Suspension Help!

[mitchE39]

Well the dreaded message"suspension fault" has reared its ugly amber light head. Started a few weeks ago as "suspension fault normal height only", but has become less specific in its message now.

I ordered a compressor rebuild kit and today rebuilt the compressor, however I'm still having issues. If i just leave the car and don't change heights at all, it doesn't seem to trigger the message, but if i start in access height or try raising to off road, about 3 mins later the message comes up.

Also worth noting is that i have noticed since running the compressor without the noise shield etc is that it seems to run flat out, then slow down a bit before dying, then giving one final cough before the error message. The compressor seems to run fine with good pressure, and the inside looked fine when it was apart.

My question is, where do i look next? and without having the codes read, what more can i really do? i do plan to order a nanocom, but even if i ordered it now i wouldn't have it for another few weeks...

Any ideas?

Cheers!

EDIT: I have checked all my brake lights etc, found I had a blown reverse light, but sadly didn't fix the problem

[Bens]

hey Mitche39, as well as the bulbs a faulty brake light switch can cause the suspension to drop. although yours seems to be triggered by the other heights whereas when i had the problem it was caused by me hitting the brake.

i had no way of knowing if the switch was broken but replaced it in hope that that was the issue. they cost $45 so probably worth your while. i replaced both brake light bulbs and the brake switch and the problem went away. instructions in the link below. good luck mate

http://www.disco3.co.uk/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=5082

[mitchE39]

Thanks. Might call the dealer on Monday and price the part for the switch. At least I'll know it's been done if something else goes wrong in the next couple of years at least.

[Graeme]

The described behaviour is typical of taking too long to get the reservoir up to pressure. Did you replace the contents of the dryer?

[mitchE39]

Yep replaced everything in the compressor short of the motor. When the compressor is running you can't put your finger over the ends of the air ports when the hoses are out. The dryer beads looked reasonable, a few had gone to powder. The filters were dirty, but if it were an engine filter I would leave it rather than replace it

[scarry]

The described behaviour is typical of taking too long to get the reservoir up to pressure. Did you replace the contents of the dryer?

Just wondering,where is the dryer situated?
Also is there only one?
Or is there another filter as well?

[Graeme]

Assuming its an Hitachi compressor, the dryer is a black plastic chamber that contains desiccant balls, a pressure plate, a spring and a filter which can become blocked with desiccant dust.

[Graeme]

Also worth noting is that i have noticed since running the compressor without the noise shield etc is that it seems to run flat out, then slow down a bit before dying, then giving one final cough before the error message.The initial fast running is when filling air-springs to adjust the height and the slower running would be when filling the reservoir after having attained the desired height. As the reservoir is held at a higher pressure than the springs, the load on the compressor increases. The pressure in the compressor o/p line is always exhausted when the compressor is stopped, presumably to lessen the starting load on the compressor when it is next required to run.

[scarry]

Thanks Greame,but is it near the compresser, outside or inside the vehicle or somewhere nearby.Mine is MY12 so would it be Hitachi?

[Graeme]

The dryer is part of the compressor assembly, being a serviceable part of the assembly.

Your MY12 should have an AMK compressor which appears not to have a serviceable dryer if one at all, although I've not seen the AMK compressor in the flesh even though my MY10 has one fitted.