I have a 2003 50th anniversary Corvette with Magnetic Selective Ride Control. The message has come on saying that it should be serviced. The dealer says that a replacement shock costs over $1,200. Is there a less costly fix? The car has18,000 miles on it. Thanks

 

Has it set any codes on the DIC? There are probably over 20 codes associated with the system

Of interest the Real Time Damping uses the DIC readout on the IPC to flag up problems but its still sets a code.

There are 3 warning associated with the system:

SHOCKS INOPERATIVE
SERVICE RIDE CONTROL
MAXIMUM SPEED

Interesting the dealer says you have a shock problem yet its the SERVICE RIDE CONTROL warning thats flagged up

I'd check the codes to find out which part of the system is playing up before I replaced shocks on spec. Post them up and we may be able to work out the problem from the shop manual.

 

are the shocks leaking....I have 40K on mine and no problems....at 18K those shocks should still be good.....I think I would get a second opinion....




larry..........

 

Have an 03 had similar problem... had a good mec check it out found one of the connectors to the system was broken it took some time but it saved a lot of money..... the key is to find someone who really knows the system... Dealer use flat rate books and take the easy and fastest way

 

find a shop or dealer that specializes in Corvettes

 

I have a 98 Coupe with F45 shocks which were an earlier version of your shocks. I have about 77,000 miles on them and no problems. I can't believe their shot already. Get another option. I wish you luck. Let us know what happens.

 

I was under the impression that simulators wont work on the 03-04 they changed the computer and it has to be deleted if you change the shocks out

 

Thanks, the service mgr says the code is co587 and the message was that the left rear shock motor was open. Appreciate your help.

 

Screw shocks... I want more pics of Tigertank's avatar

 

In this instance he might be correct

From the book (and bear in mind my manual is for an 02 with F45 suspension):

The Electronic Suspension Control Module (ESC) controls each shock absorber solenoid. I guess in this case it's your left rear given a C0587.

By some compex electronics, the ESC checks each solenoid by firing wiggly amps at it. (The technical description)!!!! Effectively, if the ESC gets the wrong voltage back it decides a fault is present and sets the code.

The test procedure is to check for a voltage at the solenoid. If it's OK, the tech uses a Tech II to turn the solenoid off and on to make sure its operating. If it's OK, the next step is to check the connections at the ESC. If thats OK, the next step is a new shock absorber. After that, it's a new ESC.

Looks like you need to check out the ESC connector. If not it may be that a new shock is the only way to go.

BTW, the ESC is located in the LH rear storage area.

 

Hi, I posted some info in your other thread, it is usually best to not have two threads on the same problem as it spreads the answers out and the posters trying to help you may not see all the answers.
Below is the definition of the code that you have.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
C0577, C0579, C0582, C0584, C0587, C0589, C0592 or C0594
In order to test for the conditions that set a DTC C0577, C0579, C0582, C0584, C0587, C0589, C0592 or C0594, the ESC module must first command the actuator ON. The ESC module must be in a command ON state. If a low voltage level is detected in the actuator control circuit during the ON state, the test is again repeated. If the ESC module determines that the voltage levels detected in both tests are lower than expected, a malfunction is present and a DTC will set.
This is what sets the code.--
C0577, C0582, C0587 or C0592
The ESC module detects a low voltage level, which is a short to ground on the actuator control circuit during two diagnostic tests performed.
Below is the action taken by the computer
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
C0577, C0582, C0587 or C0592
The following actions will occur when a DTC sets:

Stores a DTC C0577, C0582, C0587 or C0592 in the ESC memory.
Commands 0% PWM duty cycle in order to disable all 4 actuators.
Sends a message to the IPC to display the SERVICE RIDE CONTROL and SHOCKS INOPERATIVE messages.
Sends a message to the PCM to limit the speed. The PCM then sends a message to the IPC to display the MAXIMUM SPEED 129 km/h (80 mph) message.
===================================
It might be a good idea to check the connections on the shock, see if it's clean and tight. Then clear the codes and see if they come back.
=======================================
Conditions for Clearing the DTC
C0577, C0582, C0587 or C0592
The following conditions must exist to clear the DTC:

The ignition must be cycled before this DTC can change from current to history even if the malfunction is no longer present.
The ESC module no longer detects a low voltage level, which is a short to ground on the actuator control circuit during two diagnostic tests.
A history DTC will clear after 100 consecutive ignition cycles if the condition for the malfunction is no longer present.
Use the IPC clearing DTC feature.
Using a scan tool.

