1996 Park Avenue (non-ultra) Gran Touring Suspension

chibuick

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1996 Park Avenue, 1995 Park Avenue, 2002 LeSabre Custom
Hi all,

I’ve just purchased a 1996 PA equipped with GT suspension. I immediately noticed it has a much stiffer steering feel than the dynaride equipped (non-GT) Park Avenue I test drove earlier.

I’d really like the steering to be as soft and light as possible (pinky steering?) as well as softer suspension, even at the cost of handling. I love the floaty boatey land yacht feel.

Are there posts here where I can get started learning about the GT system and how to modify? Is it new hardware needed or software controlled?

I much appreciate it any direction!
 

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So I paid for a $5 VIN Decoder build sheet @HotZ28 and I've been reading this thread Control arm replacement price $$$
F41SUSPENSION,FIRM RIDE HANDLING,FRONT AND REAR FIRM RIDE & HANDLING SUSP(F41)
NV8STEERING POWER, MAGNETIC SPEED, VARIABLE ASSIST MAG SPD VAR ASSIST P/S(NV8)

Looks like I have those two options from the build sheet.

@BuickGirlFromMars does it look like all I need to do is have this changed with an advanced code reader?
 
So I paid for a $5 VIN Decoder build sheet @HotZ28 and I've been reading this thread Control arm replacement price $$$
F41SUSPENSION,FIRM RIDE HANDLING,FRONT AND REAR FIRM RIDE & HANDLING SUSP(F41)

NV8STEERING POWER, MAGNETIC SPEED, VARIABLE ASSIST MAG SPD VAR ASSIST P/S(NV8)

Looks like I have those two options from the build sheet.

@BuickGirlFromMars does it look like all I need to do is have this changed with an advanced code reader?
Firm ride most likely wouldn’t affect the steering. Can you post your whole SPID label from the spare tire cover. Or your “build” sheet if you can’t find that label.

It’s a small rectangular label. Underside the cover.

A 1996 park avenue IF it has variable steering will have some steps to diagnose. The solenoid off the pump could be bad, or the chime module could be bad(controls the assist)
 
Firm ride most likely wouldn’t affect the steering. Can you post your whole SPID label from the spare tire cover. Or your “build” sheet if you can’t find that label.

It’s a small rectangular label. Underside the cover.

A 1996 park avenue IF it has variable steering will have some steps to diagnose. The solenoid off the pump could be bad, or the chime module could be bad(controls the assist)
Vehicle: PARK AVENUE
Year: 1996
Build Date: 1996-02-21

