"Check Ride Control" Message

[NDPhann]

Over the last few weeks, my '95 Continental has been displaying "Check Ride Control" on the message center. It seems to have started since the weqther here in northern Indiana has been hot and humid (just a coincedence?) It also seems that the suspension raises higher than normal. It usually shows this message after the first time we stop after starting the car and pulling away. Any thoughts?

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[BLUECOLLAR]

'95 Continentals are notorious about the front solenoid connector wires breaking(about 3 to 6 inches away from solenoid). The wires make a connection and work until you go over bumps, then theres on open circuit. As soon as the module see's it,BING, the light comes on and shuts the system down.

Ford sells a connector kit for this problem. 1 kit does both sides. Any Ford dealer SHOULD know what your talking about. If they don't have a clue what your talking about, let me know and I'll get you a part number. DO NOT USE BUTT CONNECTORS TO DO THIS REPAIR. It should be soldered and heat shrinked. If you don't know how to solder or use heat shrinking tubing, you may want to have someone else do this repair. If its done right, you'll never have to worry about it again. If butt connectors are used, YOU WILL have problems in a short time.

There are other things that go wrong on these cars, but without somemore testing...a code or something to go on, this is my bet.

[NDPhann]

BLUECOLLAR --

Thanks for the info. This might explain why it has been acting so squirrely in the high-humidity weather we've been having lately. Could you get me the part number for the repair kit that you mentioned?

Thanks again for the info!

Ross

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[This message has been edited by NDPhann (edited August 04, 2001).]

[BLUECOLLAR]

Yes I will. First thing monday morning. You want me to get you a kit? I have a buddy I used to work with(I used to work on his car for nothing) thats a parts guy at a lincoln dealership. I could get it at dealer cost.

[NDPhann]

BLUECOLLAR --

I might want you to have you get the repair kit for me. Get a $$$ on it from your buddy if you can .

How difficult is it to find the location on the car to install the connector kit and how tough is it to actually do the repair? I am pretty fair with a soldering iron so if I can do it myself, I'd just as soon avoid the shop charges.

One more question...will it damage the system if I drive the car with the suspension at what seems to be full height. If I have to, I'll just shut the automatic leveling system off for the time being. I really want to avoid having to replace solenoids or air bags if I can help it!!!

Thanks!

Ross

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[This message has been edited by NDPhann (edited August 06, 2001).]

[BLUECOLLAR]

It won't hurt a thing to drive it with the switch off. If its up high it may drive rough is all.
Its 2:03p.m. now, and my buddy is "suppose to" call me back(he's at lunch) today with a price on the kit. The kit is installed in the front at the strut. All you do is cutoff about a foot of the original wire then solder the new connector in, then heat shrink it to seal up everything. I can send you 2 strips of the good Ford Heat Shrink. (The good stuff has the wax stuff that seals really good) If your good with a soldering iron, this is a pretty easy job.

I'll be in touch.

[BLUECOLLAR]

NDPhann, the solenoid connector kit through my buddy is $13.50 and 1 kit does both sides. The price has come down since I was turning wrenches so you might be better off getting it locally rather than pay shipping and all. List price is $18.00!
The part # is F2PZ-14A464-A