Here's What FINALLY Fixed my Cheap Salvage Ferrari!!! (EVERY Ferrari 360's Fatal Flaw) 

Sam, I will buy this car from you right now. I am not kidding.

Frustratingly you spent the entire time advocating for the right to repair without actually mentioning the words "right to repair". It is and as it should be, a movement that is gaining strength.

Can you please bring this car to Carmax for an appraisal and record the whole thing?

Hey Sam, I'm an electronics design engineer with a lot of embedded electronics experience. I'm working with an independent sports car specialist in London to tackle this problem (we already repair several other types of car electronics modules). I have a bag of 6 of these ecus with the same fault! I have repaired one (found a definite fault), but awaiting testing on a car to verify if it's actually now working. I'll keep you updated! These problems need an engineering approach, I just diagnosed and fixed a fault on an early 2000s Ferrari dealer diagnostic tool "SD2". It was totally dead, parts were actually only a few £ ($). The unit is 3k, used, to replace. We are now increasingly tackling these challenges where owners often have no other options. Cheers, Sean

I used to work on ECUs for John Deere, and the best answer for dying ECUs is to use a programmable aftermarket ECU. I usually recommend Megasquirt, the streetracers' favorite.

Apple's version of a jumper pack would be a new car.

If Apple made a jump pack, it would cost 3X as much as everyone else's, have proprietary charger cord, and be obsolete in 3 years.

Great vid..... Jose...we need more people and companies like you

I've worked in the automotive field for 35 years. One of the earliest safety lessons I learned was how to remove and install a battery. We disconnect NEGATIVE FIRST...and reattach it last. This not only reduces the chances of sparks...explosions...etc...BUT it is also easier on sensitive electronics...given the subject of this video...just saying.

That ECU repair is amazing. I’m absolutely astonished.

Not just Ferrari, welcome to the world of obsolete vehicle software.

The clicking is the ECU failing its power on self test or getting a brown out and rebooting constantly. It might be serviceable if it's a passive component at fault but no chance of getting a replacement chip on board die. It's a super reliable method of construction but obnoxious for servicing. A lot of newer ECUs are even worse.

If the actual fault can be identified and narrowed down to one chip, and a packaged version of that chip is available, it would be possible to make a PCB with that chip, and patch it in using a wire-bonder. A wire bonder is a standard piece of equipment used in the semiconductor industry - they can sometimes be found surplus ebay, but you could probably rent time on one for a 1-off job.

That company doing the ECU work is simply amazing

Its a shame, but someday you'll see fully restored cars collecting dust because no ECU is available. The irony is cars 40 years older will still be running ( and repairable ).

I was really hoping to see it driven, but man, this took so long and I hope it will work smoothly this time, so happy for you.

If there's one thing I've learned from you Sam, it's that I will never, ever own a Ferrari!

Mega squirt with a canbus harness, you could make a adapter to current engine harness if I had the wire harness schematic and engine harness schematic easy

Congrats on getting it fixed, it seems like it's been 1 year in the making, good it know there is companies that fix ECUs. Shout out to Jose.

That ECU testing bench is by far the best porn I've ever seen. Really damn awesome! By far very educational as well, Sam. Thank you for sharing this video!

I really appreciate the different content of this video, Jose has an interesting job and explained it very well. Keep up the good work!

I find it hilarious that Ferrari can't figure out how to make one ECU handle an eight cylinder engine. Like everybody else on the planet

José lifted this channel up a level with his expertise 👌

Wow, that's amazing why Ferrari decided to use such circuit board technology on a road car. That's pretty crazy. I'd say the best option is using an aftermarket ECU like MaxxECU, Haltech, Link etc and then having it dyno tuned. Not necessarily the cheapest option but once tuned the tune can be loaded into any future ECU generations as technology advances 😉

I've been an electronics engineer, since 1984, and one thing we were made very aware of was an erosion effect called "Silicon Degradation" which slowly destroys transistor based devices over time. It's caused by the electrons passing through the silicon substrate in the exact same way that water passing through rock, slowly, over time, wears it away. In daily use, the average silicon semiconductor, has a useable service life of between 10 & 20 years, before the silicon degradation is so bad that it junction resistances are so bad that it ceases to function properly.

