|
Description & Operation This automobile has standard struts and coil springs in the front and the rear is an air-operated, microprocessor-controlled air suspension system where most have steel coil springs. read more... |
Support Systems Air suspension controls are activated by the module which also controls the Electronic Variable Orifice (EVO) for the steering. read more... |
|
Solutions If your Grand Marquis air suspension is down, then to keep it as a working air suspension system, it would be best to replace both air springs and the air compressor. read more... |
What Goes Wrong The modules, solenoids, relays, levelers, height sensors and many other electronic components are all subject to failure over time. read more... |
What Goes Wrong with the
Mercury Grand Marquis Air Suspension
The Mercury Grand Marquis Air Suspension system is subject to many problems but TIME is its biggest enemy. The air springs are made with rubber, which tends to dry-rot in five to seven years. It's longevity is determined by how much extreme heat and cold the Grand Marquis is subjected. Also, bad road conditions and use of salt will shorten the life of the air suspension system. In most cases small cracks appear where the rubber folds under on the air spring. The up and down motion causes stress cracks. These are not visible because they are folded under. Once the air spring is removed and the fold pulled out, there will be hundreds of cracks. As these cracks begin to open, air is released in small amounts.
The air suspension compressor begins to run more causing it to slowly become weaker until it fails and no longer pumps up the leaking air springs. Once the Grand Marquis air suspension has failed, the car will lower itself in the rear making it difficult and dangerous to drive. If the air springs are not replaced, the air suspension system will continue to destroy the compressors by attempting to fill up leaking air springs.
If the air suspension system is pumped up hard in the rear, then the solenoid in the compressor has failed and will not all the system to vent. The compressor continues to pump, but will not release air and the car remains up and firm at all times. In this case the compressor must be replaced to correct the problem. One should weigh out the future costs of replacing failing air suspension parts as well as possible failed electronics.
Finally, beyond the life of the rubber air springs and failing air compressors, the complicated electronic components of the air suspension system has a tendency to fail. The modules, solenoids, relays, levelers, height sensors and many other electronic components are all subject to fail in time. Many of these components are dealer items only and replacing the entire Mercury Grand Marquis Air Suspension System can cost upwards of $2500 at a Mercury Dealer. Ususally this is close to the book value of the car and not a good choice.
