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The Dreaded "Check Air Ride" Message (Please Help)

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Posted by: Ford_Fan

Hey all, new to the site, love what I've seen. I hate to cut to the chase here, but I'm slightly worried. I've just picked up a '97 Lincoln Mark VIII and I love the thing, but it's already been nickel and diming me. The car has 88,000 miles and only some small stuff has gone wrong. The windshield washer button coming off, some little arm in the dash for my A/C broke, etc. Nothing too bad, I understood that stuff and could either fix it or get it fixed, but now my message center will display the "Check Air Ride" message after I go over 30 mph. I can trick the system though, by switching the Air Ride off, then on again. This holds me over until I put the car in park. I wasn't worried until I looked at it today. The car has taken on a staggered stance, reminding me of the muscle cars of the late '60s. The air dam is riding about 2.5 - 3 inches off the ground and the rear end sits about 5-6 off the ground. I'm afraid the nose is going to keep going down, but I don't have the cash right now to get it looked at or fixed. What is going on here and what's a quick, cheap fix to hold me over for a bit?

Note: If it helps at all, I plowed a possum the other day. I was fast, it was not.

Posted by: 67Continental

i have exactly the same problem on my car except i get the check air ride message immediately upon startup. I replaced the compressor, stil get the message, still have the problem. next step for me is to replace the relay. getting tired of having the rear end up sooo high.

Posted by: Ford_Fan

yeah, it sucks, doesn't it? on really hot days (100+ F), I get the message immediatly too. Hopefully someone can shed some light on it, eh?

Posted by: Lincolns Own

ur bags might have a leak or your sensors could be off

Posted by: mespock

If she is down after you have the air ride turned off you have a leak in one of the bags.

You will ruin the compressor if you have to keep pumping up the system.

Air Ride message comes on when the compressor has run for too long of a time.

At 55 mph I think is when the Mark VIII's drop for high speed driving.

When you slow down the compressor will come on to pump the bags back to normal driving height.

You can contact Eddie at www.americanairsuspension.com he's the best and will be able to help figure out what your problem is and what yo need.

Posted by: Ford_Fan

I'm pretty sure it isn't a leak. The bags hold air for a couple of days after I turn the system off, and it's only the front ones that lose the air. That could be caused by the weight of the engine, right? If I had to guess, I'd say the compressor's fried, but I could be trying to rationalize (I hear that the bags, when ordered from Ford, are quite expensive, and I want to keep this thing as close to stock as possible).

Posted by: mespock

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ford_Fan

I'm pretty sure it isn't a leak. The bags hold air for a couple of days after I turn the system off, and it's only the front ones that lose the air. That could be caused by the weight of the engine, right? If I had to guess, I'd say the compressor's fried, but I could be trying to rationalize (I hear that the bags, when ordered from Ford, are quite expensive, and I want to keep this thing as close to stock as possible).

If the car goes down after the air ride is turned off even after a few days it's 99% the bags.

Front can go down with out the rear going down... It is not because of the weight of the engine...

Contact Eddie at American Air Ride Suspension... His bags are a lot cheaper than Ford...

Also you can get after market bags from Arnott and Strutmasters...

2 Bags about $300 to $350... Cheaper if you are a Gold member.

But seriously I would suspect the bags... Air Ride off car goes down it's a leak in the bags..

I had this problem on my Mark VII car would stay up for over a day sometimes days then go down.. It was the bags on her also...

Posted by: Ford_Fan

Awww horse *%&@. My bags probably won't come back up at all. I'm pretty sure the compressor is already shot. I can't afford that and new bags. But thanks for the advice. Do you know if there's any temporary fixes that I can try? Also, how can I test my compressor to see if it's still working?

Posted by: Ford_Fan

I just went out and checked the car. Jacked it up, played with everything. I was going to check my bags with soapy water, but the compressor never kicked on at all, and my bags are completely empty. In my own mind, I've narrowed my problem to either my relay or my compressor. I get the check air ride message at 45 to 50 miles an hour if it doesn't come on immediatly, which means the sensors are fine, it just can't fill the bags at all. When I start the car, I can hear a single click coming from where the compressor is. So it's either or. I'd say the bags are in good shape, though. When I was down there, there was no dry rot, no cracks, and no visible holes. They looked almost new!

