Porsche 996 Turbo Rear Spoiler Relay

[fangsween]

Hi people,

I have a problem with my rear spoiler, and OPC recon that it could be a faulty relay. They tell me that it would cost £200.00 to investigate, but I thought that seemed a lot. I now have the car back, and was hoping to have a look myself. They tell me that the relays are behind the rear seats under the carpet. Is this right? Also, how do I get to them? Does anybody have any pictures?

Hope someone can help.

Dan

[sportsandclassic]

Hello,

What is the fault ?

Mike

[fangsween]

Hi,

The spoiler is stuck in the up position. OPC checked the switch and the fuse but these are fine. The spoiler will not go up/down by using the switch. I have checked in the engine bay and the pistons look ok (no real signs of any leak).

Any ideas?

[996ttalot]

Here is the diagram of all the parts. Might just be the micro switches.

[fangsween]

Hi,

Thanks; where do you think I should start?

[996ttalot]

fangsween said:

Hi,

Thanks; where do you think I should start?

Have you gone back over 75 mph again and then below 20 mph? This should reset the actuation cycle. I just want to make sure you have done that at least. I presume you are getting no red spoiler failure in the dash?

You don't need to buy new rams regardless of whether you need them - these can be topped up and done by yourself.

[fangsween]

Hi,

I am getting the red warning light, and the spoiler remains up even after hitting 75mph and returning to 20mph.

The red warning light has been on for a while now, but it has only been recent that the spoiler has actually stopped working.

[_gez_]

There is only two wires that go to the pump so you can check that is working by applying 12volts to it after you've disconnected the wiring.. In one polarity it raises in the other it lowers.

The microswitch is in on the drivers side ram. You can pull it apart if you are careful. Try applying some contact cleaner and put it back together and see if it works. I think you can replace the microswitch so it might just be worth giving that a try.

You are lucky you haven't got a leak as this is usually more expensive to fix.

[fangsween]

Hi Gez,

Thanks for the advice. How do I apply 12volts to the pump? What do I need to do this?

[_gez_]

I took it from the jump start point in the engine bay (under the black cap) for the positive and I think I used the latch as the negative point (but you can use anywhere on the engine really). Just make up a couple of short cables. You wont be using them for long. I used some old speaker wire.

[fangsween]

Thanks mate.

Just to confirm, I need to unplug the pump, but leave it attached to the boot and plumbed in. Then get some speaker wire and run one from the jump start point and the other to a latch? What latch will be best?

If I understand this right, the pump should then start working? If I swap the wires over, it will work in the opposite direction?

If this works, then it confirms that the pump and pistons are fine, so it would then be either a microswitch or a relay problem?

[_gez_]

Yep, you got it. The engine cover latch.

[cd1957]

Hi There are two relays under the rear carpet,one for sending spoiler up and the other down,i have had one where relay had fallen out.

Chris

[fangsween]

Thanks Gez.

Chris,

These are the relays that OPC were talking about; are they easy to get to? What do i need to get to them? Will i know what i am looking at once i get to them?

Sorry for all the questions!

Dan

[fangsween]

Can anybody else help with the best access for relays?

[mez3]

I just got my car today and had the warning light on the way home. The spoiler goes up at 75 but won't go down on it's own. If i push the button on the dash it may go down if it feels like it or not. I just read something about leaving the spoiler up when the car is left can damage the rams. I just went out to try and put spoiler down and it went down first try with the dash button. The round red warning light is still on though. The red meassage kept coming up on the dash on my 200 mile drive home too. Got to say that it's the most incredible car i have ever driven though, the acceleration is brutal.

[NBTBRV8]

PM me and I will email you some info out of the repair manual , I've found it all out for you.

Edited by NBTBRV8 on Thursday 26th January 04:32

[sy247]

My spoiler was only going up and down on one side but functioned both automatically and using the button. I've just had the lines, motor and both rams replaced at great expensive by an OPC. Luckily for your your problems doesn't like like leaking rams.

[monthefish]

996ttalot said:

Here is the diagram of all the parts. Might just be the micro switches.

Do you have a similar diagram for the wiring/harnesses?

[NBTBRV8]

monthefish said:

Do you have a similar diagram for the wiring/harnesses?

Yes I have, pm me your email address and I'll send it through.