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Air suspension question

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Posted by: MD-82

Now that were done with the engine, we are currently addressing the suspension. While reinserting the car's used right front bag, we noticed that although the air valve was receiving pressure (hearing the hissing at the valve), air doesn't appear to be passing through the valve to the bag.
For some reason, even though the height sensor is completely pressed in, the valve isn't opening to let air through to the bag.

What could be the problem?

Xander

Posted by: Black87LSC

Did the car ride at the correct height before? It sounds like either the ride height sensor is bad, or the solenoid is plugged up.

Posted by: MD-82

Quote:

Originally Posted by Black87LSC

Did the car ride at the correct height before? It sounds like either the ride height sensor is bad, or the solenoid is plugged up.

Last time my girlfriend drove this car (almost 3 years ago). She told they stopped driving the car because of air suspension problems. The car bounced in all directions when passing over bumps. So they parked the car and let some nobody work on it. He got as for as removing the right front bag and inserting a big block of wood instead. One one the brackets holding the bag in place was completely bent.......
But I reinserted the bag and connected the solenoid. But nothing. I tried inserting my voltmeters plugs in the solenoid valve wire and got only .02 Volts. But I don't know if it's because the sensor's not working or because the plugs can't make proper contact in those small holes.

Is there a way I can maybe troubleshoot this? Also......after inserting the solenoid into it's socket, I just am not able to loosen it again. No matter what I do I can't get that darned thing loose.

Posted by: ND4SPDLSC

You can run the diagnostics test available at LincolnsOnline.com to see if it's a solenoid or electronic glitch. Are you sure the solenoid is supposed to open when you think it is? The solenoids open only to vent or to fill and do so only when signalled by the computer.

Posted by: MD-82

In my opinion this one was supposed to. The bag has just been inserted so it was completely flat. This corner has a problem with a broken height sensor arm end link. It had been wired to the pin on the control arm. I loosened it and pressed it in completely. Still nothing.

So a flat bag with a height sensor arm completely pressed in should have done the job. I'll head over to that site you mentioned.

Thanks!

Posted by: WALT

Solenoids are supplied 12 volts from fuse link on starter relay
ground is controlled by the air ride module -- although not a common failure
the solenoid could be bad ---
From your comments there were suspension problems before
being "parked" --so you have to do some basic testing first --
However the most common failure items that will cause the suspension to
get weird is-- Bag leaks / compressor not capable of 125psi / vent
solenoid not working / system leaks ( Dryer / lines / seals )
unless involved in an accident, the height sensors - bag solenoids and control module are pretty bullet proof -- be aware that bad troubleshooting techniques
can cause more damage then defective components will -- be very careful with
voltmeters / test lights and jumper wires -- follow the procedures in the book
Happy hunting --

Posted by: MD-82

Thanks Walt,

maybe you can tell me this. The vent that sits just under the dryer in the engine compartment. Should that read 125 psi also when the compressor is running? Because with the battery ON and the compressor working, it only reads about 60 psi.

Xander