93cont. sig. 3.8L Suspension

[Jeff G.]

Symptom: Front wheels ride high 30.5 in, rear fine.
leak test done no leaks in system anywhere.
Vehicle has been sitting for 2 weeks with no loss of air.
Vehicle has new compressor-dryer and wheel solenoids.
Looking for suggestions on likely cause.

[Conti94]

There could be too much pressure in the suspension air bags other than that have no idea.

[mystery]

Are both sides in front at 30.5 inches?

If not, the higher side's height sensor has been thrown out of adjustment, or needs replacing. (insides may become corroded from road salt)

If they are the same height, have they always been like this? You can adjust the height sensors, but make sure it is venting properly first (should be since you have new solenoids and a new compressor/dryer). See this thread:
http://www.lincolnsonline.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=21&t=000007

Bear in mind if the rears are low, this will cause the front to be a bit high due to the shift in weight.

[Jeff G.]

Both sides are high (30.5). It appears they are not venting. I have tried turning on the ignition (without starting) through the open window at which time I hear a click, which sounds like an attempt to vent however, I do not see the front drop. It then moves to the fill mode at which time I shut off the car to prevent further filling. Should I let it continue, what I mean is should I let the process cycle through to reset?

[jmerritt]

Jeff,

Go to this site. They work on these suspensions all the time and can help diagnose it. They have a message board where you can post your problem and they will respond. You have to be careful to not overinflate or you may blow an airbag.
http://www.bagmasterair.com/index.html

John

[DJ]

If the Conti system is similar to the Mark VII system, there is a vent valve that is part of the compressor assembly that may not be operating correctly. The click you are hearing is probably the wheel solenoids at the bags which cannot let air out of the bags if the vent valve does not open. Since you just replaced the compressor-dryer assembly I would check the wiring going to it first. It may just be a loose connection or a defective wire.

[ekooke]

Misadjusted/corroded front height sensors, or solenoid wiring harness problem. It could also be a sticking vent solenoid at the compressor, but then the rears wouldn't adjust properly either. When turning the key to Run (not Start) listen for a "click" at the wheel well; this is your wheel solenoid firing to admit/delete air. If no click(s), the solenoid isn't getting the signal. If clicks are heard at the front wheel wells - both of them - and the front isn't lowering as it should, check the height sensors for binding & correct positions. The final possibility is the air ride controller; either corrosion at the connector, or the controller itself has gone bad.

[Jeff G.]

By controller do you mean the control module in the trunk?

[ekooke]

quote:Originally posted by Jeff G.:
By controller do you mean the control module in the trunk?

Yes. Pull the connector, clean its contacts and the module contacts. Sometimes they get corroded, with results of faulty operation.