Service Ride Control light

[sm2mom23]

I have a 2002 1500 Suburban LT. Mileage 84,000 The Service Ride Control light is on. I read in my manual this has to do with the autoride system. I am mom of 3 don't really haul things around on an average day (just weekend trips luggage sometimes 4-wheeler). I am wondering a few things:

1) Is it ok to drive with this light on?

2) What is the cause of the light being on?

3) About how much would the repair be?

4) Could it be one easily by someone that is not a certified mechanic but good with tools and hands? Is in construction field, if that tells you anything.

5) Does it have to be repaired for safety?

Neither one of us is working, so if this is something we can do ourselves, the better.

Thank you in advance for any help you can offer.

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by sm2mom23

I have a 2002 1500 Suburban LT. Mileage 84,000 The Service Ride Control light is on. I read in my manual this has to do with the autoride system. I am mom of 3 don't really haul things around on an average day (just weekend trips luggage sometimes 4-wheeler). I am wondering a few things:

1) Is it ok to drive with this light on?

2) What is the cause of the light being on?

3) About how much would the repair be?

4) Could it be one easily by someone that is not a certified mechanic but good with tools and hands? Is in construction field, if that tells you anything.

5) Does it have to be repaired for safety?

Neither one of us is working, so if this is something we can do ourselves, the better.

Thank you in advance for any help you can offer.

For safe driving yes it needs fixed.
Is it still sitting level and does ride feel good?
If you drive it without being fixed drive slow with care.
One end could get low or it may sway from side to side.

Outside of checking fuses the repair reqiures a ride control capable scanner to test system aand get codes from system
Ride control code will give you a direction where to start but a scanner is still needed for testing system.

Hard to say on cost without knowing what the problem is.

Lot of the stuff can run big bucks around 100$ to test system and repair can 200 - 500 -1000 up $$$$$$

[sm2mom23]

Originally Posted by MT-2500

For safe driving yes it needs fixed.
Is it still sitting level and does ride feel good?
If you drive it without being fixed drive slow with care.
One end could get low or it may sway from side to side.

Outside of checking fuses the repair reqiures a ride control capable scanner to test system aand get codes from system
Ride control code will give you a direction where to start but a scanner is still needed for testing system.

Hard to say on cost without knowing what the problem is.

Lot of the stuff can run big bucks around 100$ to test system and repair can 200 - 500 -1000 up $$$$$$

Wow!!!! Thank you for the reply. I bought this the day I posted so I don't know what it is supposed to drive like without it on. The dealership told me all was fine and it went through a 180pt safety inspection. They made me believe that it was a light that needs to be shut off. Sounds like I will be taking it back or they will fix it!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks again

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by sm2mom23

Wow!!!! Thank you for the reply. I bought this the day I posted so I don't know what it is supposed to drive like without it on. The dealership told me all was fine and it went through a 180pt safety inspection. They made me believe that it was a light that needs to be shut off. Sounds like I will be taking it back or they will fix it!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks again

YOU ARE WELCOME.

Yes take it back and make them fix it on there dime.

Some people do remove the auto ride control systems.
But to do that it requires different shocks and springs and exc.
Let us know how it goes.

[sm2mom23]

I have made a call to the Sales Manager. I have made a call to American Express (this is how we purchased it). I am hoping that they will take care of it on their end. The sales manager wanted to know if it is a warranty item and said he would check. I told him warranty item (I am hoping that is is) or not, I want them to take care of this problem. I was told "no big deal" on the light. Only to find out: 1) It is a safety concern and 2) It is a costly item to do.
I will keep you posted. Thank you again. I am glad there are forums like this that us non-mechanical people can get help with.

[MT-2500]

You are welcome.
It is more a law they should have fixed it before/when you bought it than a warranty after purchase issue.
Some states have laws that all saftey issues and warning light have to be off and working right when car is sold.
BE NICE TO THEM BUT BE FIRM ON THEM FIXING IT ON THERE DIME.
Also american expess may be able help you out on making them fix it on there dime.
Good Luck
MT

[sm2mom23]

I will look into the law in Florida on used cars. The sales manager did call back. He stated he spoke to their affiliate GMC Service Manager and they said that it was not a safety issue. Yes, it was about $900 to fix and no way to cover under the warranty. I told him that I had 2 different people that have told me it WAS a safety concern and I will put in a dispute with the credit card company. He told me he would speak with his boss and get back to me. In the meantime, I am going to look up Florida laws to see what I can find. So much help, soooooo grateful! Thank you again