fmr lurker desperate for advice!

[4and8mark]

Hello all,
I am a new member to this forum. I feel fortunate that this is here. It has helped me on several occasions in the past. However, for once, I cannot find an answer to my problem through prior similar posts. I really hope(confidently) that one of you will be able to enlighten me.
Problem: Sold my 98 Mark and my 99 4x4. I am now in a position where I have to drive my 94 mark to work. No big deal except that the car will not raise on either end. I have had the comp + misc. replaced and serviced in the past. When I drained fluids and parked her (2+years ago), everything was fine. This Monday,She started fine and purred, but no susp lift and almost immediate CK air ride mssg.
Since cash flow is strapped(hence sale of other vehicles)I thought I might find an answer here or on the net elsewhere . Ifound a procedure for checking without a tester and followed it exactly.
I tested vehicle by grounding pin in connector to batt grnd. Result: Clicking in sequence from solenoids/relays and compressor running for a few seconds.
Test stopped without checking height levels on both ends of vehicle by raising and subsequent lowering of front/rear of vehicle. No additional clicks or compressor running like it should.
Q: Why did test stop at this point. I tried testing several times thereafter with exactly the same results. Any ideas? Changing out system to conventional is not an option due to my current finances. Is the height level sensor(s)faulty? Any thing else to check(relays/module)?
HELP!!! as I am currently borrowing my friend's '86 ESCORT(UUUGGGHHH) and it won't even idle without your foot on the gas pedal. Somebody PLEASE SAVE ME from compact car he*#. I am 6'3" and miserable.
Chas

 

[BAD97LSC]

sounds like the solenoid on the compressor is seized and wont open, hence no lifting.

 

[4and8mark]

Thanks. Did you mean the front airspring solenoid(s)? The rear?

 

[4and8mark]

Here is a link to the test that I used: http://www.lincolnsonline.com/tech/00242.html
Also, is there a better/different test that I should be trying?

 

[96hotrodlincoln]

he is referring to the vent solenoid that is built onto the compressor. It is sealed and really can't be serviced. You'll need a new compressor assembly. Call Eddie at American Air Suspension. 1-423-487-4321

 

[JMiles_T]

The vent solenoid rusts from the moisture in the air, and locks up.

It is possible to fix it, but it's one of those situations where you have to figure it out as you go.

 

[luxuryrules]

Q: Why did test stop at this point. I tried testing several times thereafter with exactly the same results. Any ideas?

That is the way the test works - it sequentially tests each component of the suspension and stops at the faulty one. In this case, the vent solenoid on the compressor.

It's a fun job, remove the air silencer while you're in there (actually do it first as it will give you more room to work) and change the fuel filter while you're in there as well (on the rear side of the wheel well, about $10 at your local parts house and use a Motorcraft one).

 

[4and8mark]

Hey, I'm from St.Louis Metro too(alton area). I'm not sure if I am explaining correctly as I am definetely not a mech., but the compressor does not attempt to run unless I put it through thistest :http://www.lincolnsonline.com/tech/00242.html begin with
excerpt: " Tests run automatically


LF solenoid clicked open/close

RF solenoid clicked open/close

Rear solenoids clicked open/close

Compressor vent valve clicked

Compressor ran for a few seconds then shut off "

This is where my vehicle aborts the rest of the test.

Any ideas 'on the cheap, as I am a single daddy and money is TIGHT!!!
If money was no object, I'd call local dealer to tow and repair.

 

[4and8mark]

Ok, but wouldn't test stop before compressor ran if vent valve was stuck?
Chas

 

[4and8mark]

That is the way the test works - it sequentially tests each component of the suspension and stops at the faulty one. In this case, the vent solenoid on the compressor.

Here is excerpt from test procedures:
Tests run automatically


LF solenoid clicked open/close

RF solenoid clicked open/close

Rear solenoids clicked open/close

Compressor vent valve clicked

Compressor ran for a few seconds then shut off <<Test stopped here(after compressor ran for a couple of seconds)

 

[unity]

sounds like the solenoid on the compressor is seized and wont open, hence no lifting.

Meant wont close?

The vent solenoid is only for venting, nothing to do with lifting unless it stuck open - which can happen.

I am very sure the vent solenoid can be replaced, no need for a new compressor.

I just took two compressor apart this weekend, not much to them

 

[unity]

Here is excerpt from test procedures:
Tests run automatically


LF solenoid clicked open/close

RF solenoid clicked open/close

Rear solenoids clicked open/close

Compressor vent valve clicked

Compressor ran for a few seconds then shut off <<Test stopped here(after compressor ran for a couple of seconds)

Check the relay contacts. The relay is on the compressor tray, metal fins. Pretty easy to spot.

If the contacts look clean or you clean them and it still fails it sound like it may be a week compressor motor if its dying after running for a few seconds.

You could also remove the dryer screw that holds it in place. Then turn and remove dryer with lines attached. Watch out for the o-ring at the end, dont miss place it! Then run the compressor. This would rule out any blockage in the system that could be causing pressure to build too high for the compressor to run right.

 

[4and8mark]

Thanks to all for your input and suggestions. I will give some of them a try in the morning.
Q: What would be the best way/place to jack up vehicle(since it is slammed) to remove wheel and access compressor? Can I turn airide back on with front end elevated?
Chas

 

[kustomizingkid]

If the car is fully deflated use the factory jack to slowly work the car up high enough to get a real floor jack under it.

I jack the car up under the front k frame and on the rear k frame.

 

[poniesviii]

Thanks to all for your input and suggestions. I will give some of them a try in the morning.
Q: What would be the best way/place to jack up vehicle(since it is slammed) to remove wheel and access compressor? Can I turn airide back on with front end elevated?
Chas

NEVER jack any part of the car up, or have any part of the car remaining jacked up with the air ride switch on. Only when the car is resting on the ground should the switch ever be on.

I replaced my compressor by turning the wheel and pulling back the plastic liner. I didn't jack it up or anything. I have small hands and am pretty flexible so it wasn't a deal, some scratches on my left arm is all. Another option. Took 30 mins.

 

[4and8mark]

I need to run some tests which require switch in on position. Should I raise both ends and place on jack stands(4)? Where would the safest location be?
Chas