My 1999MY XK8 has the cats suspension fitted. I have done quite a bit of work on him over the summer. Just wondering if anyone can advise on what to expect with the front cats suspension with respect to its function. I have always thought the ride was a bit firm compared to my XJS. I am going to put him to bed for the winter this weekend but wondered if anyone could tell me if I disconnected the front shockers, would it cause a problem with the computer?
Is there cats on the rear suspension also, cannot get in to see myself?
As far as I know this will be the only way to find out if the cats system is working, or is there a test that can check this out? I have a pretty good test meter.
Any advice would be appreciated.

 

If you disconnect any one of the shocks the CATS system will go into fault mode. "Suspension Fault" will appear in the message center and all 4 shocks will default to their firm setting

 

The CATs are on all 4 corners, if you disconnect one you will get an error message on the dash and the default state for all 4 will be firm. To enable the soft mode a signal is sent to the shock, something like a 16volt (this is a guess) AC signal.


You will not be able to see the signal when parked up as it only activates when the car is moving.


I am not convinced the soft mode ever works on Kim's car as it always feel firm.

 

Rock/Race, many thanks for your comments. Saves me getting codes I don't need.
I have to say if my ride is " soft " the " hard " must be like driving a go cart.
Is there a way to switch the system off and back on by any means, for checking purposes only?

Thanks for the advice guys.

 

You can turn it off by disconnecting the control in the boot. This sets the shocks to their default firm mode.

You can't force them to soft without the dealer diagnostic tool.

The soft/firm setting is only on the rebound direction. Compression is always the same, so I wouldn't expect shocks stuck in firm mode to make the ride feel harsh. Bouncy maybe but not harsh.

 

Thanks Charlie, just comparing rides between the two vehicles, my older 1996MY XJS is a more comfortable ride, mind you it has 20K less miles on it. Thanks for your comments.