UA6THEFT DETERRENT SYSTEM ANTI-THEFT(UA6)
UB3CLUSTER,INSTRUMENT(OIL,COOLANT TEMPERATURE,VOLTMETER,TACHOMETER,TRIP ODOMETER) GA(UB3)
UJ2INDICATOR ENGINE OIL LIFE ENG OIL LIFE IND(UJ2)
UK3ELECTRONIC SYSTEM,ACCESSORY CONTROL ELEK ACSRY CONT SYS(UK3)
UP0RADIO AM/FM STEREO, SEEK/SCAN, AUTO REV MUSIC SEARCH CASS, CD, AUTO TONE, CLOCK, ETR. STEREO,AM/FM W/AUTO REV CASSETTE,CD,AUTO TONE(UP0)
UV5DISPLAY,SERVICE REMINDER-OIL LEVEL SENSOR SERVICE REMINDER/OIL LVL SEN(UV5)
UW6SPEAKER SYSTEM,6,DUAL FRONT DOOR TWEETER & WOOFER,DUAL EXTENDED RANGE 6 SPKR SYS(UW6)
U09HORN,FOUR NOTE 4 NOTE HORN(U09)
U41INDICATOR,LOW FUEL LOW FUEL IND(U41)
U46MONITOR,EXTERNAL LAMP EXT LP MON(U46)
U75ANTENNA,POWER(CHROME) PWR ANT(EXPORT)(U75)
VG6VEHICLE LABEL, NOTICE TO BUYER, 5 MPH BUMPER IMPACT(CALIF) LABEL,5 MPH BPR IMPACT(CALIF)(VG6)
VG8LABEL,NOTICE TO BUYER NOTICE TO BUYER LABEL(VG8)
VH9ENVELOPE,OWNER INFORMATION MANUAL OWNER INFO MAN ENV(VH9)
VK3LICENSE PLATE,FRONT MOUNTING PACKAGE FRT LIC PLT MTG PKG(VK3)
V73VEHICLE STATEMENT - US/CANADA US/CANADA VEHICLE STATEMENT(V73)
YF5CALIFORNIA EMISSION CERTIFICATION CALIFORNIA EMIS CERTIFICATION(YF5)
Y56GRAND TOURING PACKAGE(MERCHANDISING OPTION) TOURING PKG(Y56)
Y67REMINDER PACKAGE(LOW FUEL,ENGINE HOT,LOW COOLANT,BRAKE WARNING,LOW OIL PRESSURE,LOW WASHER FLUID) REMINDER PKG(Y67)
1SEPACKAGE OPTION 05 (1SE)
1SZPACKAGE OPTION- (1SZ)
50UEXTERIOR COLOR ,PRIMARY,OLYMPIC WHITE (50U)
56IINTERIOR TRIM MED NEUTRAL II (96) (56I)
563TRIM COMBINATION LEATHER, MED NEUTRAL II, (3) (96) (563)
6KJCOMPONENT COMPUTER SEL SUSP SUSP(6KJ)
7KJCOMPONENT- COMPUTER SELECTED, SUSPENSION SUSP(7KJ)
72AACCENT STRIPE,MED GARNET RED (72A)
8YSCOMPONENT RR LH - COMPUTER SEL SUSP (8YS) SUSP(8YS)
9YSCOMPONENT RR RH - COMPUTER SEL SUSP (9YS) SUSP(9YS)
AG2ADJUSTER,SEAT,6-WAY POWER,SPLIT BENCH,PASSENGER 6-WAY PWR P/SEAT ADJR(AG2)
AK5RESTRAINT SYSTEM,FRONT SEAT,INFLATABLE,DRIVER AND PASSENGER DRIVER & PASS F/SEAT INFL RST SYS(AK5)
AM6SEAT,FRONT SPLIT,3 PASSENGER WITH CENTER ARMREST FRT SPLIT ST(AM6)
AP9NET,CONVENIENCE CONVENIENCE NET(AP9)
AU0LOCK CONTROL,REMOTE ENTRY(KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM) REMOTE ENTRY LK CONT(AU0)
AU4LOCK,SIDE DOOR,ELECTRIC,AUTOMATIC AUTO ELEC S/D LK(AU4)
