Air Suspension Problem/Question

[RockinRed]

I have a 1992 Lincoln Continental with air suspension. The right front end will not pump up at all. I replaced the air bag and it was ok for a while but now it wont pump up at all. Someone told me its probably the solenoid. Where is the solenoid for the air suspension? also someone told me it could be the air sensor, where are these located? I bought a book and it tells me NOTHING about air suspension. Any help or ideas would be greatful.

[ekooke]

There are 4 solenoids, one for each air spring, and a 5th solenoid at the compressor. There are 3 height sensors; 2 at front, 1 rear. If you have a problem with one only front corner not pumping up, it's:
air leak at solenoid
leaking air spring, in bladder or sealing point
solenoid seal leak at o-rings (usually caused by not lubricating NEW o-rings when installing solenoid in holder.
bad connector or damaged solenoid control wire at that corner; LISTEN for solenoid clicking at that corner while compressor is running.

[MichiganTeddyBear]

were in MI are you located... if your near NW michigan (TC/Cadillac area), I could help you out.

What ekooke said is right. The air suspension at first seems to be very complicated, but is in fact quite simple.. only a few things can go bad with them, and the diagostics process isn't that tough.

[RockinRed]

We are in Southeast Michigan (Detroit Area). But thanks for the offer.

I need to know where the height sensors are. If anyone has a diagram of this, let me know.

The compressor only runs for 30 sec and does not come back on. The right front is the only side that does not pump up. The compressor and air bag has been replaced.

[ekooke]

Height sensor does what the name implies, senses height. It's how the air ride controller knows to add or delete air to a front air spring. The front sensors are next to each air spring, and look like small shock absorbers. I told you before to listen for a click at the offending wheel well while the compressor is running. If you don't hear a click while the height adjustment is being made, the solenoid isn't opening, and no air will be admitted to the air spring. This DOES NOT mean that the height sensor is defective, but most likely means there's a break in the control wires leading to the solenoid. If a click IS HEARD at the offending corner while the compressor's running, that usually means an air leak somewhere; at the air line connection, the solenoid seal, the dryer connector, or even a pinched air line going to that corner. Your best bet for a diagram on the air ride system (and how to troubleshoot it) is to INVEST in the FACTORY Service Manual and EVTM for your specific make/model/year. Look on eBay, or go to the source at:
www.helminc.com

[MichiganTeddyBear]

another quick ? for ya RockinRed.... do you get a check air suspension light or warning???

if not, them the controller thinks all is happy, and the problem may be as simple as the linkage for the height sensor popped off.

of you get an error, then your controller is sensing its too low, and not raising, which means bad bag, solenoid not opening (see ekooke's post), or also still could be a linkage popped off.

But I do agree with ekooke on all he has said.. and yes you NEED the factory manuals to work on these cars properly. the chiltons or haynes just don't cut it, they have to be very generalized

[RockinRed]

Thanks for all your help guys. We will be working on it this weekend. I will let you know how it turns out :-)

[towncar95]

i just started having the same problem, with my 1989. the car got towed, and im not sure if they turned off the switch. i should have turned it off myself, but with all the confusion of a breakdown at nite and trying to get a ride... anyway. now the right front does not work. i did get it to work once or twice, but a few miles down the road, it was down again. the check light does not come on till 5 minutes later. im going do some checking this weekend. by the way i bought a book off ebay THE FACTORY FORD ONE :) hope it will be here soon.

[towncar95]

well fixed my right front drop tonite. the height sensor arm was off.
mabey it got knocked off putting it up on the flat bed. oh well im happy.

[MichiganTeddyBear]

well fixed my right front drop tonite. the height sensor arm was off.
mabey it got knocked off putting it up on the flat bed. oh well im happy.


glad to see you had an easy one.. just goes to show, not all A/S problems are hard or expensive to fix!

[towncar95]

thanks michigan...
we tested the air spring too. no leaks. sprayed it soap , no leaks. for 17 year old air springs they are good , the only bad is the strut part is worn out. oh yeah... first we couldnt find the arm , as it was hanging down on the lower stud ( didnt notice it ....DUH) :)
so my friend was in the process of making a temporary arm from some pvc pipe. figured till i got the part ... then im looking and im like hey there it is. we laughed what ya gonna do .

[MichiganTeddyBear]

as far as I know, the only way to fix the worn strut is to replace it.. I don't think the bags themselves can be swapped over easily, if at all

I still have 3 of them damn things to change on mine too. lots of fun... lots of yummies.... glad the good weather is comming up.

[donmega]

I have 4 struts, 3 good, 4 used air solenoids , 1 brand new never used, pump and all that in roseville michigan.

Let me know if you need any of it.

[dsparke@chartermi.net]

Well I have been reading all this stuff on air ride and would like to ask my question. 94 lincoln cont.air ride light is on,bags were replaced 2 years ago,still good. There is no power to the air pump, the fuses are good. I read somewhere about a relay that could be bad, but don't know where it is. If anyone could help me I would love it.