I manually raised the spoiler on my 1 month old 2016 F Type S Convertible (using the center console button) for cleaning, wiped under it with a damp rag, and now it wont go down. I tried the button, the spoiler actuates and moves a centimeter or so but does not go down. I see no obstruction. I drove the car thinking it might lower the spoiler automatically but this didn't work.

Does anyone have any ideas? Or is there a truly manual way to lower the stupid thing? The nearest dealer is three hours away so troubleshooting myself is the first line of defense...

Thanks!

 

Do you have a fault light on the dash?

 

Deleted

 

I have found mine to be a bit unpredictable as well, but I always manage to get it down in the end. You do need to keep your finger on the button until it has lowered. I suggest keep trying and try a few different combinations of ignition on, accessory on, button up down etc. I am going from ver hazy memory but try a few different things.

 

If the light on the button is on, the spoiler is deployed. Push and hold the button down. If the light is off and the spoiler is still deployed then you might have a real problem.

 

With ignition on and engine off, a momentary press of the switch will raise the spoiler. However, you need to hold the button down to retract it. If you momentarily push on the button to retract it, it will only go down about 1 cm, and back up on the next press. Good luck.

 

If the light is off and the spoiler is deployed that might point to a simple blown fuse, which certainly wouldn't require a dealer trip, unless that works and the fuse blows again shortly after. It might require a 10 minute manual consult to find the appropriate fuse.

 

zakharov has indicated that the spoiler does move about a centimeter, so bad fuse unlikely.

 

Ha! I feel stupid, I had never tried holding down the button.

 

Not to worry. Took me a time or two to figure it out as well. Same thing with the garage door buttons on the mirror. Gotta hold for a few seconds. Momentarily depressing those buttons yields nothing. Never seen that before.

 

Don't feel stupid. The car is counter intuitive in more ways than just that one. You will master its quirks.

 

I had the same experience on Sunday during a show and tell with a friend who has an i8. After a few tries, I figured out the combo for raising the spoiler, and it took a few tries to realize the code for stowing it.

Desert Hiker

 

Yes! Thank you very much, holding it did the trick!!

 

Damn, those cars sound finicky !

 

I don't think it has anything to do with being finicky. Its just a poor design. Press once to deploy, press and hold to revert back. They all work that way as far as I know. Took me a bit to figure it out myself since it isn't intuitive.

I suspect it has something to do with the same reason why you cannot automatically deploy or revert the convertible top. People might get their fingers under the spoiler so you have to hold it to insure that if they do get their fingers squished, it cannot be blamed on the car manufacturer.

 

Agreed. Manufacturers avoid auto closure logic without some sort of failsafe. In this case: screaming kid causes immediate release of closing button. Makes sense.

Desert Hiker

 

So why didn't they apply that same logic to the windows? (not that I want them to)

 

Bingo! - we have a winner!

 

I believe they have a sensor on the windows that sends them back down if something is in the way. They could maybe use a similar sensor on the spoiler but that would cost money better spent on putting release handles inside tiny trunks, warning labels on sun visors, and AWD on V8s

 

if the spoiler stays up for more than 4 hours aren't you supposed to call your doctor?