Ride control switch?
Pro
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 537
Likes: 2
From: Whitesboro Texas
What year is your car? If it has the F55 (2003-2004), it is possible that the shock stuffers are still in. Also, previous owner could have deleted the ride option. I haven't been in a car with the F45, but the F55 you can tell a difference.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
It's a 2002. Thanks for the clue that it's an F45. What does that mean? This car came with every option available back then so the ride option wasn't deleted but that doesn't mean someone didn't disconnect it (I did buy it used).
Pro
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 537
Likes: 2
From: Whitesboro Texas
F45 is the code for the selective ride. I would suggest getting under the car and seeing if you can find the part number on the shocks, to see if they are original. Depending on the mileage of your car, the previous owner could have replaced them with "regular" shocks, and disabled or put in simulators for the ride option, so that it doesn't throw a code.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 3,473
Likes: 691
From: West Virginia
There'a a strip of road I use regularly, which has a pattern of small undulations, after which you can see most cars taking a couple of bounces to settle down. On "tour" the C5 does the same thing, on "perf" not a bounce, but you feel every road joint.
Last edited by jackthelad; Apr 2, 2015 at 10:26 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,835
Likes: 302
From: Columbia SC
Deleting the F45 shocks due to their replacement cost or for better shocks like the C6 ZO6 shocks is very common.
The F45 shocks have two connectors and wiring for the ride control. If the shocks don't have this someone replaced the shocks and deleted the option. There are several ways to delete the option so you are not limited to 80 mph.
One way to delete is by reprogramming the BCM
Another is adding simulators at the connectors or DIY resistors
Another is removing the sensors from the shocks and plugging them back into the connectors.
Look in the glove box and make sure you actually have the F45 RPO code there. Someone might have just replaced the console piece with one that had the switch but no function.
The F45 shocks have two connectors and wiring for the ride control. If the shocks don't have this someone replaced the shocks and deleted the option. There are several ways to delete the option so you are not limited to 80 mph.
One way to delete is by reprogramming the BCM
Another is adding simulators at the connectors or DIY resistors
Another is removing the sensors from the shocks and plugging them back into the connectors.
Look in the glove box and make sure you actually have the F45 RPO code there. Someone might have just replaced the console piece with one that had the switch but no function.
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
IF,,,,,,,,,,, You have had the F-45 RPO Deleted from the BCM, LOOK in the trunk in the LEFT Side compartment. Under the carpet will be an electronic Module. If its DISCONNECTED,,, the RPO Code has been removed from the BCM... DO NOT RE-CONNECT IT,,, unless you want the F-45 RPO to automatically re-infest its self. 
It takes a GM TECH2 to program that RPO Code out of the BCM.
I had F-45 on my 98 Coupe. I (like some others) HATED IT! IMHO, It was a COMPLETE WASTE of money.
All I had to do was drive "ONE" C5 with a dedicated suspension ONE TIME and I found out what real handling is. Z-51 or ZO6 suspension makes a big difference in how a C5 handles.
You can spend more serious dollars and get COIL OVERS and even have more fun!
My 02 ZO6 performed even better when I replaced the C5 ZO6 shocks with C6 ZO6 shocks. 100% OEM fit!!!
If it were my car,, I would get rid of the base suspension F-45 shocks, springs and sway bars and up-grade to C5 Z-51, ZO6 or C6 Z-51 suspension stuff and install some Billsteins or C6 ZO6 Shocks. The C6 ZO6 shocks are a little less money.
Gene Culley (forum sponsor) sells a C6 suspension kit that works very well in the C5.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...rformance.html
It takes a GM TECH2 to program that RPO Code out of the BCM.I had F-45 on my 98 Coupe. I (like some others) HATED IT! IMHO, It was a COMPLETE WASTE of money.
All I had to do was drive "ONE" C5 with a dedicated suspension ONE TIME and I found out what real handling is. Z-51 or ZO6 suspension makes a big difference in how a C5 handles.
You can spend more serious dollars and get COIL OVERS and even have more fun!
My 02 ZO6 performed even better when I replaced the C5 ZO6 shocks with C6 ZO6 shocks. 100% OEM fit!!!
If it were my car,, I would get rid of the base suspension F-45 shocks, springs and sway bars and up-grade to C5 Z-51, ZO6 or C6 Z-51 suspension stuff and install some Billsteins or C6 ZO6 Shocks. The C6 ZO6 shocks are a little less money.
Gene Culley (forum sponsor) sells a C6 suspension kit that works very well in the C5.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...rformance.html
Last edited by Bill Curlee; Apr 2, 2015 at 04:40 PM.
