I bought my first Corvette in April 2011. Since then, it has been a terrific car that I love driving. (1992 Vert, 6-Speed)

For the entire time that I have owned the car, I have not been able to tell a difference in the different suspension modes "Tour, Sport, Perf". The "Service Ride Control" light has never come on and other than a leaky rear driver's side shock, I've not had any reason to suspect the system is not functional.

I just installed a new radio in the car and while looking in the back for the power antenna relay, I located a small module that was not hooked up or attached to anything at all. I ran the numbers and found that it is the SRC Module. I plugged it in and The "Service Ride Control" light came on (Which I kind of figured would happen)..

My Question: Does the Selective Ride Control system have any other components other than the module, the shocks, and the electric caps (don't know what they're called) that are on top of the shocks? I'm trying to determine if it is worthwhile to try and diagnose and repair the issue or if that would be too expensive without enough gain. I would be the guy trying to find used SRC shocks to put back on the Green Meanie because $175/each is WAY too much money for a shock.. If the famed Bilstein conversion is the way to go I might just have to do that instead.

 

Keep in mind the Selective Ride Control is only noticeable at higher speeds (i can notice a difference at ~50+) In tour the front end seems to "float" when i go down the highway.

And the caps are called actuators

 

I was under the impression for the FX3 shocks, Bilstein offers a rebuilding service.

I also thought the price was very competitive.

Maybe someone who has had this done can chime in.

SAVE the WAVE!

 

I had shocks rebuilt by Bilstein. IIRC, it was about $100/each. I could tell a difference at speed. Also IIRC, there is a separate controller in one of the cargo areas behind the seats.

 

Yeah, and you can get them to more aggressively valve the shocks

IIRC it's only a 30day warranty on rebuilt shocks though

 

Seems no one answered your actual question- the only other component in the system is, of course, the switch. If the Ride Control light is on, there is likely a code stored in the CCM, which can be read without tools. If you can't find it on "search", I will post up the procedure for you. There are only 5 codes, one for "no speed signal" and one for each shock.

FWIW, I have this system and can confirm that there is a difference only at highway speeds. Short of a track situation, my belief is that tire choice and inflation have a more noticeable effect on ride than this system does. Remember that tire technology has advanced a couple of decades since this car rolled out of Bowling Green.

 

The 'Module' is the part that runs the FX3 system and sends commands to each of the actuators. There are a total of 12 SRC trouble codes, not including the start and ending codes.

Because your car is a 'vert, it has the base springs. RPO Z07 had stiffer springs, larger sway bars and FX3 but it was available only in coupes. But Fx3 could also be ordered by itself in coupes with base supsension.

I had FX3 in my '92 vert and I could tell there was a definite change to the ride and handling based on the console switch setting. But the system also uses vehicle speed (from the VSS at each wheel) to make changes in the shock setting and the shock settings do have some similarities. For example, the shocks are stiffer in Tour mode at 70 MPH than in Performance mode at 25 MPH.

Bilstein will completely rebuild the shocks and replace the small gear at the top of the shock rod if it's broken. You can find the info on their website. The rebuilds are done at their Poway, CA location (near San Diego).

The FX3 system was good technology when it was first introduced back in 1989. It was adapted from a Ferrari system that Bilstein made for them. When the system is in good condition, it does give you a way to change the car's handling.

To pull the codes, insert a paper clip in Terminal A and Terminal C of the ALDL (A is the right-most terminal on the top row and C is the second terminal to the left). Turn the ignition switch to the ON position but don't start the engine.

The SRC light will begin to flash in sequences that represent the codes. All of the sequences start with a Code 12 represented by one flash, a quick pause, and then two flashes. This repeats twice more followed by the4 actual error codes.

Any trouble codes stored will flash in the same way. FX3 error code numbers are: 13, 14, 21, 22, 23, 31, 32, 33, 34, 41, 42, and 43. Codes are stored in number sequence and each code flashes 3 times followed by a 3 second pause before showing the next code. So for example, a Code 23 (Loss of vehicle speed signal) is blink, blink, 1 second pause, blink, blink, blink, then a 3 second pause before it repeats that sequence twice more then goes on to the next code.

