Z55 MagneRide bypass guide (AutoRide delete)
For 2005-2012 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, and GMC Yukon and Sierra Denali, plus some 2013-2014 models.
Written by M&P USA, the veteran-owned company that designs, builds, and supports these kits in the USA.
A Z55 MagneRide bypass, also called an AutoRide delete, lets you replace failing AutoRide shocks with standard shocks or coilovers without the “Service Suspension System” warning or the speed limiter. This guide explains how the system works, why it fails, what the bypass does, and exactly what to order.
The short answer
- Z55 is AutoRide. If your glove box label shows Z55 (most 2005-2012 GM SUVs and Denali trucks), the Z55 MagneRide bypass kit is the right part.
- One kit covers one axle. For all four corners, the Z55 2-axle kit costs less than two single kits and includes the rear pigtails free.
- The rear needs pigtails. The rear 2-pin shock connectors are a different style, so a rear conversion adds the Z55 pigtail adapter set.
- Label says Z95? Some 2009-2014 models use Z95 MagneRide. Use the Z95 kit; see our Z95 guide.
Check your glove box label first
Open the glove box and find the Service Parts Identification sticker, a grid of short 3-character codes. The code decides the kit:
- Z55 (2005-2014): the Z55 MagneRide bypass kit
- Z95 (some 2009-2014, all 2015-2020): the Z95 kit
- 2021-2023 models: the 2021-2023 kit
Before you buy parts, enter your VIN in the NHTSA recall lookup to check for open safety recalls; recall repairs are free at a dealer.
Codes on the sample sticker are for illustration. Can’t find the label? Send us your VIN and we’ll confirm the kit before you order.
What Z55 AutoRide is
Z55 is GM’s option code for AutoRide, the electronically controlled suspension on 2000s Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, and Avalanche, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, and Sierra Denali models. Each shock has an electrically controlled valve that the suspension control module adjusts many times per second.
Ride height sensors at the wheels tell the module how high the body sits, and on models with rear air leveling, air sleeves on the rear shocks raise the rear when you load up or tow.
Shoppers usually call it MagneRide. Strictly, MagneRide (Z95) uses magnetic fluid, while AutoRide uses valves. The bypass job is the same either way; for Z95 trucks and SUVs, see our Z95 MagneRide bypass guide.
Signs your AutoRide is failing
- “Service Suspension System” or “Service Ride Control” on the dash
- “Speed Limited” warnings that cap your top speed
- A harsh, bouncy, or floaty ride, or more body lean in turns
- An oily film on a shock body, which means the seal is leaking
- The rear sitting low, or the leveling compressor running longer than it used to
These parts are 12 to 20 years old on most Z55 vehicles, so failures are normal wear, not bad luck.
Repair or bypass: what it costs
| Option | What it involves | Typical parts cost |
|---|---|---|
| Factory AutoRide parts | New electronic shocks (rear leveling shocks list near $800 each from GM), plus a compressor or ride height sensors if those failed | Often $1,500 to $3,500+ before labor |
| Z55 MagneRide bypass kit plus standard shocks | Plug-in simulators for one axle, with any standard shocks or coilovers | $124.99 per axle, plus shocks |
| Z55 2-axle kit plus standard shocks | All four corners, rear pigtails included | $209.99, plus shocks |
GM parts prices change often and vary by dealer; confirm current pricing for your VIN.
How the Z55 MagneRide bypass works
The suspension module watches two things: the electrical circuit of each shock, and the voltage from each ride height sensor. Unplug a factory shock and the module sees an open circuit, stores a fault, and turns on the warning, and with two or more shocks missing, the speed limiter.
A Z55 MagneRide bypass plugs into those same factory connectors. The shock simulators give the module the electrical load it expects, and the ride height simulators send a steady, in-range signal in place of the factory sensors. The module sees a healthy system, so no fault is set. Nothing gets programmed and nothing plugs into your OBD port.
“Perfect for the surprise on my 2012 Tahoe. Had to use same brand bypasses to get lights turned off after auto ride delete and lowering kit.”