The tech you are looking at in the Ferrari is "Direct Die Attach". The other module's tech is standard IC packaging (the dies are bonded out in those black square packages) and actually over a couple decades old. That is generic "Surface Mount Devices" (SMD) and specifically TQFP for the big chips. Unfortunately direct die requires some very expensive equipment and skill to service. That is in the domain of the actual chip manufacturers and in clean rooms. That is also a MultiChip and conformal coated Module. In a nutshell it is designed to be made - not serviced. It is incumbent on Ferrari to overbuild the module and maintain a 7-10 year supply after they discontinue using it to keep the service supply chain happy. (Note Tesla, is also pissing everyone off right now by not having adequate inventory for repairs.) Repair inventories of course have to be factored into the retail unit cost for the duration of the product lifecycle. You ramp production and service when you release the product and as it matures and the end is near quit producing the material and deplete what you can. It is also common practice to keep using the same design in other products as long as possible. This is generally pretty easy with engine computers. In fact I'd be surprised if that Bosch module (OEM'd by and programmed for Ferrari) was not used by anyone else. That would be terribly expensive. All that said - I have to wonder if someone zapped the unit and its miss sensing an input. Moot point as there is precious little you can do to fix it at the component level.

That was a great video Sam, Jose is super clever. The new style key is really cool.

Congratulations Sam on finally getting the car running great again. I seriously going to look at the jump starter because my Schumacher just doesn't cut it.

For those thinking that having a new PCB made is expensive ( just the circuit board with no chips on it ), the cost is $2 for 5 100mm x 100mm sized boards.

I wish I had the patience, persistence and determination of this guy. Nothing but respect for him.

Fantastic to watch the process on the bench.

Finally you got the Ferrari 360 sorted out. We thought by now you would convert it into the world's most expensive chicken coop.

I wonder if something like a Haltech would be able to easily take over with an adapter harness? Seems like the most straightforward solution.

It is rare that a ECU fails. I think I have replaced 2 ECU's that was actually the problem. I know so many mechanics have replaced them without actually knowing what the actual problem was.

I think Haltech is making replacement ECUs. Basically, an ECU is a series of circuits sending signals in a low tech kinda way. You need an actual computer, like a Raspberry pi, with emulation software that can learn whatever sequence a car is using and replicate it. Should be fairly easy if you can dump an ECU’s code 👨‍💻 We do it for everything else. How hard could it be?

This is what scares me about the EPA going after Brent at PFI. Sooner or later the factory ECU will no longer be available. According to the EPA you are not allowed to replace the ECU. If we put companies out of business for messing with the ECU then there will be no aftermarket support to repair them.

This was a Really Good and Informative video…. I never knew you could reprogram an ECU to this magnitude….great job SAM 💪

That testing lab testing equipment for checking ECU's was really neat...

I have repaired a few of these, it is not related to bad capacitors, but a single (GND) bonding wire, that will have a high voltage drop at bootup, due to the bad connection. It is easy to repair with a bonding station, but it can even be fixed with high precision soldering with aluminum soldering (not tin). Although it can be repaired, it is easier to buy a compatible ECU and reflash it. Some of the similar ECUs used on FIAT's and others are not always 100% compatible, but my experience is that the compatible ECUs used in Lancia ypsilon are always good for this, and very easy and cheap to source second hand.

This sort of repair service is absolutely what the world needs instead of the rampant "single use" culture.

Those wire bonded chips will also come in standard packages, just build a new if larger circuit board.

Fantastic video! Had no idea interfaces like these were used to repair ECU's.

I love the fact that a expensive super car is no longer supported by the factory and finding the ECU is next to impossible, but I can go down to the auto parts store and pick up any part I desire for my 1998 beater.

ask louis rossman ;) 15:20 SMD repair is possible. you need a microscope, a hot air station and a steady hand. you will also need a schematic of the board too. its going to be difficult when the board is covered in treacle however.

Just when you think Sam has hit a brick wall with his Ferrari, somebody comes through with a solution. 😊👍

I'm excited for you but still skeptical until I see a road test. It's almost unbelievable.

The BEST answer is to make it so they run off of 1 or 2 Speeduinos. With the right support anyone can make one and anyone can program. While that's open source, cheap - free, someone can make some money making and programming so it's plug and play for mechanics who don't have time and the inept who are incapable.

Nice one Sam, really pleased for you that it's finally sorted and you can actually enjoy the car! Great service from the ECU guys too! By the way, I've always wondered why you haven't invested in a two or four post car lift? It would make so many of the jobs you undertake so much easier, and you've got the space under your covered porch where the Ferrari has been living for the past year....

There was a capacitor on that Bosch unit that looked like it was blown. (Look at the lower right side... rather large one with a visible crack/burn mark below the black component at @12:34.) That seems to be a simple surface mounted cap which should be pretty easy to replace.

It’s awesome that there is specialized craftsmanship still out there.

