2003 Corvette: Service Bulletin: Info - New Vehicle Preparation for Magnetic Selective Ride Control

Subject: Info - New Vehicle Preparation for Magnetic Selective Ride Control
Source: Chevrolet Dealer Technical Service Bulletin
Number: #02-03-11-002 - (07/18/2002)
Models: 2003 Chevrolet Corvette with Magnetic Selective Ride Control (RPO F55)

Magnetic Selective Ride Control (RPO F55) will be available on the Corvette for model year 2003.

Magnetic Selective Ride Control works like this: When the vehicle is being driven, various sensors pick up data which is processed by a control module. Using pulse-width modulation, the control module varies an electromagnetic field in each damper, which affects the thickening of the magneto-rheological fluid, within a millisecond.

When the ignition is turned OFF, the dampers offer very little damping. Vehicles are shipped from the factory with the suspension snugged down until the jounce bumper contacts a temporary plastic stuffer in each damper.

Important

The stuffers must be removed during new vehicle preparation. Failure to do so will result in customer dissatisfaction with the vehicle’s ride quality.

In order to remove the stuffers, follow these steps:

Lift the vehicle, allowing the wheels to hang free. This will extend the dampers.
At the front, steer the wheel in the direction away from the side you’re working on.
Reach up from below, behind the tire. At each wheel, compress the rubber dust boot.

Notice

After removing the stuffer, be sure to pull the dust boot down to cover the upper end of the damper tube in order to avoid damage to the suspension system.
Pull the yellow tab to remove the stuffer. Discard the stuffer.

Important

The stuffers should not be reinserted for temporary transport, such as on a flatbed hauler. The stuffer is effective only if the suspension can be snugged down enough for the jounce bumper to contact the stuffer. This is generally not possible on a flatbed hauler.

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.