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Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,361
Likes: 1,592
From: Western NY
I agree, Bill, I didn't do enough research, before ordering my car. I read an article in 'Motor Trend' magazine, in which Mario Andretti tested a new at the time, C-5, and proclaimed it the best handling production car he ever drove. In reading the article, it stated that the car had the F45 set-up.
Several months later, when I decided to buy the Corvette, I remembered the F45, and bought it as an option.....
Several months later, when I decided to buy the Corvette, I remembered the F45, and bought it as an option.....
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 30,317
Likes: 165
From: Reading PA
IF,,,,,,,,,,, You have had the F-45 RPO Deleted from the BCM, LOOK in the trunk in the LEFT Side compartment. Under the carpet will be an electronic Module. If its DISCONNECTED,,, the RPO Code has been removed from the BCM... DO NOT RE-CONNECT IT,,, unless you want the F-45 RPO to automatically re-infest its self. It takes a GM TECH2 to program that RPO Code out of the BCM.
I had F-45 on my 98 Coupe. I (like some others) HATED IT! IMHO, It was a COMPLETE WASTE of money.
All I had to do was drive "ONE" C5 with a dedicated suspension ONE TIME and I found out what real handling is. Z-51 or ZO6 suspension makes a big difference in how a C5 handles.
You can spend more serious dollars and get COIL OVERS and even have more fun!
My 02 ZO6 performed even better when I replaced the C5 ZO6 shocks with C6 ZO6 shocks. 100% OEM fit!!!
If it were my car,, I would get rid of the base suspension F-45 shocks, springs and sway bars and up-grade to C5 Z-51, ZO6 or C6 Z-51 suspension stuff and install some Billsteins or C6 ZO6 Shocks. The C6 ZO6 shocks are a little less money.
Gene Culley (forum sponsor) sells a C6 suspension kit that works very well in the C5.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...rformance.html
It takes a GM TECH2 to program that RPO Code out of the BCM.I had F-45 on my 98 Coupe. I (like some others) HATED IT! IMHO, It was a COMPLETE WASTE of money.
All I had to do was drive "ONE" C5 with a dedicated suspension ONE TIME and I found out what real handling is. Z-51 or ZO6 suspension makes a big difference in how a C5 handles.
You can spend more serious dollars and get COIL OVERS and even have more fun!
My 02 ZO6 performed even better when I replaced the C5 ZO6 shocks with C6 ZO6 shocks. 100% OEM fit!!!
If it were my car,, I would get rid of the base suspension F-45 shocks, springs and sway bars and up-grade to C5 Z-51, ZO6 or C6 Z-51 suspension stuff and install some Billsteins or C6 ZO6 Shocks. The C6 ZO6 shocks are a little less money.
Gene Culley (forum sponsor) sells a C6 suspension kit that works very well in the C5.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...rformance.html
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,375
Likes: 426
Two things make a difference to an F45 equipped car:
Rebooting the system by disconnecting the battery and letting everything in the car reset to factory original. It always seemed to wake up my F45 shocks.
Get a softer riding tire like Michelin Zero Pressures or non-runflat tires. The original spec GY runflats are so hard that Tour may be softer than Sport but you won't notice the difference because your fillings are still rattling in your teeth.
Rebooting the system by disconnecting the battery and letting everything in the car reset to factory original. It always seemed to wake up my F45 shocks.
Get a softer riding tire like Michelin Zero Pressures or non-runflat tires. The original spec GY runflats are so hard that Tour may be softer than Sport but you won't notice the difference because your fillings are still rattling in your teeth.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 438
Likes: 82
If you're trying to detect the difference in F45 settings while going over bumps and dips, that's going to difficult. While there is a difference in travel and harshness between the settings, the most noticeable difference to me at least is in the corners. Take some wide, sweeping corners in performance then do the same in Tour or Sport and you should realize what I'm talking about if it's working properly. In performance there is very little resistance from the steering wheel in turns - it's eager to go where you point it - whereas in tour and to a slightly lesser extent sport the car will feel like it wants snap back into a straight line. That's the best way I can describe it. I'm finding myself staying in performance mode these days most of the time unless the road is absolutely terrible.
Last edited by RueBurgundy; Apr 10, 2015 at 02:54 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 3,473
Likes: 691
From: West Virginia
If you're trying to detect the difference in F45 settings while going over bumps and dips, that's going to difficult. While there is a difference in travel and harshness between the settings, the most noticeable difference to me at least is in the corners. Take some wide, sweeping corners in performance then do the same in Tour or Sport and you should realize what I'm talking about if it's working properly. In performance there is very little resistance from the steering wheel in turns - it's eager to go where you point it - whereas in tour and to a slightly lesser extent sport the car will feel like it wants snap back into a straight line. That's the best way I can describe it. I'm finding myself staying in performance mode these days most of the time unless the road is absolutely terrible.
