After some front suspension work being done and replacement (used but good) front air 'shocks', mechanic can not find a computer system to sync the air ride to the car's computer. Now am deciding whether to just do the front or all of it. I really wanted to keep this car on air but besides finding the components, this really sucks for me. I don't drive it all that much (haven't even seen it for 6 weeks) so doubt I'll notice the difference in ride. Don't care about the lowering on the highway or the leveling in rear as I don't tow anything and don't weigh the trunk down. Can anyone tell me where to find the info on disconnecting the sensors to computer so I don't get air ride message on dash? I know there's info here somewhere but can't seem to find it. Appreciate any help.
Looks like coils for me
- Thread starter soclose
- Start date
Maybe sync isn't the right word. He's supposedly worked on these cars before (old Ford/Lincoln) at dealerships before opening his own shop and was recommended by other Lincoln owner. Says he can't get the ride height sensors to respond via car's computer. Can't find the equipment (has ordered 2 that won't work) to read/find the problem. Don't know much more than that except it's gonna cost more than I was expecting mostly due to all this labor.
tixer
Lincoln Evangelist
I would guess he is looking for an old Rotunda STAR tester, which allows for a bit more complete (automated) diagnosis of the air ride system.
For what it's worth, plenty of people have done troubleshooting on this system without the tester. There isn't any "syncing" to be done, per se. If he used all OEM gear, it should have been "plug and play." If the compressor still runs at startup, have him double-check the O-rings on the solenoids of the new air struts. They always need to be replaced, but most people try to skip them
For what it's worth, plenty of people have done troubleshooting on this system without the tester. There isn't any "syncing" to be done, per se. If he used all OEM gear, it should have been "plug and play." If the compressor still runs at startup, have him double-check the O-rings on the solenoids of the new air struts. They always need to be replaced, but most people try to skip them
driller
El Presidente
Sometimes you can know too much. If your guy used to work at a dealership, odds are he had access to all the special tools and followed the diagnostics in the manuals.
At some point in any repair, the cost of diagnosis and repairs can exceed the cost for replacement, Often the enthusiasts who do their own work discount the cost of their time so they can go much further down the path before this point is reached.
It reminds me of my recent encounter in the repair manual when working on the power steering. There are pages and pages of special tools, diagnostic routines and repair procedures on the steering rack. Most of which means nothing because for the vast majority, the simplest fix is to replace the rack.
Likewise, such is often the case with the air suspension. I would first back up to what started this whole repair since replacing the front air bags didn't accomplish anything.
At some point in any repair, the cost of diagnosis and repairs can exceed the cost for replacement, Often the enthusiasts who do their own work discount the cost of their time so they can go much further down the path before this point is reached.
It reminds me of my recent encounter in the repair manual when working on the power steering. There are pages and pages of special tools, diagnostic routines and repair procedures on the steering rack. Most of which means nothing because for the vast majority, the simplest fix is to replace the rack.
Likewise, such is often the case with the air suspension. I would first back up to what started this whole repair since replacing the front air bags didn't accomplish anything.
You're right about knowing too much. Apparently he can't find whatever equipment he needs to reset the car's computer. He did put new o rings on the replaced air shocks and said the system had no leaks. Too late now as car will be on coils by midweek. I hate to lose the ride but I guess it's just one less thing to worry about down the road. The problem that started this whole mess was that the car didn't go into park mode and stayed up for days. I'd expected it to drop and replacing the air shocks or ride height sensors would solve that. After thinking about it awhile, there was a water leak (after long or heavy rains) only coming into right side kick panel area. That's where some module would get wet, right? So, supposedly that problem was fixed and now water doesn't get in anymore. But after that was done, the raised height problem started. Between 2 garages, I've had the car 3 weeks since December. Admittedly I told both 'no rush' but meant "I want it done right the first time", not 'just keep it'! Obviously I'm frustrated, disappointed and slowly (not so slowly) going broke with labor costs. So maybe I'll get a long ride in sometime soon.
If it helps at all I went to coils in the front and left the rear air. Rear air is easy to find so no problem there. When you do the front be sure to take the solenoid sensors from the front struts and zip tie them somewhere in the wheel well.
I don't notice any difference in the ride and the rear can still level the vehicle if you have any load.
I don't notice any difference in the ride and the rear can still level the vehicle if you have any load.
SCTBIRD1173
Mark my Bird!
Sorry to hear you're ditching the air but I guess I can't blame you in your situation. Take a ride to Northern NJ and hook it up to my Rotunda SBDS, doesn't get any better than that! 
When I picked it up from the old dealer I used to work at the owner said it cost him 50k in 1991 :eek-large:
When I picked it up from the old dealer I used to work at the owner said it cost him 50k in 1991 :eek-large:
Last edited:
tonybrooklyn
New member
THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Smartest cheapest best solution there is.Only thing i can add is ditch the rear too!!!!!! And if you do it right the car will handle like its on rails Good Luck!!!!!!!:thumbsup:
Last edited:
tonybrooklyn
New member
Your welcome bro!
MarkVIIIMarc
New member
Mine has had springs for 60,000 or 70,000 miles.
FWIW, it IS possible to put Gabriel air shocks on the back if you really load down the trunk of back seat for some reason.
I was bored when another shock mount went noisy and put them on. Cut and drilled some 1/4" steel for upper mounts.
Doubt our dainty mounting system would hold as much weight as the shocks can so don't go crazy. Don't think I've ever had more than 50lbs of air in mine.
FWIW, it IS possible to put Gabriel air shocks on the back if you really load down the trunk of back seat for some reason.
I was bored when another shock mount went noisy and put them on. Cut and drilled some 1/4" steel for upper mounts.
Doubt our dainty mounting system would hold as much weight as the shocks can so don't go crazy. Don't think I've ever had more than 50lbs of air in mine.
BlackIceLSC
New member
I put my old 94 on springs at 65k miles. Sold it at 174k miles and it still rode like the day I converted it. Air is for air ride enthusiasts. Coils are for everyone else.
I've had both NEW FORD AIR SPRINGS and COILS on My Mark VIII's, and perhaps it is just my priorities and driving style, but I preferred the ride of coils.
But Peace of mind prevails over originality on most people's list.
Glad you got it sorted....now you can sell your air ride parts to someone whose priorities are different than yours.
I've had both NEW FORD AIR SPRINGS and COILS on My Mark VIII's, and perhaps it is just my priorities and driving style, but I preferred the ride of coils.
But Peace of mind prevails over originality on most people's list.
Glad you got it sorted....now you can sell your air ride parts to someone whose priorities are different than yours.
tonybrooklyn
New member
Best of luck !:wave: