Quick question, well maybe. Background. I purchased a 2003 convertible 50th Anniversary edition with 28,000 miles several months ago. At the time of purchase it had the dreaded “Max Speed 80 MPH” displayed on the DIC due to the f55 removal. The previous owner replaced the F55s with Bilstein shocks due to the high cost of new f55s I’m assuming. I told the dealer that they would have to deprogram the module if they wanted me to buy the car, which they did. Another stipulation on the purchase was, if I ever decided (within a reasonable time) to go back to the f55s they would let me purchase at their cost and install them for me. Well, how memories change or fail completely only after a few short months. Yes, I should have got it in writing, but I purchased several cars from this dealership and thought I didn’t need it. I purchased a set of f55s from a forum member and now would like to go back to stock. Now the question, is this something I can do myself (no special tools required)? I have replaced shocks and struts before on other cars, which these look very similar to. I would think that they would have wires or something to make the change the viscosity of the magnetic fluid that’s is inside the shock. I see that there sensors on the A arms but nothing that connects directly to the shocks at least from what I can see (I should to get a manual anyway). So, I can’t figure out how they work, but I digress. Then there is the deprogramming issue. Being that I had the dealer deprogram the module, can it be reset or is this option gone forever and I just wasted money on shocks? Is this something that I could do or will I need to take it back to the dealer or can any shop with a Tech II do it. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks
Damon

 

The shocks install just like any other shock. You should be able to do that with out any issues.

There should be a small harness and connector at each wheel that connects to the shocks. Look for it to be zip tied to the frame or something. Hope they didnt cut it off!! There will also be a harness connected to the wheel speed sensor. DONT mess with that connector/harness.

You have to have SOMEONE that has a GM Tech 2 re-program the BCM for the F-55 RPO. Normally the stealership will charge you ONE hour labor to re-program it but,,,maybe you can get that forgetful service manager or salesperson to help you out with the re-programming price.

Let us know what happens and what you find.

BC

 

I pulled the wheel off on the left front it appears that everything is still installed the positioning sensors are still attached. On the bottom the wires are disconnected and shock simulators are plugged in to them. I think on the bottom I just remove the simulators and connect the two plugs together. Above in the engine compartment there is a plug where the top shock mount is and this also has a simulator plugged into it. My question what do these wires plug into? Because there are no wires coming from the F55 shocks, there is a little hole in the top of the shock shafts, but no wires. Am I missing other parts, or looking in the wrong areas? I just don’t see how they power the shocks without plugging into them.

Thanks
Damon

 

PM Me your e-mail address and I will send you the shock replacement procedure with pictures out of the service manual. It looks like the special shock harness connects to the very TOP of the shock in the center where it connects to the frame.

BC

 

PM sent, thanks................................

 

Got it, thanks for the info.

 

Well, my project of reinstalling the F55 suspension is finally finished and the Bilsteins are now on the shelf. I took it out on her maiden voyage and everything went perfect, ride was nice and no errors on the DIC.

The road that I drive all the time is full of dips, bumps, manholes and smooth parts, the difference in the ride between the Bilsteins and magnetic selective ride control was not dramatic but the ride was much improved. The manholes and bumps felt a lot smoother, less jarring and didn’t get little annoying dash rattle. That least these were my observations, could it be the placebo effect ………..? Nah. I am going to test it out this weekend on some back road and see how she handles. I also want to personally thank Bill Curlee for his help.



Thanks
Damon

 

glad they worked out for ya..JOHN

 

I also forgot to thank John aka TheWildcat for selling them, and allowing me to return to the MSRC at a very reasonable price.

Damon