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Air suspension

Tiny
BHHUYCK
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
Air suspension works sometimes (airs up) sometimes it won't. Air compressor runs front bags don't fill up.
Saturday, December 11th, 2010 AT 1:37 AM

66 Replies

Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
Check Height sensor
Check for Air Leaks
Apply a soapy water solution to the air lines, air line fittings, air springs, upper spring shock mount and the air compressor

The 4-wheel air suspension system operates in the following manner:
Vehicle height is controlled by the 4-wheel air suspension module (vehicle dynamics module (VDM).
Each air spring has a solenoid that must open to vent (or compress).
The air suspension compressor has a vent solenoid that must open to vent the system.
The transition from trim height to kneel height or from kneel height to trim height takes approximately 30 to 45 seconds.
The front air springs raise or vent independently.
The rear air springs raise or vent as a pair.
The system does not operate when:
any of the doors are open.
The liftgate or liftgate glass is open.
The power running boards are deployed.
The system will vent when the vehicle speed exceeds 24 km/h (15 mph) even if the air suspension switch is in the OFF position.
Kneel mode is defined as 25 mm (0.98 in) below trim height.
Trim height is normal driving height.
4x4 off-road mode is engaged when the vehicle 4x4 system operates in 4x4 low mode at a speed of less than 30 km/h (19 mph), and is defined as 25 mm (0.98 in) above trim height.
Height sensor:
The system uses 3 height sensors †LF, RF and rear.
Height sensor output voltage is between 0.5 and 4.5 volts.
The LF and RF have opposite electrical polarities.
Height sensor voltage output decreases (goes from high to low) as the suspension system raises.
The suspension ride height changes when:
the ignition key is in the RUN position, the doors and liftgate are closed and the vehicle is shifted to DRIVE or REVERSE, ride height changes from kneel to trim.
The ignition key is in the OFF position, the doors and liftgate are CLOSED, ride height changes from kneel to trim.
The 4x4 system mode is switched to 4x4 low, the ride height changes to off-road.
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Saturday, December 11th, 2010 AT 2:03 AM
Tiny
SELOUS
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2004 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR
Suspension problem
2004 Lincoln Navigator V8 Two Wheel Drive Automatic

The front air suspension does not always work (recently). I have stop, turn the car off, fiddle with on/off switch at the rear and usually rectifies itself. Obviously something is wrong, any idea what it might be? The check system says the air suspension system is working ok. Thank you for your help.
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Tuesday, January 10th, 2017 AT 12:00 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MATTHEW1GUERRA
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
My Navigator (2004) does the exact same thing down to pulling off and fiddling with the switch. It only started once it got cold outside and once it starts working properly it continues to work until I park it overnight. Have you had any luck finding a solution? I've replaced both front leveling switches with no luck (advice from our from a Lincoln mechanic).
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Tuesday, January 10th, 2017 AT 12:00 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,643 POSTS
Hey guys, it looks like there is a module that is shorting out or the control switch is having problems. Here is a guide and a wiring diagram so you can start testing the problem, please let us know what you find out.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

Please run some tests and get back to us so we can continue helping you.

Best, Ken
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Tuesday, January 10th, 2017 AT 12:00 PM (Merged)
Tiny
FAMMONF1
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 2004 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 177,895 MILES
Can I temporarily fix air suspension in my 2004 Lincoln Navigator, so I can drive it?
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Tuesday, January 10th, 2017 AT 12:00 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
This will depend on what has failed, if the airbag has failed there will be nothing that you can do.

Mark (mhpautos)
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Tuesday, January 10th, 2017 AT 12:01 PM (Merged)
Tiny
FAMMONF1
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
No I don't think its the shocks the compressor dosen't come on any more & I checked all the fuses & they are good, Where is the relay & how do I know if its Bad?
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Tuesday, January 10th, 2017 AT 12:01 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
See pic for location.

