3 position switch on center console
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 6,480
Likes: 555
3 position switch on center console
In my many C5 searches I have noticed that some cars have the 3 position switch and some don't. The switch has something to do with suspension stiffness (the switch is labeled "touring", "sport" and one other, I can't remember what the third position is called), but I thought all of the C5s came with this feature?
1/4 mile/AutoX
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,440
Likes: 2,184
From: Buffalo Texas
Selective Real Time Damping
(SRTD) (Option)
You may have a ride control system on your vehicle
called Selective Real Time Damping (SRTD). The
system provides the following performance benefits:
Reduced Impact Harshness
Improved Road Isolation
Improved High-Speed Stability
Improved Handling Response
This switch is on the center console. Turn it to select the
suspension characteristic of your choice.
TOUR: Use for normal city and highway driving. This
setting provides a smooth, soft ride.
SPORT: Use where road conditions or personal
preference demand more control. This setting provides
more “feel,” or response to the road conditions.
PERF: Use for performance driving. This setting
provides a tight, firm ride and precise response to
road conditions.
You can select a setting at any time. Based on road
conditions, steering wheel angle and your vehicle speed,
the system automatically adjusts to provide the best ride
and handling. Select a new setting whenever driving
conditions change.
There are three Driver Information Center (DIC)
messages that are displayed when a malfunction occurs
with the SRTD system. Refer to “DIC Warnings and
Messages” in the Index.
(SRTD) (Option)
You may have a ride control system on your vehicle
called Selective Real Time Damping (SRTD). The
system provides the following performance benefits:
Reduced Impact Harshness
Improved Road Isolation
Improved High-Speed Stability
Improved Handling Response
This switch is on the center console. Turn it to select the
suspension characteristic of your choice.
TOUR: Use for normal city and highway driving. This
setting provides a smooth, soft ride.
SPORT: Use where road conditions or personal
preference demand more control. This setting provides
more “feel,” or response to the road conditions.
PERF: Use for performance driving. This setting
provides a tight, firm ride and precise response to
road conditions.
You can select a setting at any time. Based on road
conditions, steering wheel angle and your vehicle speed,
the system automatically adjusts to provide the best ride
and handling. Select a new setting whenever driving
conditions change.
There are three Driver Information Center (DIC)
messages that are displayed when a malfunction occurs
with the SRTD system. Refer to “DIC Warnings and
Messages” in the Index.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 3,473
Likes: 691
From: West Virginia
Tour, Sport and Perf. F45 adjustable shocks. An option - not cheap on base models. Replaced almost at the end of the C5's life by the F55 system - precursor to today's magneto rheological shocks.
I have it on mine - still functioning after about 80k miles, though all 3 settings are softer than they used to be. I really like it - tour is perfect for long highway runs (can't tell you how many people have said "I can't believe how comfortable this car is"), and then I turn it up a notch for the local twisties.
I have it on mine - still functioning after about 80k miles, though all 3 settings are softer than they used to be. I really like it - tour is perfect for long highway runs (can't tell you how many people have said "I can't believe how comfortable this car is"), and then I turn it up a notch for the local twisties.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 353
From: Little Rock Arkansas
More C5s came equipped with Active Handling than they did F45 Selective/F55 Magnetic ride, as Active Handling was a much cheaper option (cost around $500 for Active Ride). Eventually, Active Handling was made "standard" later into C5 production.
F45 Selective Ride was an option from 1997-2002. In 2003-2004 F45 was replaced with F55 Magnetic Ride, which supplied shocks filled with magnetorheological fluid. The magnetorheological specific shocks are VERY expensive to replace - well into four figures for a full set - and you can't just throw standard shocks on a C5 outfitted with F45/F55 due to the electronics involved (it requires the option to be "deleted").
While F45/F55 does produce actual noticeable changes in suspension based on driver's input I specifically did not want this option when I sought out my C5. I actually passed on two really good cars equipped with it. Without it you can easily beef up FE1 equipped C5s with anything from Z51 cars to C6 Z06 parts and not have to worry about dealing with an option delete.
F45 Selective Ride was an option from 1997-2002. In 2003-2004 F45 was replaced with F55 Magnetic Ride, which supplied shocks filled with magnetorheological fluid. The magnetorheological specific shocks are VERY expensive to replace - well into four figures for a full set - and you can't just throw standard shocks on a C5 outfitted with F45/F55 due to the electronics involved (it requires the option to be "deleted").
While F45/F55 does produce actual noticeable changes in suspension based on driver's input I specifically did not want this option when I sought out my C5. I actually passed on two really good cars equipped with it. Without it you can easily beef up FE1 equipped C5s with anything from Z51 cars to C6 Z06 parts and not have to worry about dealing with an option delete.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,682
Likes: 144
From: Memphis Tennessee
The F55 suspension first available in 2003 is hardly changed and in wide usage today. Ferrari, Cadillac and others (including some trucks) utilize a remarkably similar system to that of 14 years ago.
I will add that I LOVE mine and assure that there is a significant difference between the two modes.
I will add that I LOVE mine and assure that there is a significant difference between the two modes.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 3,473
Likes: 691
From: West Virginia
F45 is easily defeated by tuning it out with a Tech II, or using resistors to fool the system. Getting rid of F55 is rather more complex. If the F45 shocks on mine start to fail, not at all sure what I will do, as I do like the adjustability.
Someone may have some NOS replacements some where.
Someone may have some NOS replacements some where.
.
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 5,025
Likes: 1,151
From: Oregon
St. Jude Donor '14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20-'21-'22-'23
F45 is easily defeated by tuning it out with a Tech II, or using resistors to fool the system. Getting rid of F55 is rather more complex. If the F45 shocks on mine start to fail, not at all sure what I will do, as I do like the adjustability.
Someone may have some NOS replacements some where.
Someone may have some NOS replacements some where.
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1/4 mile/AutoX
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,440
Likes: 2,184
From: Buffalo Texas
Racer
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 317
Likes: 42
There was a post here a while back from a poor guy who actually paid $4200 at a dealer to replace his F45 shocks. I don't know if it was here or the Tech forum. But my God did you ever hear of anything that outrageous. They say the F55's are a little cheaper but honestly they scare the hell out of me but I'm new to all of this but learning everyday here.
Last edited by Rabbitman; Dec 22, 2016 at 12:24 AM.