Air Susp problems. How to diagnose?

[Todd]

I did a few searches but didnt find what I want.

I noticed my air ride susp. isnt working. I have turned the air ride susp on and off a few times recently when putting it on the rack to put the race tranny in and some other under car maintenance. So first thing I did was make sure it is switched on. It is.

I checked and it isnt pumping up or purging the air like it normally does. There is no fuse under the dash and I havent been able to check the relay under the hood yet.


No lights are on or anything. Is there anything else in line it could be other than a relay???? I would assume if the compressor went out the air susp light would come on. Maybe thats not true.

[MarauderMark]

Yeah this happened to me a couple of times(mech knows the switch is there but refuses to remember to use it:rolleyes: ).just wait a couple of days it will work.:up:if not maybe its time for the dealer to see it.

[Todd]

Yeah this happened to me a couple of times(mech knows the switch is there but refuses to remember to use it:rolleyes: ).just wait a couple of days it will work.:up:if not maybe its time for the dealer to see it.


So your mechanic forgot to switch the switch????


I am very sure I turned the switch off when my car went on the lift... And of course back on when it came off the lift.

I can bring it to the dealer as my car is still under warranty but I cant get an appt till next week. I wanted to try to do something for it this afternoon before a trip to a drag strip I have planned tomorrow.. (Not for me to run, my friends turbo mustang is running.) But I want to drive me car there...

[hbarrett]

Is it a 2004 MM? Check out Fuse #16, 15 amps; ref Owners Manual p. 132, Fuse #114, 30 amps; ref Owners Manual p. 135, Relay # 303; ref Owners Manual p. 136. Hope thats all that is wrong.
So your mechanic forgot to switch the switch????


I am very sure I turned the switch off when my car went on the lift... And of course back on when it came off the lift.

I can bring it to the dealer as my car is still under warranty but I cant get an appt till next week. I wanted to try to do something for it this afternoon before a trip to a drag strip I have planned tomorrow.. (Not for me to run, my friends turbo mustang is running.) But I want to drive me car there...

[Chachacharlie]

There is also an electronic control module (i.e., small computer) that manages both the air ride suspension and (strangely enough) the variable assist power steering. It's way up under the dash - strictly a dealer service item I think. It's a $300+ part if out of warranty. They can hook it up and analyze via shop computer.

I had mine replaced under warranty when VAPS started acting up at slow speeds.

[TripleTransAm]

I had mine replaced under warranty when VAPS started acting up at slow speeds.


May I ask what were your symptoms? I've had some weird assist-related symptoms but they only seem to appear during the first time I turn the steering wheel, then all seems fine (I think)... nonetheless, the steering assist seems vague compared to my MM#1, but that *could* simply be the fact I've spec'ed 6 degrees of caster versus 8 on my MM#1?

[Chachacharlie]

My symptoms: PS seemed to die coming up to a stop light. (I thought the engine had stalled at first!) Drove home with heavy, unpowered steering. Took a sharp (90 degree +) left into my neighborhood, and PS came back instantly and 100%. PS was OK until service appointment 2 days later. Dealer diagnosed module problem by hooking it up to their computer. Sorry I don't have the part number handy, but Ford/LM uses several, including one just for cars with air suspension, and these include control for latter. Warning: no Ford or LM dealer in my city (Colorado Springs) had this module in stock. Only one warehouse in NJ seemed to have any. I asked for and got o/night shipping.

[ctrcbob]

Don't know if I have an Air Suspension problem or now. Perhaps you guys can help.

I've had this 03 MM 300A for eleven months now, and I have never heard the air compressor go on. Car "looks" like it is sitting at a normal level. (I can hear my Continental's compressor, but never the MM's). The MM always feels like it rides "like a truck", I.E., very hard ride. (corners great though). Asked my favorate Service Manager if this can be checked, and he said that he can check for compressor operation by putting power direct to the compressor to make sure it works. Will have him do this next oil change.

When I returned home today, before I shut off engine, in garage, I shut off radio and A/C so car will be quiet when I get in it the next time. I then went into trunk and switched the Air Suspension OFF. I also laid a piece of wood on the rear bumper with marks so I can see if the suspension goes down with switch on off.

Now for my question. Should the car settle with the suspension switch off?
(So far after a half hour, lever of car has not changed). Also, next time I use car, open trunk and switch Suspension ON, get in and switch on key, but not start it, should I hear compressor?

Don't think I have fuse problems because everything else works the owners manual says is on the same fuse. What about the relay under the hood?

Now that I think of it, I may try this with my Continental as I know the Air Suspension works on that car.

Thanks in advance.