Posted by: aristo1963

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ford_Fan

I just went out and checked the car. Jacked it up, played with everything. I was going to check my bags with soapy water, but the compressor never kicked on at all, and my bags are completely empty. In my own mind, I've narrowed my problem to either my relay or my compressor. I get the check air ride message at 45 to 50 miles an hour if it doesn't come on immediatly, which means the sensors are fine, it just can't fill the bags at all. When I start the car, I can hear a single click coming from where the compressor is. So it's either or. I'd say the bags are in good shape, though. When I was down there, there was no dry rot, no cracks, and no visible holes. They looked almost new!

ok you have asked us for help and here in a nutshell is your answer
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
ive edited this to answer one possiblity ,you said you plowed a possom.
look at the height sensors and make sure one wasnt knocked off or broken from the impact.if it was reconnect it and you might be solved.if not then the bottom half does apply to you,and remember anytime you take the car up have the ride control switched off in the trunk.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

1-you have a leak in one or both front bags.
the front dropped because one strut cannot hold up the weight of the front end.yes the rubber can look like a new diamond,but it cracks under the folds where you cant see.to check a leak the car must be up turn off the suspension jack it up so the tires hang down and spray em.you will see bubble city at the leaks.

2-yes you have probably burned up the compressor so that it cant lift well anymore.it takes 85 psi to lift the back,but 125 psi to lift the front.engines are heavy.
the back is high because the compressors vent valve has rusted from all the moisture the leaking bags drew into the system.this also means the dryers dissicant is shot(but that can be saved and dried out)id be willing to bet that the compressor had become more noisy over the last few months.

3-the compressor power relay has brobably been fried which is why the compressor wont even try and come on at all anymore.

4-the check ride control is coming on because after 90 sec. the system times out if the car hasnt reached its programmed height.

just a note when the relay or a selinoid wire shorts the check message comes on right away instead of 90 seconds.

american air.arnott ect... sell much cheaper versions of everything you need except the ride control relay 85.00-135.00 dealer only part.the 85.00 if you have a good local dealer.
as of right now you are looking at a 600.00 or so parts bill if you do the work yourself.
last option is a four wheel spring conversion again 4-6 hundred with you in the mechanics seat.some love this conversion i personally think it sucks,but i dont fault anyone what THEY choose to do.
both of these options will take you 3 hours to a day to do if your mechanically savvy.

oh and that clik you hear is the selinoids opening up to recieve the air that would have come.
john

Posted by: Ford_Fan

well, that may have been disappointing, but at least I know now what I'm looking at, price-wise. I'll leave the air-ride off until I get the cash to fix it. I've got a guy in town I know who can fix anything and can order the new parts. I'll have him take a look
at it ASAP. Thank you so much for your time. And yes, the compressor was extremely noisy before it went dead.

Posted by: aristo1963

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ford_Fan

well, that may have been disappointing, but at least I know now what I'm looking at, price-wise. I'll leave the air-ride off until I get the cash to fix it. I've got a guy in town I know who can fix anything and can order the new parts. I'll have him take a look
at it ASAP. Thank you so much for your time. And yes, the compressor was extremely noisy before it went dead.

the isolators(rubber grommets wear over the years causing noise to increase)but when it is run hard from a leak it gets really noisy.a good clean system with a good compressor is almost undetectable in the cabin.
john

Posted by: Roadboss

I have bad grommets one of mine and I kinda have gotten used to the noise they give off. It lets me know when the compressor is running. My other car is quite as a mouse, and when I drive it I get paranoid cause I don't hear the compressor rattle.

Posted by: Flying Dutchman

Hi gang, newbie here. I have a 95 Lincoln Conti that is having the same problem with the "Check Ride Control" message. At times you can hear the compressor, other times it does not come on. Sometimes the bags fill up, sometimes they don't. Really sucks when they deflate while driving down the road and everybody in the car becomes bobblehead dolls, complaining of whiplash and sea sickness.

Anywho....questions i have:

Where exactly is the air control shut off located and what happens when i do?

Where is the relay switch located and could that be the problem?

Side note: how do I fix the "cloudiness" of my headlights? I have tried and tried to clean and polish those plastic covers to no avail.

Posted by: guardmaker

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ford_Fan

Hey all, new to the site, love what I've seen. I hate to cut to the chase here, but I'm slightly worried. I've just picked up a '97 Lincoln Mark VIII and I love the thing, but it's already been nickel and diming me. The car has 88,000 miles and only some small stuff has gone wrong. The windshield washer button coming off, some little arm in the dash for my A/C broke, etc. Nothing too bad, I understood that stuff and could either fix it or get it fixed, but now my message center will display the "Check Air Ride" message after I go over 30 mph. I can trick the system though, by switching the Air Ride off, then on again. This holds me over until I put the car in park. I wasn't worried until I looked at it today. The car has taken on a staggered stance, reminding me of the muscle cars of the late '60s. The air dam is riding about 2.5 - 3 inches off the ground and the rear end sits about 5-6 off the ground. I'm afraid the nose is going to keep going down, but I don't have the cash right now to get it looked at or fixed. What is going on here and what's a quick, cheap fix to hold me over for a bit?

Note: If it helps at all, I plowed a possum the other day. I was fast, it was not.

