If you drive a GM or Ford vehicle with an electronic suspension system, you have probably run into a mix of confusing names like Magnetic Ride Control, MagneRide, Mag Ride, and Adaptive Ride Control, plus warning messages like “Service Suspension System.”
This guide breaks down what those systems actually do, how to tell which one you have, why repairs can get expensive, and why some owners switch to conventional shocks with a bypass module or shock simulator when their factory system starts to fail.
Quick links: Supported Vehicles • FAQ • Why Choose ShockSims
What Magnetic Ride Control / MagneRide Is and How It Works
GM’s Magnetic Ride Control (often shortened to MagneRide or Mag Ride) uses special shocks filled with magnetorheological (MR) fluid. When the suspension module sends current to the shock, the fluid thickens almost instantly, changing how firm or soft the ride feels.
A few sensors help the system make rapid adjustments:
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Wheel-speed sensors
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Steering-angle input
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Body-movement sensors
The idea is simple: keep the ride smooth on straight roads and tighten things up the second the vehicle corners, brakes hard, or hits bumps. Cadillac, GMC Denali, Tahoe, Yukon, Escalade, and several performance cars use this setup.
What Adaptive Ride Control Is (And How It Differs)
Newer GM trucks and SUVs also use Adaptive Ride Control (ARC). It is still an electronically controlled suspension, but it uses different internal hardware and tuning. ARC focuses more on ride quality in pickups and larger SUVs, while Magnetic Ride Control is more performance-oriented.
If your Sierra, Silverado, or Yukon mentions “Adaptive Ride Control” in the owner’s manual or on the window sticker, you are dealing with ARC rather than MagneRide.
How to Tell Which Suspension System You Have
The quickest way is to check your RPO codes (Regular Production Options). GM uses these three-character codes to label factory equipment.
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Z95 usually indicates Magnetic Ride Control on trucks and SUVs.
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Other codes may appear depending on trim level and year.
If you are not sure where the RPO label is:
Older models typically keep it in the glove box. Newer vehicles may have a QR sticker in the door jamb.
You can also look at the shocks themselves. If there is a wire plugged into the shock body, your vehicle has some form of electronically controlled damping, either Magnetic Ride Control or ARC.
Why These Systems Are Expensive to Repair
When a factory MagneRide or ARC shock fails, the replacement cost can be high. The shocks contain electronics, special fluid, and precision internals. Many dealers quote several thousand dollars for a full set, which is one reason owners begin exploring alternatives.
Common signs a vehicle is headed in that direction:
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Frequent “Service Suspension System” messages
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Harsh ride or uneven damping
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Corrosion or leaks around the shock body
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A previous owner already replaced one corner, and the system is still unhappy
When a Shock Simulator or Bypass Module Makes Sense
If you decide to replace your MagneRide or ARC setup with conventional shocks or coilovers, the suspension module will throw errors because it cannot detect the factory electronic shocks anymore.
That is where a MagneRide Delete Module (sometimes called a bypass module) comes in.
A shock simulator plugs into the factory harness and sends the correct electronic signals back to the suspension controller. That keeps the dash clear of warnings after converting to standard shocks.
At ShockSims, the hardware is engineered specifically for GM and Ford platforms to:
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Keep the factory control modules operating normally
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Let you switch to an affordable, conventional suspension without electrical headaches
For many owners, it is a practical way to avoid the high cost of replacing OEM MagneRide shocks while still keeping the vehicle safe and error-free.
Ford VDM and Why Ford Owners Use Similar Solutions
Ford uses a different system architecture, centered around the Vehicle Dynamics Module (VDM). It handles drive modes, adaptive damping, and CAN bus communication.
When certain Ford models are converted to coilovers or standard shocks, the VDM expects to see the original electronically controlled components. Without them, the vehicle may throw alerts similar to what GM owners experience.
This is why Ford-specific CAN emulators and bypass modules exist. They perform the same job: keep the factory electronics satisfied after an adaptive-suspension delete.
What About Mustang MagneRide Conversions?
Some Mustang trims offer MagneRide from the factory. Converting a non-MagneRide Mustang to the full OEM system is technically possible but extremely costly due to the electronics, wiring, and control modules involved.
Most Mustang owners who want a better ride or tighter handling choose performance coilovers rather than attempting a full MagneRide retrofit.
Should You Keep MagneRide or Convert?
There is no one right answer. If you love the factory feel, and your shocks are still healthy, keeping Magnetic Ride Control or ARC is great. But once the system starts failing, many owners find that:
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Replacement OEM shocks are expensive
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Aftermarket options are limited
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A conventional suspension plus a bypass module can cost significantly less
Either direction can work. What matters is knowing what system you have and understanding your options.