I’d get haltech or motec to supply a standalone ecu and an adapter loom. Sounds like a perfect sponsored project.

I am so pleased that your persistence along with the efforts of an amazing repair shop, has paid off! I figured that the 360 was just going to be a mark in the "loss" column...

Great series! I really like your approach to DIY your cars and find smart solutions to keep costs down. Also the documentation on how ECUs can be tested and fixed is just great! Keep on going!

Im really glad bmw went to siemens for the obd2 ecus. I have heard nothing but frustration about the newer bosch units. Can't wait to see the market flooded with dirt cheap ferarri 360s that have failed ecus with no parts avaliable.

I loved the specialized ECU repair part, it was super educational, thanks!

All these type of BOSCH devices have the same issues, the bonding wires break and in some cases they can be repaired but very tricky. That ECU looks identical (physically) too the failed one in my Opel Vectra (GM CTS engine in US) that I had replaced by GM (Holden) for about $1500 Aus. The BOSCH ABS units in the same era are notorious for the same type of fault and I had one repaired by a company in Australia that just does these units. Because these BOSCH units are so shit and used by heaps of car manufacturers they should have had a class action brought against them in my opinion.

It might be worth while for them to send the software, signal descriptions and pin outs to companies that make aftermarket ECMs. Technically they don't have to duplicate the Bosch ECM only build one that can run the engine. Maybe a single ECM for the whole engine. Which might be fairly easy for an experienced company. You have to software you just need to create the electronics.

Jose knows his job very well.Intelligent Guy great guy ✊💎

There are several generic ECU units out in the market. I would suggest the following steps: 1. Get a copy of the technical reference for the Bosch device. What kind of CPU used etc. Don't be surprised if the ECU is a physically scaled down version of a VW Golf ECU :) . Maybe you could find a software compatible ECU from the same time period but in a bigger package? 2. Attach a multi channel logic analyzer to the impressive simulator setup showed in the video. 3. Record the input/output events during different operating conditions. 4. Disassembly of the original software and analyze it's structure and workings. 5. Start to implement the functions required in a structured order on the generic ECU so they mimic the original ECU. Test, Test, Test -> until you have the full feature set implemented. 6. Test input/output when adding functions with a test script simulating different operating conditions. 7. By the way a multichannel oscilloscope interconnected with a test computer that links the analog signals with the logic signals could be handy. This is a job for professionals. You can brake things in a spectacular way if you don't are really, really careful. One of several generic ECUs in the market: www.continental-automotive.com/en-gl/Trucks-Buses/Vehicle-Chassis-Body/Vehicle-Control/Generic-Vehicle-Control-Unit

Imagine if Apple made a jump pack. It would cost 4x as much as similar non apple units, and use two year old technology. But the Apple "fantecs" would say it was revolutionary!

So the fix was to buy a replacement ECU and have it reflashed.

That was very cool seeing the ECU bench setup!

Motronic 7.3 ECU's are very common over here in Europe. I've got one in my Alfa 147.

As a former EE, I really enjoyed the technical aspect - better than the usual firing of the parts cannon and getting a replacement ECU.

Impressive diagnostic/fix. It'd be great if someone could build a replacement or modify an existing ECU to get around the dwindling numbers of ECUs and escalating costs. I'm sure mechanically the 360's have lots of life in them beyond the crappy ECU design. (Even with the myriad of other issues.)

Sounds like the ECU's need to be replaced by micro form factor computers running an emulation of the ECU. Been done with other cars in the past...

Great episode! So knowledgeable. Love the way he broke down how the ecu function.

You should check with Anderson Dick from Fueltech, his 355 turbo is running on fuel tech and it seems to be doing great

We have used Specialized for Porsche repair when Porsche the company could not fix issues. There is no other company that does what they do. Jose is a dream to work with.

Great video and it makes me happy knowing that I have 2 360 ECU's to sell as I won't be using mine :D

Love the video really improved my understanding of how engine computer systems work.. why can't the whole ECU just be virtualized just like a virtual machine on a computer?

This is great content man, that video of the bench setup with the clicking was so satisfying! It makes you wonder why Ferrari wouldn't use a standard PCB instead of this micro proprietary one with the janky side solders. No doubt the Ferrari Engineers know better than I do but I can't see any real practical benefit there. It also raises the question, why did the first one fail? Seeing that these computers are located in the engine compartment, I'd make the generalized hypothesis that heat was a factor. Perhaps some preventative measures could be in order to be on the safe side?

