Ride Control Issues
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 38
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From: Milton, FL
Ride Control Issues
I have a '92 LT1 with the adjustable shocks. Recently the 'Service Ride Control' light came on but the car handles the same and I really can't tell the difference. Is there any way for me to figure whether I have a bad shock or a bad actuator? I talked to the owner of a local Corvette shop and he started rattling off how much it was going to cost to just check it out in addition to replacing either the shock or actuator. After talking to him, I am tempted to not do a dang thing about it, I just hate that idiot light staring at me all the time.
Last edited by #1weatherman; Oct 1, 2018 at 04:31 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
There are 33 or 34 possible error codes for just the FX3 system. Each shock and the actuator for it has their own unique codes and there are other codes for the controller. Try doing a search in this section for "FX3 Error Codes" That should bring up a number of threads that define the error codes, the fix for them, and how to retrieve the codes. The FSM (Factory Service Manual) for your specific year will have details on the FX3 system. The codes are easily retrieved and can be done with a paper clip and pushing a couple buttons. You can do the code retrieval yourself and it won't cost more than one beer to do 
IIRC, when the "Service Ride Control" light comes on, the system will go to a default setting; I think it's "Tour" but not sure.
IIRC, when the "Service Ride Control" light comes on, the system will go to a default setting; I think it's "Tour" but not sure.
Zen Vet Master Level VII
Joined: Mar 2016
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From: Southlake, TX
The codes are easily retrieved and can be done with a paper clip and pushing a couple buttons. You can do the code retrieval yourself and it won't cost more than one beer to do IIRC, when the "Service Ride Control" light comes on, the system will go to a default setting; I think it's "Tour" but not sure.
Yes, the default mode is "touring" and yes, OP jump the A and C on your ALDL and you will get your codes. Often times a code will get thrown and just needs to be reset (a "in and out" of the paper clip 3 times in quick succession) and then you are off.
Don't let your mechanic scare you off from the FX3. Parts are a bit scare, but doable.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,060
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From: Epping NH
I remember reading a lot of car mags back then stating the it was difficult to tell the difference between modes with SRC, seems when the 96 came out using shocks from Delco there was a noticeable difference. Unless you're racing I probably wouldn't worry about it, but it would be smart to at least know what is wrong and determine if you want to fix it or not.
I actually did have a problem with my SRC in my 96 which turned out to be a short in my EBTCM and was draining my battery overnight...shorts are never good because they generate heat...and heat in the wrong place can cause fire.
Also if you don't want to fix it, I'd probably pull the idiot light bulb, those things heat up quite a bit and being on all the time can't be good for the plastic that surrounds it.
Last edited by bac22; Oct 2, 2018 at 07:57 AM.
Team Owner
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From: Hartford WI
In what way does it work in all 3 modes? Does it change everything evenly or does it even change anything? What was the fault?
Zen Vet Master Level VII
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 5,218
Likes: 1,174
From: Southlake, TX
As the chart shows, your "feel" of the shock will be speed and selection sensitive. The way I read it, is that any speed under 50, you will notice "nothing" in tour mode. Also, with a light on the DIC your FX3 will go into default (tour) mode with means that you will have "minimal" degree angles up to 100 MPH.
So, my thought is that a system feels the same in all settings it is because your system doesn't work?
BTW... I got mine working after two years (I ran the diagnostic and replace the control module) and can tell a difference in the settings as speed increase-- as the chart shows.
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Zen Vet Master Level VII
Joined: Mar 2016
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From: Southlake, TX
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Milton, FL
Pulling the idiot light
Thanks for the response to my post about ride control issues. I will probably try the paper clip trick first, but if that doesn't work for some reason, how do I get to the idiot lights to remove one of them? Thanks in advance.
WTF, it's not rocket science to at least pull the codes to get an idea...makes me 2nd guess that Corvette shop!
I remember reading a lot of car mags back then stating the it was difficult to tell the difference between modes with SRC, seems when the 96 came out using shocks from Delco there was a noticeable difference. Unless you're racing I probably wouldn't worry about it, but it would be smart to at least know what is wrong and determine if you want to fix it or not.
I actually did have a problem with my SRC in my 96 which turned out to be a short in my EBTCM and was draining my battery overnight...shorts are never good because they generate heat...and heat in the wrong place can cause fire.
Also if you don't want to fix it, I'd probably pull the idiot light bulb, those things heat up quite a bit and being on all the time can't be good for the plastic that surrounds it.
I remember reading a lot of car mags back then stating the it was difficult to tell the difference between modes with SRC, seems when the 96 came out using shocks from Delco there was a noticeable difference. Unless you're racing I probably wouldn't worry about it, but it would be smart to at least know what is wrong and determine if you want to fix it or not.
I actually did have a problem with my SRC in my 96 which turned out to be a short in my EBTCM and was draining my battery overnight...shorts are never good because they generate heat...and heat in the wrong place can cause fire.
Also if you don't want to fix it, I'd probably pull the idiot light bulb, those things heat up quite a bit and being on all the time can't be good for the plastic that surrounds it.