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On my '98 C5, I am planning to replace the F45 shocks with Bilstein B6. I will install a set of F45 bypass resistors. I'd also like to eliminate the F45 console switch, replacing the small console panel with one that does not have that switch. I've seen where others on the forum have done this, and I can find non-F45 console trim on eBay. Is there anything I need to do with my wiring harness that plugs into this panel? Will my connector fit the non-F45 panel connection, and will the active handling switch still be functional?
On my '98 C5, I am planning to replace the F45 shocks with Bilstein B6. I will install a set of F45 bypass resistors. I'd also like to eliminate the F45 console switch, replacing the small console panel with one that does not have that switch. I've seen where others on the forum have done this, and I can find non-F45 console trim on eBay. Is there anything I need to do with my wiring harness that plugs into this panel? Will my connector fit the non-F45 panel connection, and will the active handling switch still be functional?
St. Jude Donor '14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20-'21-'22-'23
Originally Posted by DetailDave
On my '98 C5, I am planning to replace the F45 shocks with Bilstein B6. I will install a set of F45 bypass resistors. I'd also like to eliminate the F45 console switch, replacing the small console panel with one that does not have that switch. I've seen where others on the forum have done this, and I can find non-F45 console trim on eBay. Is there anything I need to do with my wiring harness that plugs into this panel? Will my connector fit the non-F45 panel connection, and will the active handling switch still be functional?
Just leave the F45 connector under the panel unplugged this may or may not throw a code, I have never tried it this way
St. Jude Donor '14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20-'21-'22-'23
Originally Posted by Javybaez
I understand, but I think he wants to remove the selector “switch” from the panel in the console.
I get that, I'm curios if doing just the resistors and then removing the switch will cause the max speed to be 80mph. I guess we will find out when his new switch comes
Thanks for your interest in my question! Yes, I want to eliminate the F45 switch after replacing the shocks and adding the bypass resistors. The small console panel on my car is GM P/N 12198725, and it has both the F45 and JL4 active handling switches. I found an exploded assembly diagram for the 1998 dash and console on the internet, and it shows my P/N is correct, and the P/N for this panel with only the JL4 switch is GM 12198726. I purchased a 12198726 on eBay. By appears I believe my wiring harness will plug in to the part from eBay. I wondered if anyone knew whether this will work as a plug 'n play, or if codes need to be erased, or if a wire or two in my harness need to be clipped, etc. etc.
I have never seen anyone try it this way. That is why I was wondering if you will get the 80mph limit doing it this way
Thanks again for your interest. My hope is to eliminate just the F45 switch. The "new" panel has the active handling switch, and the only way I can see to keep that system working is to plug in my harness. In the end, I suspect I will have to ask my dealer to connect a Tech2 scanner and toggle off the F45 Real Time Damping option. Others responding seem to be wondering why I don't just go ahead and find out what happens. I guess I'm a person that likes to try to do the research and know what will happen before experimenting. With parts order backlogs (Bilsteins), I have some time to study before actually making the change.
Your best bet is to find someone with a Tech2 that can remove the F45 option. If you are in SoCal I would be willing to help with this.
Using the simulators all of the F45 suspension components must be in place including the switch on the console.
St. Jude Donor '14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20-'21-'22-'23
Originally Posted by SilverC54me
Your best bet is to find someone with a Tech2 that can remove the F45 option. If you are in SoCal I would be willing to help with this.
Using the simulators all of the F45 suspension components must be in place including the switch on the console.
Your best bet is to find someone with a Tech2 that can remove the F45 option. If you are in SoCal I would be willing to help with this.
Using the simulators all of the F45 suspension components must be in place including the switch on the console.
Gary
Thank you, this is all very helpful information. If I am able to access a Tech2 scanner and toggle OFF the F45, does this mean my installing the bypass resistors at the shock absorber connections is unnecessary (essentially a redundant effort on my part)? I’ve read online about unplugging the F45 Ride Control Module in the left rear storage compartment (Module P/N 16265761) and the procedure for doing so with the Tech2 when turning off F45. Do you also suggest this be done? Thank you for the kind offer with Tech2 assistance, but I’m very far away from SoCal. I think my friends at the local dealer will be able to help me out. Thanks again for helping me learn about this topic.
If removing the F45 option from the BCM, it would not be necessary to install the simulators. You would be able to remove the module at each corner that measures suspension movement also.
Here are the instructions I saved from an old thread on removing F45.
Originally Posted by john_d. View Post
Thanks for the information. I think I'm going to buy one.
There is a little more to turning off the F45 than shown in that link. It shows how to get to the correct menu but not the things you have to do in order to make the delete permanent. Here are the steps:
1. Hook up Tech 2, turn car on, make sure module in the rear is plugged in. Do not unplug the rear module.
2. Use Tech 2 to delete the F45 option (F55 does not appear on the menu screen, use F45).
3. Save new configuration.
4. Do not turn car off, do not remove Tech 2. Go to the module in the rear of the car, unplug the grey connector (the widest one), leave any other plug(s) in. [leave the other 1 (F45) or 2 (F55) plugged in]
5. Turn off car, leave Tech 2 plugged in.
6. Remove remaining plugs from module in the rear of car. [never plug them back in again, if you do the F45 turns on automatically] (best to remove the module)
7. Turn car on to verify the "max speed 80 mph" is gone.
8. Unplug Tech 2.
Thanks again for the information! These are the instructions I found and was planning to follow. When done eliminating F45 permanently, and with the new console plate, equipped with only the JL4 Active Handling switch, I hope to find that the active handling function remains intact. I'll have to learn what's involved and what part(s) remain if I follow up on your suggestion to remove the suspension movement modules.
St. Jude Donor '14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20-'21-'22-'23
Originally Posted by DetailDave
Thanks again for the information! These are the instructions I found and was planning to follow. When done eliminating F45 permanently, and with the new console plate, equipped with only the JL4 Active Handling switch, I hope to find that the active handling function remains intact. I'll have to learn what's involved and what part(s) remain if I follow up on your suggestion to remove the suspension movement modules.
I removed everything and switched out the plate and active handling works as it should
On my '98 C5, I am planning to replace the F45 shocks with Bilstein B6. I will install a set of F45 bypass resistors. I'd also like to eliminate the F45 console switch, replacing the small console panel with one that does not have that switch. I've seen where others on the forum have done this, and I can find non-F45 console trim on eBay. Is there anything I need to do with my wiring harness that plugs into this panel? Will my connector fit the non-F45 panel connection, and will the active handling switch still be functional?
FYI......I have read thru most of the posts. If you want a different panel, one with just the active handling switch, and no suspension switch, there's one for sale on Craigslist in Orlando, Florida. Price is $50. I know nothing of the seller, good or bad. Just wanted to give you another panel option. Best of luck to you........
How to Delete F45 Console Switch?
