air ride problem

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Aug 8, 2010 | 05:29 PM

dangrv

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From: Arizona

air ride problem

I have a problem with the air ride, I have been reading old posts to find help. The problem is that the front drops all the way down after shut down. Not right away, it will drop the normal inch and stop. Then after 2-3 minutes the air spring solenoid ( on the passenger side ) opens and bleeds the front end until it sits on the bump stops. So when it starts up, you can't just drive away, you have to wait until it fills up. The check suspension light never comes on and running a diagnostic test says the air suspension system is OK. How do you test the solenoid ? I did drive it and had the suspension full, then turned off the air ride. It is holding just fine, no leak down. So it would be the solenoid, right ? Not by leaking, but electrically opening up and letting out the air. Am I missing something here ? Need help.

Aug 14, 2010 | 09:03 PM

dangrv

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From: Arizona

Really, no one has run into this problem ? Can anyone tell me if I need to remove the whole shock assembly, to replace the air spring solenoid ? I find it strange that if I turn the whole air system off it will not leak any air, but if I leave the system on it will leak down completely after about 5 minutes.

Aug 15, 2010 | 01:09 AM

Moto Mel

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From: Chesapeake, Va.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dangrv

That sounds like the solenoid in the crossmember under the fan has a problem. I would check that first then the height sensor for the front and after that, the control module that is located under the dash and above the sound system/radio. I would use J/Y parts as they are a bit pricey for testing. It's either that or the dealer who has the diagnostic equipment to check each componant in the system. I would take it to a Lincoln dealer as they have lots of the needed experience to work on the air suspension.

Aug 15, 2010 | 07:00 AM

dangrv

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From: Arizona

Thanks for the help Moto, I will start there. Can I test the solenoid with a voltage meter ? What is the solenoid under the cross member for ? To seperate front and rear ? I haven't looked yet, but is that going to be the same type of solenoid as on the shocks ?

Aug 15, 2010 | 09:52 AM

Moto Mel

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From: Chesapeake, Va.

The solenoid is on top of the crossmember under the fan.

Aug 15, 2010 | 12:48 PM

dangrv

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From: Arizona

I have searched for the solenoid that you talked about, only I can't find one on the cross member anywhere. I did pull a wheel off and check out the airbag carefully, what I found was a lot of small cracks in the rubber. I guess it's only a matter of time that I develope a bad leak. For now it is not leaking, I will start saving for the strutmaster conversion kit.
Thanks.

Aug 15, 2010 | 02:27 PM

Moto Mel

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From: Chesapeake, Va.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dangrv

The solemoid is laying flat and plugged into the crossmember to secure it. You should be able to follow the airline from the compressor to it. If you have no success with the repair and want to buy new you should call Eddie Spinks at American Air Suspension- F.A.Q.'s and Air Suspension Help this link will guide you to the FAQs page for more help also.