I've had an intermittent starting problem with a '94 850 turbo, most recently today. Funny thing, all of the power worked (e.g. lights, radio, etc.) but no sound whatsoever from the starter. I hit the starter with a stick while trying to start it but nothing. I had it towed home and the tow truck driver told me about Ferrarri's security system where all they have to do is put the car on the hook and lift it and it resets the security system. Sure enough, when we got it in my driveway it started fine. Could it be the security system and what can I do to reset it in the future without calling a tow truck (i.e. disconnect security system-How? or just use the remote door locks)?
Many thanks,
Ed

I have had this happen intermitently, maybe 6 times a year. Sometimes I have jumped the battery and it starts, other times it won't. I did use a stick on the starter once and it started and the second time it did not. What I found that worked (at least the last time this happened was to move the ground wire at the battery around. I am thinking that the crimped connector from the factory has come loose just enough not to allow the car to start, or maybe the ground connection to the car body needs to be retightened. Also,it may be a spot on the solenoid or starter motor that is out of spec and if it lands on that one particlar spot it wont start (hence the intermittent quality of the problem). We had the starter replaced (rebuilt) a while ago. We have had the ignition switch replaced (fixed other strange electrical problems) Door locks, lights, etc. I want to give this car to my 16 year old to use but because of the intermittent start issue, I do not want to leave her stranded.

I think utimately changing the ground cable wire from the battery and replacing the starter would resolve the problem.

Please post how you resolved this problem,if and when-Thanks-740gt

Also check the terminals on the starter. If you carry a stick to start your car, it is probably a stuck solenoid and your starter needs to be replaced or the voltage from the battery is less than 10V.

It is time to clear all of the codes to turn off the CEL. Then look at the "B" box and clean them also.

Klaus
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Common sense trumps a PhD

I think that guy was pulling more than your car. I had the same starting problem with an 850 turbo. It was a bad battery connection. All I had to do was clean off both the terminals real good , put die electric grease on them and tighten them down. Try it I think you'll like it.
Rk