Rear Spoiler Light

[jerry]

Hi I went to look at a 2.5 with a view to buying but the rear spoiler button light was permanently on. Does anyone know if this is serious and what the implications are regarding MOT etc? Thanks Jerry

 

[BartyB]

I think it could be normal for a 2.5 - maybe a 2.5 owner can confirm this. Once the car is driven a short distance it goes off. Even if there is a component failure I think it's unlikely to mean an MoT failure. Worst case, I think either the switch, the fuse or a spoiler relay has gone AWOL. None of these should require you take out a mortgage to replace.

The first thing to do would be to check the fuse. This is located behind the panel that is adjacent to the rocker switch for the spoiler. There should be a diagram that indicates the spoiler circuit fuse. If the fuse has gone then you'll need to replace same. If you need to do this, it's worth disconnecting the battery first as a short down in the fuse panel could potentially zap the OBC but make sure you've got the radio code, BEFORE you disconnect.

If the fuse is OK, the next items to check are the spoiler control relays. These are located in the relay panel in the rear trunk (behind the left hand side trim panel). The relays that control the spoiler are 3 (Extension) and 9 (Retraction). I noticed that in the Bentley manual, if the car is a 1997 model then Relay 10 controls the spoiler retraction.

The trim panel is held in place with a couple of fixings which you'l need to unclip to slide out the panel. If you know what you're doing you can test the relay(s). If you know someone else with a Boxster you can try swapping the relays. Either way, if a relay is faulty, you'll need a new one.

Hope this helps.

 

[uknick]

This is from the Cayman handbook, it may be of some help;

Automatic control
The rear spoiler extends at approx. 75 mph (120 km/h) and retracts again at approx. 50 mph (80 km/h).

If the automatic control fails, the warning light lights up and the rear spoiler must be manually extended before driving.

Manual control
Manual extending and retracting
When the ignition is on, the rear spoiler can be extended and retracted manually using the button in the center console.

Note
When the rear spoiler is extended manually, the automatic control does not operate and the rear spoiler must be manually retracted.

Extending
Press button briefly. The rear spoiler extends to its final position. The light-emitting diode in the button lights up. The rear spoiler remains extended even after switching off the ignition.

Retracting
at speeds between 0 and 20mph (0 and 30 km/h): Press and hold button until
the rear spoiler has reached its final position. The light-emitting diode in the button goes out. The rear spoiler changes to automatic mode.

at speeds between 20 and 60mph (30 and 100 km/h): Press button briefly. The rear spoiler retracts, the light-emitting
diode in the button goes out. The rear spoiler changes to automatic mode.

at speeds over 60mph (100 km/h): Press button briefly. The rear spoiler remains extended, the light-emitting diode in the
button goes out. The rear spoiler changes to automatic mode.

Manually retracting an extended rear spoiler after switching on the ignition again
1. Press button briefly. The light-emitting diode in the button lights up. The rear spoiler is now in manual mode.
2. Press and hold button until the rear spoiler has reached its final position. The light-emitting diode in the button goes out. The rear spoiler changes to automatic mode.

 

[BartyB]

Jerry, just had another thought.... was the car you saw fitted with an aftermarket spoiler? If so, the auto spoiler circuit might not have been disconnected as it should have been.

 

[jerry]

Hi Many thanks for all the info. I went to have another look at the car today but unfortunately now it had been washed, I could see there were lots of scratches etc. so I am still looking!

 

[BartyB]

Good luck with the hunt...