1999 Expy LLS problem
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Junior User
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From: Chicago, Illinois
1999 Expy LLS problem
Well, I tried the temporary fix by attaching a short piece of hose to the 2 white inner air hoses & the rear end did not raise. The system seems to be pressurized because after the compressor stopped running I disconnected the hose & air was released. I'm really confused now...
John
John
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From: Richmond, TX
Well not too sure then. Maybe a blockage or some sort, but not sure how that would be it. Quick_Rod from the other post stated his did not raise back up right away either, but it did soon after the fix.
Ok you asked about a sensor, I could not see this being the problem at first, and still not sure if it can / could be. I am have not messed with this sensor, but here are some quotes from other post to point you in the direction. You might also want to search and see if these are prone to failure.
"It looks almost like a miniature shock absorber and it is mounted on some kind of suspension-arm on the drivers side. Let me know if you need any thing else.
There is only one sensor, and it's basically right behind the rear axle. It is mounted from the frame to the suspension-arm or sway bar."
Ok you asked about a sensor, I could not see this being the problem at first, and still not sure if it can / could be. I am have not messed with this sensor, but here are some quotes from other post to point you in the direction. You might also want to search and see if these are prone to failure.
"It looks almost like a miniature shock absorber and it is mounted on some kind of suspension-arm on the drivers side. Let me know if you need any thing else.
There is only one sensor, and it's basically right behind the rear axle. It is mounted from the frame to the suspension-arm or sway bar."
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From: Richmond, TX
After running a search on this ride height sensor, it was stated that if the sensor moves to the far down position (all the way down) then the system will allow the bags to deflate and ride height to drop. It was also stated that it would not pump air in the bags.
But I am still at a loss, as you said that the lines had pressure when you did the temp fix. Question. Did the compressor run the same as it did before you did the temp fix, or did it run just a short time and stop? I can see with the crack in the union the compressor running on and off as often as you described due to the crack expanding when the system pressurizes, thus allowing air to escape. So what is the compressor doing now? And are you sure there is no air ....... never mind you said you could remove the hose and the system would depressurize.
But I am still at a loss, as you said that the lines had pressure when you did the temp fix. Question. Did the compressor run the same as it did before you did the temp fix, or did it run just a short time and stop? I can see with the crack in the union the compressor running on and off as often as you described due to the crack expanding when the system pressurizes, thus allowing air to escape. So what is the compressor doing now? And are you sure there is no air ....... never mind you said you could remove the hose and the system would depressurize.
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Junior User
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From: Chicago, Illinois
1999 Expy LLS problem
OK...I replaced the in-line union connector with a brand new one from Ford ($21), & the rear end still won't raise. The compressor runs with the same frequency & duration as before the rear end dropped. I ran the car & drove it for about 15 minutes & no change in the rear height. Funny thing is the Check Suspension light was coming on at times prior to this failure but it is not on now. I am at a loss & ready to sucumb to taking the truck to a Ford dealer & grabbing my ankles!
Any other thoughts or ideas???
Thanks,
John
Any other thoughts or ideas???
Thanks,
John
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From: Richmond, TX
Originally Posted by johnkirk
The compressor runs with the same frequency & duration as before the rear end dropped. I ran the car & drove it for about 15 minutes & no change in the rear height.
If you have done all that, then I to am at a loss as to what the problem will be. Be weary of the dealership, unless it is one you trust. When I had my problem the dealer wanter to replace the entire system (BIG $), when the real problem was that $20 part.
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Junior User
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From: Chicago, Illinois
1999 Expy LLS problem
I jacked up the rear of the truck & inspected the air lines while the ignition key was in the on position. I didn't see or hear any leaks. I cheched the "T" connector near the rear axle & it appears to be in good condition. The only thing that I noticed was a loud clicking & popping sound coming from the rear level sensor that looks kind of like a miniature shock absorber with a rectangular box near the top of it. I heard this same clicking & popping when the LLS system was in good working condition. Short of taking it to the dealer, I'm bafffled. Would I have much luck finding either a local mechanic or someone at a national chain repair facility that would have a clue how to trouble shoot an Expy LLS system???
Thanks,
John
Thanks,
John
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From: Richmond, TX
Well, I do not know then. Could be a bad sensor, but it sounds like its time to take it in. I do not recall my sensor making noise and am not sure what in it would. As far as a place to go, I would guess the dealer would be best. If you have an Off Road shop near you, you could check with them and see if they have experience with the LLS.
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Junior User
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From: Chicago, Illinois
1999 Expy LLS problem
I'm thinking that maybe even though the compressor is running & pumping air, maybe it isn't pumping enough air to raise the rear end. Anyway, I called a local shop & grilled them regarding their knowledge of Expy LLS systems & they seem to have some experience. They'll look at it Thursday morning but I have an appointment at a Ford dealer on Friday as plan B.
John
John
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Junior User
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From: Chicago, Illinois
1999 Expy LLS problem
No, the CK SUSP light is not on. Before the system broke the light would come after driving for 45 minutes or so. The light has not been on since the rear end dropped.
John
John
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Junior User
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From: Chicago, Illinois
1999 Expy LLS problem
I took it to a small independent shop who has worked on Expy LLS before & they manually pumped the LLS system up with air & it held for a while but began lose air. They said that the compressor is not putting out enough air pressure. So, I ordered a compressor online & when I get it Monday I'll take it back & let them do the instalation for $50!
John
John