A43ADJUSTER,SEAT,POWER,DRIVER MEMORY(INCLUDES MIRROR) PWR D/SEAT ADJR W/MEMORY(A43)
A80ADJUSTER,SEAT BACK,POWER RECLINING,DRIVER PWR RECL D/SEAT BACK ADJ(A80)
A81ADJUSTER,SEAT BACK,POWER RECLINING,PASSENGER PWR RECL P/SEAT BACK ADJ(A81)
A91PULLDOWN,REAR COMPARTMENT LID R/COMPT LID PULDN(A91)
BMDPLANT CODE - FLINT, MI, USA
B36MAT,LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT LUGG COMPT MAT(B36)
B93ORNAMENTATION,EXTERIOR,DOOR EDGE GUARD MOLDING DR EDGE GUARD MLDG(B93)
CD2INDICATOR,WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID LOW FLUID IND(CD2)
CJ2HVAC SYSTEM AIR CONDITIONER FRT, AUTO TEMP CONT, AUX TEMP CONT A/C FRT AUTO/AUX CONT(CJ2)
C57VENT,FORCED AIR,AUXILIARY BLOWER AUX BLO AIR VENT(C57)
C97LAMP,DOOR COURTESY LIGHT(ILLUMINATED ENTRY) CTSY DR LP LGT/ILLUMINATED ENTRY(C97)
DA0ARM REST,FRONT SEAT,STORAGE F/SEAT STOR A/RST(DA0)
DA1ARM REST RR SEAT, STORAGE R/SEAT STOR A/RST(DA1)
DD0MIRROR,O/S,R AND L REM CTL,ELEC,DEFOG,LT SENSITIVE O/S ELEC R/CON MIR(DD0)
DD7MIRROR,I/S,R/V,LT SENSITIVE,COMPASS I/S RR VIEW MIR(DD7)
D85STRIPE,BODY SIDE LOWER ACCENT(CAN BE PAINTED OR MATERIAL) LWR BODY SI ACNT STRPE(D85)
FW2TRANSAXLE,FINAL DRIVE,3.06 RATIO(USED WITH GRAN TOURING PKG Y56) 3.06R(FW2)
F41SUSPENSION,FIRM RIDE HANDLING,FRONT AND REAR FIRM RIDE & HANDLING SUSP(F41)
IQ3TRIM,INTERIOR DESIGN (1Q3)
JM4BRAKE SYSTEM,POWER FRONT DISC,REAR DRUM,ANTI-LOCK(CAST IRON) ANTILOCK DISC/DRUM BRK(JM4)
KG9GENERATOR,140 AMPERE 140 AMP(KG9)
KP2TIMER RETAINED ACCESSORY POWER ACSRY TIMER(KP2)
L36ENGINE GAS, 6 CYL, 3.8K, MFI, V6, HO (ERV6 SERIES) 3.8K(L36)
MX0TRANSMISSION,AUTOMATIC,OVERDRIVE(MERCHANDISING OPTION) A/TRANS PROVISIONS(MX0)
M13TRANSMISSION,AUTOMATIC 4-SPEED(4T60-E) 4-SPD A/TRANS(M13)
NB6EMISSION SYSTEM CALIFORNIA,TIER 1 CALIF EMIS, TIER 1(NB6)
NG5REGISTRATION EMISSION, CERTIFICATION, FIFTY STATE (50) FIFTY STATE U.S. EMIS(NG5)
NP5STEERING WHEEL,LEATHER WRAPPED LEATHER WRAPPED STRG WHL(NP5)
NV8STEERING POWER, MAGNETIC SPEED, VARIABLE ASSIST MAG SPD VAR ASSIST P/S(NV8)
NW9TRACTION CONTROL ELECTRONIC ELEC TRACTION CONT(NW9)
PY0WHEEL,16 X 6.5,ALUMINUM ALUM WHL(PY0)
QPETIRE ALL- P215/60R16/N BL R/PE ST TL AL2 TIRE(QPE)
R9XCONTROL - SALES ITEM NO. 98
T82HEADLAMPS,AUTOMATIC ON/OFF CONTROL AUTO HDLP CONT(T82)
T87LAMP,CORNERING COR LP(T87)

