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Conversion Kits Aftermarket conversion kits for the older cars with air ride suspensions have become a hot item in recent years because the kits provide a repair solution for vehicles that might otherwise be too expensive to fix. read more... |
Performance Possibilities A whole new generation of younger vehicle owners are spending serious money these days customizing sport compact cars. The hot nameplates are Honda, Accord and Mitsubishi, but you'll also see Chevy Cavaliers, Ford Focuses and other nameplates among their ranks. read more... |
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Air Ride Basics Understanding the operating logic of an air ride suspension system is important when trying to make a diagnosis because all of these systems are different. If you don't understand the logic, you can't always tell if the system is functioning correctly or not. read more... |
Lincoln Logic On the older Lincoln systems, the control module monitors ride height for up to an hour after the ignition is turned off, venting pressure as needed to maintain correct ride height. During this time it will lower, but not raise the vehicle. read more... |
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Air Ride Problems Air suspension problems fall into one of three categories: Electrical, Electronic and Air Supply. One of the leading causes of compressor failure is air leaks (usually in the air springs or lines). read more... |
General Service Precautions The first thing to keep in mind when servicing vehicles with electronic air suspensions is to watch out for those that are self-leveling - especially if the vehicle is going to be raised on a lift to change the tires or work on the brakes. read more... |
Common Air Ride Problems
Air suspension problems fall into one of three categories:
1. Electrical Problems with the height sensors, air spring solenoids, module control circuit, compressor relay, compressor or vent solenoid. These can be isolated by using the system's self-diagnostic procedures (if available) and various volt/ohm checks. Service consists of replacing the faulty component or wiring, or readjusting the height sensors.
2. Electronic Problems will usually set a fault code and turn on a warning light. On the older vehicles, there is usually a self-diagnostic procedure for reading the codes and doing self-tests. On newer vehicles, codes can usually be accessed with a scan tool. On the more sophisticated systems, you may need a bidirectional scan tool with the appropriate software to do system tests and to recalibrate height sensors.
On late-model Cadillacs with the CVRSS electronic suspension, you can get codes by pressing the WARM and OFF buttons on the climate control system simultaneously. Refer to a manual for the code retrieval and clearing procedure when using the panel buttons.
3. Air Supply - leaky or obstructed air lines, faulty compressor or spring solenoids. Diagnosis is made via the self-test and visual inspection. A bad compressor or solenoid must be replaced, but damaged air lines can be repaired by splicing.
NOTE: One of the leading causes of compressor failure is air leaks (usually in the air springs or lines). If the compressor is constantly running, it's going to work itself to an early death.
If you're replacing a compressor, the dryer should also be changed to protect the new unit from moisture. If the dryer is saturated with moisture, it can create backpressure that can overload and burn out a compressor.
Air springs - Leaking, damaged, deflated or unfolded springs. Damaged springs must be replaced as an individual assembly (replacement in pairs is not necessary with air springs). If unfolded, the spring must be carefully inspected for cuts or cracks before it is reinflated.
