1998 456 GTA Spoiler Light | FerrariChat
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1998 456 GTA Spoiler Light

Discussion in '456/550/575' started by 456rogers, Nov 15, 2013.

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  1. 456rogers

    456rogers Karting

    Oct 29, 2013
    77
    Idaho Springs CO
    #1 456rogers, Nov 15, 2013
    OK please help if you can. I just bought a 1998 456 GTA and on occasion (not always) the spoiler indicator light on the dash comes on and stays on until I turn off the car then when I fire it back up the light is off. Most of the time the spoiler light indicator light flashes a few times and then goes off when I am passing 60mph on my way up and then again flashes and goes off passing 60 mph when I slow down...I think that is "normal" am I right? Any insight into how this light should operate and what my problem could be when the light stays on would be greatly appreciated.
     
  2. Mr Mezzanotte

    Mr Mezzanotte Formula Junior

    Aug 22, 2006
    646
    UK
    #2 Mr Mezzanotte, Nov 15, 2013
    hi, the Spoiler is exercised at startup and the light should come on then.
    It disappears after approximately 10 seconds.

    It should nnot come on again unless there is an issue.

    most likely suspect cause to be would be electrical connectors - clean and out back together any you find.

    Should have mentioned - depending on which article you read, it activates at 65-70 mph, with the front lip coming down - I'd love to see how it works, but I never get the chance - I'm driving mine at the time !
     
  3. 456rogers

    456rogers Karting

    Oct 29, 2013
    77
    Idaho Springs CO
    #3 456rogers, Nov 15, 2013
    Thanks for the reply Mr Mezzanotte...yeah I have the same problem can't really see what's going on back there when I'm doing 65
     
  4. tazandjan

    tazandjan Three Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Jul 19, 2008
    39,062
    Clarksville, Tennessee
    Full Name:
    Terry H Phillips
    #4 tazandjan, Nov 15, 2013
    The 456 workshop manual has a section on diagnosing spoiler problems. If you do not have a copy, you can download it for free at ferraridatabase.com. Not sure if the SD2 has a 456 spoiler package in it or not, but you might ask your local tech who has an SD2. Yours has OBDII, so hook-up should be fairly simple.
     
  5. 456rogers

    456rogers Karting

    Oct 29, 2013
    77
    Idaho Springs CO
    #5 456rogers, Nov 15, 2013
    thanks Taz per your advice elsewhere in this column I have downloaded it. I did read about the motor reset but couldn't find anything on proper indicator light function I will read on. I'm assuming an SD2 is a diagnostic computer??
     
  6. tazandjan

    tazandjan Three Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Jul 19, 2008
    39,062
    Clarksville, Tennessee
    Full Name:
    Terry H Phillips
    #6 tazandjan, Nov 15, 2013
    Affirmative, System Diagnosis 2 in English, the factory tool for diagnosis through the Superamerica (there was also an SD1 for some pre-OBDII cars).

    There is a spoiler self test procedure in the WSM in the suspension section. Not sure if that is valid for both pre- and post- (Motronic 5.2) OBDII 456s, but easy to check.
     
  7. 456rogers

    456rogers Karting

    Oct 29, 2013
    77
    Idaho Springs CO
    #7 456rogers, Nov 15, 2013
    OK I've read all about it thanks again for your help guys
     
  8. tazandjan

    tazandjan Three Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Jul 19, 2008
    39,062
    Clarksville, Tennessee
    Full Name:
    Terry H Phillips
    #8 tazandjan, Nov 15, 2013
    Good luck and let us know what you find.
     
  9. 456rogers

    456rogers Karting

    Oct 29, 2013
    77
    Idaho Springs CO
    #9 456rogers, Dec 2, 2013
    OK so the 1998 456 GTA that I purchased may have been a bit of a trailer/garage queen as it only has about 12K miles...so I was thinking "no way the spoiler motor is shot it hasn't been used enough" I did agree with the prior advice of cleaning/checking the electrical connections but the first thing I thought of is "the spoiler may be stiff due to lack of movement/use" so I sprayed the spoiler hinges and motor connections with WD40 and went out and "used" the spoiler :) :) The light came on a few times (I reset it by turning off the car and then turning it back on) but alas after a few drives the light has since stopped coming on...so I either fixed it or the bulb is burned out LOL....I'm going with fixed it for now and will get a better look at it come spring
     

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