Just go the CHECK SUSP light on the way to Disneyland on Wednesday.
Compressor didnt work correctly for a day then started working again last night on way home. Then the CHECK SUSP light came on again about half way back to San Diego.

Checked all the fuses when I got home, checked wire harness at compressor for 12v with ign on, and all is OK there it appears.

But as my wife was leaving I noticed the rear end leaning towards the drivers side.

Is this an indication of a leak, or air bag damaged? I wouldn't think one would go out at only 45K miles?

Any suggestions. I have a FSM as well.

thi is a rear only LLS.

Thanks,
Doug

 

Being that you have a 99 model. The air springs usually last 5 to 7 years before they start showing signs of wear and leaking. you are getting in that range, mileage doesnt really matter. The springs start leaking more and more, and that makes the pump run more often which then overheats, gets noisier and then finally gives up. Earlier models around 97, not sure about the 99's had a problem with the electrical connector coming loose from the solenoids on the top of the springs. The cure was to tiestrap them to the solenoid. The pump has 4 wires, 2 for the internal vent and 2 for the pump motor. I dont have the wire colors right now but if you could jumper the right ones and the pump doesnt run, there is your problem. Turn off the suspension switch and jack the body up and look at the bottom of the spring where it rolls under (Flexes while driving) and look for vertical splits in the spring (AIR BAG) Make sure switch is off or it will vent all air from springs. Spray bags with soapy water and look for leaks. Probably have to let vehicle back down to increase pressure in bags. Backing up vehicle on a set of drive on ramps is the best way to do this. A leaking spring wont make the light come on, only a system failure. Hope this info helps.

 

Any idea why did the light come on then go out, then come on again?

What triggers the light?

The FSM states that I need a special scanner(obviously not a OBDII) since its not emissions related.

I see the bags are available at http://strutmasters.com so I'll go that route if anything needs replaced but I figure Id try all I can first before giving up any hard earned $$ if I can DIY.

Thanks for all the info!


Doug

 

The air suspension module senses the overheated or temporarily inactive pump and shuts the system down, cutting on the light. Cycling the key resets the system. If your pump is very noisy and sounds slow, thats probably the problem.

 

If you end up having to replace the compressor or the bags I would think long and hard about dumping the LLS and getting the coil spring conversion kit NOW versus spending the cash to fix it. I went through a number of problems after I hit 100K on my '98 and each one worked for a few thousand miles. I finally got real tired of screwin' around and replaced it with the coil spring kit.

 

we actually like the LLS. I dont think Id swap out to coils.

It appears now after getting under the Expy with a squirt bottle full of sudsy water, that the right airbag is leaking somewhere. I can hear it but can't see any bubbles.

I'm wondering if its leaking enough to make the compressor come on more often to compensate for the loss of air?

At least the compressor is now kicking on each time the car is started as it wasnt before when the CHCK SUSP light was was on.