Testing FX3 Actuators
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
Testing FX3 Actuators
'92 coupe w/ FX3 - The prior owner installed non-adjustable AC Delco shocks when the Bilsteins wore out. When I purchased the car he gave me the old actuators and shocks. I'm interested in purchasing new Bilsteins and restoring the FX3 back to stock, but I would like to make sure the actuators work before I start spending money.
So, is there a way to test the actuators off the car to make sure they are functioning correctly?
So, is there a way to test the actuators off the car to make sure they are functioning correctly?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,331
Likes: 2,722
'92 coupe w/ FX3 - The prior owner installed non-adjustable AC Delco shocks when the Bilsteins wore out. When I purchased the car he gave me the old actuators and shocks. I'm interested in purchasing new Bilsteins and restoring the FX3 back to stock, but I would like to make sure the actuators work before I start spending money.
So, is there a way to test the actuators off the car to make sure they are functioning correctly?
So, is there a way to test the actuators off the car to make sure they are functioning correctly?
The FSM diagnostics should I think answer most questions.
Most posts I've ever seen mention "NO BENCH TEST" - the actuators are controlled by an electronic module so evaluations need to be done "ON CAR"!
Do you have a FSM?
Last edited by WVZR-1; Jun 18, 2014 at 09:56 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,331
Likes: 2,722
Well you know the DIC bulb needs put back to do anything so that would likely be step 1. I edited my first post and asked if you had FSM. Do you? Read that section a couple times and see what your take is on the diagnostics but I do believe "NO BENCH TEST" without likely special equipment. I'd think they could be ruined in attempts without proper equipment/tools.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
I do have a FSM. I was hoping to determine off-car if the actuators worked. No actuators, then everything would be back-burnered until next year.
No bench test would imply the following routine, which is what I was hoping to avoid:
1. Groan.
2. Reinstall DIC bulb.
3. Remove silicone from pigtails and clean.
4. Install actuators and test for function.
5. If no function, remove DIC bulb.
6. If function and no light, proceed.
No bench test would imply the following routine, which is what I was hoping to avoid:
1. Groan.
2. Reinstall DIC bulb.
3. Remove silicone from pigtails and clean.
4. Install actuators and test for function.
5. If no function, remove DIC bulb.
6. If function and no light, proceed.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 3,362
Likes: 100
From: IOWA!!!
On car test only
'92 coupe w/ FX3 - The prior owner installed non-adjustable AC Delco shocks when the Bilsteins wore out. When I purchased the car he gave me the old actuators and shocks. I'm interested in purchasing new Bilsteins and restoring the FX3 back to stock, but I would like to make sure the actuators work before I start spending money.
So, is there a way to test the actuators off the car to make sure they are functioning correctly?
So, is there a way to test the actuators off the car to make sure they are functioning correctly?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2TlSvRHyzc
You will need to clean up at least one of your siliconed up electrical connectors and try the actuators one at a time. I see no need to replace the bulb in the driver info center to test actuators. Verify that your control module is still in the car and connected too
Steve
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,331
Likes: 2,722
Interesting video, one would have thought with the switch disconnected that possibly the actuators wouldn't cycle at "key-on". Interesting. Checking one actuator at a time is a very good idea also. I would guess though that you couldn't confirm whether good or bad until at least one passed the test. If none checked at the single location you would need to either move to another position and check again or get more seriously involved with the system diagnostics. A very good short-cut indeed it seems.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!
Michael S. Palmer
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!
Joe Kucinski
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 3,362
Likes: 100
From: IOWA!!!
WVZR-1 has a good point
Interesting video, one would have thought with the switch disconnected that possibly the actuators wouldn't cycle at "key-on". Interesting. Checking one actuator at a time is a very good idea also. I would guess though that you couldn't confirm whether good or bad until at least one passed the test. If none checked at the single location you would need to either move to another position and check again or get more seriously involved with the system diagnostics. A very good short-cut indeed it seems.
You are right with the idea of seeing at least one of the actuators work. There is no guarantee that the wiring is good or that the module is working. Good point!
steve
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,158
Likes: 9
From: N.E. WA
Here is a video of what I did to restore my fx3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2TlSvRHyzc
You will need to clean up at least one of your siliconed up electrical connectors and try the actuators one at a time. I see no need to replace the bulb in the driver info center to test actuators. Verify that your control module is still in the car and connected too
Steve
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2TlSvRHyzc
You will need to clean up at least one of your siliconed up electrical connectors and try the actuators one at a time. I see no need to replace the bulb in the driver info center to test actuators. Verify that your control module is still in the car and connected too
Steve
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 3,362
Likes: 100
From: IOWA!!!
re-install in any position at all
Reinstall your shocks in any position at all. It does not make any difference. Once you start the car up, or just turn the key to "on" the FX-3 system cycles the actuators back and forth, and the control module measures their stop position and then sets them all to the same initial position. I would suppose this is done digitally, but one way or another the module learns where all the shocks are at and sets them to where they need to be. The module synchs it all up.
That is why when you visually check the actuators off the shock, you will see them move first one direction and then the other direction. If memory works for this old man, i want to say that the max travel is 160 degrees, but i may be wrong on this.
steve