Every day tips for living with a 599
Discussion
But as usual a Ferrari and a 15 year old one at that has to throw a wobbly.
On the drive home the TPMS failed. Gave me a right scare as I was on a little back road with no where to stop. I was really worried about damage to the new rims if I was driving with a flat.
Found a layby and checked the tyres - all good.
Ignition on/off and it didn't reset.
Called MDL and they said to try a few things and come back to their workshop if it didn't reset.
Tried the battery isolation switch - no difference.
Tried a calibration - nothing still showing a fault.
So drove back to MDL. About 5 minutes from their workshop the fault magically cleared.
and at the same time 
Mark said it's not uncommon with new TPMS connecting to the car. So far, no more wobblies
On the drive home the TPMS failed. Gave me a right scare as I was on a little back road with no where to stop. I was really worried about damage to the new rims if I was driving with a flat.
Found a layby and checked the tyres - all good.
Ignition on/off and it didn't reset.
Called MDL and they said to try a few things and come back to their workshop if it didn't reset.
Tried the battery isolation switch - no difference.
Tried a calibration - nothing still showing a fault.
So drove back to MDL. About 5 minutes from their workshop the fault magically cleared.
and at the same time Mark said it's not uncommon with new TPMS connecting to the car. So far, no more wobblies
Spent the day at Viezu to get the car dyno'd
https://viezu.com/
They have a video of a 599 getting an ECU tune and why I chose them.
https://youtu.be/Co2fpeRcUqw
They needed remove the rear under tray to get the car strapped down.
Car was run up and first Dyno run performed before removing the ECUs, one in each footwell.
The first map was done and then this was adjusted after Dyno run and test drive.
Final Dyno run done with results below. Definitely sounds different with more bark.
On the dyno the car is changing up early, not sure why? On the second run it's changing up about 1000rpm later.
Peak torque at around 4500rpm is up 40ft.lbs and Peak power at 6700rpm is up 20bhp.
So knowing this I can look at change up points to optimise acceleration while not running to the red line.
https://viezu.com/
They have a video of a 599 getting an ECU tune and why I chose them.
https://youtu.be/Co2fpeRcUqw
They needed remove the rear under tray to get the car strapped down.
Car was run up and first Dyno run performed before removing the ECUs, one in each footwell.
The first map was done and then this was adjusted after Dyno run and test drive.
Final Dyno run done with results below. Definitely sounds different with more bark.
On the dyno the car is changing up early, not sure why? On the second run it's changing up about 1000rpm later.
Peak torque at around 4500rpm is up 40ft.lbs and Peak power at 6700rpm is up 20bhp.
So knowing this I can look at change up points to optimise acceleration while not running to the red line.
At 
mph I have noticed a slight vibration. MDL also reported the same after testing the car. I decided to get the wheels Hunter road force balanced. There are not too many places that offer this service so I when to BMTR (the closest to Viezu)
https://www.bmtr.co.uk/wheel-balancing/
On the ramp
Front tyres came out at 60 and 50 Newton Meters for road force and suggested the wheel weights changed by 25 and 10 grams respectively.
What the BMTR guys told me is below 60 is as good as it gets. 60 - 90 is still a pass but over 90 is a fail.
So weights off and balanced again. No need to rotate the tyre.
Unfortunately both rear tyres failed road force balancing at 315 and 105 Newton Meters. When you looked at wheel spinning on the on the tyre machine it's visibly out of round. So far out of round that rotation of the tyre on the rim cannot compensate.
Interestingly both rears were only 20 grams out.
So the wheels can be balanced but you'll never be able to get rid of the vibration
https://youtu.be/cYq4ID_PNSE
https://youtu.be/okcuPwiXD7A
BMTR also said there's no way to tell the tyre is out of round until the tyre is on the rim
mph I have noticed a slight vibration. MDL also reported the same after testing the car. I decided to get the wheels Hunter road force balanced. There are not too many places that offer this service so I when to BMTR (the closest to Viezu)https://www.bmtr.co.uk/wheel-balancing/
On the ramp
Front tyres came out at 60 and 50 Newton Meters for road force and suggested the wheel weights changed by 25 and 10 grams respectively.
What the BMTR guys told me is below 60 is as good as it gets. 60 - 90 is still a pass but over 90 is a fail.
So weights off and balanced again. No need to rotate the tyre.
Unfortunately both rear tyres failed road force balancing at 315 and 105 Newton Meters. When you looked at wheel spinning on the on the tyre machine it's visibly out of round. So far out of round that rotation of the tyre on the rim cannot compensate.
Interestingly both rears were only 20 grams out.
So the wheels can be balanced but you'll never be able to get rid of the vibration
https://youtu.be/cYq4ID_PNSE
https://youtu.be/okcuPwiXD7A
BMTR also said there's no way to tell the tyre is out of round until the tyre is on the rim
Oh the joys of 599 ownership.
After an overnight on the way to Spa Francorchamps with the 599 sitting outside cold and wet she showed her displeasure by giving two electrical system failure faults on the dash as well as doing strange things with the TPMS, door locks and windows.
This is 99% related to the battery and probably because it's been on a trickle charger for a long time.
So tested the battery.
Normally she fires on first press of the button but today she's taking 2 or 3 goes. So tested the cranking amps and idle charge
Both came back normal and now 1% doubt is creeping in.
So plugged in the code reader
And it came back with pages of faults.
Seeing the ECU faults gave me a sickening feeling after Viezu. But a call to MDL calmed me down, Lee stating that so many faults is another indicator of battery failure even though it tested okay.
He advised to clear the codes but my code reader is not able to clear all the codes.
Lee at MDL advised to try a hard reset. Unfortunately I don't have the right tool so I'm waiting for a friend who is also going to Spa to catch up with his tool kit.
The Ferrari tool kit has a 10mm spanner but I just can't access the nut as it's recessed so need a socket.
We'll also take the battery and try charging out of the car.
Unfortunately it's going to take a long time.
https://batteryworld.varta-automotive.com/en-gb/pr...
https://www.varta-automotive.com/bg-bg/%D0%9F%D0%B...
Hopefully we can top it up enough that I can start the car and not have the electrical system failure faults on the dash and enough power to reset the windows and door locks
After an overnight on the way to Spa Francorchamps with the 599 sitting outside cold and wet she showed her displeasure by giving two electrical system failure faults on the dash as well as doing strange things with the TPMS, door locks and windows.
This is 99% related to the battery and probably because it's been on a trickle charger for a long time.
So tested the battery.
Normally she fires on first press of the button but today she's taking 2 or 3 goes. So tested the cranking amps and idle charge
Both came back normal and now 1% doubt is creeping in.
So plugged in the code reader
And it came back with pages of faults.
Seeing the ECU faults gave me a sickening feeling after Viezu. But a call to MDL calmed me down, Lee stating that so many faults is another indicator of battery failure even though it tested okay.
He advised to clear the codes but my code reader is not able to clear all the codes.
Lee at MDL advised to try a hard reset. Unfortunately I don't have the right tool so I'm waiting for a friend who is also going to Spa to catch up with his tool kit.
The Ferrari tool kit has a 10mm spanner but I just can't access the nut as it's recessed so need a socket.
We'll also take the battery and try charging out of the car.
Unfortunately it's going to take a long time.
https://batteryworld.varta-automotive.com/en-gb/pr...
https://www.varta-automotive.com/bg-bg/%D0%9F%D0%B...
Hopefully we can top it up enough that I can start the car and not have the electrical system failure faults on the dash and enough power to reset the windows and door locks
Decided the Italians must have had a plan and given appropriate tools, I'm just not thinking right.
So battery disconnected I touched the terminals together to drain the capacitors on the ECUs.
Quick note to say I opened the battery isolation switch. Removed the clamps which allowed me to turn the battery to get access with a spanner. Removed black terminal then red. Mansplaining.
Very relieved to find there weren't any sparks or shocks.
Now just waiting for my friend to turn up with his battery booster.
So battery disconnected I touched the terminals together to drain the capacitors on the ECUs.
Quick note to say I opened the battery isolation switch. Removed the clamps which allowed me to turn the battery to get access with a spanner. Removed black terminal then red. Mansplaining.
Very relieved to find there weren't any sparks or shocks.
Now just waiting for my friend to turn up with his battery booster.
The tested CCA seems to be around the nominal rating for your battery. My experience of the Varta Silver AGMs is that they’re significantly above nominal when new (by about 35%) and that they’re useless in a Ferrari by the time the tested CCA reaches the rated value. But ISTR that you only installed the battery quite recently. How old is it now? and has it suffered any deep discharges since you installed it?
ANOpax said:
The tested CCA seems to be around the nominal rating for your battery. My experience of the Varta Silver AGMs is that they’re significantly above nominal when new (by about 35%) and that they’re useless in a Ferrari by the time the tested CCA reaches the rated value. But ISTR that you only installed the battery quite recently. How old is it now? and has it suffered any deep discharges since you installed it?
Hi ANOpax,Yes, the battery is only a year old. It's never had any deep discharge. Always on a ctek at home.
599 was three weeks at MDL but the battery was disconnected while all the repair work was done.
I'm also thinking a new battery is required
cake eater said:
Hi ANOpax,
Yes, the battery is only a year old. It's never had any deep discharge. Always on a ctek at home.
599 was three weeks at MDL but the battery was disconnected while all the repair work was done.
I'm also thinking a new battery is required
It’s a pity that the battery is so young but the CCA test doesn’t lie. I treat the battery as a consumable in the FF and replace it every two years.Yes, the battery is only a year old. It's never had any deep discharge. Always on a ctek at home.
599 was three weeks at MDL but the battery was disconnected while all the repair work was done.
I'm also thinking a new battery is required
ANOpax said:
cake eater said:
Hi ANOpax,
Yes, the battery is only a year old. It's never had any deep discharge. Always on a ctek at home.
599 was three weeks at MDL but the battery was disconnected while all the repair work was done.
I'm also thinking a new battery is required
It’s a pity that the battery is so young but the CCA test doesn’t lie. I treat the battery as a consumable in the FF and replace it every two years.Yes, the battery is only a year old. It's never had any deep discharge. Always on a ctek at home.
599 was three weeks at MDL but the battery was disconnected while all the repair work was done.
I'm also thinking a new battery is required
Great thread, thanks for sharing your journey.
I never quite liked the 599 as to me this was some sort of Chris Bangle design era for Ferrari, but I just cannot believe how F12 rims improve the look of the car, at least one in these colours. Well done!
I never quite liked the 599 as to me this was some sort of Chris Bangle design era for Ferrari, but I just cannot believe how F12 rims improve the look of the car, at least one in these colours. Well done!
Edited by Thom on Monday 3rd April 10:47
Thom said:
Great thread, thanks for sharing your journey.
I never quite liked the 599 as to me this was some sort of Chris Bangle design era for Ferrari, but I just cannot believe how F12 rims improve the look of the car, at least one in these colours. Well done!
Hi Thom,I never quite liked the 599 as to me this was some sort of Chris Bangle design era for Ferrari, but I just cannot believe how F12 rims improve the look of the car, at least one in these colours. Well done!
Edited by Thom on Monday 3rd April 10:47
Thank you for that. I have noticed that the 599 gets a lot more looks and comments.
I have never understood the general dislike for the 599. I think it's such a good car compared to the previous generation though I do agree the looks can be a little awkward
To a certain extent, all Ferraris look amazing from some angles and a little awkward from others. In fact I quite like the 599 from the front up to A-pillars but the rest of the car and especially the bizarre, bulky proportions of the rear wings look odd to me. (Prancing) horses for courses, anyway.
Keep up with the good work, lots of good information on here.
Keep up with the good work, lots of good information on here.
Today has been one of those perfect days. Cold, bright and sunny. Good track conditions and the 599 embarrassing GT Porsches 
Where the 599 really struggled was low speed traction and hard braking. At Chicane and La Source the GT Porsches and my friends GR Yaris would pull several car lengths on me but the 599 would catch up on the fast stuff, seeing well over 160 before braking for Les Combes and exiting Double Gauche at over 110
Eau Rouge
F1 pit wall
Because of the cold air, the engine temps stayed normal but the tyres and front brakes took a pounding. There's no hiding from the fact she 1800 kg.
I think that Soa is much harder on the car than the Nurburgring. But despite the hard work mechanically she's been fine, though buy mid afternoon she's was getting grumbly so we called it a day.
Interestingly some of the Electrical faults clear
Ed, allowing the passenger door and boot to open. Intermittently the TPMS would start working also
Where the 599 really struggled was low speed traction and hard braking. At Chicane and La Source the GT Porsches and my friends GR Yaris would pull several car lengths on me but the 599 would catch up on the fast stuff, seeing well over 160 before braking for Les Combes and exiting Double Gauche at over 110
Eau Rouge
F1 pit wall
Because of the cold air, the engine temps stayed normal but the tyres and front brakes took a pounding. There's no hiding from the fact she 1800 kg.
I think that Soa is much harder on the car than the Nurburgring. But despite the hard work mechanically she's been fine, though buy mid afternoon she's was getting grumbly so we called it a day.
Interestingly some of the Electrical faults clear
Ed, allowing the passenger door and boot to open. Intermittently the TPMS would start working also
We stayed at Les Lucioles, it's just 5 minutes from the circuit.
https://g.co/kgs/Qgakb9
Just lovely place with great hosts and our cars tucked out of sight. Even ran an extension to allow to try to give the battery a bit more charge
https://g.co/kgs/Qgakb9
Just lovely place with great hosts and our cars tucked out of sight. Even ran an extension to allow to try to give the battery a bit more charge
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