1990 Buick Park Avenue small air pump/motor runs after igni

SGDAHLGREN

MEMBER
1990 BUICK PARK AVENUE
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
184,000 MILES

The other day I got out of my car after shutting it off and a motor came on under the hood. Not the engine, just a small motor. It is located behind the drivers side headlamp. It has wires running into and out of it. It has a barbed stubout for what looks like a vacuum like to fit over, but nothing is attached. When this little air pump runs I can put my finger over the barb and it is creating suction.
I don't know what this little air pump is, what it is supposed to do, or why it's running after the car is shut off. Please help. At least give me a name for this device so I can research more.

Thanks,
Steve

4 Replies

DOCFIXIT

MECHANIC
18,828 POSTS

Electronic Level Control Motor and next to it control module. There are height sensors on car and pump will activate to level car.

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Wednesday, February 18th, 2009 AT 8:54 AM

SGDAHLGREN

MEMBER
2 POSTS

So, is there supposed to be some sort of hose attached to the barb fitting? Should it run after the car is shut off. It runs for 5 minutes or so.

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Wednesday, February 18th, 2009 AT 11:34 AM

DOCFIXIT

MECHANIC
18,828 POSTS

Should be a hose there. Pump will run to level car if the hose is off then pump will on timer till it levels on runs out of time

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Wednesday, February 18th, 2009 AT 12:01 PM

LOGICALCHOICE

MEMBER
4 POSTS

I've seen 100's of these but never seen a hose on that barbed nipple. If I can't level the car (usually due to a leak) it will time out and stop pumping. Sorry he already said that. Highjackers are awsome replacements and priced reasonably.

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Sunday, October 25th, 2009 AT 2:10 PM