Nadeem in the UK writes:

"Hello there.. I really hope someone can help me out on this one.

I have a 1996 Ghibli GT 2.8-litre.

Seems as though one bank of cylinders is not firing. And eventually the engine check light come on too if I leave it running long enough I think. The cylinders must be getting fuel because when I start it I can smell the fuel and eventually it starts.. however one bank still does not fire and the fuel continues to end up in the exhaust making it white hot and melt!!!!! So I cant let it run for more than a few minutes. Obviously there is no power and very rough running.

I gave it to a mechanic and he couldn't figure it out in a week and then when he changed the spark plugs the problem went away.. for about a day and then came back. But I dont think he tried any diagnostic tools on the car.

As I understand it there are 2 Weber Marelli IAW Management systems in the car. One for each bank of cylinders. So I suppose one of them is playing up.

What diagnostic tools are there for this system and where in the car are the connectors.. I am hoping there is a good Laptop PC based software tool and some kind of standard connector I can buy. Could be a worth while investment for the future too.

Or perhaps someone can tell me straight away why my engine is not firing on one bank and the fuel is ending up in the exhaust causing it to get white hot and melt after only about 5 mins of running like this.

Thanks,

Nadeem."

Reply from Andy:

Re: 1996 Ghibli GT

"Hi Nadeem,

There are indeed two separate systems, one for each bank of cylinders and yes, it appears that one bank has shut down. You should avoid any more running where fuel is getting through the cylinders into the exhaust as this will damage everything.

The diagnostic instrument for that system is not complicated but is not lap top based. It is a box of tricks from Maserati only. Last time I checked it was not expensive (under £100) and this, in conjunction with a workshop manual would in theory give you the tools to carry out a diagnosis. However, the diagnostic box only reads faults that have put the check engine light on and if the light is coming on ‘eventually’ rather than immediately, it is effect rather than cause.

There are relatively few faults that do not put the check engine light on. One of the most common is a failure of the relays that control the power supply to the injection/ignition. These are a bank of five relays located in the engine bay and I would strongly recommend changing those before you do anything else.

Hope this helps?

Andy."

Gwen in Belgium writes:

"Hi Henry,

Long time we have spoken.

Our Maserati Ghibli GT 1997 2.8 is still going strong after an unforseen event with two broken turbos expensive joke...

There were two new turbos placed but after we got it a new turbo went dead... all was fixed in the end...

Now the exhaust is failing...

Now I have a question about the trunk lift the boot doesn't open very well we wanted to purchase new ones but the garage said Maserati hasn't got them in their computer and we should look in the Fiat range...

Greetings from Belgium,

Gwen."

Reply from Jonny:

Re: 1996 Ghibli GT

"Hi there Enrico (again),

Just reading through your latest updates (again) and saw the comments from Gwen… I had my boot lifters changed when I purchased my Ghibli a couple of years ago; the Maserati specialist from who I purchased the car get parts directly from Italy and he had no problems sourcing them, so sounds to me like the garage is telling porkies…

Since it’s a simple part to exchange, would recommend ordering the parts privately (there’s contact details somewhere in Enrico’s pages) and fitting them yourself.

Hope this helps?

Cheers… Jonny."

Reply from Enrico:

Re: 1996 Ghibli GT

"Hi Gwen,

Nice to hear from you. My best regards to all the family including the Maser!

Attached are the two relevant pages from my Ghibli ABS parts manual.

Hope this helps.

Regards,

Enrico."

Edoardo in Italy writes:

"Hi Enrico,

Your site is an awesome piece of passione and dedication. I own a Ghibli II MY93, 100.000 km, a bit tired on the suspensions and with some other usual issues a car of that age can have.

I'm just wondering about the turbocharging system control. After inspecting the engine (just looking under the hood) I didn't find any typical compressor bypass sulution (blow off valves or turbo output-intake loop) but just the MABC waste-gate control.

