Opening Pandora’s Black Box

Manufacturers are required by Federal law to supply spares for ten years after production ends—then look out

by Michael Sheehan

A subscriber recently wrote, worrying about future maintenance costs of late model Ferraris: “My only fear is the outdated computer-controlled systems and the way obsolescence will drive maintenance sky-high for such systems. At least the vintage V12s don’t suffer ECU and “black box” syndrome!” While computer systems will certainly be problematic, our subscriber had merely opened Pandora’s box to the long list of potential problems the future will bring to all late-model exotic-car owners.

Computer problems loom

Modern Ferraris have Bosch engine management and ABS computers with TRW-built airbags, all cross-managing a hoard of Digitek computers and ECUs that talk to the Bosch computers while controlling a/c, heat, door locks, windows, power tops, dash modules, seat controls, ad infinitum. These secondary Digitek systems are Ferrari-only...