Title says it all 😉

Please before anyone says "why? its *****" or anything can I just say - projects like this help me immensely with my mental health, which is always seeking to destroy me. Having a project to work on, or an idea to research is my escape and also - it's amazing what you can achieve if you just TRY 😄

Foreword over;

I'm researching retrofitting the IVDC suspension to my 2009 Smax.

It already has ESP, and as far as I can see I need to source: 

2x Front IVDC Shock
2x Rear IVDC Shock
IVDC mode switch/buttons
IVDC control module
Front suspension Level Sensor LH/RH
Rear suspension Level Sensor LH/RH
Front Vertical Accelerometer LH/RH
Rear Vertical Accelerometer

My car is a titanium spec, which has factory xenon projectors fitted, with auto-self levelling for them.

From my initial googles, I can see that the front level sensor LH/RH in my shopping list is the same as a headlight level sensor? also wondering, with having ESP already, am I likely to have the accelerometers already in place/use on my car? *If so, where are they mounted? Mondeos are in the front wheel arches I believe*

If anyone has any ideas or input or even questions please feel free to join in ! help as always, much appreciated!

George

Yes, YAW rate and steering angle sensors will be fitted due to ESP.

You will need the complete wiring diagram to see where everything goes, then shock, sensors and module.

You will then need the VIN from an S-Max that had it fitted from factory so that you can configure the module using FORscan

Been lurking for a while on here, but I'll weigh in on this one

 

I did this on my 2008 Mondeo some years ago. It is a huge job.

Unless you already have adaptive cruise or at least hill launch assist, you will have to change the ABS module/pump and the ESP module. Suspension module can't communicate with the standard items.

You already have left hand front and left hand rear level sensors for xenon, just need to add the right hand ones. Same sensors for IVDC and xenon

You'll need new rear ABS/Height sensor/shock absorber looms, for the rear lower arms. All 3 vertical accelerometers. You won't have any in place already. I doubt you will have any engine loom wiring in place for IVDC.

One of the hardest parts I found, was sourcing all the multiplugs for the various sensors. You will also need to find someone with IDS to code new ABS pump. Forscan won't do it.

Be very careful with the parts you get, that they are Ford. Volvo use the same module and the same accelerometers with all the same Ford part numbers, but no Volvo markings whatsoever. They have different software and won't work. If I remember correctly, it is very difficult to change the ABS pump with the engine wiring loom is in place. So I removed the entire engine loom, which made it easier to tape all the new wiring into it.

I have dozens of photos and diagrams from when I did it, including wiring diagram. Happy to pass those on

 

Gary

34 minutes ago, Apollogary said:

Been lurking for a while on here, but I'll weigh in on this one

 

I did this on my 2008 Mondeo some years ago. It is a huge job.

Unless you already have adaptive cruise or at least hill launch assist, you will have to change the ABS module/pump and the ESP module. Suspension module can't communicate with the standard items.

You already have left hand front and left hand rear level sensors for xenon, just need to add the right hand ones. Same sensors for IVDC and xenon

You'll need new rear ABS/Height sensor/shock absorber looms, for the rear lower arms. All 3 vertical accelerometers. You won't have any in place already. I doubt you will have any engine loom wiring in place for IVDC.

One of the hardest parts I found, was sourcing all the multiplugs for the various sensors. You will also need to find someone with IDS to code new ABS pump. Forscan won't do it.

Be very careful with the parts you get, that they are Ford. Volvo use the same module and the same accelerometers with all the same Ford part numbers, but no Volvo markings whatsoever. They have different software and won't work. If I remember correctly, it is very difficult to change the ABS pump with the engine wiring loom is in place. So I removed the entire engine loom, which made it easier to tape all the new wiring into it.

I have dozens of photos and diagrams from when I did it, including wiring diagram. Happy to pass those on

 

Gary

Wow this is awesome (and worrying) to read. Looks like it’s a hell of a job! I will most likely do it in small stages, as the car is also the family daily.

really appreciate all the advice mate, I will be double checking parts, or may seek to find a donor car to grab it all from if I get lucky.

regarding pics etc, I would be absolutely over the moon if you’d be so kind! I’ll drop you a PM with my email address , hopefully that’s ok 🙂

 

thank you again Gary