 
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Vehicle: PARK AVENUE
Year: 1996
Build Date: 1996-02-21

UA6THEFT DETERRENT SYSTEM ANTI-THEFT(UA6)
UB3CLUSTER,INSTRUMENT(OIL,COOLANT TEMPERATURE,VOLTMETER,TACHOMETER,TRIP ODOMETER) GA(UB3)
UJ2INDICATOR ENGINE OIL LIFE ENG OIL LIFE IND(UJ2)
UK3ELECTRONIC SYSTEM,ACCESSORY CONTROL ELEK ACSRY CONT SYS(UK3)
UP0RADIO AM/FM STEREO, SEEK/SCAN, AUTO REV MUSIC SEARCH CASS, CD, AUTO TONE, CLOCK, ETR. STEREO,AM/FM W/AUTO REV CASSETTE,CD,AUTO TONE(UP0)
UV5DISPLAY,SERVICE REMINDER-OIL LEVEL SENSOR SERVICE REMINDER/OIL LVL SEN(UV5)
UW6SPEAKER SYSTEM,6,DUAL FRONT DOOR TWEETER & WOOFER,DUAL EXTENDED RANGE 6 SPKR SYS(UW6)
U09HORN,FOUR NOTE 4 NOTE HORN(U09)
U41INDICATOR,LOW FUEL LOW FUEL IND(U41)
U46MONITOR,EXTERNAL LAMP EXT LP MON(U46)
U75ANTENNA,POWER(CHROME) PWR ANT(EXPORT)(U75)
VG6VEHICLE LABEL, NOTICE TO BUYER, 5 MPH BUMPER IMPACT(CALIF) LABEL,5 MPH BPR IMPACT(CALIF)(VG6)
VG8LABEL,NOTICE TO BUYER NOTICE TO BUYER LABEL(VG8)
VH9ENVELOPE,OWNER INFORMATION MANUAL OWNER INFO MAN ENV(VH9)
VK3LICENSE PLATE,FRONT MOUNTING PACKAGE FRT LIC PLT MTG PKG(VK3)
V73VEHICLE STATEMENT - US/CANADA US/CANADA VEHICLE STATEMENT(V73)
YF5CALIFORNIA EMISSION CERTIFICATION CALIFORNIA EMIS CERTIFICATION(YF5)
Y56GRAND TOURING PACKAGE(MERCHANDISING OPTION) TOURING PKG(Y56)
Y67REMINDER PACKAGE(LOW FUEL,ENGINE HOT,LOW COOLANT,BRAKE WARNING,LOW OIL PRESSURE,LOW WASHER FLUID) REMINDER PKG(Y67)
1SEPACKAGE OPTION 05 (1SE)
1SZPACKAGE OPTION- (1SZ)
50UEXTERIOR COLOR ,PRIMARY,OLYMPIC WHITE (50U)
56IINTERIOR TRIM MED NEUTRAL II (96) (56I)
563TRIM COMBINATION LEATHER, MED NEUTRAL II, (3) (96) (563)
6KJCOMPONENT COMPUTER SEL SUSP SUSP(6KJ)
7KJCOMPONENT- COMPUTER SELECTED, SUSPENSION SUSP(7KJ)
72AACCENT STRIPE,MED GARNET RED (72A)
8YSCOMPONENT RR LH - COMPUTER SEL SUSP (8YS) SUSP(8YS)
9YSCOMPONENT RR RH - COMPUTER SEL SUSP (9YS) SUSP(9YS)
AG2ADJUSTER,SEAT,6-WAY POWER,SPLIT BENCH,PASSENGER 6-WAY PWR P/SEAT ADJR(AG2)
AK5RESTRAINT SYSTEM,FRONT SEAT,INFLATABLE,DRIVER AND PASSENGER DRIVER & PASS F/SEAT INFL RST SYS(AK5)
AM6SEAT,FRONT SPLIT,3 PASSENGER WITH CENTER ARMREST FRT SPLIT ST(AM6)
AP9NET,CONVENIENCE CONVENIENCE NET(AP9)
AU0LOCK CONTROL,REMOTE ENTRY(KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM) REMOTE ENTRY LK CONT(AU0)
AU4LOCK,SIDE DOOR,ELECTRIC,AUTOMATIC AUTO ELEC S/D LK(AU4)
