Ford_Fan said:
I just went out and checked the car. Jacked it up, played with everything. I was going to check my bags with soapy water, but the compressor never kicked on at all, and my bags are completely empty. In my own mind, I've narrowed my problem to either my relay or my compressor. I get the check air ride message at 45 to 50 miles an hour if it doesn't come on immediatly, which means the sensors are fine, it just can't fill the bags at all. When I start the car, I can hear a single click coming from where the compressor is. So it's either or. I'd say the bags are in good shape, though. When I was down there, there was no dry rot, no cracks, and no visible holes. They looked almost new!
ok you have asked us for help and here in a nutshell is your answer
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ive edited this to answer one possiblity ,you said you plowed a possom.
look at the height sensors and make sure one wasnt knocked off or broken from the impact.if it was reconnect it and you might be solved.if not then the bottom half does apply to you,and remember anytime you take the car up have the ride control switched off in the trunk.
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1-you have a leak in one or both front bags.
the front dropped because one strut cannot hold up the weight of the front end.yes the rubber can look like a new diamond,but it cracks under the folds where you cant see.to check a leak the car must be up turn off the suspension jack it up so the tires hang down and spray em.you will see bubble city at the leaks.
2-yes you have probably burned up the compressor so that it cant lift well anymore.it takes 85 psi to lift the back,but 125 psi to lift the front.engines are heavy.
the back is high because the compressors vent valve has rusted from all the moisture the leaking bags drew into the system.this also means the dryers dissicant is shot(but that can be saved and dried out)id be willing to bet that the compressor had become more noisy over the last few months.
3-the compressor power relay has brobably been fried which is why the compressor wont even try and come on at all anymore.
4-the check ride control is coming on because after 90 sec. the system times out if the car hasnt reached its programmed height.
just a note when the relay or a selinoid wire shorts the check message comes on right away instead of 90 seconds.
american air.arnott ect... sell much cheaper versions of everything you need except the ride control relay 85.00-135.00 dealer only part.the 85.00 if you have a good local dealer.
as of right now you are looking at a 600.00 or so parts bill if you do the work yourself.
last option is a four wheel spring conversion again 4-6 hundred with you in the mechanics seat.some love this conversion i personally think it sucks,but i dont fault anyone what THEY choose to do.
both of these options will take you 3 hours to a day to do if your mechanically savvy.
oh and that clik you hear is the selinoids opening up to recieve the air that would have come.
john :wrench
