Ferrari Adaptive Suspension Malfunction: What Goes Wrong and Why

Ferrari, known for its powerful performance & advanced technology often equips its models with cutting-edge features that make driving these cars a real pleasure. One such interesting feature in your Ferrari is the adaptive suspension system that offers you the finest comfort while maintaining the performance of your high-end car.

However, like other mechanical features, the adaptive suspension in your Ferrari is also prone to certain issues that can affect your ride quality. In this article, we will discuss the issues associated with the adaptive suspension of your Ferrari & the reasons behind the problems.

Hydraulic Fluid Leaks

The adaptive suspension system in your Ferrari comes equipped with magnetorheological (MR) dampers that form the core of the suspension system in your high-end car. These MR dampers are reliant on a special fluid for their optimal functioning & the viscosity of this fluid changes as per the electromagnetic signals.

Over the years as your Ferrari picks up miles, the seals present inside the dampers can deteriorate often leading to hydraulic fluid leaks. In addition to that, the presence of minor leaks in the system can also adversely affect the damping effectiveness & trigger the warning lights on the dashboard of your vehicle.

Of late, Ferrari drivers have reported experiencing front-end dive or rear squat issues that are most likely caused by reduced fluid pressure in one or more than one damper in your luxury car. In fact, the leaks in your Ferrari might be caused due to multiple factors like aggressive driving, extreme temperatures, or material wear & tear.

Now, you need to remain vigilant about the way your suspension performs while driving your car because, unlike the traditional suspensions, the MR dampers are very complex and can prove very costly to replace entirely. That is why catching the problems early & fixing them can save you from huge expenses.

Electrical Problems

Often Ferrari owners might think about how electrical problems affect the functioning of the adaptive suspension in their vehicle. However, they are surprised to learn that the advanced suspension system in their vehicle is heavily dependent on the electrical connections to establish communication between sensors, actuators, and control modules.

At times, it is seen that the development of corrosion or loose connection in the connectors can obstruct the flow of signal leading to intermittent faults with the system. Besides that, the weather can also play spoilsport with the electrical connections of your Ferrari if the sealing is poor after servicing which allows moisture to enter your car.

While driving your Ferrari you might come across occasional error messages, inconsistent ride stiffness, or the suspension might get completely deactivated. Now, these electrical issues might become difficult to comprehend because they are going to occur under specific driving conditions or temperatures.

That is why you must make it a point to visit a Ferrari specialist who will be able to diagnose the fault with the electrical system in your vehicle with the help of advanced diagnostic tools & equipment.

Faulty Sensor Calibration

The adaptive suspension system in your Ferrari is completely reliant on a host of sensors that help in monitoring the road conditions, cornering forces, speed, and load of the vehicle. In fact, the data collected from these sensors is sent to the suspension control module to make adjustments to the damping rates in real-time.

However, if the calibration is faulty or the sensors malfunction, then the system is going to receive erroneous data leading to inappropriate response from the suspension. During this phase, you are going to come across excessively stiff or soft suspension, especially during dynamic driving.

Most of the time the calibration problems are observed due to software glitches, bad sensors, or post-service misalignment.

Control Arm Bushing Failure

At times, the issues with the functioning of the adaptive suspension system might be caused due to control arm bushing failure. In fact, the control arm bushing is a critical mechanical component of your Ferrari made up of rubber or polyurethane parts that help cushion the connection between the control arms & the chassis.

Now, when the control arm bushings start experiencing issues then it can adversely affect your sensor readings & damping behaviors. Furthermore, control arm bushing failure can lead to various other problems like improper steering feel, uneven tire wear, or noisy clunking sound when the vehicle moves over speed bumps.

As your advanced suspension system tries to overcompensate for the problem it often leads to unpredictable stiffness or body roll in your vehicle.

Finally

The above-discussed factors are some of the problems associated with the failure of the adaptive suspension system in your Ferrari & the leading causes behind the problems. While driving if you come across anything unusual in your Ferrari then don’t hesitate to approach a certified auto repair shop to fix the problems.

Solo Motorsports of Atlanta is a servicing & maintenance dealership alternative, providing quality servicing of German vehicles such as BMW, Mini, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Audi and VW. We are ASE-certified to work on your German automobiles.