air suspension

Check Height sensor
Check for Air Leaks
Apply a soapy water solution to the air lines, air line fittings, air springs, upper spring shock mount and the air compressor




The 4-wheel air suspension system operates in the following manner:
Vehicle height is controlled by the 4-wheel air suspension module (vehicle dynamics module (VDM).
Each air spring has a solenoid that must open to vent (or compress).
The air suspension compressor has a vent solenoid that must open to vent the system.
The transition from trim height to kneel height or from kneel height to trim height takes approximately 30 to 45 seconds.
The front air springs raise or vent independently.
The rear air springs raise or vent as a pair.
The system does not operate when:
any of the doors are open.
the liftgate or liftgate glass is open.
the power running boards are deployed.
The system will vent when the vehicle speed exceeds 24 km/h (15 mph) even if the air suspension switch is in the OFF position.
Kneel mode is defined as 25 mm (0.98 in) below trim height.
Trim height is normal driving height.
4x4 off-road mode is engaged when the vehicle 4x4 system operates in 4x4 low mode at a speed of less than 30 km/h (19 mph), and is defined as 25 mm (0.98 in) above trim height.
Height sensor:
The system uses 3 height sensors — LF, RF and rear.
Height sensor output voltage is between 0.5 and 4.5 volts.
The LF and RF have opposite electrical polarities.
Height sensor voltage output decreases (goes from high to low) as the suspension system raises.
The suspension ride height changes when:
the ignition key is in the RUN position, the doors and liftgate are closed and the vehicle is shifted to DRIVE or REVERSE, ride height changes from kneel to trim.
the ignition key is in the OFF position, the doors and liftgate are CLOSED, ride height changes from kneel to trim.
the 4x4 system mode is switched to 4x4 low, the ride height changes to off-road.

Suspension problem
2004 Lincoln Navigator V8 Two Wheel Drive Automatic
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The front air suspension does not always work (recently). I have stop, turn the car off, fiddle with on/off switch at the rear and usually rectifies itself. Obviously something is wrong, any idea what it might be? The check system says the air suspension system is working ok. Thank you for your help.

My Navigator (2004) does the exact same thing down to pulling off and fiddling with the switch. It only started once it got cold outside and once it starts working properly it continues to work until i park it overnight. Have you had any luck finding a solution? I've replaced both front leveling switches with no luck (advice from our from a Lincoln mechanic).

Hey guys, it looks like there is a module that is shorting out or the control switch is having problems. Here is a guide and a wiring diagram so you can start testing the problem, please let us know what you find out.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester


Please run some tests and get back to us so we can continue helping you.

Best, Ken

Can I temporarily fix air suspension in my 2004 Lincoln Navigator, so I can drive it???

This will depend on what has failed, if the airbag has failed there will be nothing that you can do.

mark (mhpautos)

No I don't think its the shocks the compressor dosen't come on any more & I checked all the fuses & they are good, Where is the relay & how do I know if its Bad ????

see pic for location.

Mark (mhpautos)

I am have problems with the air suspension. The air compressor comes on I can hear it. The right side front shock only inflates about half way and the left side doesn't inflate at all. Then in a few days everything works fine. Then in a few days it does the same thing all over again

check the hoses and airbags for a leak with soapy water to find the leak.

That's the only thing that I have checked is the bags and lines with soapy water all is ok. No leak's at the bags or lines.

I'm having the same problem with my 2005 Navigator. The mechanic checked with the soapy water and found nothing. What happens now?

OK

From what I've read the last month or so on these forums, the suspension experts say it's the poor design is what's wrong and the best way to handle it is to convert to coil springs. I've converted both my Lincolns and am super happy.

I'm stumped. I have a 2000 Lincoln Navigator in which the air suspension is not deflating when the vehicle is turned off. I can hear the rear airspring solenoids clicking and I've been able to loosen the pressure relief valve and deflate the rear airbags a little. I also hear the front airgate solenoids clicking so assuming these are also working. The vehicle is riding pretty high so i need to firgure out what is keeping the air from being released and how can i fix it. Everything that I've read leads me to believe that it's some type of check vavle in the compressor but wanting to confirm as these are pretty pricey

Welcome to 2 carpros.

The first thing you should do is to check for Diagnostic Trouble Codes. Here are the procedures.

On-Demand Self-Test

1. Connect New Generation Star (NGS) Tester (007-00500) to Data Link
Connector (DLC) according to manufacturer's instructions. DLC is located under steering column.

2. Turn ignition on. Rotate dial on scan tester to DIAGNOSTIC DATA LINK menu and press trigger.

3. Rotate dial on scan tester to highlight desired module to be tested and press trigger. Ensure DIAGNOSTIC TEST MODES is highlighted and press trigger.

4. Rotate dial on scan tester to highlight on-demand self-test and press trigger. Press button No. 3 to start test. Press trigger. Record any on-demand self-test Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) that are displayed. On-demand self-test DTCs must be serviced first.

5. Retrieve all stored continuous DTCs. Compare DTCs to ELECTRONIC AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM DTC INDEX table. Service DTCs as necessary. Clear all DTCs.





NOTE:
On-demand self-test may be used to verify that no electrical
faults exist in air suspension system. If instructed to perform on-demand self-test from a specified test procedure, ensure ignition switch is in proper position as listed in test procedure.

I believe it is not a fault with the compressor as you are able to get compressed air to increase the height but is not releasing and it could be a missing signal such as a failed door switch.

Let me know if any DTCs are found.

