Air suspension problems.

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Grrrrrr

Grrrrrr

Technician, Bodgit & Scarper Ltd
Posts
19,893
Location
Buckinghamshire, UK. ('95 DT)
Hi all,

I knew it was too good to last. After 2 weeks of trouble free motoring I've had my first major air-suspension problem. I had to limp home on the bump-stops.

Once home I connected up the Nanocom and read the faults: none found! Initially the readings (engine running) were:

Valve (front left) = closed
Valve (front right) = closed
Valve (rear left) = open
Valve (rear right) = open
Valve (exhaust) = closed
Valve (inlet) = open

Switch (pressure) = open
Switch (lower) = open
Switch (raise) = open

Switch (thermal) = hot (although it later switched to normal)

Compressor = off (however, I could force it on using the Nanocom and hear it running when I did so)

Inhibit = off
Park / handbrake = on
Footbrake = off
Door disable = closed

After forcing the pump on for about 10 minutes it eventually came up to ride height. I tried to get it to extended ride-height but the dash-light never stopped flashing so it never stabalised there. Around this stage the thermal switch went to normal. I tried sending it to Access height and then back to standard ride-height. However, the problems got worse. I tried to go back to extended ride-height but now the front didn't move and stayed at Access height! See first photo.

I tried checking for faults but again no faults show and no messages on the dash. The front suspension now isn't responding although it THINKS it is OK as the dash light stops flashing on standard ride setting. Second photo is car apparently stablised on standard ride height.

Anyone know what it is? Dodgy height sensor? EAS computer?

Any ideas of where to start gratefully received.

Cheers,

J
 

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I replaced all 4 bags a couple of months ago. I did check where the pipes go in and gave them a push. Couldn't hear anything.

However, I'll try with a bit of soapy water if it stops ****ing it down for 5 minutes!

Cheers,

J
 
Grrrrrr said:
I replaced all 4 bags a couple of months ago. I did check where the pipes go in and gave them a push. Couldn't hear anything.

However, I'll try with a bit of soapy water if it stops ****ing it down for 5 minutes!

Cheers,

J
Click to expand...

Do the Wammers compressor test in the How To section. Rear should come up first then front but if not enough pressure it will do what yours has done:)
 
Searching now!

Pretty certain the compressor is only about 6 months old so it'll be a ****er if that has burnt out. I should probably overhaul that valve-block just in case.
 
Grrrrrr said:
Searching now!

Pretty certain the compressor is only about 6 months old so it'll be a ****er if that has burnt out. I should probably overhaul that valve-block just in case.
Click to expand...

How To section top of page, no search required.:) Compressors die very quickly if feeding a leak, it will only be the piston seal and maybe the cylinder.
 
That's a great little guide.

Trying to make up my mind if I can be arsed to brave the rain and get soaked. I know, I'll check the inlet is sucking and if it is then I'll leave the rest till tomorrow and hope the rain has stopped by then!

J
 
Horrible out there.

Compressor doesn't come on. Didn't have the Nanocom on me so couldn't force it on. I'll leave it till tomorrow and hope the weather's nicer and then check the continuity on that thermal switch and have a proper look.

Cheers,

J
 
Grrrrrr said:
Horrible out there.

Compressor doesn't come on. Didn't have the Nanocom on me so couldn't force it on. I'll leave it till tomorrow and hope the weather's nicer and then check the continuity on that thermal switch and have a proper look.

Cheers,

J
Click to expand...


Your weather forecast for tomorrow is **** I'm afraid:(
 
Grrrrrr said:
I replaced all 4 bags a couple of months ago. I did check where the pipes go in and gave them a push. Couldn't hear anything.

However, I'll try with a bit of soapy water if it stops ****ing it down for 5 minutes!

Cheers,

J
Click to expand...

I ordered and had fitted a couple of OEM Dunlop bags from Island 4x4. Both leaked so I've got to send them back (which will be fun trying to get a refund :mad2: ). So even if they're new they can leak, not surprising considering it's a P38 we're talking about :)
 
stjohnsmythe said:
I ordered and had fitted a couple of OEM Dunlop bags from Island 4x4. Both leaked so I've got to send them back (which will be fun trying to get a refund :mad2: ). So even if they're new they can leak, not surprising considering it's a P38 we're talking about :)
Click to expand...

I bought Arnott Gen II's with lifetime warranty. Changed no problem by P38 Spares:)
 
Datatek said:
I bought Arnott Gen II's with lifetime warranty. Changed no problem by P38 Spares:)
Click to expand...

Unfortunately, Island 4x4 have told me they need to send them back to Dunlop for testing, then questioned who fitted them and if they knew what they were doing (local Landy Indy that have been in business for for 30 odd years). So I reckon getting a refund is going to prove difficult :(
 
stjohnsmythe said:
Unfortunately, Island 4x4 have told me they need to send them back to Dunlop for testing, then questioned who fitted them and if they knew what they were doing (local Landy Indy that have been in business for for 30 odd years). So I reckon getting a refund is going to prove difficult :(
Click to expand...

Sale of goods act, retail supplier is responsible, must be fit for purpose and of merchantable quality:)
If they want to send them back for testing, that's their business. Your claim is against them.:):)
 
Datatek said:
Sale of goods act, retail supplier is responsible, must be fit for purpose and of merchantable quality:)
If they want to send them back for testing, that's their business. Your claim is against them.:):)
Click to expand...

Yea, I'll send them back with a letter. Plus the Indy said they have no problems discussing it with them. Bit of a ball ache though to be honest!, won't be ordering parts from there again.
 
Datatek said:
Island 4 x 4 are normally very good, not their fault that the Dunlop bags are faulty.
Click to expand...

Sure, it's just that they were a bit off with me on the phone. Certainly wasn't a simple case of a 'send them back and we'll refund you' conversation. Anyway, we'll see.
 
stjohnsmythe said:
Sure, it's just that they were a bit off with me on the phone. Certainly wasn't a simple case of a 'send them back and we'll refund you' conversation. Anyway, we'll see.
Click to expand...

Let me know how you get on. I got mine from there too. For some reason I feel optimistic the bags are OK.

As for the weather. Well, guess I'll be getting wet then. I've still got the emergency inflate kit there so I can plumb that back in to test for leaks.

J
 
OK. I have an emergency inflation kit which I reconnected this morning. Started car but no life from compressor so tried to inflate. Figured I'd better play it safe so set to 9psi to start with. I was somewhat surprised when pipes 1 & 2 (rear suspension?) were already reading 50 psi. The fronts inflated to my setting and then stopped and stayed stable. Very strange. Car still on bump stops. What sort of pressure readings should I expect and how much should I pressurise it to?

Tried opening valves with the Nanocom. No change.

Also tried forcing the compressor on with the Nanocom. It runs with suction from inlet but I can stop the pressure from the outlet with my thumb so I've taken it off and am about to strip it. I also tested continuity between orange and black wire on compressor and there is continuity.

Question: why isn't the compressor even trying to run? Surely it knows the front is down and needs air?

Ideas anyone?
 
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