Anyway on gas release, with enough boost pressure, I hear the "blow-off" sound coming from the right area of the engine... and not from the left. Is that possible? Thanks a lot in advance. P.S. Do you have Andy of the Ghibli II tech-docs online? keep up the good work. Edoardo."

Reply from Jonny:

Re: 1997 Ghibli GT

"Hi there Enrico,

Just reading through the latest updates on your site and saw the query from Edoardo regarding the blow off valves; pre MY94 Ghiblis did not come fitted with blow off valves and air recirculation systems, which is why I retro fitted a pair to mine (as described in your pages a few months back).

Regarding the blow off sound, mine used to do the same… I can only think that this is down to the turbos stalling and the small amount of bleed off that occurs from the turbo pressure control system through the control pressure exhaust line (which I think exhausts on the right side of the engine bay, but I’d have to check?).

Hope this helps?

Cheers… Jonny."

David in Belgium writes:

"First of all, congratulations on our great pages which are a tremendous Maserati resource.

I am currently considering to buy a Ghibli GT.

I came across a 97 Ghibli GT with full Maserati service history and 80,000 kms.

There seems to be a problem with the engine however. When it reaches 2000 revs, it starts to rattle.

The sound disappears after 5000 revs or so, but I find it not very encouraging.

Does anyone have had a similar problem and knows what the cause might be?

Many thanks,

David."

Reply from Andy:

Re: 1997 Ghibli GT

"Hi,

There are a number of possible causes of this type of noise and I would really need more information to make an accurate diagnosis. For instance, if this noise occurs when you accelerate gently and stays if you maintain revs between 2000 and 2500 then it is most likely to be the shield in the right hand side of the engine bay which protects the A/C pipes from the heat of the turbo which is loose – an easy fix. If however, it only happens under hard acceleration and goes away when you lift the throttle or try to maintain the revs, then it could be a big end – a difficult fix. With the mileage you have it is unlikely to be the latter, unless the car has been ‘chipped’ or been subject to extensive track use. Does anything show in the history? Because of this, you would be advised to have an expert listen to the noise before you agree to buy.

Regards,

Andy."

Richard in Germany writes:

"Hi Enrico,

I have a lttle trouble with my Ghibli engine 2.8-litre. Since some days after restart the engine, it comes a white smoke out of the right hand exhaust pipe, in a way it is so heavy that it looks like that some cooling fluid has leaked into the cylinder head.

Do you how much time (in hours) is needed to change the cylinder head gasket?

Is it necessary to remove the engine? So I know how much money I have to spend in !!!

Thanks for any reply,

Regards,

Richard."

Reply from Andy:

Re: Ghibli cylinder head gasket replacement"

"Should always do two head gaskets at the same time. It is a much better job with the engine out and overall should take around 30 hours. You should not rely on the steam and do some more tests so that you are sure.

Regards Andy."

Alan in the UK writes:

"Hi,

Ghibli Cup Fuel Filter Part No M379200141

I have bought a replacement fuel filter from my local friendly Maserati dealer, but they are unable to tell me where the filter is actually located - beyond showing me the parts manual drawing. I've removed the fitted carpet from the boot that covers the fuel tank, but still can't locate this filter.

Can anyone help, please?

Any tips concerning the replacement of this item will be much appreciated.

Regards Alan."

Reply from Enrico:

Re: Ghibli: "sounds like a truck!"

"Hi,

I hope these two pages from the Ghibli workshop manual explain matters.

Regards,

Enrico."

Ray in the UK writes:

"Dear Enrico,

I do hope your recovery continues to go well, I am enjoying both this and the UK Maserati Club website at the moment! You spoil us.

Anyway, I have owned a 1998 Ghibli GT for a year now, registered in 1999, it is one of the last few 17 RHD models made. I have covered 5k miles since I acquired this beautiful machine, and apart from a water pump failure after my first 1000 miles (which I replaced myself being stuck in the West of England, a long way from any suitable help), it has run perfectly, consumed no oil to speak of, and continues to impress wherever it goes. Although I do think they forgot to rust protect this final batch of vehicles!!

