willr

Has anyone else had a problem with the rear spoiler not retracting, and an associated "spoiler control failure" warning message?

It's happened twice now on my 03 996TT. Software glitch blamed the first time - but again?

JayM

Yes, it used to happen to me with annoying regularity. My problem was mechanical-the support posts for the spoiler had a little Schmutz on them, and since the spoiler motor is low-torque, would go up at different speeds (one would "catch" more than the other). If one gets too far ahead of the other, the angle created across the wing will create enough resistance that the motors shut down (they think there is something in the way). It is easy to see if that is your problem and equally easy to fix. Extend the spoiler all the way (manually), and then manually retract it from an angle which lets you watch it retract (may be a two-person job). The two sides should hit the bottom stops at exactly the same time. If they don't, you need to clean and lubricate the posts. Extend the spoiler again, get some metal polish (and a few Q-tips to reach the bottom half-inch) and clean off all of the residue on the surface. Then squirt a little of the lubricant of your choice (I used WD40) and retract the spoiler. You may have to do this a couple of times, but you should soon have a smoothly operating spoiler and no more warning message.

DaveH

Willr:

Same with me for the first month I owned my 03. Intermittent problem that has completely gone away. I took a similar approach to Jay and have been problem free for the last 6 months. Definitely not software!

You watch, it'll start up again now I've written this!

JMT

It also happened to me twice, in my 03 TT

willr

Cheers, everyone. I'll try the cleaning & WD40 route.

docjackson1

it is happening to me-they are blaming it on a faulty instrument cluster.

Joe West

WD-40 will attract dirt and dust that will ultimately gum everything up down the road. I'd recommend that you stick with a good thin coat of synthetic lubricant (such as a couple of drops of the same stuff you stick in your engine). WD-40 is a good penetrating oil... good for rusted nuts... not so good for extended lubrication.

Joe West

sweanders

WD-40 is not very good fo the paint either..