Mark (mhpautos)
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Tuesday, January 10th, 2017 AT 12:01 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BOXERS21
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2004 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR
  • 91,000 MILES
I am have problems with the air suspension. The air compressor comes on I can hear it. The right side front shock only inflates about half way and the left side doesn't inflate at all. Then in a few days everything works fine. Then in a few days it does the same thing all over again
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+8
Tuesday, January 10th, 2017 AT 12:01 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CADIEMAN
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,544 POSTS
Check the hoses and airbags for a leak with soapy water to find the leak.
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Tuesday, January 10th, 2017 AT 12:01 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BOXERS21
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
That's the only thing that I have checked is the bags and lines with soapy water all is ok. No leak's at the bags or lines.
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Tuesday, January 10th, 2017 AT 12:01 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BMERDREAMER
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I'm having the same problem with my 2005 Navigator. The mechanic checked with the soapy water and found nothing. What happens now?
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Tuesday, January 10th, 2017 AT 12:01 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CADIEMAN
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,544 POSTS
OK
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Tuesday, January 10th, 2017 AT 12:01 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KTMKEVIN
  • MEMBER
  • 21 POSTS
From what I've read the last month or so on these forums, the suspension experts say it's the poor design is what's wrong and the best way to handle it is to convert to coil springs. I've converted both my Lincolns and am super happy.
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Tuesday, January 10th, 2017 AT 12:01 PM (Merged)
Tiny
GUGIE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2000 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 120,000 MILES
I'm stumped. I have a 2000 Lincoln Navigator in which the air suspension is not deflating when the vehicle is turned off. I can hear the rear airspring solenoids clicking and I've been able to loosen the pressure relief valve and deflate the rear airbags a little. I also hear the front airgate solenoids clicking so assuming these are also working. The vehicle is riding pretty high so I need to firgure out what is keeping the air from being released and how can I fix it. Everything that I've read leads me to believe that it's some type of check vavle in the compressor but wanting to confirm as these are pretty pricey
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Tuesday, January 10th, 2017 AT 12:01 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Welcome to 2 carpros.

The first thing you should do is to check for Diagnostic Trouble Codes. Here are the procedures.

On-Demand Self-Test

1. Connect New Generation Star (NGS) Tester (007-00500) to Data Link
Connector (DLC) according to manufacturer's instructions. DLC is located under steering column.

2. Turn ignition on. Rotate dial on scan tester to DIAGNOSTIC DATA LINK menu and press trigger.

3. Rotate dial on scan tester to highlight desired module to be tested and press trigger. Ensure DIAGNOSTIC TEST MODES is highlighted and press trigger.

4. Rotate dial on scan tester to highlight on-demand self-test and press trigger. Press button No. 3 to start test. Press trigger. Record any on-demand self-test Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) that are displayed. On-demand self-test DTCs must be serviced first.

5. Retrieve all stored continuous DTCs. Compare DTCs to ELECTRONIC AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM DTC INDEX table. Service DTCs as necessary. Clear all DTCs.

NOTE:
On-demand self-test may be used to verify that no electrical
faults exist in air suspension system. If instructed to perform on-demand self-test from a specified test procedure, ensure ignition switch is in proper position as listed in test procedure.

I believe it is not a fault with the compressor as you are able to get compressed air to increase the height but is not releasing and it could be a missing signal such as a failed door switch.

Let me know if any DTCs are found.
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Tuesday, January 10th, 2017 AT 12:01 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BOB5513
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
  • 1998 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR
Suspension problem
1998 Lincoln Navigator V8 Four Wheel Drive Automatic 280K miles

Why is it 1 - 2 " lower on driver side only and how do you correct this? Yes the pump is working.
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Tuesday, January 10th, 2017 AT 12:01 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JNOVACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 723 POSTS
Was truck jacked up to change a flate at one time
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Tuesday, January 10th, 2017 AT 12:01 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BOB5513
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I had a hub changed in a shop.
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Tuesday, January 10th, 2017 AT 12:01 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JNOVACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 723 POSTS
There is a switch that shuts off the airbag system and if they didn't turn it off then that is the probblem the air system has to be drained and then reinflaited
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Tuesday, January 10th, 2017 AT 12:01 PM (Merged)

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