1998 Ford Expedition Logo
Posted on Oct 02, 2009
Answered by a Fixya Expert

Trustworthy Expert Solutions

At Fixya.com, our trusted experts are meticulously vetted and possess extensive experience in their respective fields. Backed by a community of knowledgeable professionals, our platform ensures that the solutions provided are thoroughly researched and validated.

View Our Top Experts

The rear suspension air bags no work

The rear suspension air bags no work

3 Answers

gerry bissi

Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

Superstar:

An expert that got 20 achievements.

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

  • Ford Master 4,390 Answers
  • Posted on Oct 02, 2009
gerry bissi
Ford Master
Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

Superstar:

An expert that got 20 achievements.

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

Joined: Jan 07, 2009
Answers
4390
Questions
1
Helped
3058587
Points
11499

Start here

The air suspension system is designed to improve ride, handling and general vehicle performance for static, on-road and off-road driving condition:

  • Ride is improved by using an air type spring (the soft ride is inherent).
  • Handling is improved by maintaining constant vehicle attitude.
The system consists of unique rear air springs, air compressor, air lines, air spring solenoids, height sensor, air suspension control module, attachments and associated signals derived from both driver and road inputs. With these components and signals, the air suspension control module commands changes in vehicle height that are necessary for the load leveling features.
The load leveling feature rear air suspension (RAS) systems shall automatically make adjustments in vehicle height so that the vehicle is always at trim height and constant front-to-rear vehicle attitudes are maintained over the expected load range of the vehicle. Adjustments in height that are necessary to correct height differences between the vehicle's left and right sides for RAS system shall be restricted to what can be reliably achieved with one air suspension height sensor.
The system uses one air suspension height sensor, a steering sensor, generic electronic module (GEM) transfer case inputs, and other vehicle sensors to measure driver and road inputs. The system changes vehicle height using an air compressor, two air lines, and the use of an air spring with an air spring solenoid.
The air suspension system holds vehicle height when the rear hatch or any door is opened. The system stores rear vehicle height the moment any open door is detected. The system then maintains this height regardless of the addition or removal of a load. The system will return to its commanded height when all doors are closed and the vehicle speed exceeds 16 km/h (10 mph).
Air Suspension Switch
The air suspension switch is located behind the RH kick panel on a mounting bracket. The switch interrupts power to the air suspension control module.
The air suspension switch supplies a signal to the air suspension control module. Without the air suspension control module receiving this signal the load leveling system is inoperative and will not react when rear of the vehicle is raised or lowered. If the air suspension system is disabled by turning off air suspension switch, a "CHECK SUSP" will appear in the RH corner of the instrument cluster with the ignition in the run position.
Air Compressor
The RAS air compressor:
  • Is not interchangeable with four wheel air suspension (4WAS) compressor.
  • Consists of the compressor and vent solenoid; neither are replaceable as individual items.
  • Is mounted in the engine compartment between the washer fluid bottle and headlamp (RH front corner).
  • Is a single cylinder electric motor driven unit that provides pressurized air as required.
  • Is powered by a solid state relay, controlled by the air suspension control module.
  • Passes pressurized air through the compressor air drier that contains silica gel (a drying agent). Moisture is then removed from the compressor air drier when vented air passes out of the system during vent operation.
  • Air drier has a single port and is not interchangeable with 4WAS compressor air drier.
  • Air drier may be replaced separately.
  • Incorporates a snorkle that may be replaced separately.
The vent solenoid:
  • Allows air to escape from the system during venting actions.
  • Is located in the air compressor cylinder head.
  • Has a 160 psi internal relief valve.
  • Shares a common electrical connector with the air compressor motor.
  • Is enclosed in the cylinder head casting, which forms an integral valve housing that allows the valve tip to enter the pressurized side of the system.
  • Has an O-ring seal that prevents air leakage past the valve tip.
  • Opens when the air suspension control module determines lowering is required.
  • Provides an escape route for pressurized air that opens when system pressures exceed safe operating levels.
