Thread: D3 Suspension failed

The software upgrade will make the compressor run at a different duty cycle to increase lifespan. You can fit the new type compressor and run it without the software upgrade, but it is worth a visit to the dealer to patch the new software, it costs about $90.

You will still need to clear the compressor hard fault though, I haven't tried the hard reset for this fault, it may work?

JC

Ive got some learning to do over the next few days. Oh what fun!

Dunno if it helps you or not but my 2005 D3 compressor crapped out 12 months ago.

I pulled it apart and microwaved the desiccant beads until they were dry again and it all worked beautifully once more. All the faults I was getting cleared...

The bad news is that it's played up again and today dropped to the bumps. Not drive able in that state and the compressor is removed again.

Time for the desiccant kit this time coz the load in there now is pretty stuffed and the filters as well are buggered.

All good fun these trucks when they play up.

+1 for a Faultmate too, just gotta have it for these beasts.

Cheers.

Originally Posted by justinc

You will still need to clear the compressor hard fault though

Not required in my experience with my D4, just fix the problem.

Originally Posted by timdo1

I'll start with the basics tomorrow and see where it leads. Because all four wheels are on the ground, I assume its the compressor, but why its gone is obviously a little more complex. Is it faulty or does it detect that there is a hole in the system and stops working? I'll play electrics tomorrow and see where it leads.

The compressors fail to pump enough air either because the air dryer is clogged or the compressor has worn-out. When the compressor fails badly enough the system will dump all air from the airsprings which will be what has happened. The compressor will only be allowed to run for a short time if the vehicle doesn't raise quickly enough or if the air reservoir's pressure doesn't increase quickly enough once the vehicle is up to height.

I used to try the dessicant drying/ replace method on all the failures as a matter of course, I even replaced O rings seals etc on one, none were successful. All failed again almost immediately, and necessitated even more $$ being spent so I replace the compressors now.

Any compressor that has reached 180K should be sent to a museum like that VW that has travelled several million miles in stuttgart


JC

The amk compressor is a significant improvement over the hitachi - my hitachi lasted 120000km and 7 years before it was annoyingly slow and noisy. I changed it before complete failure. The update cost me $66 at the stealer. Iidtool current version for d3 can do the software update also so you might consider one of those and a new compressor if you're going to do it yourself.

Check the height rods and sensors first!
That and the compressor, it might already be the AMK, especially at 180k's, would have been done 50-80ks ago. - But if not, yeah you will need it! haha

If one corner is not reading properly from the sensor not working or the rod is broken etc, the car will try constantly to adjust and then just give up and drop completely and stay there.

Mine did it.