Right, some of you may recall that I have an ongoing suspension problem where both sides deflate sproadically, when the car is left for several hours.
Without repeating myself, I worked out that it was down to the valves in the compressor not closing properly, as opposed to holes in the air bags. This post explains my reasons why.
Now, here's the new bit. I have subsequently noticed that my battery volage is (what I consider to be) low when the vehicle is 'sitting' (Engine / Ignition off). It's around 10.8v.....!
Coincidentally, (and here's the link).. I have realised that if I pull up, leave the engine running, get out the car, allow the ride height to drop a bit (as it does) and THEN switch the engine off.... The car doesn't drop after a few hours. I started to wonder if the reason that the solenoids in the valve block weren't seating properly was in fact that the supply voltage to them may not be sufficient to correctly operate them? With the engine running, my voltage reads at ~13.8v (although I have seen it rise as much as 14.0v) and my thinking is that there's enough juice to get 'em closed properly. If the car self levels on battery power only (because I pull up, switch off and then get out)... There's not enough juice to opperate the solenoids properly?
My attention was first brought to the 'sitting' voltage of my battery/electrics when I plugged in a 3-in-1 ciggy lighter socket with a built-in battery level light and it went straight to 'red' but goes full green as soon as you start the engine!
What do you guys think of all this? Does 10.8v sound too low for a 'sitting' battery? Do I need a new battery if so? Do you think my theory has any credibility?
Would be interested to hear your views!! It's certainly a new take on a common suspension fault, anyway!
James
Without repeating myself, I worked out that it was down to the valves in the compressor not closing properly, as opposed to holes in the air bags. This post explains my reasons why.
Now, here's the new bit. I have subsequently noticed that my battery volage is (what I consider to be) low when the vehicle is 'sitting' (Engine / Ignition off). It's around 10.8v.....!
Coincidentally, (and here's the link).. I have realised that if I pull up, leave the engine running, get out the car, allow the ride height to drop a bit (as it does) and THEN switch the engine off.... The car doesn't drop after a few hours. I started to wonder if the reason that the solenoids in the valve block weren't seating properly was in fact that the supply voltage to them may not be sufficient to correctly operate them? With the engine running, my voltage reads at ~13.8v (although I have seen it rise as much as 14.0v) and my thinking is that there's enough juice to get 'em closed properly. If the car self levels on battery power only (because I pull up, switch off and then get out)... There's not enough juice to opperate the solenoids properly?
My attention was first brought to the 'sitting' voltage of my battery/electrics when I plugged in a 3-in-1 ciggy lighter socket with a built-in battery level light and it went straight to 'red' but goes full green as soon as you start the engine!
What do you guys think of all this? Does 10.8v sound too low for a 'sitting' battery? Do I need a new battery if so? Do you think my theory has any credibility?
Would be interested to hear your views!! It's certainly a new take on a common suspension fault, anyway!
James