  • Is replaced with the air compressor as a unit.
Air Spring
RAS vehicles use air springs in the rear. The air springs provide a varying spring rate proportional to the systems air pressure and volume. The air suspension system regulates the air pressure in each air spring by compressing and venting the system air. Increasing air pressure (compressing) raises the rear of the vehicle while decreasing air pressure (venting) lowers the rear of the vehicle. Vehicle height is maintained by the addition and removal of air in each air spring through an air spring solenoid installed in the upper spring cap and energized through the air suspension control module.
The air springs are mounted between the axle spring seats and the frame upper spring seats.
The two air springs replace the conventional rear coil springs.
Air Suspension Height Sensor
When the air suspension height sensor indicates that the rear of the vehicle is lower than trim under normal driving conditions, the air compressor will turn on and pump compressed air to the air springs. When the sensor indicates that the rear of the vehicle is raised above trim under normal driving conditions, this will cause the air to be vented from the air springs to lower the vehicle back to its trim height level.
One air suspension height sensor is mounted on the vehicle. The air suspension height sensor sends a voltage signal to the air suspension control module. The output ranges from approximately 4.75 volts at minimum height (when the vehicle is low or in full jounce), to 0.25 volts at maximum height (when the vehicle is high or in full rebound). The air suspension height sensor has a useable range of 80 mm (3 in) compared to total suspension travel of 200-250 mm (8 to 10 in) at the wheel. Therefore, the air suspension height sensor is mounted to the suspension at a point where full rear suspension travel at the wheel is relative to 80 mm of travel at the air suspension height sensor. The air suspension height sensor is attached between the No. 5 frame crossmember (upper socket) and the panhard rod (lower socket). Replace the air suspension height sensor as a unit.
Compressor Relay
The compressor relay is energized by the air suspension control module to allow high current to flow from the battery to the compressor motor.
  • A solid state relay is used in the air suspension system for air compressor control. The relay incorporates a custom power metal oxide semi-conductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) and ceramic hybrid circuitry. The relay switches high current loads in response to low power signals and is controlled by the logic of the air suspension control module.
Air Suspension Control Module
NOTE: The 4WAS air suspension control module is used for the RAS system. The internal processor recognizes external circuitry to determine if it is installed in a 4WAS or a RAS equipped vehicle.
NOTE: The air suspension control module is calibrated with information from the air suspension height sensor. A new or exchanged air suspension control module requires a ride height adjustment calibration process to be performed.
The air suspension control module controls the air compressor motor (through a solid state relay), and the air spring solenoids. The air suspension control module also provides power to the air suspension height sensor. The air suspension control module controls vehicle height adjustments by monitoring the air suspension height sensor, vehicle speed, a steering sensor, acceleration input, the door ajar signal, transfer case signals, and the brake pedal position (BPP) switch. The air suspension control module also conducts all fail-safe and diagnostic strategies and contains self-test and communication software for testing of the vehicle and related components.
The air suspension control module is mounted in the passenger compartment inside the instrument panel above the radio and temperature controls.
The air suspension control module monitors and controls the air suspension system through a 32-pin two-way connector. The air suspension control module is keyed so that the air suspension control module cannot be plugged into an incorrect harness. There are two sides of the harness connection to the air suspension control module. Each is uniquely colored and keyed to prevent reversing the connections.
Air Suspension Diagnostic Connector
The air suspension diagnostic connector is used to aid the technician in diagnosing the air suspension system. It is also used to vent the system of compressed air when air suspension system components need to be repaired or replaced. The air suspension diagnostic connector is located under steering column.

Anonymous

Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

President:

An expert whose answer got voted for 500 times.

  • Master 1,077 Answers
  • Posted on Oct 02, 2009
Anonymous
Master
Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

President:

An expert whose answer got voted for 500 times.

