How do I know the FX3 works?

[billschroeder5842]

Its the middle of March so I'm overdue for a stupid question...

How do I know that the FX3 suspension is ACTUALLY working?

Is this just a seat of the pants thing? I just drive about with the dial set to "Sport" because... well I just do.

Is there a way to check the system?

Also, if there is an issue, is there a default mode that the suspension goes into?

BTW... I just have a blast driving the car--- I have no desire to track or race but definitely occasional "spirited driving"

[Billy Mild]

Go from Tour to Performance mode. You should feel a really big difference in ride comfort at low speeds. Tour feels floaty, Sport is a little firmer, Performance is very stiff.

[Vette73]

If you aske me it rides hard in every setting......But yes, there is a big difference between touring and performance.....I live in NY, it's always in tour....

[billschroeder5842]

So, it really is a "seat of the pants" thing? No way to "prove" the system is working? I'm thinking the dashboard diagnostic system?

Since I'm a FREAK about dash noise, I might switch to tour and see if my nerves calm.

[ghlkal]

So, it really is a "seat of the pants" thing? No way to "prove" the system is working?

This is a good question. I'd like to know the answer too.

I have a Tech 1, but I don't have the Mass Storage cartridge. Does anyone know if the Tech 1 can check out the FX3 system (with or without the mass storage cartridge)?

[secondchance]

Turn the ignition switch to on position without starting the engine. This will light up all warning lights above the radio. Check and see if "service selective ride control" light is lit up. If it lights up that confirms the warning light bulb was not removed or burnt out. Now, if the light turns off and stays off while driving, means the system is operating correct.

[Roadster]

This is a good question. I'd like to know the answer too.

I have a Tech 1, but I don't have the Mass Storage cartridge. Does anyone know if the Tech 1 can check out the FX3 system (with or without the mass storage cartridge)?

I will check that out for you tomorrow with my Tech 1, unless someone else knows the answer. I do have the Mass Storage cartridge which was updated up to 1996. I've only used the Tech 1 to check out the engine parameters, but nothing else. Just need to explore more!!!

[Roadster]

Turn the ignition switch to on position without starting the engine. This will light up all warning lights above the radio. Check and see if "service selective ride control" light is lit up. If it lights up that confirms the warning light bulb was not removed or burnt out. Now, if the light turns off and stays off while driving, means the system is operating correct.

My system must be good, because it does exactly what you have said....

[mike100]

If you can't tell the difference, the shocks are probably a bit worn. find some dips in the road and drive over them at full firm and full soft at about 40 mph to try to feel it.

[mike100]

I will check that out for you tomorrow with my Tech 1, unless someone else knows the answer. I do have the Mass Storage cartridge which was updated up to 1996. I've only used the Tech 1 to check out the engine parameters, but nothing else. Just need to explore more!!!

The tech1 will only short the fx3 pin to put its little controller into diagnostic mode. This mode blinks the codes through the service ride control light. It will not stream data to the tech1 or any kind of serial port connected device. It is fairly basic.

[secondchance]

Another, more tricky way is to ground pin within ALDL plug and put the system in self diagnostic mode. SRC codes are 31, 32, 33 & 34. If you don't see any of these codes, your system is working.

http://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c4-tech-performance/2538989-service-ride-control-light-fx3-issue.html

[billschroeder5842]

Thanks- this helps a lot

[RussMcB]

Mine's noticeable by seat of the pants. Sometimes I'll leave it in a setting and subconsciously (then consciously) notice it doesn't feel right. For instance, if I leave it on soft (on the highway with the wife), later I'll notice it's mushy. If I leave it on stiff (after a track day or mountain run) and leave it there by accident, I'll notice that later, too.

Maybe try doing your favorite twisty road (preferably with bumps) with the different settings, back to back. Hopefully you'll feel the difference.

[secondchance]

Another variable is the weather. In the summer, I can discern tour, sport and performance setting by the seat of pants. In the winter, when the temp goes down, all settings just seem stiff.

[Fully Vetted]

New shocks will def help you feel the difference. New shocks are around $800. I can tell you regardless of your miles if you've got original shocks they need to be replaced. Not many seals will hold up for 20+ years of heat/cold. I replaced mine at 40k miles and it was world of difference.

[Mystic ZR-1]

New shocks will def help you feel the difference. New shocks are around $800. I can tell you regardless of your miles if you've got original shocks they need to be replaced. Not many seals will hold up for 20+ years of heat/cold. I replaced mine at 40k miles and it was world of difference.

$753 including free shipping AJ USA
Just got some...

[Kevin]

If you aske me it rides hard in every setting......But yes, there is a big difference between touring and performance.....I live in NY, it's always in tour....

tour is too soft for me, damn thing feels floaty at highway speed. I leave it in sport and that's usually fine.

[Hib Halverson]

This is a good question. I'd like to know the answer too.

I have a Tech 1, but I don't have the Mass Storage cartridge. Does anyone know if the Tech 1 can check out the FX3 system (with or without the mass storage cartridge)?

If you don't have an MSC and you don't have a software cartridge marked "Chassis" then your T1 does not support SRC, but you really don't need a scan tester to read fault codes. All the T1 does is ground the SRC diagnostic pin of the DLC. You can do that yourself with a paper clip or a jumper wire.

Both of these...

Turn the ignition switch to on position without starting the engine. This will light up all warning lights above the radio. Check and see if "service selective ride control" light is lit up. If it lights up that confirms the warning light bulb was not removed or burnt out. Now, if the light turns off and stays off while driving, means the system is operating correct.Another, more tricky way is to ground pin within ALDL plug and put the system in self diagnostic mode. SRC codes are 31, 32, 33 & 34. If you don't see any of these codes, your system is working.

...are not completely accurate.

The service light on, with codes set or not set, is only indicative of the condition of the system's electronics and whether or not the actuators are working, but says nothing about the hydraulic condition of the shocks other than that the bypass valves move.

Also there are eight other SRC codes besides the four listed above.

For more information on SRC diagnostics and function see the Electrical Diagnosis Supplement to the 1991 Factory Service Manual. For additional info on SRC see this article on the Corvette Action Center site. (hwww.corvetteactioncenter.com/tech/c4/fx3/index.html)

[billschroeder5842]

tour is too soft for me, damn thing feels floaty at highway speed. I leave it in sport and that's usually fine.

So, I'm conflicted at the moment. I put the car in "Tour" and yes, the system works and the car feels softer, however I like sport better.

BUT....

The softer ride has noticeably quieted some of my creaks and pops in my dash and console. This helps to calm my OCD and penchant for "tapping the dash" while driving so I can located the noise.

I'll try the Tour for a while longer. It is NOT that bad and certainly does not take anything away from the car.

[Kevin]

There's a big difference between texas roads and pa roads. ;)

[BigJohn]

Yep, 1,579 miles!