Question about replacing F55 shocks
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 222
Likes: 1
From: ann arbor michigan
Question about replacing F55 shocks
I am about to replace the F55 shocks on my '04 with the C6 Z06 shocks. What do you do with the top & bottom sensors that are attached to the shocks?
When the F55 shock sensors are removed from the shock, I understand the "Max speed 80MPH" message appears. Does this message come on at all speeds or when the car reaches 80 MPH ?
The four local Chevrolet dealers will not rent out their Tech 2 nor will they perform the required changes to the module to get rid of the message. Does anyone know of a shop in S.E. Michigan that will do the required Tech 2 operation ??
When the F55 shock sensors are removed from the shock, I understand the "Max speed 80MPH" message appears. Does this message come on at all speeds or when the car reaches 80 MPH ?
The four local Chevrolet dealers will not rent out their Tech 2 nor will they perform the required changes to the module to get rid of the message. Does anyone know of a shop in S.E. Michigan that will do the required Tech 2 operation ??
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Heres the procedure for using the TECH II to deprogram from the BCM
Once you deprogram it, you can remove the sensors. Without deprogramming it, you will have all sorts of messages and speed limitations. The messages will come up immediately upon ignition AND reappear every 10-20 min while driving just to remind you that theres an issue.
I have to ask... Why do you want to get rid of the F-55?? I was told that it was a really good system and SIGNIFICANTLY better than the F-45 crap. If you had F-45, I wouldnt even as the question.
- C5, dquagliaroli , Deprogramming F-55: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...uspension.html
Once you deprogram it, you can remove the sensors. Without deprogramming it, you will have all sorts of messages and speed limitations. The messages will come up immediately upon ignition AND reappear every 10-20 min while driving just to remind you that theres an issue.
I have to ask... Why do you want to get rid of the F-55?? I was told that it was a really good system and SIGNIFICANTLY better than the F-45 crap. If you had F-45, I wouldnt even as the question.
- C5, dquagliaroli , Deprogramming F-55: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...uspension.html
Team Owner
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 23,480
Likes: 9
From: East Meadow NY
St. Jude Donor '12
It is a great system. A few people have reported leaking shocks and replacing them is extremely expensive. GMPartsdirect sells them for about $500.0 each + shipping. So, if there is a problem, it can be cheaper/simpler in the long run to switch to regular shocks. It may hurt resale later but if you are keeping the car for a long time it doesn't matter.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Chesapeake VA
F55 Shocks
It is a great system. A few people have reported leaking shocks and replacing them is extremely expensive. GMPartsdirect sells them for about $500.0 each + shipping. So, if there is a problem, it can be cheaper/simpler in the long run to switch to regular shocks. It may hurt resale later but if you are keeping the car for a long time it doesn't matter.
I just bought and put on a new pair of F55 GM shocks with the sensors for my 2003 for $350 a piece (fronts only) and they work great ! I tried the other route and could never get the msgs from showing up on the DIC and the 80mph stayed on continually.
Unless you can find someone with Tech 2 equipment (and knows how to use it) they will not work--- the suspension module (BCM?) and ECBM work together on 03+ ....... and the Dealer will not do it for liability reasons. The solution mentioned above has worked for many on the site... I've spoken to a few who ended going to a shop that did it for them and paid $300+ for the work!
Find the shocks here and enjoy the ride!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2003-...Q5fAccessories
Last edited by bobplane777; Apr 29, 2010 at 01:17 PM. Reason: syntax
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 222
Likes: 1
From: ann arbor michigan
Thanks for the info. Why the elimination of F55 shocks - cost. The rear two shocks have leaked all their fluid and the replacement cost would be over $1000 with me doing the work. Can buy front & rear C6 Z06 shocks for under $300 total (with me doing the labor). I have a '99 with standard shocks and a '04 with the F55. To be quite honest, I really could not tell that there was much difference between the two. As I live on a long and terrible condition dirt road (driven about 8 miles per day/ 365 days a year) the shocks really get beat up. Could be why the F55 shocks leaked.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 855
Likes: 40
From: Liverpool NY
My suggestion would be to find a repair shop that specializes in GM cars and or Corvettes. Also check with exotic car repair shops most work on Corvettes and other cars, I know the one by me does. Many of them have a tech 2 computer just bring the instructions that Bill posted and follow them to a "T".
