After quite a bit of searching I managed to track down my fx3 problem down to code 21, which is left front time out.
The actuator is working fine. It cycles when ignition is turned on and all.
So I checked the voltages coming to it and I get about 2 volts, which should actually be 5, but I'm not sure about because my volt meter is pretty shaddy.:rolleyes:

Now for the WIERDNESS.:crazy:
My service ride control light would just be off sometimes and my ride control work great until the next time I started my engine.
I began to look for a pattern. I found one.
Everytime my asr would activate, the next time I would start my engine the "service ride control" light would be out and systems working fine.
Then the next time I stopped the engine without somehow activating the asr on the previous trip the light would come back on and ride control out of wack next time I start my engine.

I followed the manual for troubleshooting code 21 and got to the point where there is either a loose connection somewhere or I need to replace my fx3 controller.
My controller is about 3 years old and I looked for hours and hours for loose connections.

Any ideas?? :smash: :confused:

PS A abs and vss were disconnected for about 3 days of daily driving which caused this whole mess.

[Modified by enhance, 7:39 AM 8/14/2002]


[Modified by enhance, 7:41 AM 8/14/2002]

 

Well I take a stab in the dark, as this is too weird. You said that you had your ABS and VSS disconnected for 3 days. I think the the FX3 needs the VSS to work right.

I suggest disconnecting the battery for a while to see if that resets all the computers. Maybe it will reset everything if everything is connected properly. Worth a shot.

 

Disconnected the battery a bunch already. I've been trying to figure this out for about 3 weeks now.
Thanks.


[Modified by enhance, 8:03 AM 8/14/2002]

 

You have another side that is working fine. Measure your voltages there to compare to the bad side which will check your wiring and then if you have to change the actuator with the right side to see if the problem follows the actuator.

Timeout errors occur because position responses from the actuator are not received or read by the controller in the time allowed by the computer. Could be either the actuactor or the controller, by swapping the actuators you should be able to isolate the cause.

This self test is performed everytime the car is started.

 

Good ideas, thanks.


[Modified by enhance, 11:49 AM 8/14/2002]

 

I have been through this several times. The connectors in the engine bay do not always connect correctly. Try messing with them before you get too involved. Believe or not, my right front works better with the connectors pulled slightly apart. (Still connected with the plastic clip). Hope that makes sense.

 

Shot in the dark. Had an actuator check out just fine but kept getting the "timing out" code. Swapped actuators, ie left front to right front and right front over to left front, and the darn code followed the actuator. Replaced actuator and everything worked. The actuators are not like the brake sensors, the can be swapped, left to right. Front and rears are different.

Now your problem with the voltage needs to be checked out to make sure your getting the correct voltage. Borrow a good multimeter, recheck the cavities per the shop manual and note results. You may elect to chect the opposite side to see if the meter reads the same thing.

Good luck.

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