Air Ride Problems
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Joined: Oct 2004
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Air Ride Problems
I have a 1997 Explorer Limited and have been experiencing problems with the air ride control system. After about 20 minutes of driving the Message Center displays the dreaded message "Check Air Ride System." I've noticed the truck is riding a little higher than normal and the ride is very rough. It's like I'm riding only on the springs and no shocks.
I've reset the system several times by toggling the switch in the back of the truck near the jack storage. When I switch the truck into offroad mode the compressor kicks in and the truck goes up, then the solenoids operate when it's back in normal mode. It then goes down a little, but not all the way. The compressor and solenoids also operate when the vehicle is parked, just like normal. All fuses are good.
Does anyone have any ideas on how to correct the problem? Are there any known problems with this system? Last time this happened it was about 2 years ago and the Ford place replaced both rear shocks for big bucks - something I'm trying to avoid again!
Thanks for any info you can provide.
I've reset the system several times by toggling the switch in the back of the truck near the jack storage. When I switch the truck into offroad mode the compressor kicks in and the truck goes up, then the solenoids operate when it's back in normal mode. It then goes down a little, but not all the way. The compressor and solenoids also operate when the vehicle is parked, just like normal. All fuses are good.
Does anyone have any ideas on how to correct the problem? Are there any known problems with this system? Last time this happened it was about 2 years ago and the Ford place replaced both rear shocks for big bucks - something I'm trying to avoid again!
Thanks for any info you can provide.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 220
Likes: 1
From: Castalia, Ohio
If your compressor is running a lot when the truck is parked (engine off), you may have an air leak somewhere in the system. As far as the ride height being too high, the rear height is controled by the air ride system mounted under the rear of the vehicle. A rod connects from the rear axle to a pivot arm on the air ride box which senses the ride height by the position of the rod. Check to see if the rod came off either the axle or the box.
I know what you mean about the $ on the shocks from Ford. My left rear air shock froze up on my wife's 95 Limited and when I got the price estimate from Ford, I about fainted. I said the heck with it and converted the front air ride to standard shocks (monro sensatracs) and torsion bars from a 95 Eddie Bauer. The rears are aftermarket air shocks with a remote fill port via a standard air fitting (same as filling a tire with air). I only adjust the rear for load and towing but it's nice to have the adjustment whenever I want it.
Good luck with your's, I hope I helped somehow!
I know what you mean about the $ on the shocks from Ford. My left rear air shock froze up on my wife's 95 Limited and when I got the price estimate from Ford, I about fainted. I said the heck with it and converted the front air ride to standard shocks (monro sensatracs) and torsion bars from a 95 Eddie Bauer. The rears are aftermarket air shocks with a remote fill port via a standard air fitting (same as filling a tire with air). I only adjust the rear for load and towing but it's nice to have the adjustment whenever I want it.
Good luck with your's, I hope I helped somehow!
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