I was so glad to read the comments about how noisy the engine is as, over the past few thousand miles I have noticed when starting up how it is beginning to sound like an old tractor or truck engine. Having also owned 3 Alfas in the past 9 years, and currently using one as my everyday car, I am well aware of the variator problem these and some Fiat engines can suffer from, and the sound is not too dissimilar from this. I do have one worry however, as my Ghibli is an auto. Should it still make this sound???

I have been scouting around for a suitable workshop manual, but can find nothing for a Ghibli 2.8 other than the 2.0 / 2.5 / 2.8 workshop manual advertised in the MaseratI Club Newsletter, and I am reluctant to purchase this if it is of little use. So, my other question is, is it??

Regards,

Ray."

Vangelis in Greece writes:

"Dear Enrico,

I am glad that your post-operative reccuperation was uneventful. Ruptured aneurisms are a major catastrophic event and as such require expert surgical skills. My congratulations to you and to the fellow surgeon who successfully confronted this danger.

I wonder if you could suggest any type of after-market shock absorbers for my 1997 Ghibli GT. The Konis are faulty and I wouldnt spent 5,000 Euros to replace them!!!

Thank you in advance,

Vangelis."

Ben in Denmark writes:

"What an excellent site!

I have recently purchased a '97 Ghibli GT with 70.000 km on it. When at idle it has an almost "truck-like" noice, slightly rattling, like it were a diesel. I thought it was the fan belt, but when I took it to the local Maserati specialist in Copenhagen, he said that it is a Ghibli (perhaps Biturbo???) sound, which all cars have.

Is this true? Additional the car idles around 1,000 rpm at warm, is this too much? It seems like a high idle.

Thanks.

Ben."

Reply from Andy:

Re: Ghibli: "sounds like a truck!"

"Your local Maserati specialist is correct.

This sound is normal on cars starting at around the mileage you have. It is the sound of the layshaft bearings in the gearbox chattering. They have a little bit of wear in them but will continue in use for many miles to come before requiring attention.

The idle speed you have is normal also.

Andy."

Reply from Yiorgos:

Re: Ghibli: "sounds like a truck!"

"Dear Enrico,

Where would we all Maseratisti be without your site?

How are you getting on with your health? I hope you are well on your way to mend.

I read about Ben's question on the sound of his Ghibli GT. Please pass on my email address to him since he is from Denmark, should he wish to get in touch. We are not too many with these grumbles in this cold country.

Dear Ben,

Congratulations with your purchase of a Maserati and especially a Ghibli GT. They are just great!

There is no need to worry about the car sounding like a "truck" at idle; that is just normal again depending to what you mean by this expression. If this is your first Maserati ever then I understand why you say this. Your idle level of 1000 rpm is also normal when hot so no need to worry and go to the service outlet.

Drop me a line if you wish to catch up anytime.

Best regards/Med venlig hilsen,

Yiorgos."

Jonny in The Netherlands writes:

"Hi there Enrico,

Thought you and your readers might find these pics interesting?

Since I've got an early Ghibli II, the engine did not come fitted with blow off valves and the charge air recirculating system. Therefore, on my car, every time the I changed gear the turbos were stalling (resulting in a ta ta ta ta noise coming from the turbo). Concerned that this was putting unnecessary wear on the turbos and aware that there's a degree of lag generated in this sub-optimal system, I contacted Forge Motorsport at www.forgemotorsport.co.uk and asked them if they could help me out.

Lewis in Hong Kong writes:

"Hi Enrico,

How are you? Hope you are all well, especially with your health.

I want to change the gear box oil for my 95' Ghibli II (5 speed) and the owner's manual says that I need SAE 80W/90 (GL3) oil for that. However, I just can't find any GL3 oil in Hong Kong! Do you know whether or not I can use other type of oil instead (i.e. GL4 or engine oil 10W/40 etc.)?

