The airbag (4 wheel) system quit working on my 99 Expy. Since the warranty has expired, I am trying to fix it myself. So far I have done a jiggle test around the compressor and the wire connector near the compressor. Twice while checking around the compressor, shutting the system on and off under the dash, and putting the car in 4 wheel hi, the compressor came on and the bags filled up. I drove it a few minutes and the airbag system shut down again. Now, with jiggling and switching on and off, I can't even get the compressor to come on. I'm pretty sure that the compressor and the bags are good. What can I try next? Are there any schematics of the system available?
Thanks in advance.

 

Did you ever find a fix for this? My check suspension light ('98 EB 4 corner LLS) has been coming on intermittently. I have had this happen before and eventually it just failed (rear on the bump stops) Dealership replaced one of the air shocks and the compressor. Any thoughts on what to check???

 

my compressor has been making some strange noises recently, deep, sputtering noises. It works fine, but some funky *** noises coming out of it ...

 

Hey Buckeyeexpy, I did fix my load leveling air suspension. The first thing we tried was applying 12 volts directly to the compressor. My compressor pumped up the air bags. The fix didn't last long so we looked to the wire harness directly below the compressor and it was fine, bright and tight. We found a frayed wire at the the compressor relay and repairing the wire solved my problem. The compressor relay is found directly behind the passenger side head light. You can follow the wires down from the compressor to the relay. If your not as lucky as I was you can contact Arnott industries and they may have your answer, as well as parts. Their web site is http://www.arnottindustries.com/faq/index.asp.

 

The number one failure on the 4WAS systems (in my experiences alone) have been caused by the rear height sensor located right above the rear axle housing.

Just something to check for proper connection..
If it's connected properly, then it could be the sensor itself, but I wouldn't waste money throwing parts at it.. Have it diagnosed by a professional, then you can always repair it yourself.. Might save you some $$$$$...


Good Luck!!

FordMasterTech

 

Hey guys, thank you!

I will look into all of those thoughts.
My only concern with taking it into the dealership for this is that the last time I did they said that unless the check suspension light is on the code will not be stored.

 

I have recently had my rig up on a lift to rotate the tires. The ck susp light came on and havent heard the compressor come on since. The bags are full but nothing happens. I can even force the left or right side to be the high side or low side. I checked the height sencer and nothing happens and it looks fine. Could it be the pressure sencer?

HELP!

 

Did you shut off the air suspension before you lifted it?