"There'a a strip of road I use regularly, which has a pattern of small undulations, after which you can see most cars taking a couple of bounces to settle down. On "tour" the C5 does the same thing, on "perf" not a bounce, but you feel every road joint".
Been living with it quite happily since 1997. When it (or one of the shocks) dies. I will replace it with shocks suitable for the spring rates I have, i.e. not stiff ones off a C6Z06, which should be used with stiff springs.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Thanks Bill!
IF,,,,,,,,,,, You have had the F-45 RPO Deleted from the BCM, LOOK in the trunk in the LEFT Side compartment. Under the carpet will be an electronic Module. If its DISCONNECTED,,, the RPO Code has been removed from the BCM... DO NOT RE-CONNECT IT,,, unless you want the F-45 RPO to automatically re-infest its self. It takes a GM TECH2 to program that RPO Code out of the BCM.
I had F-45 on my 98 Coupe. I (like some others) HATED IT! IMHO, It was a COMPLETE WASTE of money.
All I had to do was drive "ONE" C5 with a dedicated suspension ONE TIME and I found out what real handling is. Z-51 or ZO6 suspension makes a big difference in how a C5 handles.
You can spend more serious dollars and get COIL OVERS and even have more fun!
My 02 ZO6 performed even better when I replaced the C5 ZO6 shocks with C6 ZO6 shocks. 100% OEM fit!!!
If it were my car,, I would get rid of the base suspension F-45 shocks, springs and sway bars and up-grade to C5 Z-51, ZO6 or C6 Z-51 suspension stuff and install some Billsteins or C6 ZO6 Shocks. The C6 ZO6 shocks are a little less money.
Gene Culley (forum sponsor) sells a C6 suspension kit that works very well in the C5.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...rformance.html
It takes a GM TECH2 to program that RPO Code out of the BCM.I had F-45 on my 98 Coupe. I (like some others) HATED IT! IMHO, It was a COMPLETE WASTE of money.
All I had to do was drive "ONE" C5 with a dedicated suspension ONE TIME and I found out what real handling is. Z-51 or ZO6 suspension makes a big difference in how a C5 handles.
You can spend more serious dollars and get COIL OVERS and even have more fun!
My 02 ZO6 performed even better when I replaced the C5 ZO6 shocks with C6 ZO6 shocks. 100% OEM fit!!!
If it were my car,, I would get rid of the base suspension F-45 shocks, springs and sway bars and up-grade to C5 Z-51, ZO6 or C6 Z-51 suspension stuff and install some Billsteins or C6 ZO6 Shocks. The C6 ZO6 shocks are a little less money.
Gene Culley (forum sponsor) sells a C6 suspension kit that works very well in the C5.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...rformance.html
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6,644
Likes: 479
From: OK
I think we're on to something here. Solving the mystery of what was done to my car before I owned it. Is it possible to just upgrade the wheels and tires to Z06 or would the suspension also have to be modified? The car definitely sits lower to the ground than a C5. I drag the front air damn every time I back out of the driveway even though I take it slow and sideways. I scrap speed bumps that other Vettes don't.
Yes, you can upgrade to just Z06 wheels and tires, but that won't help out with your suspension issues... to change that you need to change the shocks, sway bars and links. But they could have modded the suspension and not changed wheels and tires... you need to do some investigation to know exactly what you have and what or what hasn't been done to your car.. then you can go from there.
Last edited by 73Corvette; Apr 14, 2015 at 01:20 PM.
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
Your car may have been lowered... it's fairly simple to lower the stock suspension...
Yes, you can upgrade to just Z06 wheels and tires, but that won't help out with your suspension issues... to change that you need to change the shocks, sway bars and links. But they could have modded the suspension and not changed wheels and tires... you need to do some investigation to know exactly what you have and what or what hasn't been done to your car.. then you can go from there.
Yes, you can upgrade to just Z06 wheels and tires, but that won't help out with your suspension issues... to change that you need to change the shocks, sway bars and links. But they could have modded the suspension and not changed wheels and tires... you need to do some investigation to know exactly what you have and what or what hasn't been done to your car.. then you can go from there.
73
LOVE the avatar!! Seen quite a few of those graduates at the voting booth & the welfare line!!
YES,,,,, Figure out what has been done to your car in the past and what has not!
Worn suspension parts will not help alignment and or handling.
If you already have suspension mods,, why replace them?
AGAIN,,, If it were me,,, I F-45 stuff and work towards a true performance suspension i.e. Z-51, ZO6 or total aftermarket. Then enjoy the ride!!
Bill
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6,644
Likes: 479
From: OK