Cheers...Im new to the forum and I recently purchased a 91 convertible with the adjustable suspension.I was moving the switch back and forth and didnt notice anything happening.Upon further inspection...to my dismay...the shocks have been replaced with craptastic Sensotrac shocks and the shock harness for the FX3 has been ziptied inside the engine bay.Now..My question...If I splurge and buy the shocks and hook em back up,Will this be a simple plug n play?Or has the previous owner disabled something.Removed a fuse/relay..etc.Would the car throw a code if it was disabled?And...How will I know if it is working properly...Ive read on other post that the ride is from firm to harsh..Is there that much of a noticeable difference?Note-The Sensotrac shocks are brand new/just replaced.Thanks,Mark

 

It sounds like the previous owner didn't want to spend money to fix the system. FX3 shocks can run close to $200 each and the actuators can be more.

In addition to the specific FX3 Bilstein shocks, you will need the shock actuators. This is a small motor that attaches to the top of each shock. The wire harness connectors attach to the actuators. The rear shock connectors are inside the frame rail whre the upper shock mount attaches to the frame.

Is there a warning light on the DIC on that says "Service Ride Control" If not, the prior owner may have removed the light or disconnected the wire harness from the controller. The controller is in the compartment behind the driver's seat.

You can check the fuse panel on the passenger side end of the dash/window pillar for any missing fuses.

If you do get the shocks and actuators, there still may be some error codes from previous problems. The Factory Service Manual has procedures for clearing codes using a paper clip. You can also try the search function using "FX3 error codes" as a search term.

Once the codes are cleared and the system is operational. you will notice differences in the three settings. The ride is not "harsh" on the Performance setting but it is definitely a change up from the Tour setting.

The individual selections provide a range of shock adjustment but vehicle speed also plays a part in ajustments. The Tour setting at 70 MPH is actually stiffer than the Performance setting at 25 MPH. There is overlap but you can feel the changes as you turn the selector ****.

 

Thanks c4cruiser,Im pretty sure I have the actuators.Basically,everything is there minus the shocks.Looks like I have some work to do.Thanks for the help.

 

If your lucky enough to have all 4 actuators, that's great, there more difficult to find than the shocks (available at Eckler's).

However, a classic failure point on the actuators is the plastic gear inside which engages the gear on the top of the shock.

Suggest looking inside the bottom hole of the actuator and carefully inspect the gear, look for any breaks or damage -- comparing each should allow you to identify any damaged ones.

Unfortunately the other failure point is the electric motor of the actuator fails -- so try plugging in each one (all can be plugged into the driver side front plug) and then turn on the key, and assure the motor moves the gear (normally it spins the gear in one direction, 1/2 way around, then the opposite direction 1/2 way around, then settles in the middle -- but without the shock, it may spin more but will not damage the actuator if not attached to the shock.

THis way, at least before pulling the 'trigger' on $800 worth of shocks, you'll know that all the actuators work (or don't)...

 

I was wondering if there was a way to test the actuators....Im going to have to hunt down where it was disconnected.(Power supply)...Hopefully just a fuse or relay.Thanks, theadmiral94