The connection lines are connected to 'push-in' connectors. Depress the connector (push forward) as you pull the line back. Clean the end of the line off and inside the connector. You might put a little vaseline one the end of the line before re-connecting. Also, there is an 'o' ring on the relay that could be leaking. As far as the compressor pump, you can dis-connect the lines to the air spring and pressurize both the inlet and outlet line, you have to pressurize both to allow air to enter the air spring. If the bag is good, it will retain the pressure, if not, you know you have a leaking air bag. You can also get extra lift this way.

Posted by: mespock

I perchased a complete spring conversion from Strutmasters for my 93 Mark VIII for $350 shipped to my door.

This included a Gold Members Discount...

Anybody who can turn a wrench can do the swap, very easy and the kit comes with instructions plus there is a tech article on how to also..

The ride is very nice... I like it better than the Air Ride... Although it's not a cool as having the feel of the drop as you step down and start to let her fly....

Also you lose the sound of the compressor kicking in and your ability to tell your friends oh that.... That's the Lincoln air ride pumping up my suspension..

But that's just vanity..

Posted by: Kbob

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flying Dutchman

Hi gang, newbie here. I have a 95 Lincoln Conti that is having the same problem with the "Check Ride Control" message. At times you can hear the compressor, other times it does not come on. Sometimes the bags fill up, sometimes they don't. Really sucks when they deflate while driving down the road and everybody in the car becomes bobblehead dolls, complaining of whiplash and sea sickness.

I hate to tell you this, but your bags are shot. Does the rear deflate as well? Sounds like your compressor is about gone as well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flying Dutchman

Where exactly is the air control shut off located and what happens when i do?.

The shut off for my Mark VIII is in the trunk, on the drivers side. There's a little door you open up and the switch is inside. Your Continental is probably in the same place.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flying Dutchman

Where is the relay switch located and could that be the problem?.

Here's a pic:

This is the compressor/dryer assembly that should be located forward of the front, passenger-side wheel well. The relay is closest to the front of the car. I suppose that could be the problem, but I doubt it. Leaking bags cause the compressor to run longer and more often. This burns up the compressor sooner ran than later, a lot sooner.

Posted by: Ford_Fan

well guys, thanks for all the advice. I'm going to take it in and get it checked out today. I'm pretty sure it's just the compressor, but you never know. Depending on how much damage there is, I may just say screw it and convert, but I prefer not to. I hope it isn't too bad, because I'm broke from buying the car. If it is going to be expensive, I'll just leave the air ride off until I can get it fixed. Thanks again!

Posted by: fossten

FYI if anybody wants front bags, I've got 2 that are 3 yrs old in great shape. Paid hundreds for them, did a coil conversion, don't need them. Selling pair for $150 shipped.

Posted by: fossten

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ford_Fan

well guys, thanks for all the advice. I'm going to take it in and get it checked out today. I'm pretty sure it's just the compressor, but you never know. Depending on how much damage there is, I may just say screw it and convert, but I prefer not to. I hope it isn't too bad, because I'm broke from buying the car. If it is going to be expensive, I'll just leave the air ride off until I can get it fixed. Thanks again!

DON'T take it to the dealer. He'll charge an arm and a d**k for the labor.

Posted by: marksarcade

I will buy those front air struts from you if they will work on a 96 VIII.

Posted by: bigdog1279

hey that not to true the dealership only charged me 170 for the labor to instal a new airshock and the stabilizer link for the front and that took them like a little over 2 houres im shur they could have don it in 2 but i didn,t mind
and there regular price is like 90 and houre
and i brought my own shock didn,t get it from them

Posted by: Glorywagon

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ford_Fan

The car has been raised with the air ride switch not shut off. You will have to have air ride reset.

Posted by: Glorywagon

Quote:

Originally Posted by fossten

DON'T take it to the dealer. He'll charge an arm and a d**k for the labor.

Ford will check it and give you a print out around $40.00 and if they fix it they will sub. the $40.00 from your bill. or just pay them $40.00 and take it home and fix it.

Posted by: mespock

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glorywagon

The car has been raised with the air ride switch not shut off. You will have to have air ride reset.

You are responding to a thread and a post from 2005...

Posted by: kustomizingkid

Holy old post!

Posted by: Glorywagon

Quote:

Originally Posted by mespock

You are responding to a thread and a post from 2005...

You are reading a post from 2005.so don't laugh.

Posted by: Glorywagon

Quote:

Originally Posted by kustomizingkid

Holy old post!

Then why not revive it silly boy.

Posted by: Glorywagon

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glorywagon

Then why not revive it silly boy.

Didn't see it was that old sorry. Danny

Posted by: Glorywagon

As far as me replying to a a 3 year old post I found it on a google search. Thats how I found LVC .

If thats what it took to find LVC thank you Google.
Danny

And thats all I got to say about it

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