"Error" Light on 3200 - Advice Sought
Discussion
Hey Guys,
Need some advice please.
The Error Light has just come on within 5 minutes after the dealer dropped my car back from a Service.
It wont go out and am curious to see whether anyone else has had the experience ?
Ive just been told it may be one of the "actuators" may be stuck . Can this be reset or is replacing the Actuator necessary in this situation ?
Thanks Guys for any info on this subject .
Pete
>> Edited by maserati3200gt on Tuesday 20th September 11:55
Need some advice please.
The Error Light has just come on within 5 minutes after the dealer dropped my car back from a Service.
It wont go out and am curious to see whether anyone else has had the experience ?
Ive just been told it may be one of the "actuators" may be stuck . Can this be reset or is replacing the Actuator necessary in this situation ?
Thanks Guys for any info on this subject .
Pete
>> Edited by maserati3200gt on Tuesday 20th September 11:55
Um I'd be a very disgruntled customer and get them to take it back and sort it out!
As long as you've tried the standard reset techniques and it won't go then there is little you can do except ask them to take it back and reset it using the proper kit.
Woudl assume that it's a relay or something, and if it's knackered it might need relacing. Surely that would be a warranty job though. Unless relays are wear and tear items these days!
As long as you've tried the standard reset techniques and it won't go then there is little you can do except ask them to take it back and reset it using the proper kit.
Woudl assume that it's a relay or something, and if it's knackered it might need relacing. Surely that would be a warranty job though. Unless relays are wear and tear items these days!
mr_tony said:
Um I'd be a very disgruntled customer and get them to take it back and sort it out!
As long as you've tried the standard reset techniques and it won't go then there is little you can do except ask them to take it back and reset it using the proper kit.
Woudl assume that it's a relay or something, and if it's knackered it might need relacing. Surely that would be a warranty job though. Unless relays are wear and tear items these days!
Hi Rich,
Warranty company have said no! But every time I have claimed under warranty Maserati have said no until I threaten legal action and at this point they always change their minds.
I have tried the reset by switching the Battery Off but is there any other ways to reset guys ?
Pete
pete - do a search on reset and 3200 here - I'm sure someone mentioned a method that didn't involve unclipping the battery still I would imagine the outcome is the same so I doubt trying another method will change much...
Still if the battery trick didn't work sounds like something like a relay or somthing similar, so I guess if it's not possible under warranty (? and why not ?) then you'll just have to be very nice to the service dept...
Sorry I can't be more help. Failing that leave it on level ground for a day and pray hard - worked for me with the ERROR light at le mans! (I suspect that was just a result of overheating though...)
Still if the battery trick didn't work sounds like something like a relay or somthing similar, so I guess if it's not possible under warranty (? and why not ?) then you'll just have to be very nice to the service dept...
Sorry I can't be more help. Failing that leave it on level ground for a day and pray hard - worked for me with the ERROR light at le mans! (I suspect that was just a result of overheating though...)
Well, Actuator is £344.36 + Vat plus labour at around half an hour!
But the Suspension is £653.70 + Vat Plus Labour (time to be advised re : fitting)
Im not happy - In fact Im really really
off ! 
The Dealer and I have met on common ground and I am happy with the Guys who make the effort to look after this car however Maserati Head Office Need to look at themselves re : warranty.
It would be nice to have a warranty claim without the needless problems and disputes with Maserati UK.
If fact Im sick of it.
I drove the car for less than 3.5 miles upon return from a previous warranty claim and the error light came on ! note my rear suspension arm was replaced (drivers side last month)
If I agreed to pay the bill then I would have been paying out around £1464.48 inc vat alone in the past week !!!
Now.... I know buying such a marque need to be done with open eyes and I have done this but buying from a Main Dealer with Official Warranty and a car which originally has driven 29,000 would seem a safe bet..
However ...
I have seen my car for exactly 150 miles in the past 3 months and have to pay around £95+vat plus fuel and add a total of 150 miles round trip on my clock plus tyre / clutch wear etc, etc, to have the problems resolved.
I am MADDDDDDDDDDDDDD BIG TIME.
