Rear Spoiler Problem

[wakejudge]

Hi guys

I have a problem. It would appear that my rear spoiler will not go up. I have tried the manual switch and this isn't working either. Since having the car, the spoiler warning light on the dash has not come on. I'm not sure if this is connected but Ive had the car 18 months and reading into it, I realise it should come on if the spoiler is stuck down. As you're all aware, there's a small noise that you can hear if you put the spoiler up manually, so it has been working up til about 3 weeks ago.

The car has only done 13,500 miles as my second car and I dropped it into OPD and over the telephone I was told is was possibly the relay or something similar. Now to my horror they've told me that the motor has gone (approx $1,400).

The question I have is, have any of you guys ever experienced the same?

Is there a way of checking that the motor has in fact gone?

Is there a problem in driving the car, other than missing out on the down force, I'm told from the dealership that it does in fact cool the engine, however, I do notice that the fixed Carrera spoiler does not come up, therefore, I can't understand how it can be cooling it any better.

Your help would be greatly appreciated. :)

Colin

[Loren]

Have you checked the spoiler fuse? Row D Fuse 5 (that would be 4th row down 5th fuse from the left - 15A).

The spoiler relay(s) are behind the rear seats next to the DME. They are relay 3 spoiler extension (1st row 3rd relay from the left) and relay 9 spoiler retraction (2nd row, 3rd relay from the left). Both are p/n 996 615 102 00.

[wakejudge]

Hi Loren

Wow, thanks for your prompt response, no I haven't checked the fuses or relays but I will, I assume the OPD has checked this, but I'll certainly check. Regarding the relays, when you say behind the rear seats next to the DME - where's that ? In the engine bay or behind the carpet cover of the back seats? (sorry don't know what the DME is ?)

One further thing, the OPD said the spoiler provided further cooling to the engine, but I've looked at photo's of other spoilers and many don't raise. Should I still be using the car ?

Thanks again.

Colin

Edited October 5, 2004 by wakejudge

[Loren]

Hi Loren

Wow, thanks for your prompt response, no I haven't checked the fuses or relays but I will, I assume the OPD has checked this, but I'll certainly check. Regarding the relays, when you say behind the rear seats next to the DME - where's that ? In the engine bay or behind the carpet cover of the back seats? (sorry don't know what the DME is ?)

One further thing, the OPD said the spoiler provided further cooling to the engine, but I've looked at photo's of other spoilers and many don't raise. Should I still be using the car ?

Thanks again.

Colin

Under the carpet behind the seats. You will need to loose some bolts to lift the panel.

[wakejudge]

Hi Loren

Thanks again, I should have mentioned mine is a 1999 Carrera 4 Cab, with just 13,500 miles. Therefore the seats are differant at the back.

Can I ask whether I can still use the car ? As the OPD said the spolier helps the cooling system - yet looking at the OP Carrera Spolier, this does not raise when driving, it is fixed.

To add to the problem, I was driving it last night and as I braked there was a noise from the back which sounded like something was stuck in a fan, I reached the lights as I accerated - the noise disappeared. At low speeds, braking there was no noise at all, but at around 70-80 then braking, the noise returned until stepping on the gas ? Is this connected ?

I haven't had time to call the OPD yet yet I am running around ready for a trip aboard...Not enough hours. But, it does concern me.

Thanks again for you input, it is most reasurring.

Colin

[Loren]

Hmm... the noise might have been the motor trying to return the spoiler to it's down position - so it could be a motor or microswitch problem.

I would remove the fuse (D8 - or fourth row down eighth from the left) and not drive over about 60 MPH until it is fixed (JMHO).

[wakejudge]

Thanks Loren

I'll give it a try.

Colin

[wakejudge]

Hi Loren

I've removed the fuse and it's resolved the "something caught in a small noise that was happening when I slowed down from a quick speed", but the spoiler is not raising still, even after driving at 80-90 ish.

It seems fixed down, looking at the manual, it seems there is no problem with the cooling system, with it staying down - just down force at speed.

I still don't know where the relays are located on the cab and I'm not sure whether the OPC actually checked these - although I would have through they would have done.

Where next $1,400 is a lot of bucks, I'm sooner put it to a Sports exhaust....

Thanks Loren.

Colin

'99 C4 Cab

Edited October 6, 2004 by wakejudge

[wakejudge]

Hi Loren

You have a PM.

Colin

[Scouser]

There's one other thing to try. I had this exact problem and located it to a connector being corroded. The connecter is the one behind the right rear light cluster. It should be clipped to the internal bodywork. You have to look hard behind the hinge that holds the engine bay door up.

I pulled the connector, cleaned it and reconnected it. It all worked fine and has done since.

[Loren]

There's one other thing to try. I had this exact problem and located it to a connector being corroded. The connecter is the one behind the right rear light cluster. It should be clipped to the internal bodywork. You have to look hard behind the hinge that holds the engine bay door up.

I pulled the connector, cleaned it and reconnected it. It all worked fine and has done since.

Would that be this connector?

[Scouser]

Yup. That's the one.

[wakejudge]

Thanks Guys

I'll try it tomorrow, I'll keep you posted.

Colin

[wakejudge]

Thank you, thank you,thank you, thank you,

Thanks Loren and Scouser, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you,

It now works, it took 3 minutes max to check the connection and I took it out and put it back again and it now works !!!!! No noise problem either.

Thanks again guys for saving me - $1,400 (£841) on this job plus the worry that it may be the start of more problems.

One very happy person before going away for 3 weeks or more.

Colin :notworthy:

[mmorgan24]

After reading this thread I've seen how awesome this forum is - especially Loren. It took a lot of patience, pictures and replies to get to the bottom of the problem but it's been solved - for literally free. I would think this would be a good thread to put on a "common problems/solutions" page or something (maybe DIY topic?).

Thanks - (and here is another one : I just donated to Renntech.org!)

- Marshall | 99 C2 6sp | B&M SS | http://www.dudefish.com for other goodies.

[C4S Surgeon]

You should make a small donation to renntech, see bottom of board.