Good Luck

 

Thats correct - but theres a lot more to it than just deleting a few codes in the computer - trust me, I know.

 

There are a few things to check before replacing the shock. Also you sometimes you can get shocks off the internet for some amazingly low prices. Search on the shock part number. Here is the diagnostic info for the 2003:

DTC C0577, C0579, C0582, C0584, C0587, C0589, C0592, or C0594
Circuit Description
The ESC module uses the Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM) method in order to control each shock absorber actuator. Switching the voltage ON and OFF at each shock absorber actuator, or pulse width modulating, limits the amount of current supplied to that particular actuator. The ESC module periodically commands each shock absorber to a set PWM duty cycle in order to override the normal PWM command. During this set PWM duty cycle, the ESC module is able to perform a diagnostic test on each shock absorber actuator, and can determine if a malfunction is present. The ESC module is only able to detect certain malfunctions during a given state, which are ON or OFF.

C0577, C0579, C0582, C0584, C0587, C0589, C0592 or C0594
In order to test for the conditions that set a DTC C0577, C0579, C0582, C0584, C0587, C0589, C0592 or C0594, the ESC module must first command the actuator ON. The ESC module must be in a command ON state. If a low voltage level is detected in the actuator control circuit during the ON state, the test is again repeated. If the ESC module determines that the voltage levels detected in both tests are lower than expected, a malfunction is present and a DTC will set.

Conditions for Running the DTC
C0577, C0579, C0582, C0584, C0587, C0589, C0592 or C0594
The following conditions must be present to run the DTC:

The ignition ON.
The ESC module in command ON state.
The ESC function enabled.
Conditions for Setting the DTC
C0577, C0582, C0587 or C0592
The ESC module detects a low voltage level, which is a short to ground on the actuator control circuit during two diagnostic tests performed.

C0579, C0584, C0589 or C0594
The ESC module detects a low voltage level, which is an open circuit on the actuator control circuit during two diagnostic tests performed.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets
C0577, C0582, C0587 or C0592
The following actions will occur when a DTC sets:

Stores a DTC C0577, C0582, C0587 or C0592 in the ESC memory.
Commands 0% PWM duty cycle in order to disable all 4 actuators.
Sends a message to the IPC to display the SERVICE RIDE CONTROL and SHOCKS INOPERATIVE messages.
Sends a message to the PCM to limit the speed. The PCM then sends a message to the IPC to display the MAXIMUM SPEED 129 km/h (80 mph) message.
C0579, C0584, C0589 or C0594
The following actions will occur when a DTC sets:

Stores a DTC C0579, C0584, C0589 or C0594 in the ESC memory.
Commands 0% PWM duty cycle in order to disable the actuator.
Sends a message to the IPC to display the SERVICE RIDE CONTROL message.
Conditions for Clearing the DTC
C0577, C0582, C0587 or C0592
The following conditions must exist to clear the DTC:

The ignition must be cycled before this DTC can change from current to history even if the malfunction is no longer present.
The ESC module no longer detects a low voltage level, which is a short to ground on the actuator control circuit during two diagnostic tests.
A history DTC will clear after 100 consecutive ignition cycles if the condition for the malfunction is no longer present.
Use the IPC clearing DTC feature.
Using a scan tool.
C0579, C0584, C0589 or C0594
The following conditions must exist to clear the DTC:

The ignition must be cycled before this DTC can change from current to history even if the malfunction is no longer present.
The ESC module no longer detects a low voltage level, which is an open circuit on the actuator control circuit during two diagnostic tests.
A history DTC will clear after 100 consecutive ignition cycles if the condition for the malfunction is no longer present.
Use the IPC clearing DTC feature.
Using a scan tool.
Diagnostic Aids
C0577, C0582, C0587 or C0592
The following condition may cause an intermittent malfunction to occur:

