I had my front strut replaced by the dealer on my XKR. Ever since, my suspension is softer. Car floats like a Buick. To correct this I had the ADCM disabled, but the ride was way too harsh. Does anyone know if, or how, the CATS system can be stiffened?
Richard.:

 

It is software controlled, therefore, if CAN be calibrated by software. Not sure if the dealer actually have the calibration tools. I would just take it back and have the damper replaced AND the suspension computer checked. (not sure about the XKR but, I know my XJL has a separate suspension computer)

Albert

 

I replaced the left front strut myself . Results were perfect w/o recal of any type. I'm not aware of any such requirement. Try the battery disconnect trick.

 

Also, the shocks on your 07 have only two settings, soft and firm. Later years (2010 +) went to different (variable) settings.

By default, (without and electrical signal) our shocks are in "firm" mode. Applying power repositions the valving to "soft".

Just an FYI...

Vince

 

Based on Vince's post, could it be that the contacts on your new shocks (shock) are not making (perhaps a bent pin?). Remove the connectors and have a look.

BTW the reason I did the job myself was that the dealer would only replace shocks in pairs. Subsequently, I found out that this is an obsolete requirement.

 

Interesting that your dealer would only replace them in pairs. My dealer had replaced only one of the rear dampers on my XJL a year ago. Does not make any sense to do it only in pairs, unless a different make and model was installed.

Albert

 

Thank's Vince. That's precisely my frustration. There doesn't seem to be a middle ground. When I disconnect the front shocks wires the suspension gets dialed in, less floaty, more responsive, less body roll, and it grips firmly, however this throws the ACAT light on the dash, as it should. When wires get reconnected the suspension gets too soft once again.
Albert suggests in his post adjusting the dampers. I don't know if that's possible on an XKR? However, any other feedback that might help with this issue would be greatly appreciated!
Richard.

 

Thanks. I will. AT this point I'm willing to try anything to correct this issue.
Richard.

 

Are you sure it's not doing what it's supposed to do? Any chance you could drive a different 4.2L XKR to compare?

 

So, the issue is that my car's suspension was "dialed in" prior to the strut replacement. My car is lowered and had a rigidity in its suspension similar to driving with the DCS off. Not soft or floaty. When the dealer replaced the front strut, the CATS light came on, which then it took the dealer a couple of days to figure out how to shut it off. When I got the car back I immediately noticed the softer, floaty, ride. In fact, if there were a way I could have the rigidity of the suspension on a permanent basis similar to having the DCS off, would most definitely make this head ache go away. Thanks for your input, though Alan.

 

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...engaged-99363/

Unplug the control module. This results in NO warning lights etc, just a hard ride.

 

So, I finally got my suspension dialed back in. I'll chalk this one up to "divine intervention" or the "universe looked graciously upon me". I had a floaty suspension after a front strut replacement. Then, I had the ADCM unplugged and drove like that for a few days but the ride was way too harsh for my taste. Then, I had the ADCM reconnected and was promptly right back to my floaty drive. Then, I decided to turn off the Dynamic Stability Control and something magical happened: The car became much more responsive and the suspension stiffened. I did this exercise a few times, and here's the magical part: My suspension calibrated itself and somehow dialed itself back to my original setting! I guess putting the suspension through the exercise of DSC off, then resetting, then off again,etc. it finally found its just place. Leave it to British technology. What would we do with out it!!

 

Just as a point of info, did you ever try disconnecting the battery?

Glad it sorted itself out. These things can cause a lot of grey hair.