FX3 actuator bench testing ?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 378
Likes: 1
From: Fremont NH
FX3 actuator bench testing ?
I recently discovered that someone in the past pulled the warning light for the FX3 system.. so obviously there's a problem somewhere.
When I pull the actuators off the front shocks, look in at the gear and turn the key, they do nothing. They look fine, no broken teeth, but they do not move at all when the key is turned on.
Is there a fuse somewhere (this is a 1989 car) that cuts power to the FX3?
If I unplug the actuators and take them out of the car, is there a way to put power to them on the bench to see if they spin then?
The shock rod gears are fine.. and I can spin them to the stop position in each direction.
I've already got replacement shocks (Bilstein Z51's) to put on the car as rebuilding the FX3 setup is out of my budget this spring, but I'd like to know if the actuators are good or not.. Thanks for the help~
When I pull the actuators off the front shocks, look in at the gear and turn the key, they do nothing. They look fine, no broken teeth, but they do not move at all when the key is turned on.
Is there a fuse somewhere (this is a 1989 car) that cuts power to the FX3?
If I unplug the actuators and take them out of the car, is there a way to put power to them on the bench to see if they spin then?
The shock rod gears are fine.. and I can spin them to the stop position in each direction.
I've already got replacement shocks (Bilstein Z51's) to put on the car as rebuilding the FX3 setup is out of my budget this spring, but I'd like to know if the actuators are good or not.. Thanks for the help~
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 3,261
Likes: 9
From: sonoma ca
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 378
Likes: 1
From: Fremont NH
Thanks.. I've already checked the things he describes..
I'm specifically looking for info on these 2 issues..
1. Is there a fuse that controls this setup that might be pulled or blown right now and where would that fuse be?
2. Is there a way to, and which wire(s) would you, add power to on the bench to test the actuator out and unplugged from the car?
I'm specifically looking for info on these 2 issues..
1. Is there a fuse that controls this setup that might be pulled or blown right now and where would that fuse be?
2. Is there a way to, and which wire(s) would you, add power to on the bench to test the actuator out and unplugged from the car?
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 174
Likes: 3
From: Yorba Linda CA
I have a 95 with FX3. I checked my service manual to see if there was anything that might be of help to you and I think that you're probably going to have to get hold of a factory service manual for your year as the diagnostics are fairly complicated though thorough.
In my 95 manual there doesn't seem to be any bench test for the actuators. Any testing seems to be done on the harness side (after disconnecting the actuator) using a test light and a volt meter. I wouldn't apply any power to the actuator side as some of the circuits are only 5 volt ! Generally if the gears are okay that probably means the actuators are okay.
You mentioned that the SRC bulb had been removed but didn't mention if it now works. If it does work I'd pull the codes as that will give you a better idea of what's going on. Sorry I can't be of more help.
In my 95 manual there doesn't seem to be any bench test for the actuators. Any testing seems to be done on the harness side (after disconnecting the actuator) using a test light and a volt meter. I wouldn't apply any power to the actuator side as some of the circuits are only 5 volt ! Generally if the gears are okay that probably means the actuators are okay.
You mentioned that the SRC bulb had been removed but didn't mention if it now works. If it does work I'd pull the codes as that will give you a better idea of what's going on. Sorry I can't be of more help.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 7,276
Likes: 3
From: Why are there squished peanut butter cups in my underware?
There is now way of a bench test. The actuators need to be pluged into their harness which is connected to the FX3 computer/controller.
The only way to test (see if the gears are rotating) is to remove the gear from the front shock, (drivers side is easiest) while still plugged into the system and turn on the ignition. Which you've said you have already done.
As said, put in a good bulb into the DIC and see what happens then and what codes you can pull.
Also, check the storage compartment behind the driver seat. Remove the storage tray, pull back the insolation pad and look to see if there any wire connection ends not connected to anything (hanging loose). The FX3 control box is black and about 4"x6"x1" in size.
The only way to test (see if the gears are rotating) is to remove the gear from the front shock, (drivers side is easiest) while still plugged into the system and turn on the ignition. Which you've said you have already done.
As said, put in a good bulb into the DIC and see what happens then and what codes you can pull.
Also, check the storage compartment behind the driver seat. Remove the storage tray, pull back the insolation pad and look to see if there any wire connection ends not connected to anything (hanging loose). The FX3 control box is black and about 4"x6"x1" in size.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 378
Likes: 1
From: Fremont NH
Thank you both.. I found the controller behind the seat, everything is plugged in fine.
I'll get a replacement bulb and see what codes I get..
I've already ordered a manual for the car, just not here yet
I'll get a replacement bulb and see what codes I get..
I've already ordered a manual for the car, just not here yet