Thanks for your help in advance and looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Best regards,

Lewis."

Reply from Enrico:

Re: Ghibli 'Check Engine' warning light

"Hi Lewis,

I am on the mend now, thank you for asking.

I'm afraid my 'illness' was a little more involved than it sounds. My wife and I were in Italy for a short break, when, during a visit to the Candini Workshop in Modena, I was taken ill.

I had been taking photos of the underside of a Vignale Spyder which was up on a ramp. When I returned to Marcello's office I felt a little light-headed and sat down to rest. After a short while Marcello asked if I felt any better, which I was not! He immediately called in the paramedics and they took me to the general hospital where they carried out a CT-scan. This revealed a dissected aorta and I was rushed to the Hesperia Hospital that specialises in cardiology and cardiac surgery. The inner wall of my aorta had burst and fearing that the outer wall would burst, meaning "Arrivederci Enrico!", they had to stabilise my blood pressure before they could operate.

I was six hours in the operating theatre and luckily for me everything went OK. The surgical team led by Dott Guglielmo Stefanelli were magnificent, in fact the surgeon, Dott Stefanelli, has the nickname "Mani d'Oro" (Hands of Gold). Without question they saved my life. As luck would have it, I was in the right place at the right time! It's ironic that for me that place was Modena. Viva Maserati!!!

Following the operation, I spent five days in intensive care, two days in sub-intensive care and eight days in the general ward. This was followed by seventeen days convalescence at Villa Garda, a "Casa di Cura" on Lake Garda, to build my strength back up again. All in all it was some holiday!

Fortunately all that is behind me now and life is slowly getting back to normal, but it will take some time.

The Maserati Club here in England have asked me to take over as webmaster of their site (www.maseraticlub.co.uk) and I have been spending most of my free time updating it. However as soon as my health improves, I'll get back to my web site.

Attached is a page from the Ghibli Workshop manual showing the recommended lubricants and that GL-4 is OK!

Martin in Sweden writes:

"At first I must congratulate you for running an excellent site for Maserati fans.

My problem: I'm trying to find an open cup front spoiler for my Ghibli and this has proven itself very hard so now I turn to you for help. The car featured in this link is equipped with one: www.maserati.org.au

I live in Sweden and I'm willing to pay reasonable cash for a spoiler in good condition.

If you can help me, let me know.

Best Regards,

Martin."

Daniel in Sweden writes:

"Hi!

I have a problem that I need help with. Maybe you could post it on the web page. Car: Ghibli GT 2.0. The turbo pressure gauge needle seems to be turned a third of a turn CCW, that is it shows to little pressure, but the engine runs like it should. When ignition is turned off the needle rests where it should. Does the gauge get its signal electronically? If so, is the pressure sensor that sends the signal the same as the one that sends input to the engine management system?

Regards,

Daniel."

Reply from André:

Re: Ghibli turbo pressure gauge:

"The gauge is a bourdon type meter (that is: non electronic) somewhat like a barometer. It is connected to the intake manifold by a rubber hose. The motor management has it own absolute pressure sensors (electronic).

The gauge on the dashboard has a kind of regulating screw inside the hose connection, but I couldn't find out what it regulates (possibly the response speed of the gauge). It must be possible to hook up a pressure gauge on the hose, which is accessable in the engine compartment. It has thicker walls to withstand the vacuum. If you start with the vacuum cannister and follow the rubber hoses you will find it eventually as it enters the firewall approximately at the position of the dashboard instruments.

Success,

André."

Danny in the Netherlands writes:

"Hi Enrico!

First of all thank you for amending the last few things in my Sebring advertissement. Coincidentally, I ran into a 1996 Ghibli GT Automatic last week, and bought it.

