Air ride suspension problems

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
-Sounds like its leaking somewhere or a problem with air suspension leveling sensor-
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Friday, April 17th, 2020 AT 11:20 AM (Merged)
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
Yes, it has a leak and it sounds like the dealer just jumped to the wrong conclusion and didn't check it out thoroughly enough.
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Friday, April 17th, 2020 AT 11:20 AM (Merged)
Tiny
XPF1XP
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  • 1 POST
I had a similar issue, that was a leak at the connection between the compressor and accessory output in the cargo area.
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Friday, April 17th, 2020 AT 11:20 AM (Merged)
Tiny
SWINDLER
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2003 GMC ENVOY
Suspension problem
2003 GMC Envoy 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 60000 miles

This is an odd problem for me in that the problem is not persistent. We have the load-leveling package with the air suspension. What is happening is that we'll come back to the vehicle after it's been sitting, and find the rear air bags completely deflated, with the rear end completely lowered. But after we put the keys in the ignition, it will inflate just fine and ride just fine. The compressor doesn't have to turn back on (to re-inflate) while we're driving it. It seems to hold air.

Now the odd part. We can leave the vehicle sit for DAYS, and it doesn't deflate a quarter inch. Yet other times, we can come back in a hour and it's completely deflated. I have NEVER seen, or heard it losing air. But it obviously does, as I said it can completely deflate in an hour. Originally, this happened once or twice a week. Now, it's about 5-7 times a week, so it does appear to be getting worse. I'm thinking of putting a webcam on it overnight so I can see if it's a gradual or fast dump of pressure.

I can't understand what could be wrong where it would retain air indefinitely sometimes, but other times completely deflate, like the system purged air.

I've done a quick check for leaks, and didn't find anything, but didn't have much room under there. I plan to lift it and try again. But I need more ideas.

Help!
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Friday, April 17th, 2020 AT 11:20 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACKSONDAD
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  • 1 POST
That describes my car exactly! About a year ago, I had the pump replaced, and I don't want to do that again. It is a sporadic problem, but it is occuring more frequently. And I don't think it is a leak because it does not happen all the time. Did you find a solution?
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Friday, April 17th, 2020 AT 11:21 AM (Merged)
Tiny
LOCKIE1
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
This is the same problem I have with my 2002 Envoy
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+1
Friday, April 17th, 2020 AT 11:21 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MORRISAL
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2003 GMC ENVOY
Suspension problem
2003 GMC Envoy V8 Front Wheel Drive Automatic

I think the problem is the rear air suspension. How long is the manufacturer warranty on air bags?
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Friday, April 17th, 2020 AT 11:21 AM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
You didn't put how amany miles you have but it's out of warranty by now. There are other replacement bags @ about $130 each if you plan to install them your self.
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Friday, April 17th, 2020 AT 11:21 AM (Merged)
Tiny
LOCKIE1
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 2002 GMC ENVOY
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 72,000 MILES
When I arrive in morning the car is sitting down with air shocks deflated, but not always, just every now and then, seems to be getting worst.
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Friday, April 17th, 2020 AT 11:21 AM (Merged)
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
All 4 are low? Could be a stuck bleed off valve or relay doing that. Might need to have the BCM scanned to see if it has stored or seen any failures in the system. Also look for any obvious physical damage to the air bags
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Friday, April 17th, 2020 AT 11:21 AM (Merged)
Tiny
LOCKIE1
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Only the rear two shocks let the air out, but sporadic, what is bcm, and no there is no visible damage. Have had three mechanic try and find out what the problem is and they could not. Also cruise control is sporadic. Is there some computer/board that could be malfunctioning?
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Friday, April 17th, 2020 AT 11:21 AM (Merged)
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
BCM is the Body Control Module. Have it scanned. Pretty sure the valves are on the motor for the rear shocks, most likely the valve or motor itself has a slow leak. Might need to go to the dealer for this one, they will be more familiar with the common problems of your vehicle
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Friday, April 17th, 2020 AT 11:21 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BREIRN
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2002 GMC ENVOY
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 106,000 MILES
I am having the exact same problem with my envoy air suspension that has been previously mentioned on the forum - the air bags will deflate after one hour or after two days but reinflates when you start the car! No pattern at all - and it seems to bother my neighbors - my car looks like a clunker when in the deflated mode.
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Friday, April 17th, 2020 AT 11:21 AM (Merged)
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
My software is very vague about how this system works. Does the inflate switch light ever blink? If so count the flashes, these are codes for the suspension system. I would figure that the left/right valve would open to allow air to be dumped, as to where it releases it, all Mitchell mentions is an exhaust valve that dumps pressure. There are a few TSB's (tech service bulletins) on diagnosis of the rear system. Check the main connector for loose condition or poor pin contact. Always support the vehicle when working with air bags
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Friday, April 17th, 2020 AT 11:21 AM (Merged)
Tiny
"Q"
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2002 GMC ENVOY
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 108,000 MILES
My air bags keep deflating when the vehicle sits for over 2 hours. Yesterday it actually lost pressure while I was driving it. What would cause the bags to lose pressure? Are the bags, air line, or the compressor leaking?
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Friday, April 17th, 2020 AT 11:21 AM (Merged)
Tiny
65PONTIAC
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I have the same problem. My bags deflate when car sits but not every single time. I discovered that there is a leak. I have caught my truck deflating and can hear a hiss noise as the air escapes. I looked under the truck and looking at the bags, the bags look old and may have a hole or two in them maybe not big enough to see but u can see a lot of wear on my bags. When I start my truck up it inflates to normal height. I also ran into driving my truck on a long trip and the bags letting the air out as I drive. This is due because the compressor keeps putting air in and air leaks. The compressor can only run for sooo long before it overheats and needs a rest before it pumps again. What I had to do was pull over for awhile turn off the truck and let it rest so the compressor can turn on again and pump the air. As soon as I can clear out my garage and pull my truck in and lift it up and look under it I should be able to tell where the leak of air is coming from.
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-1
Friday, April 17th, 2020 AT 11:21 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RONBURROW
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2002 GMC ENVOY
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 90,000 MILES
Air suspension will not inflate to proper height after being replaced how many fuses in system seems to be lifting w/ left bag only. This is at a firestone dealer and they can, t quite get it right. Thanks
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Friday, April 17th, 2020 AT 11:21 AM (Merged)
Tiny
FACTORYJACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,159 POSTS
There are technically 2 fuses in the system, the ECAS fuse in the underhood fuse block, and the 4WD fuse supplies ignition 3 voltage to the module in run position. If it is not lifting evenly, and 1 shock is not pressurizing at all, then there is a leak or poor connection. There is also a sensor calibration procedure that is somewhat involved. It doesn't show this to be needed when the compressor is replaced.
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Friday, April 17th, 2020 AT 11:21 AM (Merged)

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