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Conversion Kits Aftermarket conversion kits for the older cars with air ride suspensions have become a hot item in recent years because the kits provide a repair solution for vehicles that might otherwise be too expensive to fix. read more... |
Performance Possibilities A whole new generation of younger vehicle owners are spending serious money these days customizing sport compact cars. The hot nameplates are Honda, Accord and Mitsubishi, but you'll also see Chevy Cavaliers, Ford Focuses and other nameplates among their ranks. read more... |
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Air Ride Basics Understanding the operating logic of an air ride suspension system is important when trying to make a diagnosis because all of these systems are different. If you don't understand the logic, you can't always tell if the system is functioning correctly or not. read more... |
Lincoln Logic On the older Lincoln systems, the control module monitors ride height for up to an hour after the ignition is turned off, venting pressure as needed to maintain correct ride height. During this time it will lower, but not raise the vehicle. read more... |
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Air Ride Problems Air suspension problems fall into one of three categories: Electrical, Electronic and Air Supply. One of the leading causes of compressor failure is air leaks (usually in the air springs or lines). read more... |
General Service Precautions The first thing to keep in mind when servicing vehicles with electronic air suspensions is to watch out for those that are self-leveling - especially if the vehicle is going to be raised on a lift to change the tires or work on the brakes. read more... |
General Service Precautions
The first thing to keep in mind when servicing vehicles with electronic air suspensions is to watch out for those that are self-leveling - especially if the vehicle is going to be raised on a lift to change the tires or work on the brakes.
If you're working on a Lincoln or a Ford Crown Victoria with an electronic air suspension, there's a switch in the trunk to deactivate the system. If the system is not turned off, it will remain active after the ignition is switched off and try to level itself when the wheels are raised off the ground by venting air from the air springs. When the vehicle is then lowered back down, the suspension may go flat because there's no air in the bags. Later systems are supposed to maintain a minimum pressure in the springs so this doesn't happen, but it's no guarantee the vehicle will have enough ride height to clear the lift.
You also want to deactivate a self-leveling suspension when doing brake or suspension work. Why? Because you don't want the suspension moving because a height sensor is telling the system module the vehicle is riding high.
Disconnecting a battery cable will also deactivate an electronic self-leveling suspension, but you'll also cut power to all the other onboard electronics. So to save yourself the embarrassment of erasing all the preset channels on the radio as well as the PCM's memory, use the deactivation switch (if one is provided) or find and pull the fuse that powers the self-leveling control module or air compressor. Don't forget to reactive the system after the vehicle has been serviced or it may cause the warning light to come on then next time the vehicle is driven.
Another thing to keep in mind on Lincolns, Fords and other vehicles with full air spring suspensions is that the air springs support the weight of the chassis and are under pressure (25 psi minimum - unless the springs have gone flat). Do not vent an inflated spring or remove a spring solenoid unless the vehicle is supported on a frame contact hoist, or the chassis is supported by safety stands when the wheels are off the ground. Why? Because the chassis will drop when air is let out of the springs.
