Engine cover spoiler problem.

Ian Bloxsom · Jul 24, 2009

Hi,
can anyone offer any advice? The spoiler has developed a mind of it's own. It rises whilst the car is in the garage, e.g. overnight. It then works normally when on the road.

However a further development is that I happened to be in the garage and heard a ticking sound coming from the spring loaded switch on the centre console. I turned the switch one way and the noise stopped, however in the other direction, as well as in the centre position the ticking noise continued.

The only answer was to pull the fuse, therefore the spoiler remains extended. Not a bad fault as it looks good. However it's only a matter of time before some Muppet leans on it.

The warning light on the instument panel still works and comes on when the car comes to rest at juctions etc.

Has anyone had any similar problems and if so is it a simple fix? Thanks.

Dave Wilkinson · Jul 24, 2009

Ian,

I've seen several posts on Rennlist on this exact subject - the spolier going up of it's own accord, along with all the smart@ss comments you might imagine such a situation giving rise (!!) to.

I'm assuming the switch you are referring to is the spoiler switch. A "ticking" sounds to me like some issue with the spoiler control module (under the dash somewhere) and I suspect that's where the problem lies. The controller is just a small box of electronics along with a relay or two which controls the up/down of the spoiler, tied into the speed signal. So many of these nigh on 20 year old electronics seem to be suffering from bad solder joints it wouldn't surprise me if a session with a soldering iron might solve the problem. Replacement controllers are not cheap so I'd be inclined to give the repair route a try first.

Regards

Dave

Ian Bloxsom · Jul 29, 2009

Thanks Dave,
I'll check this out.

Ian Bloxsom · Aug 14, 2009

Dave,
this problem is now resolved, and you were correct, it was the control module, located under the dashboard. I had to buy a new unit £210.00 including fitting and VAT.
Thanks for the advise it was worth posting the question.

rjc · Aug 17, 2009

I've got similar problems with the rear spoiler. In fact having originally been a bit intermittent in operation, it now doesn't seem to work at all, even using the switch. I've also never noticed any warning light on the dash. Where do I start with testing? Any clues as to exactly where the control module/relay is located under the dash and/or what it looks like?

Thanks

Ian Bloxsom · Aug 17, 2009

Hello RJC,
I can not help you with testing, however the control unit (on mine at least) is a light grey box about the size of a Swan Vesta Match box but about twice as thick (from memory). Sorry but that's the only item I can think of that describes it's size. I only saw the one that came off my car, for a few seconds, but I have no idea as to it's location. It has a multi plug conection on one end. Sorry I can be of no more help.
As your central dashboard switch does not have any effect, the problem may lie within the engine cover drive motor. I'm not sure how you could test this other than to attach a multi meter to see if there is a current. Have you checked the fuse? It's number 27 in the main fuse box. I had to pull mine when the spoiler developed a mind of it's own. It would be better if your spoiler was in the up position as this is paramount to engine cooling. It also aids stability but only above 100 MPH, I'm told. But that's against the law, I think.
Good luck, as it's an expensive repair.