Airlift wireless controller problem-won't inflate
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2011
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From: Fox Lake, WI
Airlift wireless controller problem-won't inflate
Okay, it's Saturday and I need some help. My Airlift wireless will not inflate my airbags-compressor does not run. It was working - only used it once since it was installed 2 months ago. Tried it this week- no joy. I get the error BL OC,(bloc) then sometimes FA IL. I called Airlift Friday and the tech said it sound like compressor might be bad so I should get 12 volts to the compressor and see if it runs. I did that and compressor runs fine. I also checked to be sure I have 12 volts going into the wire loom and I do.
When I try to inflate the using wireless controller, the manifold clicks but there is no voltage going to the compressor. Sounds like there is a breakdown within or between the receiver and/or manifold. I do see the wireless controller sending a signal but nothing happens except on click in the manifold. I guess I will have to wait until Monday to call again. It frustrating since it's Saturday when I am able to work on it but can't get tech support.
Mike
When I try to inflate the using wireless controller, the manifold clicks but there is no voltage going to the compressor. Sounds like there is a breakdown within or between the receiver and/or manifold. I do see the wireless controller sending a signal but nothing happens except on click in the manifold. I guess I will have to wait until Monday to call again. It frustrating since it's Saturday when I am able to work on it but can't get tech support.
Mike
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From: Michigan
When you put 12 volts at the compressor did you go through the relay or did you go straight to the compressor wires?
I would check that you are getting 12v at the ignition source on the relay. This should be on terminals 86 and 30 on the relay.
If you are getting ignition source there, try to energize the relay yourself by tapping the 85 terminal to ground, this would simulate a signal from the manifold. You would need to do this with the truck on, so the it is getting an ignition source.
If the compressor runs when you give the relay a ground on terminal 85, then the manifold might be bad and is not sending a signal. If the compressor still doesn't run, then it would sound like the relay is bad.
I'm not overly familiar with the error codes so that is as much help as I can be immediately. Once our main location opens tomorrow I can contact them for additional help but it sounds like you already plan to do that. Please let me know if you would like any further explanation of what I was describing above, or if I can help in any other way.
If you would like, you can send me your contact info and I should be able to have customer service call you if that would be beneficial.
I would check that you are getting 12v at the ignition source on the relay. This should be on terminals 86 and 30 on the relay.
If you are getting ignition source there, try to energize the relay yourself by tapping the 85 terminal to ground, this would simulate a signal from the manifold. You would need to do this with the truck on, so the it is getting an ignition source.
If the compressor runs when you give the relay a ground on terminal 85, then the manifold might be bad and is not sending a signal. If the compressor still doesn't run, then it would sound like the relay is bad.
I'm not overly familiar with the error codes so that is as much help as I can be immediately. Once our main location opens tomorrow I can contact them for additional help but it sounds like you already plan to do that. Please let me know if you would like any further explanation of what I was describing above, or if I can help in any other way.
If you would like, you can send me your contact info and I should be able to have customer service call you if that would be beneficial.
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From: Fox Lake, WI
Thanks for the info, I will try testing the relay one night his week. I tested the compressor by jumping straight to it w 12 volts bypassing the relay. I'll PM you my contact information.
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From: Fox Lake, WI
Okay, good news - based on what you told me, the relay is bad. I verified that I have 12 Volts (12.65v) on terminals 30 and 86, then I grounded terminal 85 by tapping it direct to a ground source - and nothing. I will call in the morning (Tuesday) to get a relay on the way. It was working - wonder why the relay failed.
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From: Michigan
I assume by nothing, clearly the compressor didn't come on, I assume the relay also didn't click.
Sometimes I have had relays go bad, typically it's just a defective relay. If there is a short in the system though you can burn up the relay, but you would see the terminals or housing melted.
Sometimes I have had relays go bad, typically it's just a defective relay. If there is a short in the system though you can burn up the relay, but you would see the terminals or housing melted.
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From: Fox Lake, WI
Okay, Called your Tech Support this morning and Jeremy said he's certain it's not the relay, but is the manifold. So I put a deposit and paid for 2nd day shipping and he has a manifiold on the way. As soon as it gets here I'll put it on and try it. I asked him to include a relay also, but he said you dont sell the relay separately - it's all part of the wiring harness. But it looks like a standard autmotive (GM) relay that I can get locally.
Will let you knowas soon as I get it installed.
Thanks
Mike
Will let you knowas soon as I get it installed.
Thanks
Mike
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From: Fox Lake, WI
I wanted to close out this thread - I received the replacement manifold today, installed it and nothing - same problem. So I went to local CarQuest (NAPA not near enough) and got a relay - it's a standard GM relay but with the plastic around it. Installed the relay and then compressor works again. Unfortunately you do not supply the relay only as a replacement part, only supplying the complete harness so I rewired using this stock GM relay and waterproofed it myself.
I did not want to have to rewire the system entirely.