After all the codes are displayed, Code 12 will flash again to finish the sequence. As long as you leave the ignition on, the entire sequence will continue to flash.

So post up the codes you find and we can go from there.

 

Wow! Guys, I really appreciate the thoughtful responses! C4cruiser, I will go check the code in just a few minutes and will post the results shortly.. Thanks again for being so helpful. This forum is great!

Seth

 

Well, that was easy. The only code the car showed was 32. The best part about that is that code was one of the ones you listed C4cruiser.

 

Code 32 is Right Front out of position. It usually means that the actuator is not seeing the end stop on the small gear on the top of the shock.

First look to see that the actuator (the black top with wires) is attached properly. It should sit squarely on the top of the shock and there is a "C-clip" that holds the actuator to the retaining cup which is attached to the top of the shock.

If it's attached properly, remove the C-clip, lift up and pull the actuator away. Grab the small gear on the top of the shock rod and try to turn it both directions. Note that this small spline gear should only turn a short distance either direction. If the spline gear is broken and can be turned without stopping, then the shock will have to be rebuilt. Same if the gear will not turn at all.

If the gear is not broken and the gear turns smoothly to the stops, then the actuator could be bad although that should have resulted in a Code 14. Also look at the inside of the actuator. There is a small plastic ring gear that should not have any damage.

If the small gear on the shock rod is broken, Bilstein will not sell it separately. They will rebuild the entire shock. But rebuilding includes all new seals, new gas and oil, and the mounting bushings. They don't repaint the shock body or apply new decals.

You can also expect to see a Code 23 (Loss of vehicle speed signal) if the ignition switch is cycled on and off 3 times without driving the vehicle. It will remain as a "History" code until codes are cleared. Once everything is fixed, you can clear codes by grounding pins A and C for two seconds and repeating twice (total of 3 groundings). The ignition must be ON.

Just looked at your car pics. My '92 was also Polo Green with beige interior and top, but was an A4 and I had the factory hardtop. Really liked that car but it went to Corvette Heaven some years ago. Look at Corsa for a nice sounding exhaust system

 

Hmmm...That is not as bad as I thought it would have been. I will check it out tomorrrow (I'm driving my Crown Vic all night tonight).

Even if I have to get a shock or 2 rebuilt, that is not a bad price to get a $1700 option back in service. Thanks again for the help.

Seth

 

To add to conversation, the nut on the shock stem itself sometimes comes loose and will throw a code. Fairly common occurrence with mine. If the actuator is loose this is the first thing I would check.

 

If the actuator needs to be fixed, it is a lot cheaper to have it rebuilt and will be better than original (plastic gear is replaced with metal gear). Both my front actuator gears went bad had I sent both to Captain Z to be rebuilt. Google his name (google Captain Z Corvette). He was fast and reasonable.

 

If you only have a problem with one actuator- I'd pay for the rebuild on all 4 shocks. Mine ended up being quite a bit better after they got redone (and I only had 27k miles on mine). I had them custom valve them 10% stiffer on compression and a bit more on rebound valving.

 

I still have not been able to check the status of my actuator/shock gear, but the left rear appears to be leaking so I think a rebuild would be appropriate. It sounds like there is a noticable difference in the ride feel of each different mode so I will definitely keep the system in tact as opposed to switching it out.

I'll keep everyone posted

 

The actuator gear is broke. Captain Z, here I come...



The shock gear on the passenger side is broken too. I don't think its throwing a code though. Now I gotta check them all out and get em fixed if they need it.

Thanks for the help guys!

 

I love this forum!
There is so much wealth of knowledge here.
The best part is that it doesn't cost 100.00 an hour either.

 

All very true, but you have to get dirty, and you might break a nail!

 

Some leakage is typical with the FX3 shocks. Bilstein added a little extra oil to these shocks. The shock shouldn't be soaking wet with oil but just enough to cause dirt to stick to the body is not a problem.

 

What happens if you don't fix the ride control?