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I can confirm that disconnecting the switches from the ram eliminate the MALF light and warning.
Works a treat and simple to do. Just use pliers to pull the switches from the ram and put them in small plastic bags away from one another and somewhere the switches won't get hit.
what exactly gets unplugged? where are the plugs located?
It worked on my 2001 long ago, and I can confirm it worked too, but will the same procedure work properly on an 02+ TT? That is one thing I'm still not clear on...whether or not there are some electrical differences between the 01 and later models.
Awesome thread guys! After being quoted a few grand to replace the whole assembly on my 04TT, I finally decided to pull the connectors... one of the switches was broken. When I pulled the switch it was missing the little white cap that holds the spring in place.
I used to get the error when I hit 34 and dropped below 75. I am now only getting after I drop from 75, and never after that. Can I short the switch in the on (or off) position to fix this?
As it stands the switch is not complete. Basically, it's missing the 'moving parts' that make contact.
Also disconnect the spoiler switch on the dash otherwise you will get the failure light if someone presses the switch. It's also a good idea to disconnect the connector on the spoiler hydraulic pump so that it does not accidentally activate and burn itself out (since the limit switches have been disconnected)
This fix stopped my spoiler failure warning light from coming on. I have a 2002 turbo. I installed a fixed height stock spoiler kit after my right ram failed. This basically entails removing the hydraulic pump, pulling out the microswitches, gutting the rams and shimming the stock spoiler up with lengths of tubing placed inside the rams. It maintains the stock spoiler appearance at the raised height. I did not remove the spoiler dash switch. The spoiler warning dash light always activated above 75 mph and stayed lit until the car was turned off. This was getting tiresome.
I used a quick splice connector to splice the black wire to the light grey wire going into one of the two microswiches that was attached to the right side ram. (IIRC this is the upper limit microswitch, as the wires to it off the harness is shorter. The other microswitch has a blue wire going to it. See photo.) Problem solved. One could also close that switch or cut the two wires and splice them to achieve the same result. No more warning light now after numerous runs above 75mph.
I enclosed some photos of the process. I had to modify a standard quick splice connector by drilling out the plastic on one side to allow both wires to pass through the connector. Hope this helps.
Got warning light and onboard message light up saying malfunction with spoiler system. I fix it using a can of WD40, with the spoiler up manually, few sprays , clean and wipe the rods. Once smoothly cleaned, take it for a drive, the spoiler will go up @ 75mph and down @ 35mph as it should with no more warning light on board. Try this simple procedure first before unplug connectors, wires or spending money on trying to resolve the issue. Easy fix from reading comments posted here @ 6speedonline.com THANKS!
I took Entire motor out actually I was in shock how much it weights. I pulled switches from the ram. And wrapped them using electrical tape. No failure light warning. To me I don't care about the wing going up since I don't track my car. And one problem less. One of my rams were leaking.
I pulled the power lead to the motor and taped it up, then pulled the microswitches from the holder as well as unplugging the dash switch. Reset the light using my durametric and that was the last time I saw it.
It's definitely less distracting without the wing moving up and down in my rear view mirror...
Also, I think the 01+ cars can go to the dealer and have them set the ECU to ignore the error and not throw a CEL.
Got warning light and onboard message light up saying malfunction with spoiler system. I fix it using a can of WD40, with the spoiler up manually, few sprays , clean and wipe the rods. Once smoothly cleaned, take it for a drive, the spoiler will go up @ 75mph and down @ 35mph as it should with no more warning light on board. Try this simple procedure first before unplug connectors, wires or spending money on trying to resolve the issue. Easy fix from reading comments posted here @ 6speedonline.com THANKS!
+1 for the WD40 fix. I clean the rods with WD40 after washing my car and it has fixed the problem so far. The spoiler goes up and down now with no issue at this time.
Hey guys. I have tried the fixes listed here and still getting this damn 'spoiler failure light'. I spliced both the upper and lower micro switches together. The light did not go away!
Here is a pic of what was done previously.. Not sure what do with this!
Thanks !!