auto-ride replacement shocks???

[kevinmach1]

I am wondering what , if anything is special about the shocks with the autoride on a 2002 yukon xl 2500. I am getting close to needing to replace them....

Thanks...Kevin

[kevinmach1]

Oh, and by the way, if It's going to be as expensive as I have heard, Why not just replace them with a set of Bilstiens? The autoride feature isn't that important to me.

Thanks...Kevin

[Bish]

Oh, and by the way, if It's going to be as expensive as I have heard, Why not just replace them with a set of Bilstiens? The autoride feature isn't that important to me.

Thanks...Kevin

 

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Depend on what you have. If you have the Auto-Leveling Autoride or the adjustable damping Autoride.

 

I had the autoleveling version and replaced mine with Bilstien HD. It dropped the rear about 1 inch and happens to make it level now which I like and they also significantly improved the ride. If you have the adjustable damping version, you will get dummy lights if you disconnect the old shocks. If I recall, they were also over $200 each to replace.

[kevinmach1]

How can I tell which one I have? I bought it used, so I have no idea what I have, just says autoride on the marker under the SLT. I don't see any wires or hoses going to the shocks. All I see is the rods and sensors on the axle and lower A-arms.

Thanks....Kevin

[405landlord]

1/2 ton models were auto leveling and 3/4 ton models were not.

[2003 LT Tahoe]

Does anyone know how to make the dummy lights go away on a 2001 MY?

[kevinmach1]

Good question, how do you disable the autoride warning light?

[Bish]

Good question, how do you disable the autoride warning light?

 

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I suspect custom tune or take it to the dealer to take de-program it.

[2003 LT Tahoe]

I talked to Lyndon Wester and he said it could not be corrected with a custom tune as it the function is not controlled by the PCM. The dealer just maintains that you must purchase the factory approved Delco shocks for $400 a pop

[Bish]

I talked to Lyndon Wester and he said it could not be corrected with a custom tune as it the function is not controlled by the PCM. The dealer just maintains that you must purchase the factory approved Delco shocks for $400 a pop

 

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Dealer is full of sh!t. If they can't program it then there is no way for the computer to know if one vehicle has it and one doesn't. You don't get a different computer just because you have autoride.....you get a different program module. They should be able to remove it with a TechII but perhaps a real GM tech could chime in.

 

Even if you chose oem option, you could get them online for half the price through GMPartsdirect or P&G Chevy.

[Burbman]

First off, if it's a 2500, it's the auto-dampening Autoride system. The auto-leveling is on the 1500 Subs and XLs. Auto-dampening uses a special fluid in the shocks that has metallic particles floating in it. The computer applies a current that changes the viscosity of the fluid and therefore changes the damping rate of the shock. This is done something like 10x per second based on input from the ride-height sensors on the axles and the other onboard computers. Look closely at the shocks and you will see a 2-wire connector going to each one.

 

Second, you are incorrect Bish. There are actually 5 or more separate computers in the truck, it's not all in one PCM. There is the PCM itself, and ABS module that are common to all trucks, and they are flashed differently depending on engine and drivetrain configuration. Any shop and aftermarket tuner can flash these. GM must make this info available to the aftermarket by law since it is emissions and safety related.

 

Then there are separate computers that each control AutoRide, HVAC, Audio, and BCM (body control module, keyless entry, alarm, etc.). Think of a LAN at home or work where you have multiple computers talking to each other, and that's essentially what you have in the truck.

 

I had a "Service Ride Control" message and my local shop couldn't pick up any codes for it with their scan tool. GM is not required to share info related to these other computers, and does not, effectively forcing you back to the dealer. Other option is to buy a genuine GM Tech II scan tool with software, available at the bargain price of just over $7,000.

 

Took the truck to the dealer, scanned the ride control computer, found LR ride sensor inop, and replaced in about an hour. Total cost $300. Without the scan, you could change parts 'till the cows come home looking for the problem.

 

All of these computers are interconnected. IF you disconnect AutoRide, the ride control computer is sending signals to the PCM and probably ABS saying that ride control is turned off. What/how/when and with what effect nobody knows.

 

I have 62K on my shocks and won't look to replace them until at least 80K, due to the cost. I personally didn't want the AutoRide system, but you couldn't get the big block in the Suburban without it.

 

I guess that's the price of progress.

[Bish]

Second, you are incorrect Bish.  There are actually 5 or more separate computers in the truck, it's not all in one PCM.  There is the PCM itself, and ABS module that are common to all trucks, and they are flashed differently depending on engine and drivetrain configuration.  Any shop and aftermarket tuner can flash these.  GM must make this info available to the aftermarket by law since it is emissions and safety related.

 

Then there are separate computers that each control AutoRide, HVAC, Audio, and BCM (body control module, keyless entry, alarm, etc.).  Think of a LAN at home or work where you have multiple computers talking to each other, and that's essentially what you have in the truck.

 

 

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I actually didn't say there was one computer but I cetrainly implied that there was not a separate computer for the option. Some vehicles have more than 11 computers!!!!!! I did oversimplify it a bit, I'll give you that. My point was that the dealer should definitely be able to do this for a small fee. You did hit the exact reason why I chose to avoid the option when I bought my Hoe. I knew I would be holding on to it for a while and didn't feel like a $1200 price tag for replacement shocks when the $60 Bilstiens actually perform much better.

[2003 LT Tahoe]

Bish/Burbman,

 

Thank you both for the input. Hopefully there will be an answer to this problem at some point. Paying $900 for the option new and turning around an dumping $1200 to replace them is not going to settle well with many folks out there. Especially when the Bilsteins do provide one hell of a ride. Just put a new set on my 93 Z71 not long ago and you can't beat em. Hindsight is 20/20

[Burbman]

Bish, Sorry I misunderstood your post. I agree, the dealer should be able to disable the AutoRide, but the question is will they? I will admit, the system does work pretty well on my Suburban, and provides a very civil ride for a truck that is 6,700 lbs empty and has a 12,000 lb tow rating with leaf springs in the rear.

 

I am tempted to replace with Bilsteins, or maybe Rancho 9000's, but am hesitant without knowing what other systems will be affected by disconnecting AutoRide. Still can't get a clear answer on why they make you get it with the 8.1 and not the 6.0.

 

I found some aftermarket AutoRide shocks from Monroe on www.worldautopartsdirect.com, but they are more expensive than OEM, at almost $400 EACH. Last time I priced these from GM they were about $225 each.

 

Oh well, a new set of shocks is about a month's worth of gas in this thing, anyway

[Dabear95]

I'm sorry if this is a bad place...

 

 

With that said, I have an 05 Sierra 4X4 Ext Cab Long Bed with the adjustable suspension. Does anyone have any detailed information on what exactly makes it adjustable? I have tried contacting GM and they had about zero information. I have searched the internet for a few hours to no avail. I'm just curious about replacment parts down the road...

 

 

Jason