Have a weird problem. I tried to post this morning a very detailed post but I guess it timmed out so I'll try a short version. My air ride somehow wigged out and jacked the car's front end up and dumped some of the air from the rear. I inspected everything back there and poped air from both bags had one I thought questionable so I replaced it along with the sway bar links. Next is the shocks. I did use an Equus 3007 tester on SDC connector and everything is functional although it only cycles through the components and gives no codes so kinda limited there. When key in accessory system check shows everything OK but when set to on have "check air ride system" displayed. Service manual is pointing to the message center at fault. I did try lowering back while still on jacks but no air to the bags. If I had 2 more jack and stands I would pop air from fronts and lower down trying it that way but I only have 2 so I'm leary of doing this. Any ideas would be helpful.
Strange air ride problem
- Thread starter nhcash
- Start date
tixer
Lincoln Evangelist
American Air Suspension, (One of our vendors,) probably has the most comprehensive troubleshooting guide on air suspension. I'd strongly suggest checking it out here:
http://www.americanairsuspension.com/Mark-VIII-Air-Help-s/2168.htm
Additionally, have you made any modifications to your air suspension system? I had an ASHAM8 installed for a while, and when it acted up, my car would behave similarly. Front end to the sky. I eventually bypassed the unit, and the car has behaved normally ever since.
Given your problem, (and assuming you have no modifications,) I would look closely at the ride-height sensors and associated wiring for the front end of the car. It seems like an erroneous reading here ("front end too low!") would cause the computer to react by adding more air to the system.
http://www.americanairsuspension.com/Mark-VIII-Air-Help-s/2168.htm
Additionally, have you made any modifications to your air suspension system? I had an ASHAM8 installed for a while, and when it acted up, my car would behave similarly. Front end to the sky. I eventually bypassed the unit, and the car has behaved normally ever since.
Given your problem, (and assuming you have no modifications,) I would look closely at the ride-height sensors and associated wiring for the front end of the car. It seems like an erroneous reading here ("front end too low!") would cause the computer to react by adding more air to the system.
I'm on a level surface. Thought maybe if I disconnect the front sensors from the control arms maybe it would lower the front and put air in back. I'm getting ready to install new shocks as soon as the penetrating oil works on the bolts in the trunk. Was a good buy so I couldn't pass up. No mods to air system although I have spoken for another which has new rear bags and new OEM fronts along with the spider valve compressor. Owner was tinkering with the dash and messed up something on the wiring harness and is tired of messing with it. Good price I can't pass up for a working car along with all extra parts included. I'll call again and see where to go as I'm really stumped.
driller
El Presidente
Does the air suspension warning come on almost immediately? If so, there is a 'hard fault' in the system. Otherwise it is typical for the warning to be delayed about 90 seconds while the system attempts to level the car.
Don't blame the messenger, err... message center. It is doing what it is told by the suspension computer.
First check I would make is to check all height sensors are connected. If one popped off, the car could think it is low. When normally cycled on, the system airs up the front first to ride height then brings up the rear.
Don't blame the messenger, err... message center. It is doing what it is told by the suspension computer.
First check I would make is to check all height sensors are connected. If one popped off, the car could think it is low. When normally cycled on, the system airs up the front first to ride height then brings up the rear.
Just to restate, I used a tester and compressor and solenoids function. I also used another controller to test with same results. The only thing left would be the height sensor(s). Possibly the right side. I have tore the car down in front and removed the compressor for cleaning. My night project when I get off from work.
Well I don't suspect a wiring problem and I'm more inclined towards the height sensors. When I tried to give a detailed post this all started a month ago as I was going to get dinner and the right lower ball joint blew out. I knew I was going to have to rebuild the front suspension just wasn't wanting to start until the weather was more favorable here. I presses out both lower fronts along with the sway bar links and the next step would have been the upper control arms which I've been ready to go on but been having to mess with this. I did today get 2 working front height sensors for both sides so I'm hoping this corrects the problem otherwise my only option is to convert to a conventional suspension system. I just replaced a rear bag from salvage along with shocks and sway bar links. Both solenoids were replaced also so my air is ready to go except for this weird situation. I've started on the compressor and am waiting for the penetrating oil to do It's work so I can finish cleaning it out. It works but since I'm doing all this work I just as well give it an overhaul too.
Well problem solved ( I hope). Started with the right height sensor and put everything back together. Up and ready to roll. Now I have one for the left side if needed. Wasn't able to get the other side apart on the compressor to clean as 3 of the screws are rusted and penetrating oil didn't budge them at all. Did clean the piston area and lubed so half effort I guess ok. Put original relay back and moved new one to ABS to see if that was th problem and it wasn't. Will wait for the Rotunda Super Star 2 to arrive to work on that one. Will drive her around till my next day off and tackle the upper control arms to finish the front end. Thanks to all who read and replied. I'll keep posting my adventures in auto repair.