I had the car back for a total of 30 minutes and took the car out for exactly 3.4 miles before this problem started.
At this point I wish to state that I Love this car and have set aside a Damn Decent Budget for a years ownership however its now becomming a massive problem and Maserati UK will be addressed in due course.
The Warranty IMO is a total pain in the arse and I am totally livid with Maserati UK who have a long way to go to improve customer realtions.
I understand that each customer has their own experience but this is mine and Im Livid (and sad)
The car is stunning but I do not have the reserves of a certain Mr Gates even though I live well.
Therefore I have taken my car off sale (as I do not want the potential new owner to have these problems ) and will subject the car to a comprehensive checkup.
The car now stands at 33,500 miles for which I have drivenapprox 3,000 miles with a shed load of problems.
Granted the car has got me to the necessarydestination (with a jump start) but the problems have cost a bloody fortune and Im very very angry.
The car is beautiful and one of the best looking cars I have seen in years (especially the rear lights)
and I have not cut corners in the servicing at any cost. This car is immaculate and every problem has been repaired and restored by the Main Dealer.
However there comes a point when I have had enough.
I mean... My Neighbours think Im a car dealer due to the amount of different cars on my drive (all loan cars from my dealer (many thanks to the guys there by the way))
I understand the such cars require maintenance and an above average budget which I have put aside (circa £5,000)and what a joke this is !
I avoided buying a TVR Cerbera due to exactly this situation ! How the TVR Gods are laughing at me tonight
So... Im going to hit this head on (yes I know im Mad !!!)
The Car is going in on Tuesday for a fill check and anything that requires fixing will be addressed in one complete hit.
it ! Im keeping it and will address the matter with Maserati Warranties via my Solicitors in due course.
On a Final note ...
I read a recent article in the Robb Report which stated ....
Its like an incredibly hot girlfriend who's a great time but drives you crazy !. (Feb Issue 2005) Car of the year article edition.
What more can I say!
But the Suspension is £653.70 + Vat Plus Labour (time to be advised re : fitting)
Im not happy - In fact Im really really
off ! The Dealer and I have met on common ground and I am happy with the Guys who make the effort to look after this car however Maserati Head Office Need to look at themselves re : warranty.
It would be nice to have a warranty claim without the needless problems and disputes with Maserati UK.
If fact Im sick of it.
I drove the car for less than 3.5 miles upon return from a previous warranty claim and the error light came on ! note my rear suspension arm was replaced (drivers side last month)
If I agreed to pay the bill then I would have been paying out around £1464.48 inc vat alone in the past week !!!
Now.... I know buying such a marque need to be done with open eyes and I have done this but buying from a Main Dealer with Official Warranty and a car which originally has driven 29,000 would seem a safe bet..
However ...
I have seen my car for exactly 150 miles in the past 3 months and have to pay around £95+vat plus fuel and add a total of 150 miles round trip on my clock plus tyre / clutch wear etc, etc, to have the problems resolved.
I am MADDDDDDDDDDDDDD BIG TIME.
I had the car back for a total of 30 minutes and took the car out for exactly 3.4 miles before this problem started.
At this point I wish to state that I Love this car and have set aside a Damn Decent Budget for a years ownership however its now becomming a massive problem and Maserati UK will be addressed in due course.
The Warranty IMO is a total pain in the arse and I am totally livid with Maserati UK who have a long way to go to improve customer realtions.
I understand that each customer has their own experience but this is mine and Im Livid (and sad)
The car is stunning but I do not have the reserves of a certain Mr Gates even though I live well.
Therefore I have taken my car off sale (as I do not want the potential new owner to have these problems ) and will subject the car to a comprehensive checkup.
The car now stands at 33,500 miles for which I have drivenapprox 3,000 miles with a shed load of problems.
Granted the car has got me to the necessarydestination (with a jump start) but the problems have cost a bloody fortune and Im very very angry.
The car is beautiful and one of the best looking cars I have seen in years (especially the rear lights)
and I have not cut corners in the servicing at any cost. This car is immaculate and every problem has been repaired and restored by the Main Dealer.