I have a couple of questions about the Ghibli:

1. Do you still have your extra set of Nardi steering wheel extension kit for sale?

2. A long time ago you sent me an article/explanation about the various indications of the red light on the Koni pad. Mine flashes like this: 8 seconds: no red light, then red light goes on for 2 seconds, then 8 seconds nothing, 2 seconds on, etc. I read Andy's reply in the "can you help" section, that a faulty absorber usually causes the red light to stay on and that a flashing red light is uncommon. Would you/Andy know what the pattern of my red light may imply? The car has been standing still for 1 year. I have not yet done the check by listening at each corner of the car.

3. The ABS warning light is on and stays on. Before I bring it to my mechanic, are there any easy checks that I could perform myself? I tried to clean the ABS fuses + inside of fusebox, using my nail and contact spray, or should I clean them more radically (by using something sharp in order to remove possible corrosion etc.)? Or should I replace/clean the relays as well?

4. My electric window slips when I want to close it from a more than halfway down position. I have to help it with my hands in order to close the window. The final 15 centimeters no help is needed. Therefore, I feel that the engine of the window is strong enough and that the "slipping" is caused by something else (which may be easy to fix?). Do you know how this could be fixed and if it could be done by someone who is not very technical (i.e.: myself)?

Thanks very much in advance for your help.

Kind regards,

Danny."

Reply from Andy and Enrico:

Re: Ghibli 'Check Engine' warning light

"Hi Danny,

From Enrico:

1. Yes. Owing to a 'Greek Tragedy', I have one left.

From Andy:

2. Usually, when a shock is faulty, the red light comes on permanently. Because yours is intermittent, and because it seems to be coming on in a timed sequence, this would suggest that the unit is in diagnostic mode. There is a cable around the gear lever area which goes to the ECU for the shocks. There is a break in this cable with connectors. In normal driving this cable is disconnected. The only reason for connecting it is when you are doing the diagnosis for the shocks however, I have seen a number of these cars where an overzealous mechanic has connected the cable thinking that it should always be like this!

3. If you have cleaned the fuses, have you done the large one in the engine bay as well? If so, then your next port of call would be the wheel sensors. Try again cleaning connections. Failure of the wheel sensors is unusual at the rear and quite rare at the front to be honest. Sometimes, when the front hub bearings are worn, it upsets the ABS sensor. Worth a look.

4. The electric window problem is easy enough to sort but expensive. You are right to say that the motor is OK. The problem is with the worm drive between the motor and the glass, which gets worn and allows the mechanism to slip. The only cure is a new mechanism, which comes with a new motor as well! Last time I got one, it was around £200 but is easy enough to fit yourself.

Ciao,

Andy."

Alexander in Belgium writes:

"Hi Enrico!

I have a problem that I need to resolve.

Last week the 'Check Engine' light was turned on in the Ghibli 2.0 MY94.

I did not get full turbo pressure as the indicator just went up to where the white and yellow meets.

Two days later when driving (I had to move the car) the engine went dead.

Now the car will not start! The starter runs and I can hear the petrol pump running, but the engine just will not ignite.

I suspect one of the sensors to have broken down, but I am really not sure.

Do you or anyone out there have an idea of what to do?

Thank you in advance!

Regards,

Alexander."

Reply from Andy:

Re: Ghibli 'Check Engine' warning light

""The check engine light will come on if the lambda probes in the exhaust detect a fuel mixture which is outside its normal parameters. Once the light comes on, it sometimes puts the engine into 'limp home' mode which reduces the boost as you describe. The first areas to check are the sensors for water temperature and air temperature. If you disconnect the electrical connection to each in turn and check whether the engine note changes, you might find that it doesn't and therefore this sensor is not working.

If carrying this out does not show any problem, you should then substitute the lambda sensors as these may also be faulty. These are the most common failures. However, this does not necessarily explain your non starting and therefore before you go any further, try new relays in the fuel injection. These are situated in a block of five relays on the bulkhead (which side depends on whether you are RHD or LHD). These are the most common cause of a non-start.

Hope this helps.

Andy."