A43ADJUSTER,SEAT,POWER,DRIVER MEMORY(INCLUDES MIRROR) PWR D/SEAT ADJR W/MEMORY(A43)
A80ADJUSTER,SEAT BACK,POWER RECLINING,DRIVER PWR RECL D/SEAT BACK ADJ(A80)
A81ADJUSTER,SEAT BACK,POWER RECLINING,PASSENGER PWR RECL P/SEAT BACK ADJ(A81)
A91PULLDOWN,REAR COMPARTMENT LID R/COMPT LID PULDN(A91)
BMDPLANT CODE - FLINT, MI, USA
B36MAT,LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT LUGG COMPT MAT(B36)
B93ORNAMENTATION,EXTERIOR,DOOR EDGE GUARD MOLDING DR EDGE GUARD MLDG(B93)
CD2INDICATOR,WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID LOW FLUID IND(CD2)
CJ2HVAC SYSTEM AIR CONDITIONER FRT, AUTO TEMP CONT, AUX TEMP CONT A/C FRT AUTO/AUX CONT(CJ2)
C57VENT,FORCED AIR,AUXILIARY BLOWER AUX BLO AIR VENT(C57)
C97LAMP,DOOR COURTESY LIGHT(ILLUMINATED ENTRY) CTSY DR LP LGT/ILLUMINATED ENTRY(C97)
DA0ARM REST,FRONT SEAT,STORAGE F/SEAT STOR A/RST(DA0)
DA1ARM REST RR SEAT, STORAGE R/SEAT STOR A/RST(DA1)
DD0MIRROR,O/S,R AND L REM CTL,ELEC,DEFOG,LT SENSITIVE O/S ELEC R/CON MIR(DD0)
DD7MIRROR,I/S,R/V,LT SENSITIVE,COMPASS I/S RR VIEW MIR(DD7)
D85STRIPE,BODY SIDE LOWER ACCENT(CAN BE PAINTED OR MATERIAL) LWR BODY SI ACNT STRPE(D85)
FW2TRANSAXLE,FINAL DRIVE,3.06 RATIO(USED WITH GRAN TOURING PKG Y56) 3.06R(FW2)
F41SUSPENSION,FIRM RIDE HANDLING,FRONT AND REAR FIRM RIDE & HANDLING SUSP(F41)
IQ3TRIM,INTERIOR DESIGN (1Q3)
JM4BRAKE SYSTEM,POWER FRONT DISC,REAR DRUM,ANTI-LOCK(CAST IRON) ANTILOCK DISC/DRUM BRK(JM4)
KG9GENERATOR,140 AMPERE 140 AMP(KG9)
KP2TIMER RETAINED ACCESSORY POWER ACSRY TIMER(KP2)
L36ENGINE GAS, 6 CYL, 3.8K, MFI, V6, HO (ERV6 SERIES) 3.8K(L36)
MX0TRANSMISSION,AUTOMATIC,OVERDRIVE(MERCHANDISING OPTION) A/TRANS PROVISIONS(MX0)
M13TRANSMISSION,AUTOMATIC 4-SPEED(4T60-E) 4-SPD A/TRANS(M13)
NB6EMISSION SYSTEM CALIFORNIA,TIER 1 CALIF EMIS, TIER 1(NB6)
NG5REGISTRATION EMISSION, CERTIFICATION, FIFTY STATE (50) FIFTY STATE U.S. EMIS(NG5)
NP5STEERING WHEEL,LEATHER WRAPPED LEATHER WRAPPED STRG WHL(NP5)
NV8STEERING POWER, MAGNETIC SPEED, VARIABLE ASSIST MAG SPD VAR ASSIST P/S(NV8)
NW9TRACTION CONTROL ELECTRONIC ELEC TRACTION CONT(NW9)
PY0WHEEL,16 X 6.5,ALUMINUM ALUM WHL(PY0)
QPETIRE ALL- P215/60R16/N BL R/PE ST TL AL2 TIRE(QPE)
R9XCONTROL - SALES ITEM NO. 98
T82HEADLAMPS,AUTOMATIC ON/OFF CONTROL AUTO HDLP CONT(T82)
T87LAMP,CORNERING COR LP(T87)

