Suspension - Intermittent Problem

[SmithA]

Hello all, just joined up and am pleased to find somewhere with info on the explorer.

i have a small problem that seems to be itermittent.
When the back is empty all seems well with the suspension (no warning light etc, small amount of compressor noise from the rear axel when turning of the engine). I recently went over to France to pick up the required wine for xmas when on the way back the warning/info light for the rear suspension came on after some 30 miles. I pulled over switched off and turned the switch in the back on and off started up again and all was well, for another 30 miles. it did not seem to affect the handling at all.

Since i have been back not seen the light on again.

Just wondered if you guys had any ideas.

Cheers

Andy

P.S. there was only 6 cases of wine an one case of beer so i am pretty sure it was not overloaded.

 

[Howard]

Welcome to another UK owner.

The first thing that I would do is check all the electrical connectors for corrosion, especially those underneath. Also check for any air leaks in the pipe work.

 

[SmithA]

Many thanks i will give that a go.
Just waiting for the good old Haynes manual

 

[Howard]

Unfortunately whilst the Haynes book tells you a lot (I have one). It does not really cover the self levelling suspension that we have, or even mention it. Ford dealers here seem to be about as good as useless, so its work by feel. Good luck.

 

[SmithA]

Oh deep joy

I can see some fun to come then. Are the manuals from across the pond any better?

 

[Howard]

There is a service cd knocking around but, you guessed, its for LHD. Across the pond they seem to have a different air suspension setup with air shocks all round. So we are definitely out on a limb. There must be some info here somewhere but I have yet to find it. So far mine works fine. . But to look at the problem logically it cannot be a fault with the compressor. It may be that the shocks/pipes are leaking or just a bad connection or even a sticking switch for the level. Its get out the old test light and probe away.

 

[sicnarf]

Sorry to jump into the thread, I also have this problem of the suspension light coming on after about 30 miles when there is something in the rear end(not over loaded)
As I have only recently bought it from Ford it has a Ford warranty, so when I had them look at it (for a whole day)they said they couldn't find anything but had reset the suspension(How I don't know)). It still does it so its going back. If I find anything out I will post up some more.

Rob

 

[SmithA]

That would be cracking thanks Rob.

Andy

 

[jonsco]

Hi
I have the same problem on my 97 but I get around 10 miles.
I have now perfected the slow down, into neutral, turn the ignition off turn back on and restart the engine and back into drive.

 

[jonsco]

Hi Rob
Have you any futher news on the Suspension light

 

[sicnarf]

Sorry, should have posted something,

Ford haven't been able to fit the car in before christmas, so am still waiting.
As soon as its been in, Probably the new year, I will post what they come up with (If anything)

Rob

 

[sicnarf]

Sorry, should have posted something,

Ford haven't been able to fit the car in before christmas, so am still waiting.
As soon as its been in, Probably the new year, I will post what they come up with (If anything)

Rob

UPDATE

Just got the car back from Ford as it had a service and MOT!!!!(Passed )

Asked them to look at the suspension at the same time.

Said they had to reset the level for the self levelling.
I asked how they did it and he said,

They raised the car up on the chassis so the wheels dropped as far as they could, then set this as the level. So when it was back on its wheels it would level out parallel to that.

Will wait and see if it works!!!
Suspension has levelled itself while I am stopped on a hill but not come on apart from that, so fingers crossed.

Hope this helps.

 

[SmithA]

Does anyone know how to reset the suspension? is it just a case of jacking it up?

Andy

 

[jonsco]

put mine for mot, they needed to adjust the hand brake up. whilst they did the adjustment they must have reset the suspension without realising it.
the only time i see the warning light now is when I turn the key. weird or what !!

 

[sicnarf]

Another Update

Suspension still didn't work so yet again it went back to Ford.

They had the car 4 days and stripped it down,
checked 4 pages of stuff they got from Ford technical,
cleaned all connections on the loom, found the rear sensor on the axle not moving properly, replaced that, reset and asked me to drive it for a couple of days.

Put some weight in the boot and after about 40 miles the load light came on.Did this for a couple of days to make sure it wasn't a one off.

Took it back to Ford and they read the fault codes and it said it was the "Load levelling control module"

They said they have to take the dashboard out to fit it, and have the car another 2 days.

Waiting for the module to come in and then going to get her booked in!!!

Glad its on warranty £571 for the module!!!!!

 

[jonsco]

Found out a bit more earlier this week
The fault on mine is due to a ball joint popping out of its socket, due to wear.
Need to buy a new arm and retaining sockets or new fittings, so garage job then.
But garage man pushes it back in place and its ok for a few weeks.
So no rush then