pump (hoses were disconnected).
- Replaced relay again for good measure.

It was a bit disheartening when the pump replacement didn't solve the problem. I think the transmission shifting between 3rd and 4th is a good sign that the clutch is okay and at least part of the actuator mechanism is working. I think my next move is to attempt to purge the system of trapped air. If there is air in the system, would it make sense that I can get an occasional gear change, but not a consistent change or a shift back to neutral? Looking underneath, I see one bleed valve facing aft to the left of the transmission. For the life of me, I can't find the second. I'm pretty handy and have rebuilt motors in my garage, but this F1 system and the limited access have me a bit baffled.

Any input or suggestions will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Tryg

The car is a 2006 GS fitted with Formula Dynamics ECU and DBW.

 

[CatmanV2]

Sounds to me like you're going to need a pro on this. Either the selector mechanism the valve block or the potentiometers could be at issue.

Nasty

C

 

[2b1ask1]

I’d be on the blower to Craig Waterman as a beacon of reason and font of knowledge over that side of the pond. It does sound like clutch to me, have you plugged it in to a reader? What are the recorded faults?

 

[safrane]

Sounds to me like clutch tang failure... it is allowing some changes but not all...I suspect if you keep trying to get a gear it will soon jam completely.

PS I hope I am wrong.

 

[Zep]

As you can tell, there are plenty of candidates for this fault. I would put my bet on the actuator, but it may well be a combination.

As several have said already, I would strongly suggest you need an expert opinion from someone with an SD3. With the CC box there really is no choice I am afraid. Please share the results as we can add it to the collective knowledge.

 

[Mukilteo007]

I really appreciate all the input, and quick input at that. Thanks all for your help. I've stopped fiddling with the car and have come to terms with this being an expensive repair. I stopped by a local Seattle independent shop today (G2 Motorsports) and also Ferrari of Seattle. As expected, the Ferrari dealer left me feeling cold... like a wallet with legs. G2 was a much more positive experience and they seem to be reasonably well-versed with Ferrari and Maserati. May not be a concern, but the independent uses Leonardo, not SD3. Should I be concerned, or are both systems capable of diagnostics and adjustments/calibration?

G2 says they will start with a code read and a bleeding of the F1 fluid as a start, then go from there. Next step is to find a towing company I'm confident can move the car safely given that the rear end is completely locked up.

I'll keep everyone updated. I expect this will unfold a bit slowly.

Happy New Year!
Tryg

 

[Mukilteo007]

One more follow-up question. Will a SD3/Leonardo code read of the F1's TCU provide clues as to what sensors or parts are misbehaving?

 

[safrane]

My last indi had the Leanardo and it worked fine with the fitting of a new clutch. They also had a number of Ferrari types on their books too.

 

[2b1ask1]

If they can read Ferrari 360/430 with their machine it will be fine.

 

[Zep]

One more follow-up question. Will a SD3/Leonardo code read of the F1's TCU provide clues as to what sensors or parts are misbehaving?

I have no personal experience, however I understand it works just fine.

It should allow them to read the codes and bleed the system. There should also be a “map” showing the actuator position in relation to the required gears. This will either give you a good steer on what has gone wrong (your fault isn’t intermittent so it should be pretty obvious) or start you on the right track.

 

[Mukilteo007]

Okay, thanks again. It sounds like the only way to go. Now to gather the pieces of my car laying around the garage and get it ready for transport.

 

[Mukilteo007]

Posting a follow-up, as promised. She's back on the road and running as good as ever. $2,000 later, I have a fully-bled F1 system. Seems like a lot to pay to remove a little air and yet a fraction of what I feared the bill would be. Serves me right... I am confident this was all my doing after letting the reservoir run dry.

For any Seattle area owners who might come across this, G2 Motorsports is truly fantastic and a far better alternative to Ferrari of Seattle. The owner, John, is very knowledgeable.

Thanks again for the input and advice.

 

[Zep]

Glad to hear you are back on the road and thanks for sharing the outcome

 

[Geo]

I'm well pleased you have the car fixed, but $2000 for what you described just seems truly extortionate!

 

[2b1ask1]

Well done, hoping the $2k bill includes covered transport both ways.