Jensen, 2012 Tahoe owner, review on our website
The rear needs pigtails
On Z55 trucks and SUVs, the front plugs straight in, but the rear 2-pin shock connectors are a different style. Our Z55 pigtail adapter set is spliced onto the rear wires with the included waterproof heat-shrink connectors, and then the simulators plug in. The pigtails are free with two Z55 kits or the Z55 2-axle kit.
What to order
Converting front and rear? The 2-axle kit is the better buy and includes the pigtails. Doing one axle? The single kit covers it.
Z55 kit (one axle)
$124.99
Front or rear: 2 shock simulators and 2 ride height simulators. Rated 4.8 by 33 customers.
| Your plan | Order this |
|---|---|
| Front only | One Z55 MagneRide bypass kit |
| Rear only | One Z55 kit plus the pigtail adapter set |
| All four corners | The Z55 2-axle kit (pigtails free), or two Z55 kits |
| Ride height simulators only | Z55 ride height 2-pack or 4-pack |
| Label says Z95 | The Z95 kit instead |
Rear air leveling and towing
If you tow or haul heavy loads, many owners keep the factory rear air shocks and convert only the front, since one Z55 kit covers one axle.
If you replace the rear with standard non-air shocks, the leveling compressor is no longer needed. Once the bypass is installed, you can generally pull the fuse or the relay for the compressor. Leave the compressor itself plugged in. Contact us if you want help deciding.
Installation in five steps
- Replace the shocks. Install your new standard shocks or coilovers.
- Shock simulators. Plug a shock simulator into each factory shock connector on the axle you converted. At the rear, splice in the pigtail adapters first.
- Ride height simulators. Plug them into the factory ride height sensor connectors as shown in the printed instructions.
- Secure everything. Zip-tie the simulators to the frame, away from the exhaust and moving parts.
- Clear the codes. Start the vehicle and confirm the suspension warning is gone; clear stored codes with a scan tool if needed.
Every kit ships with printed instructions, and US-based support is a message away.
Frequently asked questions
Is Z55 AutoRide the same as MagneRide?
Not exactly. Z55 AutoRide uses electronically controlled valves in each shock, while MagneRide (Z95) uses magnetic fluid. Most shoppers call both MagneRide. Check your glove box label: Z55 takes our Z55 kit and Z95 takes our Z95 kit.
Does a plug-in Z55 MagneRide bypass really clear the warning?
Yes, when every unplugged shock connector has a simulator and the ride height sensor connectors have ride height simulators. Our Z55 kit averages 4.8 stars from 33 reviews on our website.
Why doesn’t the kit plug in at the rear?
On Z55 trucks and SUVs, the rear 2-pin shock connectors are a different style. Splice our Z55 pigtail adapter set onto the rear wires and the simulators plug right in. The pigtails come free with two Z55 kits or the Z55 2-axle kit.
Do I need one kit or two?
One kit converts one axle. For all four corners, order the Z55 2-axle kit or two Z55 kits.
My 2009-2014 Escalade label says Z95. Which kit?
Use the Z95 kit. GM fitted Z95 MagneRide to some Escalades in those years, and the label code decides the kit.
Can I lift or lower my truck with this kit?
Yes. Because the ride height simulators replace the factory sensor signals, the module no longer reacts to the new ride height.
What do I do with the rear air compressor?
If you switch the rear to standard non-air shocks, you can generally pull the fuse or the relay for the leveling compressor once the bypass is installed. Leave the compressor itself plugged in.
Will the speed limiter go away?
Yes. With the shocks and ride height sensor connectors handled by the kit, there is no stored fault to trigger it.
What warranty comes with it?
A lifetime warranty on every part, from a veteran-owned business that makes the kits in the USA.
Still not sure which kit fits?
Enter your year, make, and model in our Find My Kit tool, or send us your VIN and a real person will confirm the right kit before you order.
MagneRide® is a registered trademark of BWI Group. Other names are used only to identify compatible vehicles. M&P USA is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by BWI Group or General Motors. Prices shown are approximate.