testing 964 retractable spoiler

joetiii · joetiii's Garage

So I've got a line on a used 964 engine lid and the owner does not know if the retractable spolier works. I know that these activate based on speed so I don't think putting 12 v to it will actuate the open and close. Anybody know how to test for this?

MotoSook · 10:20 AM

12 volt DC will open and close it. Reverse the poles gets you reverse action.

Edit: speed only dictates when it opens and closes, it still requires 12 volts to run the motor tha tlifts or lowers the spoiler.

joetiii · joetiii's Garage

So he can run + to + and _ to _ on the motor and it should open.

If this does not wrk, does that mean the motor is toast? If so, how much to replace or fix?

MotoSook · 01-19-2007, 10:31 AM

I never had to replace a motor...so I wouldn't know. Call your local P-car dealer for a price.

As for testing, if you put 12 volts to the motor, it will activate. It is afterall a simple 12 VDC motor.

jester911 · jester911's Garage

I installed one recently on my 86. If you want to test the spoiler itself, the cable that actuates the wing from the motor plugs into the side of the motor. You can pull the cable out an actually twist the cable back and forth to test the wing.

Just hook the motor up to 12v and it just work. You probably will not be able to attach it to the engine as from the factory. Do a search on it. There is a relay setup called Autoloc that helps make it work properly.

I did this and have a switch under the dash to actuate it.

jester911 · jester911's Garage

Here are some links to get you going.
964 deck wiring and hinge questions
New take on 964 dek lid install
http://vintagebus.com/howto/c2-lid/

runner4fun · runner4fun's Garage

I have a 964 engine lid on my SC. The gear drive/transmission housing had split so I replaced it with a new part. I want to check the wing adjustment to confirm it is properly adjusted. Any help on this would be appreciated. Thanks

merlinfe · 04-20-2023, 03:36 AM

You can test the spoiler with a 9volt battery. Here's a video I made in 2014 showing the opening and closing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HvYY7qFkl4

- Steve

runner4fun · runner4fun's Garage

Thanks for that input. I replaced the gear drive in my spoiler and now it works good as new. I plan to check the engine temp on the freeway with the spoiler up and down to see the impact of the raised-spoiler increased air flow at speed.