Check Air Ride System

[ksknapper]

Subject: Air Ride System on my 1995 Explorer Limited. I'm getting a "Check Air Ride System" error on the on-board computer. It is currently intermittant. Comes and goes, with no regularity. Began about 2 weeks ago. Sometimes when you do a system check with the on-board computer is says its working fine or it throughs up the error or comes on while driving. I put it on the rack last weekend and checked for leaks at all the shocks, lines and connectors with soapy water. All shocks are fine, no leaks anywhere and got compressor to pump up the rear shocks. However, couldn't get the 4x4 to initiate the compressor as it says its supposed to do in the manual. Hung off the bumper while the compressor was on and it pumped up fine. All shocks sit about the same, so think there are no problems with the individual solenoids or actuators. Not really sure how the system works though. When the problem first started, the compressor came on 4 times sequencially. I'm leaning toward a compressor issue or some electrical interface between the compressor and sensors. Really don't want to replace the system if its not really necessary or if something simple is involved like a sensor. I heard that the compressors are notorious for giving up or the dryer causing problems but not sure how you eliminate possiblilities. What is the pressure that the compressor is to produce? It could be getting weak. It is 12 years old, honestly, can't believe its lasted this long. Furthermore, can you take it to a shop and get a computer diagnosis?

Thanks for any input.
Bryan

 

[ksknapper]

Thought I would add some input from a tech at Strutmasters.com

>Because of the electronic issues as these systems age, we simply supply a
4-wheel conversion shock kit, that totally bypasses the air ride and
electronics. You may have a weakened compressor, usually caused by slow
leaks in the system, which are hard to detect. You'll find that it isn't
worth the time and money to maintain the air ride, when it eventually
fails. Thanks,
Garry Moore

I'm still wondering if there is a way to check for bad sensors to simply get a check. I may have to call the dealer to see if the computer can run a shock test.

FWIW
Bryan

 

[97greenmonster]

How do you know if you have an air ride system?

 

[ksknapper]

The easiest way I can tell you is that there is also a small on / off switch on the driver side of the vehicle in the cargo area where the Jack is stored. The switch says air ride system on it.

You can also look under the vehicle above the spare tire carriage, if you have one there will be a small compressor there with a few air lines.

Bryan

 

[97greenmonster]

Thanks. wat year did they start making them? mines a 97, so idk, my friend has a 99, and his truck is ALOT different than mine. and so are the 98's