Want to replace shocks - F45 suspension
05-02-2011, 03:18 PM
#1
Pro
Thread Starter
Want to replace shocks - F45 suspension
My 99 coupe has 62K miles on it and I want to replace the shocks with Bilstein's (sports). The car has the F45 Real Time Dampening option on it. Am I correct when I read that I will also have to install a "suspension simulator kit" ? Seems like a lot of $$$. What if I replace them with OEM shocks?
05-02-2011, 04:02 PM
#2
OEM or Bilstein's you have to fool the system into believing the shocks are there and working or that the car never had the F-45 option.
You have 3 options when removing the F45 shocks:
1 - simulators
2 - Radio Shack resistors
3 - Tech 2 reprogramming of the car's computer
The computer wants a return from each shock and the simulators and resistors provide that. Reprogramming removes the option.
Sims = easy and fast not cheap (you buy them and plug them in)
RS resistors = cheap not easy or fast (you have to solder them into the wiring)
Tech2 reprogramming = easy not cheap or fast (you find someone to do it then pay them)
BTW - I like my F-45s - I'd be glad to take them off your hands when you are done...
You have 3 options when removing the F45 shocks:
1 - simulators
2 - Radio Shack resistors
3 - Tech 2 reprogramming of the car's computer
The computer wants a return from each shock and the simulators and resistors provide that. Reprogramming removes the option.
Sims = easy and fast not cheap (you buy them and plug them in)
RS resistors = cheap not easy or fast (you have to solder them into the wiring)
Tech2 reprogramming = easy not cheap or fast (you find someone to do it then pay them)
BTW - I like my F-45s - I'd be glad to take them off your hands when you are done...
05-02-2011, 04:55 PM
#4
Safety Car
Replaced my F45's about 3 yrs. ago. Used Radio Shack 10 ohm resistors.
No solder, mechanical/electrical clips.
Wrapped resistors in plastic wrap to keep moisture out.
No solder, mechanical/electrical clips.
Wrapped resistors in plastic wrap to keep moisture out.
05-03-2011, 05:54 PM
#5
OMG! You have found the holy grail.
Easy and Fast and Good.
05-04-2011, 08:55 AM
#6
Melting Slicks
Member Since: Dec 2003
Location: pawleys island sc
Posts: 2,857
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
[QUOTE=FKING1;1577505407]Replaced my F45's about 3 yrs. ago. Used Radio Shack 10 ohm resistors.
No solder, mechanical/electrical clips.
Wrapped resistors in plastic wrap to keep moisture out.[/QUOT
I've done this on 4 different cars (first time 4 years ago).
Its fast, its easy ,its cheap, its a DIY, AND it WORKS.
No solder, mechanical/electrical clips.
Wrapped resistors in plastic wrap to keep moisture out.[/QUOT
I've done this on 4 different cars (first time 4 years ago).
Its fast, its easy ,its cheap, its a DIY, AND it WORKS.
07-21-2011, 02:16 PM
#7
3rd Gear
Member Since: Dec 2010
Location: OCEAN SPRINGS MS
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Radio Shack resistors
I thought I'd heard that there was a reset problem if the ride dial on the console was moved after the install and that the only good fix was the Tech II reprogramming. Getting ready to do mine shortly and am definantly ditching the F45.
ABSOLUTLY CORRECT - works perfectly.
07-21-2011, 10:37 PM
#10
Unplug the wire from the dial?
07-21-2011, 11:11 PM
#11
Pro
Member Since: Jun 2003
Location: Moline IL
Posts: 555
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Tech2 is the best option. I did resistors for a while, but after a few years they started giving me headaches. I had them shrink wrapped, etc., but time/weather/use caused issues. I found a friend of a friend at a dealership with a Tech2, bought him a steak dinner, and never looked back. I wish I had done the Tech2 sooner as then you never have to worry about it again.
07-22-2011, 08:11 AM
#12
3rd Gear
Member Since: Dec 2010
Location: OCEAN SPRINGS MS
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hmm.. More food for thought. I've researched this and even found\printed out the directions for the Tech 2 deactivation option. Up to now, I thought it the best long term fix I'm willing to pay a reasonable amount= up to $125. The other thing is- fairly new to Gulf Coast and will have to spend time I don't have to find a source. My call... Thx to all- I'll post when done.
