Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery
- Component
- Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery
- Manufacturer
- FERRARI NORTH AMERICA
- Vehicles affected
- 211
- Reported to NHTSA
- 2002-03-21
- Owners notified
- 2002-04-15
Defect description
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE ENGINE GROUND STRAP WAS MANUFACTURED IMPROPERLY. AS A RESULT OF THE IMPROPER "CRIMPING" OF THE GROUND STRAP CONNECTORS TO THE BRAIDED GROUND STRAP, THE ENGINE GROUND STRAP MAY NOT PROVIDE THE PROPER ELECTRICAL GROUND BETWEEN THE ENGINE AND THE CHASSIS.
Safety risk
IF THE STRAP FAILS TO PROVIDE THE PROPER GROUND TO THE CHASSIS, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WILL SEEK A GROUND AT THE IGNITION COIL. THE VEHICLE'S IGNITION COIL GROUND CABLE COULD OVERHEAT AND COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STOP. IF THE ENGINE STOPPED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN, IT COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE EXISTING ENGINE GROUND STRAP AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE STRAP WITH A NEW ONE WHICH HAS THE PROPER CONNECTOR CRIMPING. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 15, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FERRARI AT 1-201-816-2651.