Spoiler issue

[timrichardson1]

Hi all,

I have a stage issue with my rear spoiler (1991 car), the warning light come on and it stays in the up position, it also does the same in the retracted down position. It is sporadic and will occasionally reset itself and start working when I am driving!

It is not the bearing in the mechanism as I replaced this last year and have checked and all fine. Both microswitches are working, the manual switch in the cabin does not work when used to activate the spoiler but you can hear it clicking when turned to operate it up or down.

Scratching my head, any clues?!

Thanks

 

[gxc67]

Sounds like the gearbox for the spoiler. Have had to have that changed on mine, as well as the earth strap. The gearbox has small plastic teeth and I think they get brittle with age. Can burn out the motor too if not corrected soon enough (also had to be replaced on mine...)

 

[mcgc0]

Check or swap out the spoiler relay.

 

[timrichardson1]

Thanks, is this the relay in the box under the passenger dashboard or another one?

 

[timrichardson1]

Thanks Gavin, will check this too!

 

[mcgc0]

Thanks, is this the relay in the box under the passenger dashboard or another one?

Been away for a few days... Two relays for the rear spoiler if <'91 and I believe only the one relay if >'91. Both located under the right hand seat (driver's if RHD). One a big box the other a typical (taller) relay as you see in the front relay/fuse box. The pic below shows both of mine when I stripped out and replaced the whole interior last year.

Other relays of note NOT in the front relay/fuse box are the flasher relay and the rear wiper relay. These two sit in the same area as the accelerometers under the center console right at the front (behind and beyond the console switch panel). If with aircon then another one or two relays tucked away in the left side mounted plastic box in the engine bay.

[attachment=20160221_120220.jpg]

https://photos.app.goo.gl/soiahxxUiUZPo64D6

 

[timrichardson1]

Thanks for the info, so is the little get controller box under the passenger dashboard something different? Guessing Relays are easy to source on ebay to replace

 

[mcgc0]

Thanks for the info, so is the little get controller box under the passenger dashboard something different? Guessing Relays are easy to source on ebay to replace

Not sure what you mean Tim. There is a grey box located top corner behind dash on passenger side and believe this to be the original Porsche alarm/imobiliser unit. I haven't touched this for obvious reasons. You're likely (like me) to find one or two other similar boxes under the dash and in my case these are aftermarket alarms fitted by previous owners - a real pain in the arse as likely at least one of them has been left abandoned by numpty lazy auto electricians doing a half-job in fitting a later one. Wouldn't play with these unless you know what you're doing.

Yes and no re ebay relays. Some are common across the VW/Audi range (inc other Porsche models) and exactly the same. Search ebay and google the full relay part number (e.g. 964 xxx xxx xx) - normally comes back with something. Official Porsche dealers will stock them and tbh they're usually not that much more expensive (odd exception may occur).

 

[timrichardson1]

Thank you really insightful and helpful feedback will check and update the post once I have (hopefully) resolved the issue!