Okay, I default to the online "experts". We own a 97 Eddie Bauer 4X4 expy with the rear level control system. We were on our way home on vacation and the back end started to get bouncy. We pulled over to find the back end was sitting all the way down (just us in the car). We shut the car off let it sit for a while and restarted...nothing. The compressor runs thats all I know. Anybody got any ideas....?

 

i would probably guess it would have something to do with the load leveling sensors not workin properly

 

When you say the compressor runs, does it run all the time? Another words, is it trying to fill the rear springs, but can't, due to an air leak?

 

The compressor runs but the rear end never lifts. It seems the compressor will stay running for a while then stop. Even though the rear is saffing, the CHECK SUSPENSION light stays OFF. Only after driving for 30 minutes, the light comes ON but thats about it. After the car is shut off and restarted with the doors shut the compressor runs again. Where is the level switch located? Something has to "bleed" off the air so the back end can lower normally, does anybody know where that is located?

 

You either have a leak or the compressor is messed up. It could be running but not putting out any pressure. If it's a leak, the compressor will run until the thermals cut it off but it will eventually run itself to death. If it is getting you pressure, I would check the rear air bags to see if you can find a leak. Try squirting windex and looking for leaks. The level sensor for the rear is just above the rear axle near the middle of the truck...looks like a small plastic shock absorber and runs up to the floor of the truck. Crawl under there (if you can fit with it sagged to the floor!) and have someone start the truck - you should hear solenoids clicking for each of the two air bags above the rear axle. That tells you that electrically, everything is working as it should and I would bet that is the case for your scenario.

Seeing yours is a '97 and getting on in years it's about time for you to start living the Money Suckin' LLS Blues. You may get lucky and find a quick and easy fix but chances are you are in for much frustration and a considerable amount of $$ to fix. I thought I had my problems fixed twice before more trouble came along and I finally got smart and did away with the LLS system by putting in a coil spring conversion kit. Best thing I ever did and some on here have done the same.

DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND CONVERT!

Try a search under LLS, air suspension or sturge and you will see my endless rantings about my similar dilemma on my '98 before I traded it in.

 

eureka! I found it! I decided to hand-over-hand trace the line back to the rear wheels. Under the master cylinder there is a compression fitting that separated. Best of all, I called a local hose shop and they had a compression fitting that worked and he gave it to me for free (regular cost was 1.90). Probably wont get a deal like that from Ford. Expy is back in business. Thanks for all of the help....you guys are the best.

 

Amen! Another believer. If and when I should have trouble with mine I'll try to diagnose and fix first.

 

Way to go royf250!
Hopefully your compressor didn't get 'stressed' too much from this ordeal.

If you brought it in to the dealer I guarantee the diagnosis would have been "failed compresssor" and you would be out about $800!

Nice job!!