Joined: Jan 11, 2009
Answers
1077
Questions
1
Helped
774543
Points
4687

There is a ON/OFF switch for the air bag suspension system. It's should be under the dash on the front passenger side, or back trunk where is behind a plastic cover. Check to see if the switch solve the problem. If not, the air compressor maybe bad or the air bags may have a hole.

Ad

Eddie S.

Level 2:

An expert who has achieved level 2 by getting 100 points

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

Sergeant:

An expert that has over 500 points.

  • Ford Expert 97 Answers
  • Posted on May 07, 2015
Eddie S.
Ford Expert
Level 2:

An expert who has achieved level 2 by getting 100 points

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

Sergeant:

An expert that has over 500 points.

Joined: Aug 17, 2012
Answers
97
Questions
0
Helped
65078
Points
604

Repairing the air suspension is expensive. To fix the problem forever, do a air suspension conversion and be done with the problem forever. Ford Expedition Air Suspension Conversion 4W

5 Related Answers

Anonymous

  • 58 Answers
  • Posted on May 06, 2009

SOURCE: my rear air suspension doesnt air up

It sounds to me like you have a hole or cracks in your airbag. The dealership typically diagnoses it as the compressor but that is only to keep you coming back and wasting more money on something that will never truly be fixed. The Compressor is the problem but the airbags are bad as well. When the air bag has a hole or leak in it the compressor has to work extra hard because it is like blowing up a balloon with a hole in it. Therefor the airbag will kill the compressor. It sounds like this is what happened. I would recommend going to strutmasters.com and taking a look at our conversion kits. these convert you from the airbag to a powder coated American made steel coil spring that is guaranteed to last the life of the car. This is a PERMANENT fix and ALOT cheaper than going to the dealership. I added the link below so you can check it out. http://www.strutmasters.com/ford-suspension-parts-s/75.htm I hope I was of some help Good Luck!!!

Ad

Anonymous

  • 254 Answers
  • Posted on Jul 01, 2008

SOURCE: 2001 Ford Expedition XLT EB rear air bag suspension does not inflat

Sounds like the seals may have failed in the air shocks themselves. I also think you may have a bleeder valve problem. Follow the lines back and check the bleeder valve to see if it is leaking when you have someone else turn the vehicle on.

Anonymous

  • 15 Answers
  • Posted on Dec 31, 2008

SOURCE: air ride suspension 1997 ford expedition

If the compressor is working and actually pumping out air, might need to check your lines dont have a leak by disconnecting them from the bags. If pressured air is making it to the end of the line, then bags may need to be inspected and one or both replaced. However it is more likely that the lines are leaking or the compressor pump needs a service. Just a new set of rings in the unit. Good luck, hope it helps.

Anonymous

  • 1 Answer
  • Posted on May 24, 2009

SOURCE: air suspension is not working

It just happened to me. I took it to a spring shop and had the air bags replaced with coil springs. It is an identical fit from a Crown Vic and only cost $200.00 total! Too much can go wrong with other parts of the air suspension. The ride is the same.

Anonymous

  • 1 Answer
  • Posted on Jun 25, 2009

SOURCE: change rear air bag in suspension

hi i live in ontario california i want to change my rear air bags suspension ford 2001 expedition you cant help me please i need instruccions step by step thank you

Ad

Add Your Answer

×

Uploading: 0%

my-video-file.mp4

Complete. Click "Add" to insert your video. Add

×

Loading...
Loading...

Related Questions:

0helpful
3answers

Air bag pump is running, new airbags . rear bags wont air up.

