Rear Air leveling problems
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From: Planet Earth
Rear Air leveling problems
My 2001 Expedtion 2wd has an air leveling issue. I'm glad to get 382,000 out of the original system though. Above normal mileage, from what I've read. Here's what it's doing:
I noticed the yellow CHK SUSP light on while 600 miles from home. The compressor would work for a while, then kick the light on and quit working. but the rear stayed level. Stopping for gas or food started the compressor working again for another period of time, then the light comes one, rear stays level.
I got home safe and sound with no ride issues. it sat inside my garage and was driven around town for a whole week and performed flawlessly with no weight and 1/4 tank of gas.
I filled the tank with gas and added some weight inside the rear cargo and took it to my mechanic to diagnose. Its a puzzle to him, so he called a friend who told him it's the pump. $800.00 repair vs a coil/shock replacement for $600.00. (Mechanic's estimate)
I called this morning and the rear is sitting on the tires (first time). the pump works to fill the air bags, then quits and kicks on the light. The code comes up that it's the pump.
I called Strutmasters in Roxboro (1.5hrs away) and they will install their system for $450.00. But I will have to drive it up there, hoping the air bags stay inflated.
What would you do?
I noticed the yellow CHK SUSP light on while 600 miles from home. The compressor would work for a while, then kick the light on and quit working. but the rear stayed level. Stopping for gas or food started the compressor working again for another period of time, then the light comes one, rear stays level.
I got home safe and sound with no ride issues. it sat inside my garage and was driven around town for a whole week and performed flawlessly with no weight and 1/4 tank of gas.
I filled the tank with gas and added some weight inside the rear cargo and took it to my mechanic to diagnose. Its a puzzle to him, so he called a friend who told him it's the pump. $800.00 repair vs a coil/shock replacement for $600.00. (Mechanic's estimate)
I called this morning and the rear is sitting on the tires (first time). the pump works to fill the air bags, then quits and kicks on the light. The code comes up that it's the pump.
I called Strutmasters in Roxboro (1.5hrs away) and they will install their system for $450.00. But I will have to drive it up there, hoping the air bags stay inflated.
What would you do?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Central NYS
And is this 4WAS or 2WAS?
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From: Planet Earth
I didn't get a code from the Mechanic when I left and brought it back home 
. Wish I had. He just said the code stated a pump failure. Driving home (10 miles) the pump ran off and on almost all the way home, then the light kicked on and the pump did not run again. 4 hours later, the rear end is still normal height above the tires. I have a 2wd with rear air bags. thanks for the reply. i'm still looking for an answer.
. Wish I had. He just said the code stated a pump failure. Driving home (10 miles) the pump ran off and on almost all the way home, then the light kicked on and the pump did not run again. 4 hours later, the rear end is still normal height above the tires. I have a 2wd with rear air bags. thanks for the reply. i'm still looking for an answer.
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If i could verify it is the compressor then I can order one and install it myself. it's not that hard to do. But with it running and doing it's job, i hesitate to pour money into something i might not need.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Kentucky
If the compressor is kicking on I highly doubt it is the problem. The compressor shutting off is most likely due to a timeout from the controller. You can read the codes yourself with an ELM327 type reader and a phone app like Torque or better yet FORScan. The reader needs to be able to access the MSCAN bus. I bought an OBDLink MX earlier this year.
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Update: I have not replaced anything yet on the air leveling system. In the last two weeks since the light came on, I have driven it without any issues. The pump works normally and the air bags are holding air.
My mechanic said the brushes could be going out on the compressor pump and depending on where it begins pumping, could malfunction again at some point.
Right now, I am using it like it is.
My mechanic said the brushes could be going out on the compressor pump and depending on where it begins pumping, could malfunction again at some point.
Right now, I am using it like it is.
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