Lincoln Navigator Air Suspesion

[MindyMark]

Howdy,

It's been a while since I troubleshot an air suspension issue, so I wanted to run it by you guys.

This afternoon we noticed it was sitting low while running (not check engine light though). After a few minutes the car was riding at it's normal height again. By the time we got home (about a 45 minute drive) the check air suspension light did come on and the back was on the ground again. The check air suspension light comes on immediately now when starting the car.

My thoughts are that it's a bad compressor or a bad relay. Thoughts?

Clayton

 

[driller]

I had a rear air strut failure on our 2010 Navigator. The compressor ran but couldn't overcome the leak to raise the rear.

Can you tell if the compressor is running?

 

[MindyMark]

Well I went back out to double check some things, and when I first started the car this time everything appeared ok. Compressor ran and shut off after about 90 seconds. However, when I got out of the car, the rear didn't look like it had raised at all. Went back in a few minutes later to start the car, compressor did not run and there was no check suspension light.

I'm inclined to replace the bags since they are about 8ish years old (it's a 2009) and I had been thinking the compressor had been running too often. However, just about 6 months ago they passed a leak test by both the dealer and leaving them turned off for 3 days.

Whatever is going on, I'm thinking it's not one single issue.

Follow up question, do they not sell dryers for these cars? I can only find a dryer with the compressor.

 

[MindyMark]

2nd follow up question, does the 09 Navigator have a dedicated Air Suspension Relay like they did in the Mark's? I found a fuse and a relay in the power distribution box in the engine compartment, but from what I can tell there is another relay as well. I just can't seem to find where it is located to make sure there is no corrosion issues. Here is an image of the part I'm looking for.

http://www.rockauto.com/info/903/1R1168.jpg

 

[driller]

I can't really add much else (except I could check the manual).

When I had my issues, it was covered by the extended warranty which meant I never did any further diagnosis. I did find the relay you mention in the under hood power distribution box. I removed the relay and fashioned a jumper to force the compressor to run which is how I found the source of the leak.

My older Navigator ('99) did have the relay you linked to which is the same as the Mark VIII suspension relay. I keep a spare handy.

 

[MindyMark]

Well I ordered the new bags and dropped the Navigator off for diagnosis. Too bad our warranty expired last year.

 

[MindyMark]

Well the Navigator has been to two shops (one is a Lincoln Dealer), neither could find any problem (or code history). They said everything appeared to be in good shape and should give us problem free function for years to come...So here are my follow up questions - I had the first shop replace the relay for me just to eliminate it as a possibility. Is it possible that a malfunctioning relay could cause it to drop twice within one day? I thought only leaking bags or solenoids would cause it to drop like that? Second - The dealer quoted me $483.90 to replace just the dryer (237.35/241.00 parts and labor breakout). I thought that was way off mark, as I was expecting less than $100 or so. However, I can find any 3rd party that sells just the dryer. Based on my previous experience with Lincoln Air Rides, it was always recommended to regularly replace the dryer to prevent excess moisture in the system. Has this changed for some reason on the 07 and newer Navigators?

 

[driller]

The only relay mentioned in the manual is the electromechanical relay in the engine compartment power distribution box. I suppose IF the relay points didn't make proper contact for the compressor to run AND the system attempted to raise the suspension THEN the solenoids could've been energized without the compressor running and possibly lost air pressure despite the fact the vent solenoid should've been closed? The vent solenoid could be sticking (open) as well? The vent solenoid looks to be near the same as the Mark VIII setup - integral to the suspension compressor. As such it would seem to me to be a probable source of failure as they are in the Mark VIIIs.

The dryer is replaceable according to the manual. One screw to remove and then twist CCW 1/4 turn to disengage from the compressor. I cannot fathom the price you were quoted for a simple R&R of the dryer. Perhaps they were pricing the entire compressor assembly?

Did you buy the airbags and have them installed?

 

[RichardOrland]

The Lincoln Navigator Air Suspension Systems are the softest on the road. When the Lincoln Navigator Struts or the Lincoln Navigator Air Spring Bags go out the car is nearly impossible to drive. Suncore Industries provides all the solutions for your Air Suspension Repair. Whether you maintain the Air Suspension of the vehicle or if you convert to one of our Lincoln Navigator Conversion Kits, your satisfaction is our guarantee!

 

[MindyMark]

I opted not to replace the bags, as we have had the Navigator back about 2 weeks with zero issues. I'm guessing it must have been the relay that got replaced.