However there comes a point when I have had enough.
I mean... My Neighbours think Im a car dealer due to the amount of different cars on my drive (all loan cars from my dealer (many thanks to the guys there by the way))
I understand the such cars require maintenance and an above average budget which I have put aside (circa £5,000)and what a joke this is !
I avoided buying a TVR Cerbera due to exactly this situation ! How the TVR Gods are laughing at me tonight
So... Im going to hit this head on (yes I know im Mad !!!)
The Car is going in on Tuesday for a fill check and anything that requires fixing will be addressed in one complete hit.
it ! Im keeping it and will address the matter with Maserati Warranties via my Solicitors in due course. On a Final note ...
I read a recent article in the Robb Report which stated ....
Its like an incredibly hot girlfriend who's a great time but drives you crazy !. (Feb Issue 2005) Car of the year article edition.
What more can I say!
Sounds familiar 3200gt.
I would however re-consider keeping the car - in my experience its not the sort of car that you have completely fixed and then it's OK for a year.....they are a constant problem.
I used to be chuffed when I drove a long journey without any warning lights coming on or funny sounds....that simply isn't acceptable when you consider the alternative cars you could be sat in for the money.
I would however re-consider keeping the car - in my experience its not the sort of car that you have completely fixed and then it's OK for a year.....they are a constant problem.
I used to be chuffed when I drove a long journey without any warning lights coming on or funny sounds....that simply isn't acceptable when you consider the alternative cars you could be sat in for the money.
Carrera2 said:
Sounds familiar 3200gt.
I would however re-consider keeping the car - in my experience its not the sort of car that you have completely fixed and then it's OK for a year.....they are a constant problem.
I used to be chuffed when I drove a long journey without any warning lights coming on or funny sounds....that simply isn't acceptable when you consider the alternative cars you could be sat in for the money.
I do still love the car but I note what you say.
Im still torn between wanting to Blow the car up and keeping her !
I feel the next options will be a Porsche 911 as a suitable day to day replacement. Just not sure which model yet.
Exactly what I did - 3200gta to a 996 Carrera 2.
The interiors not as good as the Maser but performance is similar and handling is in a different league.
It doesn't have quite the same head turning ability as the 3200 (untill you floor it
) but I love it in a way that I never ever loved the Maser.
Cant' see me moving away from Porsche for quite a while now...
The interiors not as good as the Maser but performance is similar and handling is in a different league.
It doesn't have quite the same head turning ability as the 3200 (untill you floor it
) but I love it in a way that I never ever loved the Maser. Cant' see me moving away from Porsche for quite a while now...
I think the 3200 is one of the Best looking cars I have seen in years combined with performance that is superb!
However the level of Service from the Warranty company has been a total Joke. I have to fight every step of the way before a resolution is in place and I would like to drive the car every now and then !
Its going through a period at the moment that every time it comes back from the main dealer - its been booked back in the same day to have a new fault resolved!
Its driving me mad!
However the level of Service from the Warranty company has been a total Joke. I have to fight every step of the way before a resolution is in place and I would like to drive the car every now and then !
Its going through a period at the moment that every time it comes back from the main dealer - its been booked back in the same day to have a new fault resolved!
Its driving me mad!
Sorry to hear of the troubles mate - that really does suck. If the issue is after only 3.4 miles it shoudl ahve been picked up in a test drive by the dealer after completing the work.
My check engine light did get stuck on at le mans - I only managed to fix it by replacing the lambda sensors - cost a packet and the car traded in the next day.
My check engine light did get stuck on at le mans - I only managed to fix it by replacing the lambda sensors - cost a packet and the car traded in the next day.
Morning Rich,
Yep I Really off.
I cant stress how much I enjoyed the initial ownership of the car etc but to be honest there are better ways of money against the wall.
I could even accept the new repairs after say.. one month but not after 3.4 miles ! Whats that all about?
The Car was in the Dealership for approx 10 days this month and around a total of 3/4 weeks during the previous month and a half so im not getting much driving time.
Basically im getting sick of this.
Time for another German Car I think.