These Lincoln air suspensions are terrible. I have converted many over to coil springs at a fraction of the cost of replacing/repairing the bags. If the rear bags don't inflate, there is a broken air line to the bags or the bags are leaking
0helpful
1answer

2001 expedition air suspension 2 front air bags work and rear only one works what can it be

The best solution is to replace the air shocks with
the conventional conversions, offered by several
companies

Brand New or Older Navigators or Expeditions are not
worth the expense of diagnosing those systems, time
& time again

Most people like the ride of the conversion

Check all the big shock names on the internet

If you need more, I have auto trade publications I get free
& lots of vendors in there
0helpful
1answer

MY REAR AIR BAGS AND SHOCKS ARE DONE FOR ON MY 1988 LINCOLN MARK 7 IF I REPLACE JUST THE SHOCKS HELP ME OUT FOR A WEEK TILL I CAN BUY THE AIR BAGS PLEASE HELP P.S. AIR BAGS ARE TORN IN REAR ONLY?

Replace all your Air Bag Suspension with conventional
non air ride parts.

Too expensive to maintain air suspension on an older
vehicle.

There are several companies that offer those products

You can't use a car with deflated air bags,have to be
replaced
0helpful
2answers

Rear air suspension on 90 lincoln town car won't raise when air compressor pump is running you can hear a hissing noise at the rear drivers wheel when you jack the rear of the car the air bags inflate not...

Some of the Vehicles with Air Suspension require the Pump to be shut off , before you lift the Wheels, off the Ground. The hissing noise indicates the bags ruptured and need replaced, at the very least. If there is an air suspension Cut-off, it is usually right front Kick Panel Location. If not you made need to pull a Fuse. Without a Manual, you are kind of hosed. Buy a Manual , for around $30, at the Local Parts Store.
5helpful
4answers

2001 Navigator rear suspension sagging. While

It sounds like one of your air bags could have blown. I would check them first. I would also suggest checking into a replacement non air conversion kit from Strutmasters. I replaced the air system on my 2002 Navigator and saved a lot of time, money and headaches.The lines on my navigator had holes in them and I replaced the compressor twice before I realized it. Very costly. Avoid all the hassle and check out Strutmasters.
1helpful
1answer

My Rear suspension stop working on my 97 Expedition. The rear Bags are about 6 mos old. The compressor is working. It was working fine yesterday but this morning when I started up my truck and drove away...

sounds like possibly the bags are blown or either lines leaking if it's the bags blown out there are a couple choices replace the bags obviously or you can get an aftermarket kit to do away with the air ride suspension and put regular springs and shocks under it which is alot cheaper than new bags. but make sure you don't have a line that has ruptured
0helpful
1answer

'98 Expedition Rear suspension leaking

IFYOU FIND THE AIR BAGS ARE LEAKING (USUALLY IS THE PROBLEM) JUST REPLACE IT. LIFT UP THE REAR REMOVE THE TIRE ,DISCONNECT THE PLASTIC LINE THAT GOES TO THE AIR BAG (push the little grommet pull the plastic hose) DISCONNECT THE WIRE CONNECTOR, AND REMOVE THE CLIP AT THE TOP OF THE AIR BAG (JUST PULL IT) AND REMOVE THE AIR BAG (REVERSE TO INSTALL IT)
(YOU CAN REMOVE THE AIR BAG IN ABOUT 40 MINUTES) EACH SIDE.( on ebay you can find replacement to a regular shocks) or air bags
1helpful
2answers

Change rear air bag in suspension

hi i live in ontario california i want to change my rear air bags suspension ford 2001 expedition you cant help me please i need instruccions step by step thank you
2helpful
5answers

Rear suspension

i have a 99 lincoln town car and the rear air ride don't work the back of the car is hitting the ground how do i fix that
Not finding what you are looking for?

1,920 views

Ask a Question

Usually answered in minutes!

Top Ford Experts

ZJ Limited
ZJ Limited

Level 3 Expert

17989 Answers

Ronny Bennett Sr.
Ronny Bennett Sr.

Level 3 Expert

6988 Answers

Thomas Perkins
Thomas Perkins

Level 3 Expert

15088 Answers

Are you a Ford Expert? Answer questions, earn points and help others

Answer questions

Manuals & User Guides

Loading...