[mattyb65]

Hi everyone,


The front right ride height sensor broke on my 2017 Camaro. I brought it to the dealer and they gave me a quote of $583 to replace it. This is after the $190 diagnostic fee, despite the fact I gave them the diagnosis, which doesn't roll into the repair.


I had looked into replacing it myself before I brought it in, but it seems unclear if there is a calibration required afterwards. I think the physical replacing of the part seems straight forward enough but does anyone know if a calibration/relearn is necessary after replacing one of these?


If so, is it worth it to buy a tool to do this myself? The front left ride height sensor looks rusty so only a matter of time before that goes as well.


Thanks!

[p47dman]

Not on a Camaro, but all my leveling valves on the Peterbilt and Timpte need to be "adjusted" at the time of install. They are not electronic, but I am guessing all need to be adjusted or calibrated.

[bishopts]

Buy it and put it on. If it doesn't work then have someone calibrate it for you.

[Abubaca]

I know the calibration of these sensors is a touchy subject, so I'm not going to have some long argument with anyone as I myself am not an expert. From my understanding of how that type of sensor works, and from everything I've heard from "experts", who aren't always right of course, my understanding is that anytime a sensor is physically moved, replaced, or disconnected, per the manual, the ride height should be recalibrated. They do NOT tell the ECM where level is, but they DO tell the ECM where each corner is in relation to another. So technically, lowering a vehicle would NOT require a recalibration, however since you're disconnection and removing them to perform the installation, you would need a recalibration anyway. In your case, since it most certainly is being "moved" and disconnected, you'd want to recalibrate.

[dpevans]

Yes it must be programmed by a dealer or someone who has access to the software. I have the repair manual and there are few steps they must take to get it programmed correctly.

[bishopts]

Im probably an expert. My boss would offer me more money if i said I'm going to leave.

[Deacon Blues]

Are these sensors only on cars with the MRC?

[Warrior102]

Originally Posted by Deacon Blues

Are these sensors only on cars with the MRC?

No not needed. To the OP, yes you will need to have the dealer reset the ride hight with the GM scan tool, there is an aftermarket unit but it costs $350 (ShockSims) and may work, most dealers will charge $150 with installed sensors. I would replace them all and get it out of the way, they're what $32 each.

[WhiteMale]

When my R rear sensor came detached from the control arm, i just reconnected it and all was normal again. I cant imagine a replacement being different.

[bishopts]

I figured since i have the ability to find info on the subject i should.
So yes you have to program the sensor

[mattyb65]

Originally Posted by Abubaca

I know the calibration of these sensors is a touchy subject, so I'm not going to have some long argument with anyone as I myself am not an expert. From my understanding of how that type of sensor works, and from everything I've heard from "experts", who aren't always right of course, my understanding is that anytime a sensor is physically moved, replaced, or disconnected, per the manual, the ride height should be recalibrated. They do NOT tell the ECM where level is, but they DO tell the ECM where each corner is in relation to another. So technically, lowering a vehicle would NOT require a recalibration, however since you're disconnection and removing them to perform the installation, you would need a recalibration anyway. In your case, since it most certainly is being "moved" and disconnected, you'd want to recalibrate.

Interesting...by that logic if I just replaced the arm of the sensor if that would mean I wouldn't have to...but don't think they sell just the arms

[mattyb65]

Originally Posted by Warrior102

No not needed. To the OP, yes you will need to have the dealer reset the ride hight with the GM scan tool, there is an aftermarket unit but it costs $350 (ShockSims) and may work, most dealers will charge $150 with installed sensors. I would replace them all and get it out of the way, they're what $32 each.

You know, I think this is probably the answer. I'll try to replace one and see how it goes. Assuming everything goes smoothly, I'll assess and replace the others (definitely at least one), then take to the dealer for just the programming.



I read about shocksims, but honestly if I was going to pick up a tool, I'd try to talk myself into the MDI2 tool.

[Abubaca]

Interesting...by that logic if I just replaced the arm of the sensor if that would mean I wouldn't have to...but don't think they sell just the arms

OK, so not any kind of "official" answer, but my "opinion" is that you're probably right. In fact, you could probably unplug 'em all, move 'em around, and put 'em back and they'd probably still work together correctly. But, just to be safe, GM is gonna tell you that anytime "one" is even unplugged, or replaced, you just recalibrate 'em all. Just to be safe. -and the older I get, the less I'm willing to guess, and I'm more willing to just do what the procedure says! LOL

[mattyb65]

Originally Posted by bishopts

I figured since i have the ability to find info on the subject i should.
So yes you have to program the sensor

Any chance you could share those install instructions? Where are you getting that from? I have a pdf of the service repair manual but doesn't seem to contain that.