Yep I Really
off. I cant stress how much I enjoyed the initial ownership of the car etc but to be honest there are better ways of
money against the wall. I could even accept the new repairs after say.. one month but not after 3.4 miles ! Whats that all about?
The Car was in the Dealership for approx 10 days this month and around a total of 3/4 weeks during the previous month and a half so im not getting much driving time.
Basically im getting sick of this.
Time for another German Car I think.
Maser3200
Sorry to hear of your continued woes - What "actuator" are we talking of and how was it diagnosed?
In addition to "Check Engine", what error code was displayed? This is usually a 2 digit code displayed near the ouside temperature display during pre-startup (ignition on awating idiot lights to extinguish). This will help me understand the problem.
Sorry to hear of your continued woes - What "actuator" are we talking of and how was it diagnosed?
In addition to "Check Engine", what error code was displayed? This is usually a 2 digit code displayed near the ouside temperature display during pre-startup (ignition on awating idiot lights to extinguish). This will help me understand the problem.
Nigelo said:
Maser3200
Sorry to hear of your continued woes - What "actuator" are we talking of and how was it diagnosed?
In addition to "Check Engine", what error code was displayed? This is usually a 2 digit code displayed near the ouside temperature display during pre-startup (ignition on awating idiot lights to extinguish). This will help me understand the problem.
Thanks Nigelo.
Unfortunately there is not 2 digit code displayed apart from the Error Light which is continuously on during start up and driving.
I will have more of an Idea within 48 hours as Back to Main Dealer again tomorrow.
Hope you had a Good Holiday Nigelo ?
Many Thanks for your help and will post further details shortly.
Pete
Nigelo said:
Maser3200
Sorry to hear of your continued woes - What "actuator" are we talking of and how was it diagnosed?
In addition to "Check Engine", what error code was displayed? This is usually a 2 digit code displayed near the ouside temperature display during pre-startup (ignition on awating idiot lights to extinguish). This will help me understand the problem.
------------------------------------------------
Hey Nigelo,
Sorry for the delay but only just found out the problem.
Ive got to say my Warranty is now paying for itself so with a few phone conversations to the Warranty company they have come through which has made my day (Thanks Trident)
The Error light came on due to the Actuator packing up and damaging the Suspension which resulted in the Error Light Display.
So the total cost thankfully covered by warranty is :
Actuator £560 + Vat
Suspension £684.30 + Vat
Bush £96.20 + Vat
----------------
Labour of £286.50 (Paid by Myself)
So anyone reading this take note that it does pay (sometimes) to have a warranty.
I went into buying this particular car with eyes wide open (having set a fund aside ) but even costs like this make me fall of my chair!
, especially after only receiving the car back from Main Dealer with last weeks Bill of £696.00 ! Keeping these cars in A1 Condition can take a lot financially but they are rewarding thats for sure!
I must say though that the Main Dealer has been Fantastic and the relationship is now excellent.
Many thanks to the Guys in the New Forest for all their help.
My cars seems to be reving too high at the moment. So probably a sensor some where. Other than that the car is fine. I have owned a number of cars in the past and they all have there downsides. This car is proving reliable (Touch wood). I have a warrenty, wich is a must. Just because when the bills come, they can be big. You just have to remember that NEW the cars cost 60k. So the parts and labour wont be cheap. Its not like my MINI 4 years and chuff all wrong with it. You would get the sames bills, trouble with aston, ferrari and lambo. Any sports car will cost you to keep it running. Its the fun payback that makes it worth it.
I would still but another
I would still but another
Sorry to hear about the problems. I know it is frustrating when things go wrong.
I am conscious that quite a few potential owners read these posts so in the inetersts of balance:
We bought a 5 series as an every day car because we were worried about the Masser reliability reputation. Now the motoring press will have you believe that the 5 series is one of the best cars in the world and is extremely reliable, and in comparison the 3200 is unreliable.
In the last 6 months the 5 series has been in and out of the main dealer probably even more times than your car! The ability to fix basic problems has been astonishingly bad from what is supposed to be a reliable German brand (including a cock and bull story about a water cooled alternator that supposedly needed replacing - at the cost of best part of a grand - then "knitting itself" back together after we had a second opinion from a non-franshised dealer - they knew that we knew they were lying)
The Masser in the meantime has had to be the car to pick up when the 5 series has failed.
