The CATS system on my '06 STR appears to have defaulted to HARD - whether I'm just pootling around or giving it some stick the suspension 'hardness' of the suspension remains unchanged. I seem to remember seeing somewhere that under some circumstances the CATS system defaults and stays in the firmest setting. I'm not getting any CATS errors.
I'm looking for details as to how I can reset the ADCM, will the battery disconnect and hard reset do it? I am a little concerned about what else could be impacted by doing that??
Alternatively can it be done though generic diagnostic tools? and if so which?
Thanks for any help you can give me.
ps I've just purchased an H&R lowering spring set and they're due to be installed shortly.

 

A failure of any of the adjustable shock absorbers or sensors or a problem with the control box in the trunk (can be caused by corrosion from water leaks in trunk) will set the suspension to firmest setting and give a dash message showing cats fault. A good repair shop may have software to diagnose this. Also you can visually check the connections on the box in the trunk for rust and clean if neccessary. The shocks have a small two pin plug on top of the unit. Check these are clean and properly seated. If it is a connection problem and you can clean this up the unit will reset on driving and clear fault. Tim

 

Thanks for the reply, the issue is I'm not getting any CATS errors or warning lights. I will give the checks you've suggested a try, maybe if I create an error condition and then correct it the ADCM will correct itself.

 

If it's defaulted to hard, you'll be able to test/observe that with a decent code reader. Are you certain it's got a problem ? If the CATS system fails you should get a warning in the dash display, CATS SYSTEM FAULT.

 

I think you need to update this thread. You've posted updated info about this issue in a non-related thread.

 

I had forgotten about this thread - thx for the prompt.
I started this thread because I thought the suspension was a little bit stiff and didn't appear to change with driving style. More recently I've upgraded the coil springs with an H&R lowering set and whilst this was being done a CATS error has been introduced. The shop that was working on the car declared it to be a failed rear left hand damper which seemed a bit unusual as it had only been taken off and refitted.
So now the suspension is very stiff (like a board) and all the feedback I've seen on the H&R kit is that it only stiffens the car slightly and still provides a comfortable ride so I'm assuming it's a combination of the new coils plus the CATS system defaulting to HARD.
A replacement damper is NZD1600 + fitting + GST so I've been investigating the options - checking all the cables, plugs and sockets as well as disconnecting the battery overnight etc has not worked. I have a copy of SDD on an unconnected Win7 laptop and have ordered a 'Mongoose' cable so my next step is to try and remove the error using SDD and hope the error was introduced by not following official procedures (disconnecting the battery) during fitting the H&R kit.

 

But hadn't this happened before the lowering springs were fitted.

 

No, I was concerned that the car was consistently stiff and didn't appear to change with different driving styles (just cruising around town versus spirited crass country driving) but there was no CATS warning. Since the H&R lowering springs have been fitted the ride is solid (as in like a board) and we have a CATS error.