Suspension problem
1998 Lincoln Navigator V8 Four Wheel Drive Automatic 280K miles

Why is it 1 - 2 " lower on driver side only and how do you correct this? Yes the pump is working.

was truck jacked up to change a flate at one time

I had a hub changed in a shop.

there is a switch that shuts off the airbag system and if they didn't turn it off then that is the probblem the air system has to be drained and then reinflaited

so how do you drain it?

as much as I hate to say it, it have to be ajusted at the dealership the tool to do the job is about 6000.00 so its best to have dealer do the job

I can not find the air suspension relay my vehicle will not level off on the passenger side. The relay isn't behind the horns

see pic it may be easier to see from bottom

Was told by a car dealer that the air suspension in navigators have a tendency to go out around the 125,000 mark, would this be true or just a salesman being a salesman?

It could be a bit of both. Yes, he sells stuff, that's his job. The term "go out" seems vaguely scary. Worn is possible.

The rubber air bags probably would dry rot and start leaking about that time which would be understandable and repairable with new bags. They are rubber and rubber doesn't last forever.

. the front of the car is low and dont come back up. i install a new air pump with dryer and still does not come back up. the pump is not turn on. i check the fuses and they are good. i dont know what to do. please help me.

thank you
frank gonzalez.

Frank there is a technical bulliten about your suspension, read this: AIR SUSPENSION PERFORMANCE - HEIGHT SENSOR LINKAGE ARM DISENGAGING TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN Reference Number(s): 06-15-10,  Date of Issue:   August 7, 2006 Related Ref Number(s): 06-15-10 ARTICLE BEGINNING ISSUE Some 2003-2006 Expedition and Navigator vehicles equipped with an air suspension may exhibit an air suspension height sensor linkage arm disengaging from the suspension ball stud or height sensor rotating arm. This concern typically occurs with the rear sensor ( Fig. 1 ) but may occur with the front sensors as well. If this occurs, the symptom will typically be the vehicle leaning to one side, the vehicle sitting too low/high, a harsh ride, and/or an inoperative air suspension. In addition, this concern may result in diagnostic trouble code (DTC) C1725 (air suspension front pneumatic failure) or C1726 (air suspension rear pneumatic failure). ACTION When a linkage arm becomes disengaged, do not re-attach the arm and do not replace the sensor unless broken. Instead, install a revised linkage arm on all three (3) sensor assemblies, even if they have not detached from the ball stud. Refer to the following Service Procedure. Fig. 1: Disengaged Linkage Arm SERVICE PROCEDURE Fig. 2: Old Style Link Fig. 3: New Style Link 1. Replace linkage arms on all three (3) sensor assemblies following Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 204-05. FORD: 2003-2006 Expedition LINCOLN: 2003-2006 Navigator NOTE: LINKAGE ARMS USED AS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT ARE SHOWN IN Fig. 2 . REVISED LINKAGE ARMS (Fig. 3 ) HAVE A NEW DESIGN THAT MAKES IT MORE DIFFICULT TO DISENGAGE FROM THE BALL STUDS. NOTE: IF THE SENSOR ASSEMBLY NEEDS TO BE REPLACED FOR ANY DAMAGE/FAILURE OTHER THAN THE ONE DESCRIBED IN THIS TSB, THE REPLACEMENT ASSEMBLY IS SUPPLIED WITH A NEW STYLE LINKAGE ARM, SO THERE IS NO NEED TO ORDER ADDITIONAL LINKAGES FOR THE SERVICE REPAIR.2. Discard the old linkage arms. PARTS INFORMATION

Disconnect it as shown here.

When i start the car the pump is supposed to turn on . What causes the pump not to turn on

Thank You
Frank

Start by reading the guide below on wiring testing and relay testing, they will help you figure out what is stopping the compressor from turning on

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit


Attached below are the wiring diagrams for the air suspension system

I have a lincoln Navigator and I had problem with the air suspension it is worthless and going to get expensive. GET RID OF IT and order springs about $500 all 4

I did and pay some guy from craigslist to put them on for $75 dollars problem solved.

Can I reset the air suspension system on a 98 Lincoln Navigator w/o any tools?? Disconnect battery terminal, fuse, etc.?

My front of my car is low and do'nt come back up. I install a new air compressor with the dryer. And nothing happen . I check the fuses and they are okay. Can you help me with this problem .i try to locate the sensors but i cant find it.

Thank you
Frank

Hey there..

You could have a bad connection or something in there. I replaced the compressor two times before I realized that there were bigger issues with my vehicle.

I would say give Strutmasters.com a call. These guys know their stuff! All I did was tell them the year make and model of my car and they hooked me up with a non air conversion kit. I haven't had any issues with it since then. I love it!!

Save time and frustration on this air stuff.

my suv is currently acting weird. when i turn on the air suspension, the suv starts to raise in different ways. sometimes it raises from the front only or the back and some times only one or two bags rise.

what could be the problme im experiencing?
might i have a damages air bag or sensor?
what shall i do?
can you advise me where i can get an airsupension diagram?

thanks you very much for your time I really appreciate it...

You could have a bad sensor in there somewhere. My wifes 2000 Navigator had bad rear ride height sensors and it was going to cost about $800 to fix it.

I called Stutmasters.com and got her a non air conversion kit. No more air problems and I love that! ... She loved the price and saved money to do her nails... hah ... wish I wouldve known this a while back!

I noticed my backend is lowriding .I also think that may possibly no compressor air to the rear...because the front is raised..Please help

This is a broad subject. An electrical problem anywhere in the air suspension system can cause a fault and from the result, the compressor won't be turned on by the module(brain).

Because this type of vehicle is bad about compressors, I would put power and a ground directly to the compressor. More times than not, the compressor is toast.....although many times the bad compressor takes out the relay as it is going bad.

I replaced the air suspension pump with a new one. I cannot get any electrical power to it