Z95 MagneRide bypass guide
For 2015-2020 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, GMC Yukon Denali, and 2015-2018 GMC Sierra 1500 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 Z95 MagneRide bypass, also called a MagneRide delete, lets you replace failing magnetic ride shocks with standard shocks or coilovers without the “Service Suspension System” warning or the speed limiter. This guide covers how the system works, why it fails, what the bypass does, and exactly what to order.
The short answer
- Z95 is MagneRide. If your glove box label shows Z95 and your SUV is a 2015-2020 model (or a 2015-2018 Sierra 1500 Denali), the Z95 MagneRide bypass kit is the right part.
- One kit covers one axle. For all four corners, the Z95 2-axle kit costs less than two single kits.
- No cutting, splicing, or programming. Simulators plug into the factory shock and ride height connectors, and the warning and speed limit go away once the codes clear.
- 2021-2023 SUV? Its label also says Z95, but it takes our 2021-2023 kit; see our 2021-2023 guide. Pick by model year.
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:
- Z95 (2013-2020): the Z95 MagneRide bypass kit
- Z55 (2005-2014): the Z55 kit, see our Z55 guide
- 2021-2023 models: the 2021-2023 kit, whatever the label says
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.
How Z95 MagneRide works
Z95 is GM’s option code for MagneRide, also called Magnetic Ride Control. Each shock is filled with fluid that carries fine iron particles. A coil inside the shock changes how thick that fluid acts, so the suspension control module can firm up or soften each corner many times per second.
Ride height sensors at the wheels tell the module how high the body sits. On models with rear air leveling, air sleeves on the rear shocks keep the rear level when you load up or tow.
Older 2005-2012 trucks and SUVs use Z55 AutoRide, which uses valves instead of magnetic fluid. Shoppers call both MagneRide; if yours is a Z55, our Z55 MagneRide bypass guide covers it.
Signs your MagneRide is failing
- “Service Suspension System” on the dash
- “Speed Limited” warnings; customers report a cap around 80 to 85 mph
- 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
- With rear air leveling: the rear sitting low, or the compressor running longer than it used to
Most Z95 trucks and SUVs are now 6 to 11 years old, so worn MagneRide shocks are normal wear, not bad luck.
Repair or bypass: what it costs
| Option | What it involves | Typical parts cost |
|---|---|---|
| Factory MagneRide parts | New magnetic ride shocks and struts. GM list prices run close to $1,000 per corner on many of these SUVs. | Often $1,800 to $3,800+ before labor |
| Z95 MagneRide bypass kit plus standard shocks | Plug-in simulators for one axle, with any standard shocks or coilovers | $124.99 per axle, plus shocks |
| Z95 2-axle kit plus standard shocks | All four corners in one order | $219.99, plus shocks |
GM parts prices change often and vary by dealer; confirm current pricing for your VIN.
How the plug-in bypass works
The suspension module watches two things: the electrical circuit of each shock’s coil, and the voltage from each ride height sensor. Unplug a MagneRide shock and the module sees an open circuit, stores a fault, and turns on the warning, often with the speed limiter.
Our Z95 kit plugs into those same factory connectors. The shock simulators give the module the electrical load it expects at each shock connector, 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.
Everything plugs in at the corners with sealed, weatherproof OEM-style connectors. Nothing gets cut, nothing gets programmed, and nothing plugs into your OBD port.
“Put on my 2015 Suburban to get rid of the MagneRide in the front, and it also works for the rear air suspension to get rid of the service suspension warning. Best and most affordable option to go to passive shocks without breaking the bank!”
Matt O., 2015 Suburban owner, review on our website
Which trucks and SUVs are Z95
| Years | Vehicle | Kit |
|---|---|---|
| 2015-2020 | Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV | Z95 MagneRide bypass kit |
| 2015-2020 | Chevrolet Suburban LTZ, Suburban Premier | Z95 MagneRide bypass kit |
| 2015-2020 | Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ | Z95 MagneRide bypass kit |
| 2015-2020 | GMC Yukon Denali, Yukon Denali XL | Z95 MagneRide bypass kit |
| 2015-2018 | GMC Sierra 1500 Denali | Z95 MagneRide bypass kit |
| 2013-2014 | Escalade, Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon, Sierra Denali | Check the label: Z95 MagneRide bypass kit or Z55 kit |
| 2021-2023 | Escalade, Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon Denali | 2021-2023 kit (not for Air Ride) |
Customer-reported fitment: customers have also used the Z95 kit on the 2013 and 2014 Cadillac Escalade and the 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe RST.
Not covered: 2019 and newer Silverado and Sierra pickups use a different system (Adaptive Ride Control), and 2021 and newer SUVs with Air Ride Adaptive Suspension use air at all four corners. Our kits are not for either. Cars with MagneRide (Camaro, Corvette, ATS, CTS, XTS) use our 2013-2018 strut bypass kit; see our MagneRide bypass guide for cars.
