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If you own a GM vehicle, it may feature a magnetic ride control.
This advanced suspension technology allows the vehicle to function optimally. The function of magnetic ride control is to provide a smooth drive.
It acts as a shock absorber and ensures no bump or jump impacts your ride.
The shock damping effect of the magnetic ride control is quite helpful for both driver and passengers.
It is pretty efficient and immediately activates when it senses a defective region on the road surface.
Common Problems With Magnetic Ride Control
The magnetic ride control problems can be a nuisance to vehicle owners.
In some cases, drivers can pinpoint the issue; however, it is pretty tricky for people to identify magnetic ride control problems.
Following are some of the prevalent problems.
Self-Assignment Of Modes
One of the most common magnetic ride control problems is switching the ride modes. People usually prefer tour mode while driving on a long route or highway.
However, the magnetic ride control may automatically switch it and activate the sports mode in those instances.
It takes drivers some time to notice the alternation of the modes. The vehicle may start working differently.
The function of the brake also changes, and it may become hard to press them.
Shifting the modes is also not helpful because the suspension does not work according to the selected option, and it remains in the sports mode.
Fitting Issues
Fitting issues usually exist in the struts. These are the central components of a vehicle suspension.
The magnetic ride control problems due to strut fitting usually arise when you replace the shocks or their parts.
The struts have a particular size and some belts that keep them in place.
Therefore, these measurements should appropriately match the fitting region to prevent magnetic ride control problems.
In some cases, the bottom does not align, while in others, the top portion becomes either too small or large to fit in.
Therefore, finding the right strut and securely placing it is often challenging.
Irritating Sounds
In some cases, the magnetic ride control problem includes the production of a thumping sound. It can become quite annoying for the drivers and the passengers.
The sound is more pronounced when the car passes over a speed breaker or a bump.
It can be due to the fluid present within the shocks. The magnets may not work effectively, or the fluid does not respond to the magnetic effect.
In some cases, there can be mechanical damage to the shock that may produce this magnetic ride control problem.
Faulty Shock Assemblies
Shock assemblies are primarily responsible for holding the entire magnetic ride control system together.
Faulty shock assembly is one of the prevalent magnetic ride control problems. The assembly involves both shocks and struts.
Both can have issues in their structure or function, and they become damaged due to excessive wear and tear.
In some cases, these may not function optimally, and corrosion can significantly reduce their function.
There can be a fault in the connecting holders or the wiring system. In such cases, you must analyze these parts to determine the particular magnetic ride control problem.
Inconveniences During Driving
Another persistent magnetic ride control problem is the difficulty in driving. You may have to invest extra input in driving the car.
It becomes pretty stiff, and it is challenging to manage it on bumpy roads. Moreover, this issue becomes more pronounced while driving around the corners.
The shocks do not seem to fulfill the purpose of providing a smooth ride. It is also quite exhausting to push the brakes while stopping the car.
The car may work fine over jumps and speed breakers in some cases. However, the problem mainly arises on long routes with no obstacles.
Bad Sensors
The magnetic ride control is an autonomous system that takes cues from the road conditions.
It has several components that must function simultaneously to channel the damping effect.
The unit impacts the function of the entire vehicle to adapt it according to the changes.
Specific sensors in the system detect the bumps, jumps, and corners and then absorb the shocks and minimize any impact.
These sensors instantly target the fluid that is present in the suspension system.
The sensors initiate the formation of the magnetic field after they analyze the road.
The hydraulic fluid then aligns within the chambers and enhances or subdues the damping effect. Therefore, sensors must send genuine signals.
Any interrupted or false data can adversely affect the working of the suspension and lead to magnetic ride control problems.
You may experience stiffness or no shock absorption while driving the car.
Non-Functional Fluid
The working of the magnetic ride control depends on its fluid. It is the central component that is responsible for producing the required effect.
The fluid has a certain level of viscosity that is variable according to driving conditions.
It consists of mineral oil and some metallic components that respond to the magnetic effect.
In some cases, leakage in the suspension system may cause contamination from air or oil.
These might cause damage to the structural integrity of the metal and the fluid consistency.
Corrosion is the most common phenomenon that occurs within metallic components.
It may hinder their movement, preventing them from aligning in the chamber.
As a result, the damping effect will be altered, and you will experience magnetic ride control problems.
Moreover, the inclusion of external components in the system also impacts the consistency of the fluid. There will be debris accumulation in the fluid.
The changes in the functional parts of the magnetic ride control reduce the suspension effect. Moreover, with time the fluid also becomes affected.
Therefore, the models belonging to the early 2000s will have more persistent fluid problems.
How Can You Fix These Issues?
There are several measures you can take to resolve magnetic ride control problems.
You must thoroughly analyze the suspension system to figure out the underlying issues.
In most cases replacing the parts such as struts can solve the magnetic ride control problems.
You may also have to change the fluid components to restore the function of the suspension.
Furthermore, reprogramming the sensors is the most viable solution for some problems.
When all the magnetic ride control parts function optimally, the issue resides within the control unit.
You must ensure that sensors effectively take the cues to initiate the damping effect.
Conclusion
Magnetic ride control is one of the most reliable forms of suspension. It has been found in most cars manufactured since the early 2000s.
The system has no valves and mechanical components compared to the air suspensions.
Therefore, it can instantly analyze the state of the road and function efficiently.
You can find suitable solutions for magnetic ride control problems through your capabilities.
However, it is more appropriate to contact the experts in some instances. They can help you determine the precise cause.
Afterward, you can rely on them to provide you with the most effective solutions.
James has been a car enthusiast since his childhood when he learned the differences between a ford and a chevy from his father. He loves to drive and restore old cars with a special drive for Italian marvels. Currently, he has a 1968 Alfa Romeo. He has studied aeronautics and civil aviation in his college and still gets smitten by Galant SS and Lancer GSR.
He is a New York-based product training director working with a giant automotive retailer. He loves to review and uncover the vehicles and their fascinating stories. He believes in keeping it legitimate with a keen passion for research on the latest technological upgrades in cars. While reading his articles or blogs, you can sense the extensive research and dedication backing the piece of text. He loves fried chicken, music, and spending quality time with his pet dog.
