Best OBD Bypass for MagneRide & ARC (Simple Guide for Getting Rid of Suspension Warnings)

February 4, 2026

If you are here because you searched something like “best OBD bypass for MagneRide” or “ARC bypass module”, you are probably in one of two situations:

You upgraded your suspension (coilovers, shocks/struts, lowering kit, lift, etc.), and you need the truck or car to stop throwing warnings.
You already replaced MagneRide once, and it failed again.

Either way, you are not alone. These systems work great when everything is healthy, but once you start changing parts (or parts start failing), the decision tree turns into a full-blown rabbit hole.

This guide is meant to make it simple.

What an OBD Bypass Does (and why people buy one)

An OBD bypass module for MagneRide or ARC (Adaptive Ride Control) is a small device that plugs into the vehicle’s OBD-II port (the diagnostic port under the dash). It communicates with the car and helps prevent the factory suspension system from triggering problems when the original electronic shocks/struts are removed.

The goal of an OBD Bypass is to make the vehicle have:

No warning lights when removing suspension components
No constant “Service Suspension System” messages
No limp-style behavior tied to suspension faults
Only one OEM connection required

Why Buy an OBD Bypass for MagneRide & ARC

If your vehicle has MagneRide or ARC and you have started modifying or repairing suspension components, you have probably seen one (or more) of these:

Common warning messages and issues

“Service Suspension System” message
Suspension warning indicator
Fault codes related to shocks/struts being unplugged or not responding
Reduced confidence in driving the vehicle because suspension recoil becomes unpredictable

A lot of people do not go looking for a bypass because they “hate MagneRide.”

They go looking because they already paid once to repair or replace the factory system, and they do not want to pay that bill again.

MagneRide vs ARC: What is the difference?

You will see a bunch of names thrown around online, and half the battle is figuring out what you even have.

MagneRide / Magnetic Ride Control (MRC)

Magnetic Ride Control (often called MagneRide or MRC) is an adaptive suspension system that adjusts damping in real time to improve ride and handling. GM describes it as a system that adjusts shocks in real time for a better driving experience.

At a high level, MagneRide uses magnetorheological dampers (fluid with iron particles) that can change damping characteristics when controlled electronically.

ARC (Adaptive Ride Control)

Adaptive Ride Control (ARC) is another GM suspension technology meant to improve ride refinement and responsiveness.

Important note: People often treat MagneRide and ARC like completely different systems, but as an owner, the real-world experience is similar:

The shocks/struts are electronically controlled
The vehicle expects to “see” that system functioning
Removing or changing components can trigger fault behavior

That is why you will see products marketed as covering both MagneRide & ARC.

The Two Main Ways People Bypass MagneRide / ARC

When you strip the marketing out, bypass solutions usually fall into two categories:

Option 1: OBD Bypass Module (most “hands-off” approach)

For this method you plug a module into the OBD-II port and it communicates with the vehicle’s suspension control logic.

Why people like it:

Typically faster to install
No wiring required at each shock/strut corner
Fewer “installation variables”

What to understand up front:
Some owners feel unsure about anything that uses the OBD port at first. That is normal. If you are thinking, “Is it weird to plug something into my diagnostic port full time?” you are not the only one asking that question.

The good OBD-based options usually account for this by:

using a pass-through harness so the port stays usable
keeping the install clean and reversible
Offering a separate OBD splitter or pass-through so this port remains open for you to have additional components that require the OBD port as well

Option 2: Resistor-style or “plug” simulator kits (more hands-on)

These kits typically simulate the electrical load or response that the vehicle expects to see from the electronic shocks/struts.

Why people choose them:

often cheaper up front
no device living on the OBD port

Resistor and plug-style solutions can work, but they also create more points of failure:

8 connections vs 1 when using an OBD Bypass
Installation errors
Factory Ride height trim procedure required
When exposed to the elements over time they eventually become damaged and will break
Even with the best resistors overtime heat will damage it, meaning you will have to replace it

Feature	OBD Bypass Module	Resistor Kit
Install time	Fast (usually a few minutes)	Longer (more steps per corner)
Wiring required	Limited	No
Corner-by-corner work	No	Yes (typically at each shock/strut)
OBD port required	Yes	No
Long-term Solution	High (fewer failure points)	Low (more connection points that will eventually fail)
Best for…	Owners who want the cleanest, most consistent solution	DIY installs where upfront cost matters most and eventual replacement is acceptable

What to Look For in the Best MagneRide / ARC Bypass

If you want the cleanest decision-making process, focus on these 5 things.

1) Installation simplicity

Your suspension conversion is already enough work.

The best bypass solution is the one that does not turn your install into:

“now I have to troubleshoot wiring too”
“now I have to tear it apart again”
“now I need to chase down weird intermittent faults”

If you value clean installs and predictable outcomes, OBD-based solutions tend to be appealing for that reason alone.

2) Reliability over time (not just “it worked on day one”)

The true test is not whether a bypass works the minute you start the vehicle.

The real test is:

does it stay stable long-term
does it prevent recurring warnings
does it behave predictably after normal driving

This is where higher-quality solutions separate themselves from “cheap fixes.”

3) Compatibility

Your best move is to use a MagneRide Delete Module vehicle selector or compatibility checker instead of guessing if the bypass module works for your vehicle. A checker should include:

year range
exact platform
module variations
vehicle-specific control modules
additional accessories required

4) Does it keep the experience “normal” (no weird side effects)?

A bypass should feel boring in the best way possible.

You want:

no warning messages
no surprise speed limiters
no constant dash alerts
No unpredictable suspension behavior

5) Support and documentation

Make sure that whichever company you choose offers support after purchase.

This matters because most people installing bypass solutions are also:

changing shocks/struts
swapping ride height
dealing with worn mounts/bushings
adjusting wheel/tire setups

FAQ: Best OBD Bypass for MagneRide & ARC

Is an OBD bypass safe to run long-term?

Yes, the OBD module simply communicates with the suspension control module (SCM). A properly designed module is intended to remain installed while the vehicle is operating, similar to how some vehicles run other OBD-based devices. Make sure that if you do need to run other OBD-based devices, you use an OBD splitter or pass-through so this port remains open.

Will an OBD bypass remove the “Service Suspension System” message?

Yes, that is the purpose of these systems: to prevent suspension-related warnings when the factory electronic dampers are replaced.

Is MagneRide the same thing as ARC?

They are different names/implementations used by GM, but from an ownership perspective, they share the same core function: the vehicle is monitoring and controlling damping electronically, and it expects that system to function.

Should I bypass MagneRide or replace it again?

If you love how the factory system drives and you want to keep the vehicle fully stock, replacing it can make sense.

If you are at the point where you already replaced it once and it failed again and you want to convert your suspension, a bypass + conventional suspension setup is often the more future-proof path.

Which bypass is better: OBD module or resistors?

A good rule of thumb:

OBD bypass module = best for simplicity and consistency long-term
Resistors / plug simulators = best for DIY experimenters who do not mind more installation variables and will replace resistors when they eventually fail