okay you have NV8. Do you have access to something like a Tech 2 or a laptop and are willing to pay for (or pirate) tech2win, which is the software a tech2 runs but on a laptop format. You apparently can change the calibration of the steering to be lighter in 96, i guess that must have happened in 95 or something, it used to be different. thats like the 97+
Cars with F41 firm ride and handling DO have stiffer Calibration for steering stock so you would benefit from changing the setting to be lighter.

STEERING RESPONSE PROGRAMMING​

  1. Connect scan tool. Select MAGNA STEER, then RECALIBRATION. Answer VIN question; YES if VIN is correct or NO if VIN is incorrect.
  2. Answer scan tool RECAL WITH FACTORY STANDARD CALIBRATION question. YES will automatically install factory calibration. Exit scan tool. Programming is complete. NO will bring up selection menu.
  3. If NO is selected in step 2), select desired response mode from selection menu; MORE FIRM, FACTORY CALIBRATION or LESS FIRM. Exit scan tool. Programming is complete.
 
okay you have NV8. Do you have access to something like a Tech 2 or a laptop and are willing to pay for (or pirate) tech2win, which is the software a tech2 runs but on a laptop format. You apparently can change the calibration of the steering to be lighter in 96, i guess that must have happened in 95 or something, it used to be different. thats like the 97+
Cars with F41 firm ride and handling DO have stiffer Calibration for steering stock so you would benefit from changing the setting to be lighter.

STEERING RESPONSE PROGRAMMING​

  1. Connect scan tool. Select MAGNA STEER, then RECALIBRATION. Answer VIN question; YES if VIN is correct or NO if VIN is incorrect.
  2. Answer scan tool RECAL WITH FACTORY STANDARD CALIBRATION question. YES will automatically install factory calibration. Exit scan tool. Programming is complete. NO will bring up selection menu.
  3. If NO is selected in step 2), select desired response mode from selection menu; MORE FIRM, FACTORY CALIBRATION or LESS FIRM. Exit scan tool. Programming is complete.
I do have an old windows computer. I can find the software. But wouldn’t I need to somehow connect my computer to the car? How would I do that?
 
The site below may help you.
Thanks but this looks to be for OBDI not OBDII. My 96 supports OBDII. Unless there was something else you were pointing out from that site?

I’m trying to figure out what my options are to run tech2win or another software to program the magnasteer to ‘less firm’ Or maybe I can use another scan tool (autel, foxwell, launch, etc,)?
 
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[FONT=verdana,helvetica,sans-serif] GM OBD1 Cables
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[FONT=verdana,helvetica,sans-serif]Low Cost ALDL OBD1 Cables - $69.95[/FONT]​

[FONT=verdana,helvetica,sans-serif]
[td]
12-Pin Version
12 pin ALDL cable
ALDL
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16-Pin Version
service engine soon
16 pin ALDL cable
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3 Things Needed
There are basically 3 things you need
to record diagnostic data from a GM based On Board Diagnostic 1 ( OBD1 ) system on your 1982 - 1995 era car.
1 - A PC computer, preferably a laptop, to collect, log, and analyze the OBD data.
2 - An ALDL cable to interface your PC computer to the ALDL OBDI diagnostic port on your car.
3 - A software program running on your PC to capture the OBD data.
Why This Setup?
What is the reason
for having the above setup for yourself? Mainly, you now have a powerful tool to analyze your cars OBD data yourself, better even than the specialized scanning tools only dealerships and big shops had in the distant past. With your own setup, if your Service Engine Soon ( SES ) light comes on you can look at detailed OBD data for yourself to see what trouble codes have been set and the conditions they were set under, possibly saving you money in repair costs by knowing what is or isn't wrong with your car. For many, it is quite interesting to be able to see your car's sensor systems working in real time, and even having the potential to upgrade performance through PROM reprogramming of your cars ECM/PCM (not for the beginner).
The ALDL Cable
Let's look at the ALDL (Assembly Line Diagnostic Link) OBD1 interface cable first, since we sell low cost ALDL OBD1 interface cables. It may possibly be the only thing you will need to buy to do your own diagnostics. You can make your own cable, but it is much quicker and less headache to buy one already assembled and tested.
Under your cars dash you will most likely see this style connector:
malfunction indicator light

