SUSPENSION ERROR on my '98 Roadster
Paul B
06-01-2002, 06:18 PM
I have been getting a SUSPENSION SYSTEM ERROR on my '98 Roadster. That's the small red error light that is on the Suspension Control right under the Auto indicator. I looked up what it meant in the Owners Manual. It only said, See an Authorized Dealer Service for Diagnosis and Repair. Ugh!
I decided to purchase a Workshop Manual from Italian Car Parts. Hey, the worst I could do is not understand what to do and have to take my car in. (which is not easy since I have no local Dealer)
In the Workshop Manual, it clearly explained that the suspension control system had it's own diagnostic and how to activate it and determine what it was telling you. No special tools are needed. In fact, the same controls you use on your console for the suspension settings are what you use to diagnose the problem. The manual showed where (under the dash) there was a switch that you must move forward to put the suspension control system into the diagnostic mode. Once you did that, it then told you how from the same controls you use on the console, you run the diagnostic program. Depending on how many flashes you got when you ran the diagnostic told you which shock or shocks were causing the problem (right front/rear, left front/rear) and what to look for once the troubled shock was found. My test indicated that the problem was on the right rear. I jacked the car up, removed the wheel and checked the electrical connection as the manual suggested. Come to find out, I had a bad connection. A pin was bent on one of the connectors. I straightened the pin out, plugged it back into the connector and retested with the diagnostic. This time, the diagnostic ran clean. I put the wheel back on, took the Suspension System out of diagnostic mode and test drove the car. The Error Light never flashed again. I'm pretty certain the problem is fixed.
I highly recommend that anyone driving one of these cars purchase a Workshop Manual.
I realize that many who drive these cars never turn a wrench and have no desire to now. But for those of us who like to 'tinker', the Workshop Manual is a must. I think I paid $250 for a reproduction and so far, it has already saved me a bundle.
Cheers to all!
I decided to purchase a Workshop Manual from Italian Car Parts. Hey, the worst I could do is not understand what to do and have to take my car in. (which is not easy since I have no local Dealer)
In the Workshop Manual, it clearly explained that the suspension control system had it's own diagnostic and how to activate it and determine what it was telling you. No special tools are needed. In fact, the same controls you use on your console for the suspension settings are what you use to diagnose the problem. The manual showed where (under the dash) there was a switch that you must move forward to put the suspension control system into the diagnostic mode. Once you did that, it then told you how from the same controls you use on the console, you run the diagnostic program. Depending on how many flashes you got when you ran the diagnostic told you which shock or shocks were causing the problem (right front/rear, left front/rear) and what to look for once the troubled shock was found. My test indicated that the problem was on the right rear. I jacked the car up, removed the wheel and checked the electrical connection as the manual suggested. Come to find out, I had a bad connection. A pin was bent on one of the connectors. I straightened the pin out, plugged it back into the connector and retested with the diagnostic. This time, the diagnostic ran clean. I put the wheel back on, took the Suspension System out of diagnostic mode and test drove the car. The Error Light never flashed again. I'm pretty certain the problem is fixed.
I highly recommend that anyone driving one of these cars purchase a Workshop Manual.
I realize that many who drive these cars never turn a wrench and have no desire to now. But for those of us who like to 'tinker', the Workshop Manual is a must. I think I paid $250 for a reproduction and so far, it has already saved me a bundle.
Cheers to all!
Jabba The Hutt
06-02-2002, 12:01 PM
Yes thats excellent advice...thanks for sharing it with us.......
I too have had that light come on from time to time...and like everything on these cars..its usually the sensor that has gone wrong...not an actual fault at all....
it cured it self really...and hasnt been back on since...I also occasionaly get the engine check lights come on under extreme conditions and even the 4WD malfunction light when conering hard...
but 99 % of the time she runs sweet....
perhaps you could email me a picture of where that switch is in case I need it....if you would be so kind...
Thanks Again
Jabba
I too have had that light come on from time to time...and like everything on these cars..its usually the sensor that has gone wrong...not an actual fault at all....
it cured it self really...and hasnt been back on since...I also occasionaly get the engine check lights come on under extreme conditions and even the 4WD malfunction light when conering hard...
but 99 % of the time she runs sweet....
perhaps you could email me a picture of where that switch is in case I need it....if you would be so kind...
Thanks Again
Jabba
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