Anyone else doing this should know that the relay is readily available - standard GM ruled pump relay I believe - but without the plastic and rubber enclosure. But it will work in a pinch. Also, you are right all should know this for trouble-shooting: Grounding terminal 85 makes the compressor run if you have 12+ volts to terminals 86 & 30. If the relay is bad or the compressor is bad it will not run. The way to trouble-shoot that is to run 12 V straight to the compressor and if it runs, then the relay is bad.
At least I now know how to trouble-shoot this. But hopefully won't have to do it again.
Thanks for your help.
Mike
I did not want to have to rewire the system entirely.
Anyone else doing this should know that the relay is readily available - standard GM ruled pump relay I believe - but without the plastic and rubber enclosure. But it will work in a pinch. Also, you are right all should know this for trouble-shooting: Grounding terminal 85 makes the compressor run if you have 12+ volts to terminals 86 & 30. If the relay is bad or the compressor is bad it will not run. The way to trouble-shoot that is to run 12 V straight to the compressor and if it runs, then the relay is bad.
At least I now know how to trouble-shoot this. But hopefully won't have to do it again.
Thanks for your help.
Mike
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Nov 2011
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From: Fox Lake, WI
No worries, Not a big deal really. I just wanted it working. The problem appears to have been causes by water getting behind the rubber seal. I didn't see sign of a short but there was slight corrosion. I sealed the replacement relay very well- I hope. The relay was cheap and just down the road so it was convenient.
Mainly want others to know how to trouble-shoot since your diagnosis was spot on in the first place. Sending me a new relay would have saved me time and both of us money.
It's a great product.
Thanks again for your help.
Mainly want others to know how to trouble-shoot since your diagnosis was spot on in the first place. Sending me a new relay would have saved me time and both of us money.
It's a great product.
Thanks again for your help.
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Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Saskatoon, SK, CA
Having the same problem. Will try to troubleshoot as indicated. Brand new unit installed and will not fire the compressor. Manifold clicks. Won't start compressor. Not about to start paying for shipping of parts to Canada if I can buy a relay local assuming that is the problem. Considering returning for full refund. Paid $600 for this unit and expected it to work. Have already hauled my fifth wheel 1,000 miles after install two weeks ago and had to manually inflate. So much for spending the $$ and trying to troubleshoot for five hours before stumbling into this post. 
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,180
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From: Georgia
No offense to Airlift as they have good products, but stories like these on this and other forums are what led me away from the wireless system. I REALLY wanted to be able to stand outside my rig and make adjustments, but had read stories about not being able to operate it completely after it was installed. Plus, I wanted to go with a system that had a more heavy duty compressor and tank so I could inflate tires, floats and what not. Which led me to the Viair system I have now. But you know, if Airlift had a wireless system that had a tank and a 100% duty cycle compressor, that would be SWEET!
I'm glad you found the problem. You have probably saved a few more people a large headache. The Airlift guy on here is great about answering any questions whether on the forum publicly or through PM.
Glad it worked out for you.
I'm glad you found the problem. You have probably saved a few more people a large headache. The Airlift guy on here is great about answering any questions whether on the forum publicly or through PM.
Glad it worked out for you.
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From: North Central Washington
I wanted to install the wireless system with an airlift compressor that I already have but they don't sell just the wireless parts. You can buy them from some vendors but they will not have any warranty. Does anyone else sell a wireless kit?
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From: Michigan
Having the same problem. Will try to troubleshoot as indicated. Brand new unit installed and will not fire the compressor. Manifold clicks. Won't start compressor. Not about to start paying for shipping of parts to Canada if I can buy a relay local assuming that is the problem. Considering returning for full refund. Paid $600 for this unit and expected it to work. Have already hauled my fifth wheel 1,000 miles after install two weeks ago and had to manually inflate. So much for spending the $$ and trying to troubleshoot for five hours before stumbling into this post.
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From: Michigan
My manager just responded to my email about this thread. Here's his response:
If 3psi doesn't pass through the manifold in 30 seconds, it will say BLOC on the display.
For the Gen 3 kit: There will be a 4-pin connector plugged into the manifold. With the key turned forward, unplug the connector and ground pin 4 (grey wire) to the frame. This will complete the circuit to the relay. The relay should click and the compressor should kick on. If the compressor doesn't kick on, then it's a bad relay.
For the Gen 1 kit: This manifold has a 2-pin connector. Do the same thing as above, but ground the black wire.
If the compressor does turn on, that means there's a issue with the manifold. Let me know if you have any other questions.
If 3psi doesn't pass through the manifold in 30 seconds, it will say BLOC on the display.
For the Gen 3 kit: There will be a 4-pin connector plugged into the manifold. With the key turned forward, unplug the connector and ground pin 4 (grey wire) to the frame. This will complete the circuit to the relay. The relay should click and the compressor should kick on. If the compressor doesn't kick on, then it's a bad relay.
For the Gen 1 kit: This manifold has a 2-pin connector. Do the same thing as above, but ground the black wire.
If the compressor does turn on, that means there's a issue with the manifold. Let me know if you have any other questions.