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Auto air ride suspension problems

Tiny
RANDYWV
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I had a problem that I ended up solving myself, but this is an appropriate place to mention it. I just got new tires on my '98 towncar, and they forgot to turn off the switch. I didn't even think about it b/c it had been awhile since I'd had the thing off the ground (plus they should have known). Well, anyway, when they were finished the car sat on the ground and although the air pump would run a little, the car remained at rock bottom. I ended up having them jack the car up to a respectable height in the back (matching the front), and then removing the battery cable to reset the computer. We let the car run for a minute at this height, then lowered it slowly, and about 60% of the height came back. It was back to normal after another 5 minutes driving.

Randy
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Monday, February 15th, 2021 AT 12:18 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JEFF2952
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 LINCOLN TOWN CAR
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 23,000 MILES
I have replaced the air suspension with coil springs and turned off the air suspension system in the trunk.

How do I turn off the suspension trouble light?
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Monday, February 15th, 2021 AT 12:18 PM (Merged)
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,757 POSTS
You should be able to totally disconnect the control module. It's located under the dash o the passenger side.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/561653_Suspension_module_98_Town_car_1.gif

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Monday, February 15th, 2021 AT 12:18 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JIM BEER
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1997 LINCOLN TOWN CAR
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 175,000 MILES
Replaced air bags. Ran 2months light came on, deflated. Checked air bags, tested trunk switch(pos.), Checked fuse box (good), by-passed fuse, air comp. Activated but didn't inflate bags. No leaks observed or found.
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Monday, February 15th, 2021 AT 12:18 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Check the ride height sensor, it connects to the axle with a ball and socket connection, these can pop off, and there rear will drop down. Jack up the car by the frame with the switch in the trunk OFF, attach the arm, put car back on the ground, turn the switch on and start the car. If it pops off again, you will need to fasten it together with a screw, or replace the sensor.
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Monday, February 15th, 2021 AT 12:18 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SEVEN01
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1997 LINCOLN TOWN CAR
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 133,000 MILES
This fine auto was obtained by me 5 yrs ago from a limo fleet. Always stored indoors, detailed and waxed, so it looks as new in and out. Very proud of it so far. Just installed the Dorman intake manifold too.
"Ck Air Suspension" light is on.
-Car is below normal ride height now, but not completely out of air yet.
-Compressor is operating w/made to run via relay jump across test.
-Air control module behind glove box tests OK
-Height does not change w/compressor is forced to run.
-I don't want to perform the vent test to see if height lowers as I need to drive the car to work.

Question: Should I disconnect the airline connection @ the compressor and force it to run to ck for air output next?
What would you recommend from this point?
Thanks a bunch. Gary in Louisville, KY.
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Monday, February 15th, 2021 AT 12:19 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
I would check the ride height sensor at the rear, it connects to the rear axle from above the axle, the levers tend to wear at the ball stud on the axle and pop off.
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Monday, February 15th, 2021 AT 12:19 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BLUECOLLAR
  • MEMBER
  • 86 POSTS
To figure out whats wrong without a scan tool requires knowing how much time goes by after the ignition is turned on. 5-10 seconds after.45 seconds after.90 seconds after?

BTW, even though your bypassing the relay and making the compressor come on, you still have to either wait for the system to -OR- manually open the solenoids to allow the air to flow into the air springs.
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Monday, February 15th, 2021 AT 12:19 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CALDOG41
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Just wanted to say that our 1997 Lincoln TC Executive was having issues with the air suspension system. Car would "drop" when it was parked. But would only do this on some occasions - not all the time. We could not locate any leaks in the air lines and eventually opted to just replace the system with an aftermarket spring suspension kit. Car drives very well and no-longer "drops". The only issue is that the message center now displays "Check Air Suspension" - does anyone know how to turn this off or is this something that only a dealer could reprogram? I really don't want to spend money and will just live with it if it is going to cost a lot. Thanks for the forum!
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Monday, February 15th, 2021 AT 12:19 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JOHN GRIFFITH
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1996 LINCOLN TOWN CAR
  • 4.6L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 180,000 MILES
I need a wiring diagram for the air ride.
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Monday, February 15th, 2021 AT 12:19 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning,

I attached the diagrams you requested for the air ride system.

Let me know if you have any questions.

What is the issue with the system?

Roy
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Monday, February 15th, 2021 AT 12:20 PM (Merged)
Tiny
NAH
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1996 LINCOLN TOWN CAR
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 96,000 MILES
How do you adjust the height of the the rear of the car?
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Monday, February 15th, 2021 AT 12:20 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BLUECOLLAR
  • MEMBER
  • 86 POSTS
Its a simple task. First, make sure you turn the suspension switch off before making ANY adjustments. Having the car lower on you accidentally would be a major drag.
Simply locate the 1 sensor in the rear and loosen the adjuster.
To raise the rearend a little higher, move the sensor together.
To lower the rearend, extend the sensor.
Turn switch back on and see if your adjustment was enough.
REMEMBER: A little bit goes a long way, so adjust a little, then see if its enough!
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Monday, February 15th, 2021 AT 12:20 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CDBLUHOG
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1996 LINCOLN TOWN CAR
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 185,000 MILES
Where is the air compressor for the suspension? Only thing I find that looks it could be the compressor has some lines routed to the brake master clylinder and is located under the engine air filter. I have the air springs out, the height sensor collasped, all fuses good, and suspension switch in trunk on. Trying to test the compressor before ordering parts. None of the air suspension fuses were blown. The right air spring had started leaking down and I have elected to replace both. I don't see any type air dryer near the unit I described above as is pictured in some parts houses.
Thanks Ken
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Monday, February 15th, 2021 AT 12:22 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Hi cdbluhog, Welcome to 2carpros and TY for the donation

Its on lower left front of engine compartment-see item no. 23

1. Disconnect battery ground cable.
2. Turn air suspension switch to OFF position.
3. Remove air cleaner housing assembly as follows:

1. Loosen air tube to throttle body clamp, then remove air tube end.
2. Unfasten air cleaner lid attaching clips, then remove air cleaner lid.
3. Remove air filter element.
4. Remove 2 outer and 1 inner lower air cleaner assembly attaching nuts.
5. Remove lower air cleaner assembly.

4. Remove air compressor and dryer assembly splash shield and pushpins.
5. Push dryer air line retainer inward, then pull air line outward to remove.
6. Disconnect compressor electrical connectors.
7. Raise and support vehicle.
8. Remove compressor to fender apron attaching nuts.
9. Lower vehicle.
10. Remove compressor and dryer assembly.
11. Reverse to procedure install.[img]


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/12900_compressor_2.jpg

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Monday, February 15th, 2021 AT 12:22 PM (Merged)

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