Air ride suspension relay

UNCLEBIFF

MEMBER
2001 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
150,000 MILES

My rear end is setting almost all the way down on the tires and the pump is not coming on. I pulled off the relay only to find one of the terminals melted. What would cause this?

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Thursday, February 28th, 2019 AT 7:13 PM

4 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.

In a plug like this, a few things can cause this. First, the pins in the plug corrode and become weak. The result is they can break. Or, the corrosion or a loose or weak connection can cause excessive heat which can result in this type of issue.

What I suggest is to replace the plug and use a dielectric grease on the pins. That will help reduce moisture damage and corrosion. Also, it will help maintain a good connection. You can get dielectric grease at most any parts store.

Let me know if you need help with anything.

Take care,
Joe

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Thursday, February 28th, 2019 AT 8:52 PM

UNCLEBIFF

MEMBER
37 POSTS

The plug was extremely tight hard to get apart. Could it still be moisture? Is there no other reason?

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Friday, March 1st, 2019 AT 12:26 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

It could also be related to a weak connection causing higher resistance in the wire. The result, it creates more heat. Also, it could simply be age. Remember, the plug moves a bit when the car is driven.

Let me know if I can help.

Joe

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Friday, March 1st, 2019 AT 7:25 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
54,137 POSTS

Hello,

If I can put my 2 cents in, When the air shocks/bags leak the pump runs excessively causing the overheating. I would replace the connector and the rear shocks here are diagrams to help. Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

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