There is an intermittent short to ground on the actuator control circuit.
There is an internal shock absorber actuator short.
If the conditions for a DTC C0577, C0582, C0587 or C0592 are current, the ESC module will disable all four actuators by commanding 0% duty cycle, and the RTD relay. The vehicle will experience a soft ride condition on the side of the vehicle.
The RTD relay provides supply voltage to all four shock absorber actuators; therefore, multiple shock absorber actuator DTCs which are open or short to ground may also be stored along with a DTC C0550. Always diagnose a DTC C0550 first before attempting to diagnose multiple shock absorber actuator DTCs.
If a short to ground is present on the actuator supply circuit, the RTD fuse will open and DTC C0550 may set.
If the DTC is a history DTC, the problem may be intermittent. Using a scan tool, cycle the shock absorber actuator while moving the wiring and the connectors. This can often cause the malfunction to occur.
C0579, C0584, C0589 or C0594
The following conditions may cause an intermittent malfunction to occur:

There is an intermittent open on the actuator control or supply circuits.
There is an internal shock absorber actuator open or high resistance value.
If the conditions for a DTC C0579, C0584, C0589 or C0594 are current, the ESC module will disable the actuator by commanding 0% duty cycle and the vehicle will experience a soft ride condition on the side of the vehicle.
If the DTC is a history DTC, the problem may be intermittent. Using a scan tool, cycle the shock absorber actuator while moving the wiring and the connectors. This can often cause the malfunction to occur.
Test Description
The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

3. This step tests for short to ground and short to B+ on the control circuit.

4. This step tests for continuity from the ESC module on the control circuit and the low reference circuit.

Step
Action
Value(s)
Yes
No

Schematic Reference: Suspension Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Suspension Controls Connector End Views

1
Did you perform the Electronic Suspension Control Diagnostic System Check?
--
Go to Step 2
Go to Diagnostic System Check - Electronic Suspension Control

2
Disconnect the shock absorber connector.
Measure the resistance of the shock absorber actuator.
Does the resistance measure within the specified value?
0.5-2.0 ohms
Go to Step 3
Go to Step 07

3
Test the damper control circuit of the actuator for a short to ground and short to battery. Refer to Circuit Testing an Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?
--
Go to Step 9
Go to Step 4

4
Disconnect the ESC module.
Check continuity from the ESC module to the damper actuator connector on both the control circuit and the reference low circuit. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Did you find and correct the condition?
--
Go to Step 9
Go to Step 5

5
Inspect for poor connections at the actuator. Refer to Testing for Intermittent and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?
--
Go to Step 9
Go to Step 6

6
Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector to the ESC module. Refer to Testing for Intermittent and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?
--
Go to Step 9
Go to Step 8

7
Replace the applicable shock absorber. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement in Front Suspension or Shock Absorber Replacement in Rear Suspension.

Did you complete the replacement?
--
Go to Step 9
--

8
Replace the ESC module. Refer to Electronic Suspension Control Module Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?
--
Go to Step 9
--

9
Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text.
Does the DTC reset?
--
Go to Step 2
System OK

Bill

 

Thats the clever electronics bit I mentioned

I only have the paper copy of the book

 

I'm dreading the day that I get that warning. Take it to a place that specializes in Corvettes. As much as I love C5's they're electronics are just as bloody complicated as the shuttle's and twice as expensive to repair.

 

Service ride contol came up on my 2003 and it was just a sensor and not a big deal.Not likley it's the shocks.The dealer can isolate the problem.

 

I want to disable the Selective Ride Control WITHOUT getting all the messages and screwing up my car, any advise?

 

Moct likley a bad sensor.

 

Thanks!

Your post was very helpfull. I found a MasterTech shop in Oceanside, CA and after an upgrade to their Tech2 (and some support from the local Tech2 rep) we were able to delete the codes and remove the MSRC monitoring steps from the onboard computer.

All told this mod saved me about $1500. The car rides and runs great.

I would highly recommend it.

 

Thanks again!

The steps were pretty much what you posted, the difference seems to be in the version of software that is loaded on the Tech 2, make sure you get your VIN into the AC Delco download server and get the right version for your Vette... then it is just follow the menus to delete the MSRC checks from your onboard computer...

Good Luck!