I'm looking for information about the RCZ active spoiler cos the spoiler on my 2013 Mk2 isn't -active - that is! To clarify, it works as advertised when I use the button on the console but otherwise it does not automatically deploy as it should. It has never worked automatically during my two year ownership of the car. I would like to have this functionality enabled!
I am aware that when deployed to intermediate stage (the terminology used in the manual to refer to the first, lower, open position) the spoiler is not visible so, when I installed my reversing camera a while ago, while I was checking its operation, I temporarily installed the camera on the parcel shelf, aimed it at the boot and checked that it picked up the spoiler’s first (intermediate) stage deployment when I manually operated it. I then took a drive at speeds up to and over 100kph, providing a running verbal commentary on speed. (NB I did this with the camera hooked up to a constant 12volt power source and not thru the reverse circuit. So, to be clear, I was not driving up the road at 100kph in reverse!) In any case, camera playback showed no intermediate stage deployment! Even at 120kph!
According to the owner's manual, “When the speed of the vehicle is higher than 50 mph (85 km/h), the spoiler rises automatically to the intermediate position. It remains in this position for as long as the speed remains above 35 mph (55 km/h).” (at which time, I s'pose, even tho it is not stated in the manual, it drops down again). The manual goes on to talk about the deployment to the second, fully open stage which occurs at higher speed.
It's important to note that the manual prefaces all of the above by saying, “The use of the vehicle must comply with the legislation in force in your country. This system can be used to its full potential on a closed circuit.”, initially suggesting to me that the auto deployment functionality may not comply with regulations in every country. (Although, on re-reading this, this quote from the manual may be referring to local legislation on speed limits and not necessarily the use of the automatic deployment functionality - difficult to tell!)
An Australian poster on one forum commented that he had owned several RCZs and the speed activated spoiler had worked on some but not all. He went on to say that he thought that the function was supposed to have been disabled on all Australian cars. Clearly some RCZs with auto deploying spoilers seemed to have slipped thru the net into Australia. Unfortunately mine wasn't one!
It seems to me that it's simpler, but maybe not necessarily cheaper, for a manufacturer to make just one model car with a standard list of accessories and functionality and this seems to have been the plan Peugeot followed with the RCZ. With the exception of the RCZ R, which is a totally different car all together, my understanding is that all RCZs, petrol MT and AT and the diesel were all pretty much identical in terms of functionality and equipment, other than the infotainment system and the obvious differences dictated by their respective drive trains of course.
So, my question to the RCZ brains trust is this: when they left the production line in Austria, regardless of the country where they would be sold, were all RCZs fitted with the same equipment to provide the auto deployment of the rear spoiler with Peugeot leaving it to local dealers to disable the auto function in the those countries with Draconian laws which did not allow for such automatic deployment functionality?
It seems to me, if the answer to the above question is, Yes, then my car has all the bits and pieces necessary to enable the automatic deployment functionality and all I have to do to achieve the Nirvana of an auto deploying rear spoiler is to do something as simple perhaps, as reconnect a wire. Wishful thinking? Dam right!
If this is the case, my follow-up question is:
where is the connection that I need to restore located and what needs to be done?
As an aside, it'd be interesting to hear from other Australian RCZ owners who have:
been down this road and found and rectified a connection to achieve an automatic deploying rear spoiler; or
own or have owned an RCZ sold new in Australia which has an automatic deploying rear spoiler.
Many thanx in advance.
I am aware that when deployed to intermediate stage (the terminology used in the manual to refer to the first, lower, open position) the spoiler is not visible so, when I installed my reversing camera a while ago, while I was checking its operation, I temporarily installed the camera on the parcel shelf, aimed it at the boot and checked that it picked up the spoiler’s first (intermediate) stage deployment when I manually operated it. I then took a drive at speeds up to and over 100kph, providing a running verbal commentary on speed. (NB I did this with the camera hooked up to a constant 12volt power source and not thru the reverse circuit. So, to be clear, I was not driving up the road at 100kph in reverse!) In any case, camera playback showed no intermediate stage deployment! Even at 120kph!
According to the owner's manual, “When the speed of the vehicle is higher than 50 mph (85 km/h), the spoiler rises automatically to the intermediate position. It remains in this position for as long as the speed remains above 35 mph (55 km/h).” (at which time, I s'pose, even tho it is not stated in the manual, it drops down again). The manual goes on to talk about the deployment to the second, fully open stage which occurs at higher speed.
It's important to note that the manual prefaces all of the above by saying, “The use of the vehicle must comply with the legislation in force in your country. This system can be used to its full potential on a closed circuit.”, initially suggesting to me that the auto deployment functionality may not comply with regulations in every country. (Although, on re-reading this, this quote from the manual may be referring to local legislation on speed limits and not necessarily the use of the automatic deployment functionality - difficult to tell!)
An Australian poster on one forum commented that he had owned several RCZs and the speed activated spoiler had worked on some but not all. He went on to say that he thought that the function was supposed to have been disabled on all Australian cars. Clearly some RCZs with auto deploying spoilers seemed to have slipped thru the net into Australia. Unfortunately mine wasn't one!
It seems to me that it's simpler, but maybe not necessarily cheaper, for a manufacturer to make just one model car with a standard list of accessories and functionality and this seems to have been the plan Peugeot followed with the RCZ. With the exception of the RCZ R, which is a totally different car all together, my understanding is that all RCZs, petrol MT and AT and the diesel were all pretty much identical in terms of functionality and equipment, other than the infotainment system and the obvious differences dictated by their respective drive trains of course.
So, my question to the RCZ brains trust is this: when they left the production line in Austria, regardless of the country where they would be sold, were all RCZs fitted with the same equipment to provide the auto deployment of the rear spoiler with Peugeot leaving it to local dealers to disable the auto function in the those countries with Draconian laws which did not allow for such automatic deployment functionality?
It seems to me, if the answer to the above question is, Yes, then my car has all the bits and pieces necessary to enable the automatic deployment functionality and all I have to do to achieve the Nirvana of an auto deploying rear spoiler is to do something as simple perhaps, as reconnect a wire. Wishful thinking? Dam right!
If this is the case, my follow-up question is:
where is the connection that I need to restore located and what needs to be done?
As an aside, it'd be interesting to hear from other Australian RCZ owners who have:
been down this road and found and rectified a connection to achieve an automatic deploying rear spoiler; or
own or have owned an RCZ sold new in Australia which has an automatic deploying rear spoiler.
Many thanx in advance.