mil light

There are other styles of connectors, but the 12 pin OBD1 connector shown above is the most common. Some 1994-95 cars have the 16 pin OBD2 connector (shown below), Corvette's, Camaro's, and LT1 cars among them, as well as newer Australian Holden and Commodore. Even though it is an OBD2 connector, it has an OBD1 system behind it on these 94-95 cars. If you have a 94 or 95 car with the 16 pin connector, we sell 16 pin USB ALDL connector cables for it here.
You can also program the instrument cluster on the 2004, 2005 and 2006 Pontiac GTO with our 16 pin USB ALDL cable as shown with the instrument cluster programming software here. Other newer cars and trucks may work the same.
OBD
Make sure you buy the correct ALDL cable setup for your car or cars. You can buy an ALDL Cable with an OBD1 12 pin connector shell, or OBD2 style 16 pin connector shell, or a cable with just a bare male pin, to plug into your cars female connector serial data pin location (pin M or E or 9 on the diagrams above). The ALDL cable with the male OBD1 connector shell will allow you to just feel under the dash and plug the cable in. The cable with just the bare pin requires you to look under the dash and plug into the correct pin on the car side of the connector. If you have both 12 pin and 16 pin cars to diagnose and data log, you can buy just the bare pin USB cable, but is less convenient to use.
[/FONT]
 
Thanks but this looks to be for OBDI not OBDII. My 96 supports OBDII. Unless there was something else you were pointing out from that site?

I’m trying to figure out what my options are to run tech2win or another software to program the magnasteer to ‘less firm’ Or maybe I can use another scan tool (autel, foxwell, launch, etc,)?
Do you want to do it legal/legit or do you want to sail the seven seas? if you want to legit, heres a page

The biggest thing is the cable to go from the car obd2 port, to the computer. If you get an adatper or one that also supports ALDL ports, you can be a VERY helpful friend to people with 1991-1995 GM vehicles with OBD1

It appears this plug from vxdiag on quick read includes the license for the software, so its 108-140 depending on type. if its not a bluetooth capable laptop, prob want a USB or a wifi. Wifi wont require a cable. but you cant use internet at the same time.
Bluetooth adapters are sold but i wouldnt want to have all that happen through an adapter, id personally choose wifi myself.
 
Last year I bought an XTool 8. It's the non-cable wi-fi version. The wi-fi dongle plugs into the OBD II port just like the cabled version's plug does. It works just fine, but for any extended diagnostic events, having the one with the cable will also keep the battery charged.

Wi-fi, on the other hand, allows more freedom of movement and will not have a cable draped across the engine bay if you're trying to use the tool while working under the hood.

Just a couple things to consider if you are considering the purchase of any scanner.

I already had (and still have) a BlueDriver. It uses Bluetooth to connect, which is slower than wi-fi. I never used it under the hood, but it'll reach it if I needed to. It is a very good scanner, but being a more capable scanner is why I purchased the XTool.

If I were to do it again, I think I'd get a better one like I've seen on the YouTube channel South Main Auto. The owner of the shop is Eric O. and he shares all sorts of good info, and every once in a while he'll show both of his scanners and say why he has "this one" and "that one", their strengths and weaknesses, and certain features.

I hope this is helpful.
 
Thank's guys. I'm open to the seven seas, but I'm getting confused looking at the VXDIAG Nano device since it says it includes the software for the $109 they want for the device, but I'm also seeing that I'd need a GM account and a subscription to be able to access the Service Programming System menu?

