FX3 Codes?
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,853
Likes: 8
From: Westerly RI
Code 33= left rear actuator out of position.
Check to see if the actuator (under the electrical connector) is properly attached. There should be a horseshoe-shaped spring clip on top. See if you can rotate the actuator about ¼ turn. If not, the shock needs help.
Check to see if the actuator (under the electrical connector) is properly attached. There should be a horseshoe-shaped spring clip on top. See if you can rotate the actuator about ¼ turn. If not, the shock needs help.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,853
Likes: 8
From: Westerly RI
The code will not clear itself. You can clear it using terminal "C" on the ALDL connector (3rd from right, top row) and terminal "A" (far right, top row). With the key on, engine off, use a paper clip or suchlike to connect these two terminals for two seconds, then disconnect. Do this three times. The codes should be cleared.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
In order to check the rear actuator or the shock, you will have to raise the car, remove the LR wheel and remove the shock. The actuator sits up inside the frame rail. The code means that the actuator has not found the end stop position on the shock gear.
Remove the actuator and rotate the gear on the shock rod. If it turns that 1/4 turn the shock "should" be OK. Also check to make sure the small gear on the top of the shock rod is in good condition. If they are good, then the actuator may be bad.
No need to disconnect the battery to clear the codes when the repairs are made. With the ignition turned to the ON position, ground pins A and C for two seconds and repeat twice more. That will clear the codes.
You may also see a Code 23. This code is set if the ignition switch is cycled to the ON position then to OFF three times without driving the car. The SRC light will go off after the car is driven but this code will remain as a history code and will need to be cleared.
Remove the actuator and rotate the gear on the shock rod. If it turns that 1/4 turn the shock "should" be OK. Also check to make sure the small gear on the top of the shock rod is in good condition. If they are good, then the actuator may be bad.
No need to disconnect the battery to clear the codes when the repairs are made. With the ignition turned to the ON position, ground pins A and C for two seconds and repeat twice more. That will clear the codes.
You may also see a Code 23. This code is set if the ignition switch is cycled to the ON position then to OFF three times without driving the car. The SRC light will go off after the car is driven but this code will remain as a history code and will need to be cleared.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
No luck clearing the codes, but THANK YOU for the info!! I took the shock out, removed the actuator, the valve rotates fine, but part of the splines on the shock looked like they have broken off. Not sure if that is the part that makes it stop, but it seems functional. The shock themselvs are still good. The car still rides great, handles great, just not able to use ride select...
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Broken teeth on the small gear on the shock rod will set the code because the actuator ring gear (look inside the actuator) will have nothing to stop it.
Bilstein rebuilds the FX3 shock and they will replace the small gear at the same time. You can go to the Bilstein website to find information about their FX3 shock rebuild/repair services. The rebuild center is in Poway, CA near San Diego.
If the shocks are original to the car, it's probably a good idea to send all 4 off for rebuilding. You can buy a set of cheap regular shocks to install while the FX3 stuff is out for the work.
Bilstein rebuilds the FX3 shock and they will replace the small gear at the same time. You can go to the Bilstein website to find information about their FX3 shock rebuild/repair services. The rebuild center is in Poway, CA near San Diego.
If the shocks are original to the car, it's probably a good idea to send all 4 off for rebuilding. You can buy a set of cheap regular shocks to install while the FX3 stuff is out for the work.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,853
Likes: 8
From: Westerly RI
No luck clearing the codes, but THANK YOU for the info!! I took the shock out, removed the actuator, the valve rotates fine, but part of the splines on the shock looked like they have broken off. Not sure if that is the part that makes it stop, but it seems functional. The shock themselvs are still good. The car still rides great, handles great, just not able to use ride select...
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