Modifying the Spoiler Activation Speed

To modify the speed at which the spoiler raises on '92 and later Corrados, all that you need to do is replace a resistor in the spoiler control module

The module is located on the driver's side behind the dash. The easiest way to find it is to reach behind the switch that controls the spoiler. The wires from the switch lead directly to the spoiler control module about 8 inches away. Disconnect the cable harness from the module and slide it out of its metal bracket. The module looks like this:

Next, pry open the connector end of the module with a flathead screwdriver or something. The circuit board slides out of the plastic box. If your board looks like the one in the picture below, then all you have to do is replace the resistor that's sitting vertically on the board. It is also the only component on the board that's hand soldered. In the picture below, I've replaced mine with a potentiometer (the grey square thing with the two orange wires sticking out). Once you've soldered in your new resistor, just reassemble everything and put it back where you found it in the car. This whole procedure shouldn't take longer than 15 minutes.

If your module doesn't look like this, you have the older version, in which case you should look at J. Vandenbrande's archives.

What Value Resistor to Use?

The stock resistor in the module is 33 kohm, which gives a spoiler activation speed of 45 mph. I set my potentiometer to 10 kohm, and my spoiler now raises at 55 mph. Assuming the relation between resistor value and activation speed is linear, this gives:

mph = 59.35 - [ resistor_value (in kohms) / 2.3 ]

I haven't tried setting my potentiometer to any other values yet, so don't take my word on this. Note that the above equation gives a maximum spoiler activation speed of only 59.35 mph.

Also, my spoiler still goes down at ~15 mph, so I think the resistor may only affect the speed at which it raises.

Thanks to all the folks on corrado-l who figured out how to do this.

From fff@microplex.com  Wed Jan  3 15:00:55 1996

Date: Tue, 02 Jan 96 01:18:11 0800

From: Fred Fierling

My module looks exactly as your photo but has a 51k resistor. I traced some of the circuitry; the 51k resistor is in series with a 121k resistor and a .047uF cap to form an RC circuit. I suspect the resistor that stands on end is selected after assembly to tune the circuit. Emboldened by the 121k resistor, I installed just a piece of wire and my spoiler now raises at 105kmh, about 66mph. An even higher activation speed would be possible if the 121k resistor were replaced with, say, a 100k, but it's a surface mount device and would be tricky for your average hobbiest to replace without the proper equipment.

Last Modified: February 15, 1996