Nicolas in France writes:

RE: Spyder gearbox and glass rear window:

"Hi Enrico. First of all congratulations for your website! What a great job. Actually I have little technical questions for you as you seem to be a real Maserati Specialist.

I'm the owner of a July 2002 Spyder Cambiocorsa and I'd like to ask you two questions:

1) I find the gearbox a little bit slow on "normal" position, and a bit violent on the "sport" position. Is there something I can do with the software to make it quicker and are there be some improvements on the 2003, 2004 and 2005 models?

2) The rear window is in plastic on my car (July 2002). Do you know when real glass has been put on the Spyder's rear windows. Maserati says rear windows in glass came only on January 2004 models. Is it true?

Thanks for your answers.

Nicolas."

Reply from Myles of Emblem Sports Cars:

"Hi Enrico,

Hope all is well, had a look at the questions from Nicholas with regard to the roof I believe the glass rear window officially came into production on MY04 spyders but there are late 03 cars with the glass fitted. It is not possible to fit the glass in to the early roofs with plastic windows due to different frame design but if the roof has failed then the complete later roof set can be fitted with the later glass with out modification to the car.

The gearshift on early cambio corsa’s was a bit of a grey area, it was often that complaints of clutch burning and kangarooing were reported, Maserati responded with a modified twin plate clutch and various software upgrades, to check if these have been done its best to contact a dealer and ask them to check for outstanding campaigns, it is critical that the system has been set up correctly including a self learn, clutch point of initial slip value check and also benefits from the engine/throttle parameters being reset with maserati SD2 this can make much improved gear change.

A clutch wear percentage is available from the SD2 interrogation anything over 60% the gear change will become poor.

As later models of car have come out the software has moved on leaps and bounds 2005 being the best all rounder.

Hope this helps,

Myles."

Tony in the UK writes:-

Re: Issues with the EOBD (engine control system failure) warning light

"Hi Enrico,

I’ve just bought a late 2001 4200 Spyder with Cambiocorsa gearbox. The car is running fine but earlier today the EOBD (engine) light turned on whilst driving along the motorway at about 80mph.

There doesn’t seem to be any change in the performance of the car, but it’s pretty worrying. I bought the car privately, but am aware that the car was at an Official Maserati dealer only a couple of weeks ago having the same problem investigated and on speaking to their service department was told that no problem was found and the sensor reset without issue.

There seem to be a number of things that cause this fault eg loose petrol cap – which I’ve since tightened, although don’t feel it was that loose in the first place.

Have you any ideas what else might be the problem? Also, is it possible to reset the indicator or am I better going back to the Official Maserati dealer?

Finally what’s your opinion on the EOBD software that’s available? Any help / advice greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Paul."

Reply from Enrico:

"Under normal conditions, the warning light should switch on when the ignition key is turned to the MAR position and switch off as soon as the engine is started. This will show that the warning light is working properly.

if the warning light remains on or switches on while driving, it indicates that there is a failure in the fuel supply/ ignition and emission control systems.

the failure could cause high exhaust emissions, loss of performance, poor driving conditions and high levels of fuel consumption.

Under these conditions you should proceed slowly without demanding engine performance or high speed. Prolonged use of the car when the warning light is on can cause damage.

For this reason, it is highly recommended that you contact your nearest Maserati Service Centre as soon as possible.

The warning light will go out if the problem disappears, however, that error will be stored by the system in any case.

Enrico."

Tony in the UK writes:-

Re: Skuttle shake

"Hello,

I have a 4200 syder which is my second Maserati and I think it a great car for its looks, performance, equipment etc but does anyone know of a way to cure the skuttle shake?

Best,

Tony."

John in the UK writes:-

Re: CD changer

"Hi Enrico,

Great website. Does anyone know which make of CD changer will interface with my Spyder's HiFi system? I have the integrated Nav/radio/single CD player system and there's a lead installed in the boot awaiting a CD changer but which model will it fit?

Keep up the good work.

Stephen."

John in the UK writes:-

Re: Spyder 'Kick'

"Enrico,

Thanks for the info, I’ve seen a 2001 and a 2002 at similar prices but the 2001 is much lower mileage. I think the only substantial difference is the ‘kick’ when you change up a gear …….difficult decision, I don’t want to get it wrong.

I’d like one of the latest models but unfortunately I haven’t got that much money to spend.

Thanks and best regards,

Mike."

John in the UK writes:-

Re: Spyder wind deflector

"I'm a new Maserati convert since only January this year. I look now in my drive and see a fabulous Spyder that was born in October 2002. My days of overpriced German recycling are now well behind me!

As the summer is now hear I need to buy a wind deflector/blocker for the car (not of course for any short journeys) but was astounded when a UK dealer quoted me £650 plus VAT.

Is it possible to but this item either from Italy or second-hand from anywhere?

John."

Peter in the UK writes:-

Re: Spyder user's manual

"Hi,

I have recently bought a 2003 Spyder which sadly came to me without an owners manual.

Do you have any Idea where I might obtain one at a reasonable cost .. I would be happy to pay well for a photocopied one .. Or if someone would loan me a manual for a few days I could copy it .. (getting a bit desperate)!!

Peter."

Gary in the USA writes:

Reply from Mike:

"I have had a similair problem with my hood on an 02 spyder, I found that after I had cycled the folding roof once using the buttons that are located (hidden) in the storage box between the seats the system reset to normal operation, with no reoccurrence.

Please could you forward these comments to the above in relation to his enquiry.

Regards,

Mike."

Reply from Andy:

"Not really my area of expertise but I think that the reason the gearbox doesn't work properly is connected to the fact that the hood won't close. You need to make sure that all doors are fully closed and that the hood is either fully open or fully closed before the car will select gear properly.

The burning clutch is because it is fighting you all the time! As to why the hood wont open/close on the switch, don't know.

Regards,

Andy."