What to order
Converting front and rear? The 2-axle kit is the better buy. Doing one axle? The single kit covers it.
Z95 2-axle kit
$219.99
All four corners: 4 shock simulators and 4 ride height simulators. Costs less than two single kits.
Z95 kit (one axle)
$124.99
Front or rear: 2 shock simulators and 2 ride height simulators. Rated 4.9 by 93 customers.
| Your plan | Order this |
|---|---|
| Front only or rear only | One Z95 kit |
| All four corners | The Z95 2-axle kit, or two Z95 kits |
| Ride height simulators only | Z95 ride height 2-pack (one axle) or 4-pack (both axles) |
| Label says Z55 | The Z55 kit instead |
| 2021-2023 SUV | The 2021-2023 kit or 2021-2023 2-axle kit |
Unlike Z55 trucks, Z95 rear connectors plug straight in, so there are no pigtails to splice.
Rear air, towing, and lift kits
Keeping rear air leveling
If you keep rear air shocks, factory or aftermarket non-magnetic, leave the rear ride height sensors connected so Automatic Level Control keeps working. Owners who tow or haul heavy loads often keep rear air for that reason.
Switching to standard rear shocks
Connect the rear air lines to each other so the compressor does not run constantly. The printed instructions show how.
Lift, level, or lowering kits
The ride height simulators send the module a steady, normal reading, so a height change does not set suspension codes. Customers run the Z95 kit with leveling kits, lift kits, and lowered setups. Contact us if you want help planning yours.
Installation in five steps
- Ride height first. With the vehicle off and safely raised, plug a 3-pin ride height simulator into each factory ride height sensor connector until it clicks.
- Cycle the power. Turn the vehicle on for 30 seconds, then off, so the module reads the new ride height.
- Shocks and shock simulators. Install your new shocks or coilovers, then plug a 2-pin shock simulator into each factory shock connector.
- Secure everything. Zip-tie the simulators to a metal surface, away from the exhaust and other heat, and not against plastic wire loom.
- Clear codes and trim. With the wheels on the ground, clear the codes (scan tool, up to 40 ignition cycles, or the battery off for 30 minutes). Then have a Ride Height Trim done with a scan tool: required on GMC Denali models, recommended on all others.
Every kit ships with printed instructions, and US-based support is a message away. We recommend installation by a certified technician.
Frequently asked questions
Is Z95 the same as MagneRide?
Yes. Z95 is GM’s option code for MagneRide (Magnetic Ride Control) on trucks and SUVs. Look for Z95 on the Service Parts Identification label in your glove box.
Which vehicles does the Z95 kit fit?
2015-2020 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban LTZ and Premier, Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ, GMC Yukon Denali and Yukon Denali XL, and 2015-2018 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali with Z95 MagneRide. Some 2013-2014 models are Z95 too; check the glove box label.
Is my 2013 or 2014 truck Z95 or Z55?
It could be either. GM used both systems in those years and changed connectors partway through some model years. Check the glove box label for Z95 or Z55, or send us your VIN and we’ll confirm the right kit.
My 2021-2023 SUV label says Z95. Which kit?
Use our 2021-2023 kit (sold as Z45), not the Z95 kit. GM kept the Z95 code on these SUVs but changed the connectors, so pick the kit by model year. It is not for SUVs with Air Ride Adaptive Suspension.
Does a plug-in bypass really clear the warning?
Yes, when every unplugged shock connector has a shock simulator and the ride height sensor connectors have ride height simulators. Our Z95 kit averages 4.9 stars from 93 reviews on our website.
Will the speed limiter go away?
Yes. Once the simulators are installed and the codes clear, there is no stored fault to trigger the limit.
Do I need one kit or two?
One kit converts one axle. For all four corners, order the Z95 2-axle kit, which costs less than two single kits.
Do I need a Ride Height Trim after installing?
It is required on GMC Denali models and recommended on all other vehicles. Any mechanic or dealership can do it with a scan tool in a few minutes.
Does it work with rear air suspension?
Yes. To keep Automatic Level Control working with non-magnetic rear air shocks, leave the rear ride height sensors connected. If you switch to non-air rear shocks, connect the rear air lines to each other so the compressor does not run constantly.
Will it fit my 2019 or newer Silverado or Sierra pickup?
No. Those pickups use a different system (Adaptive Ride Control) that our kits do not cover.
Will it work on my car?
No, the Z95 kit is for trucks and SUVs. Cars with MagneRide, like the Camaro, Corvette, ATS, and CTS, use our 2013-2018 strut bypass kit.
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.