The problem
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.
The 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.
The fix
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.
Contacts
Customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
What to do
- Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
- Call a dealer. Any authorized Ferrari dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 02V091000.
- Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
- Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.