spoiler

[00ladybug]

we have a 2000 glx with the automatic spoiler that comes up at 90mph. found the switch under the dash but it won't stay open once you start driving. is there any other way to have this functional at real life speeds?

[dnyed]

The spoiler will close when you start to move. You will need one of two things.

A motor from a '02+ Turbo, or a "Tailwagger" switch.

I've never had a NB with the 90mph spoiler, so I am not sure what to do with the Tailwagger. But, a few Org members have them, and will probably come here to help.

Good luck!

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

It's working at real life speeds! The speeds it was designed to be used for. However, there is a DIY around here for a mod to make it manual only. I'll see if I can find it.
More info here -
spoiler doesnt go up on its own but will go down on its own

Here's a thread with more info on the Tailwagger -
$300 and good luck finding it. Note the operation discussed.
Whats Up WithTailwagger Availability?

Here's a link to the Owner's Manual Insert explaining the operation of the automatic spoiler for your year -

Understanding the operation of your 1.8L Turbo automatic spoiler
Newbie Welcome Kit!

MORAV

[IndyTom]

Originally Posted by 00ladybug

we have a 2000 glx with the automatic spoiler that comes up at 90mph. found the switch under the dash but it won't stay open once you start driving. is there any other way to have this functional at real life speeds?

You mean you don't leisurly zoom down the highway at 90+mph?
Since the Beetle was designed for Autobahn use 90mph or 144.8kmh is a very real life speed for the German Autobahn. I am from Germany and have driven there several times. At 90mph you still are getting passed like you are standing still. 90+mph is a Real life speed just not for the US. I have a 2000 GLX 1.8 5 speed and would like to know how to have it activated at somewhat lower speeds. I know the later models have it come up at 45mph which for the US is pretty reasonable. Not that it does much good at 45 but it would still be nice if just for fun.

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

Originally Posted by IndyTom

You mean you don't leisurly zoom down the highway at 90+mph?
Since the Beetle was designed for Autobahn use 90mph or 144.8kmh is a very real life speed for the German Autobahn. I am from Germany and have driven there several times. At 90mph you still are getting passed like you are standing still. 90+mph is a Real life speed just not for the US. I have a 2000 GLX 1.8 5 speed and would like to know how to have it activated at somewhat lower speeds. I know the later models have it come up at 45mph which for the US is pretty reasonable. Not that it does much good at 45 but it would still be nice if just for fun.

As stated somewhere in the posted threads, that's easy enough by swapping out the motor in the rear hatch with a later MY. From all I have read no one has come up with a way to simply defeat the auto electronics and make it manual. Personally, I don't get the visual thing, it's not an attractive spoiler, like the functional ones on the Porsches. But of course I don't get using the fogs for supplemental driving lights, to light the pavement, low, and immeditely in front of you either.

[IndyTom]

Originally Posted by MyOtherRidesAVette

As stated somewhere in the posted threads, that's easy enough by swapping out the motor in the rear hatch with a later MY. From all I have read no one has come up with a way to simply defeat the auto electronics and make it manual. Personally, I don't get the visual thing, it's not an attractive spoiler, like the functional ones on the Porsches. But of course I don't get using the fogs for supplemental driving lights, to light the pavement, low, and immeditely in front of you either.

I agree, I have put up the spoiler to just clean underneath and I don't think it is very attractive either. I will leave well enough alone and keep it the way it is.
I do think that Fog lights are functional. If nothing more then to be seen by oncoming traffic. Plus at night they do fill in the area immediately in front and to the sides. Now don't turn on your fog lights in Germany unless it is foggy or they will honk at you and flash their lights at you. One time I accidentally turned on the rear single fog light and someone actually pulled to the side of my car and complained and bickered on and on. GEESh, these Germans are so by the book and have no sense of humor. It is one country that actually will pull you over and give you a ticket for going too slow in the left lane which is only there to pass not to toodle along. Also don't pass on the right or you also will get a ticket. Very strict. Not as strict as Switzerland where if you speed and get caught you will get a very hefty fine which has to be paid on the spot. If you have no money to pay it they will escort you out of the country until you pay your fine. Europeans really need to relax more.