I've just ordered my third F type (woot), this time its a 2017 R coupe (had an 2014 V8S and 2015 R convertible). On the convertibles, I can manually raise and lower the spoiler when ever; apparently, on the R coupe that function is inhibited (no manual raising or lowering except when stationary). Any one know why this is and how to "uninhibit" that function?

 

There was a long discussion of this on the forum some time back. Apparently, it's only US coupes the that have the manual spoiler button "inhibited." Several UK coupe owners testified that they have the manual deployment option when in motion.

The only rational explanation anyone could come up with is that rear visibility is so bad in the coupe, and the US is so litigious, that it would be a good idea not to create a situation which blocked even more visibility. The convertible has much better rear visibility, and the thinner spoiler doesn't interfere w/ rear window vision.

However, we have no definitive answer, just like we have no clue why the US is the only market w/o a locking gas cap.

 

Thanks for the note Foosh (I live in Canada so it looks like we get the US models here for the most part. A locking gas cap cover would be nice lol)

 

Yes, I should have said NA models (CAN and US), which are all the same.

 

Noting that changes between years and markets appear to be semi-random, the UK 2015 base coupe has a spoiler you can raise or lower manually. Until you reach the automatic activation speed. After that, you have to wait until the speed drops back below the automatic lowering speed.

This suggests that it's a software setting, rather than hard wired. So...

 

It's definitely software. Not many (if any) of those buttons in the cockpit do anything but send signals to one of the many onboard computers, which then decide if they should comply with your request.

 

Interestingly if you place the car into neutral while over the activation speed (70mph) then the spoiler will retract after a couple of seconds and not raise again until the speed is further increased (UK spec 2015 R).

I wouldn't do it deliberately, but I managed it by gear changing incorrectly using the stick when I thought I was in sport mode. Perhaps useful if you spot a police car closing in and you want to hide the big sign on the boot lid that tells them you are (or have been) exceeding the maximum speed limit)...

 

A year or so ago, someone on this forum explained, with pictures, how to disconnect the spoiler circuit at the rear in order to stop it deploying altogether.

I suppose its OK, if you don't race or exceed the speed limits to the point that the spoiler is required; and don't like the look of it up.

Lawrence.

 

No, MY 2016 Canadian models don't have the remote start capability. They stripped it out.