The problem with these ECUs are the outer aluminum (silver colored) bonding wires. They just degrade and break. The thinner, gold colored ones are usually ok. You can verify this by just "poking" the thicker silvery wires. Most of them will be stiff, but some will feel soft, and easily detach from the ceramic base.

There should be a RU-vid channel that finds all these small workshops and crafts men and women that can fix and repair anything and highlight there unique talents and skills

Those guys are on their A game. Badass test bench!

Honestly, just install a Haltech. Modern solution with great tech support.

Should have ls swapped it and save yourself a headache.

I fixed a Mercedes S500 trans linkage problem with a paper clip once.. we must always look outside the box... very nice videos to watch.. I love hearing educated people talk..

About jump starters: It really is amazing what lithium cells are capable of when you pack them tightly enough. While professionals will want to carry around something the size of a large microwave oven to jumpstart a handful of cars every workday, I, as an individual, can now keep something the size of a housebrick in my trunk to bail myself or somebody else out anytime anywhere. Mine isn't as nice as the Apex and doesn't have as much crank current, but it's the same idea. Biggest engine I've started with mine so far is 3.5L. These things are wonderful little tools for the backyard tinker.

I wonder what Louis Rossmann could do with these?

the trick is getting the ecu software on more "off the shelf" hardware

This is the video that will make Uncle Rich grow hair on his head. Sam finishes a project. Uncle Rich to Sam - Thank you Sam LOL

For all car owners, from a 50 year electronics veteran: 3 components are subject to aging: zener diodes; electrolytic caps; EEPROMS. The fact that it was fixed by reflashing proves it's the EEPROMS. We all need to have our ECUs reflashed every 7-10 years as maintenance to prevent failure down the road. But then, can we...?

Great bunch of guy's over at Specialized ECU Repairs, they got my 911 running again after the ECU became water damaged a while back.

Your remote button is the same as 92/02 ford falcon in Australia.

Dealerships aren't going to train new techs on old cars. That's just flat out. As older techs retire, they take the info and training with them. It's difficult to diagnose a vehicle that you haven't been trained on or had and experience with.

That test setup is amazing. So cool!

I love that setup of José's. Shows why right to repair is so important.

Media blasting. I did media blasting for about 7 years and got very good at it. I also gained a shedload of perspective on what media blasting could do. I think it may be the solution to your problem I think I'd start with a small blasting cabinet and some fine garnet media. Keep in mind that for something like this, lower pressure and greater media volume is the place to start. Slowly turn up your pressure and lower your media volume until you have the effect you want.

Sam: has it been almost a year since you bought the green Ferrari? Glad to see you have it sorted. Congratulations!!!! Perseverance!!!!! Cheers

Out of all the youtubers that I watch, Samcrac is the laziest.

Terrible experience with a 2007 Benz CL500 (CL 550 in the Americas), sent the ECU to a specialized ECU test and repair shop in my city which said there was a software issue. The only solution was have it swapped by the dealer for a considerable amount of money. An OBD will never be able to tell you the brain of the car is damaged, error codes showed problems with O2 sensors, alternator and throttle body. The amazing thing is the dealer proposed me to change the O2 sensors and throttle body first time I went there, I changed the throttle body myself (getting a used part from the scrapyard) with no difficulties and had sensors replaced by a mechanic but the dashboard kept showing the orange check engine light. On my second visit the dealer proposed me to change the ECU which had to be shipped from Germany, it took three weeks to get it even though I "only" live some 800 km from there (500 miles).

Sam, I don't have a BMW or Ferrari and probably will never have one. BUT I sure do enjoy your channel and its content! Many hours of quality content that this old Vet can dream about. Thank You!

this man really thought we didnt know that the superduty has 2 batteries xD. He only disconnected 1 ahahahah

You win Sam,1st add I didn’t fast forward through in about 5 years watching on RU-vid lol

Bro I feel like this ECU could be replaced with a Raspberry Pi

This is common on many Alfa Romeo Gta 3.2, it has the same ECu. The discrete PCB components are glued down with expensive conductive glue. Over time it breaks down and the usual culprit is a capacitor. It is repairable, no need to reprogram a different unit as it may soon develop the same issue.

Ferrari and others put the ECU'S right next to very hot engines on purpose. It's built in obsolescence right there. Heat shortens the life of electronics full stop. Some ECU'S are behind the bulkhead (bad for getting flooded!) others are under a seat (probably the best environment) but cabling becomes much longer. Perhaps a good reason not to buy a Ferrari after watching this great vid 👍👍

Very impressive. Amazing. These guys are so freaking smart.

Whats the over under on how many miles to heartache 100?