So even German reliability is not a given.
I hope you will give your car another chance, and as for a 911? Do you really want to be that inconspicuous again?
PS: I know I am jinxing my car and it will blow up tomorrow.
I am conscious that quite a few potential owners read these posts so in the inetersts of balance:
We bought a 5 series as an every day car because we were worried about the Masser reliability reputation. Now the motoring press will have you believe that the 5 series is one of the best cars in the world and is extremely reliable, and in comparison the 3200 is unreliable.
In the last 6 months the 5 series has been in and out of the main dealer probably even more times than your car! The ability to fix basic problems has been astonishingly bad from what is supposed to be a reliable German brand (including a cock and bull story about a water cooled alternator that supposedly needed replacing - at the cost of best part of a grand - then "knitting itself" back together after we had a second opinion from a non-franshised dealer - they knew that we knew they were lying)
The Masser in the meantime has had to be the car to pick up when the 5 series has failed.
So even German reliability is not a given.
I hope you will give your car another chance, and as for a 911? Do you really want to be that inconspicuous again?
PS: I know I am jinxing my car and it will blow up tomorrow.
>Maser3200
Pleased to see you have got it sorted and now it all makes sense - The "actuator" you refer to is geared motor drive sitting on top of each shock absorber that provides the "active ride" on your suspension by stiffening / softening bump and rebound settings several times per second. This is controlled by a central processor taking its input from velocity, lateral and vertical acceleration sensors and not least the "sport" setting on your control panel.
Problems with the actuator will show up as an error on the display panel but usually accompanied by an error code. This is properly diagnosed using an SD2 laptop tester which is Maserati sepcific - I'm guessing but this probably the reason for your "DS2" question on another thread.
Not neccessarily a sensor Chris. This is where many dealers can cause massive bills for Owners - They start changing parts at great expense on a suck-it-and-see basis. If it doesn't provide a fix, they change something else but of course do not replace the original part. Get your earthing resistances checked FIRST and INSIST on it. If you or a friend can use a tester (Ohm), disconnect battery and check engine / management system / chassis / battery earth. Start with the management system located (on RHD cars) behind carpet to right of driver's right leg roughly where your knee is or perhaps a little forward.
Heads-up: ALWAYS disconnect the battery before touching any of the electronics or connections on vehicle. The 3200s have a convenient isolation switch for this purpose located next to the battery.
Finally, I fully agree with Sco - There are good and bad experiences with all makes and models including the Teutonic armchairs.
HTH
Pleased to see you have got it sorted and now it all makes sense - The "actuator" you refer to is geared motor drive sitting on top of each shock absorber that provides the "active ride" on your suspension by stiffening / softening bump and rebound settings several times per second. This is controlled by a central processor taking its input from velocity, lateral and vertical acceleration sensors and not least the "sport" setting on your control panel.
Problems with the actuator will show up as an error on the display panel but usually accompanied by an error code. This is properly diagnosed using an SD2 laptop tester which is Maserati sepcific - I'm guessing but this probably the reason for your "DS2" question on another thread.
chris_crossley said:
My cars seems to be reving too high at the moment. So probably a sensor some where.
Not neccessarily a sensor Chris. This is where many dealers can cause massive bills for Owners - They start changing parts at great expense on a suck-it-and-see basis. If it doesn't provide a fix, they change something else but of course do not replace the original part. Get your earthing resistances checked FIRST and INSIST on it. If you or a friend can use a tester (Ohm), disconnect battery and check engine / management system / chassis / battery earth. Start with the management system located (on RHD cars) behind carpet to right of driver's right leg roughly where your knee is or perhaps a little forward.
Heads-up: ALWAYS disconnect the battery before touching any of the electronics or connections on vehicle. The 3200s have a convenient isolation switch for this purpose located next to the battery.
Finally, I fully agree with Sco - There are good and bad experiences with all makes and models including the Teutonic armchairs.
HTH
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