"Please note that for special functions such as programming and coding, an online subscription account for the corresponding diagnostic software is required. You will need to obtain this account from the software's official website, as VXDIAG does not charge any additional subscription fees."


I'd hate to buy that device only to find out I need to pay an additional subscription to GM...I sent VXDIAG a support message to see.

Otherwise, does it sound like there's a seven seas way to connect the laptop directly to the car via one of those USB to 16 pin OBDII cables from the previous website shared? Much appreciate your guys' input.
 
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Thank's guys. I'm open to the seven seas, but I'm getting confused looking at the VXDIAG Nano device since it says it includes the software for the $109 they want for the device, but I'm also seeing that I'd need a GM account and a subscription to be able to access the Service Programming System menu?

"Please note that for special functions such as programming and coding, an online subscription account for the corresponding diagnostic software is required. You will need to obtain this account from the software's official website, as VXDIAG does not charge any additional subscription fees."


I'd hate to buy that device only to find out I need to pay an additional subscription to GM...I sent VXDIAG a support message to see.

Otherwise, does it sound like there's a seven seas way to connect the laptop directly to the car via one of those USB to 16 pin OBDII cables from the previous website shared? Much appreciate your guys' input.
Service Programming is the program modules, in your car only the the EBTCM and the PCM are programmable
Its possible the EBTCM isnt even in that year yet
SPS Is for flashing calibrations to modules from gm when replacing them with vin locked parts, or to setup features that are complex. The thing you want to do is just a setting in a menu that you do not need to program it
 
Service Programming is the program modules, in your car only the the EBTCM and the PCM are programmable
Its possible the EBTCM isnt even in that year yet
SPS Is for flashing calibrations to modules from gm when replacing them with vin locked parts, or to setup features that are complex. The thing you want to do is just a setting in a menu that you do not need to program it
Would that be F1 in this image? Or where do you think I might find that menu for steering? I just googled this image. It's not a screenshot of anything I have in front of me.
 

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Would that be F1 in this image? Or where do you think I might find that menu for steering? I just googled this image. It's not a screenshot of anything I have in front of me.
the menu youre looking for will be under Diagnostics, your year, buick, then most likely a choice between Chassis or Powertrain, it would be Chassis, and then it perhaps is this:
1739677403617.webpand then it asks if you want it more firm, stock, or less firm

Less firm would be softer
 
the menu youre looking for will be under Diagnostics, your year, buick, then most likely a choice between Chassis or Powertrain, it would be Chassis, and then it perhaps is this:
View attachment 48245and then it asks if you want it more firm, stock, or less firm

Less firm would be softer
I’ll order the vxdiag and keep you guys posted. Thank you!
 
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the menu youre looking for will be under Diagnostics, your year, buick, then most likely a choice between Chassis or Powertrain, it would be Chassis, and then it perhaps is this:
View attachment 48245and then it asks if you want it more firm, stock, or less firm

Less firm would be softer


Hi, I tried this

I couldn’t get it to connect using W as the product line or C. Do you know what I may be hitting wrong?
 
Hi, I tried this

I couldn’t get it to connect using W as the product line or C. Do you know what I may be hitting wrong?
they dont go by platforms


TECH2's request for 'product line' is the 5th position of the vehicle identification number

I dont know yours, so you will have to look

But you also need to make sure your key is on
 
they dont go by platforms


TECH2's request for 'product line' is the 5th position of the vehicle identification number

I dont know yours, so you will have to look

But you also need to make sure your key is on
Yeah on my VIN it’s W for the 5th. Wouldn’t connect. I’m reaching out to vxdiag support too. And I have the key in the on position but not having started the car
 
Yeah on my VIN it’s W for the 5th. Wouldn’t connect. I’m reaching out to vxdiag support too. And I have the key in the on position but not having started the car
but other scan tools work?
What cable you using
 
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