Another "Normal height only" thread

[JamesH]

Hi All, I've read some threads on this topic but you guys seem a lot braver and willing to pull your compressors apart to renovate and repair. It's not really in my skill set.

I'm getting the normal height only warning once every two journeys. I've learned it's because the compressor is taking too long to fill the tank.

Given I wouldn't try my own repairs is the only other solution replace it? Do the dealers or independents ever fix it? I'm not too happy, it's a late MY12 with 60k on it. I want more than six months out of warranty before it needs replacing ☹️

I have used access height pretty much every time I use it. It hasn't towed ever or been off-road very much (alas). Should I stop using access height unless I need it for kids and elderly?

Am I right in thinking I need to take action now and I can't ignore it until I'm going on an off road trip because one day it will drop to bump stops?

Thanks for any advice.

JH

[Grentarc]

It shouldn't drop to bump stops unless it detects another fault - mine had a fault logged that it thought there was a leaking spring, which is why it dropped.
First thing I would do if I was you would be to clean out the filter that sits in the body cavity behind the LH tail light, as yours may seal better than mine, and be full of dust, restricting the air inlet enough to cause issues - although this may be clutching at straws.

I would definitely reduce your use of access height to only when absolutely needed, just to try and prolong the life until it can be replaced. Any workshop should be able to replace the compressor, as it is 3 pipes, 2 electrical connectors, a relay and 6 bolts in total.

[JamesH]

I would definitely reduce your use of access height to only when absolutely needed, just to try and prolong the life until it can be replaced. Any workshop should be able to replace the compressor, as it is 3 pipes, 2 electrical connectors, a relay and 6 bolts in total.

Thanks for the advice. Aside from this problem I've got now, are you saying as a rule to maximise compressor life one should not use access height unless you need it? I've always used it because I've had the impression lowering when parked is a good idea. It's not something I need to do for any ongoing health issue.

[Grentarc]

Thanks for the advice. Aside from this problem I've got now, are you saying as a rule to maximise compressor life one should not use access height unless you need it? I've always used it because I've had the impression lowering when parked is a good idea. It's not something I need to do for any ongoing health issue.

AMK state that the compressor has a life of "3500 cycles (approx. 1000 operating hrs. to test cycle)" which equates to 3,500,000 hours of running, but that is with a running time no longer than 200 seconds per run (OR </= 25% duty cycle per 10 minutes = 150 seconds per 10 minutes). The D4 will run the compressor for longer than 200 seconds if the car is lowered and then raised, so every time you start at access height, you are running the compressor outside it's recommended parameters. This could be a reason for the compressor to wear out early, along with dust getting past the filter etc.

[scarry]

Knowledgeable others on here also mention lowering to access height and then leaving the vehicle to sit, does not do the bushes in the suspension arms any favours.

I only lower or raise my vehicle if absolutely necessary,to reduce air compresser running time.

[letherm]

Knowledgeable others on here also mention lowering to access height and then leaving the vehicle to sit, does not do the bushes in the suspension arms any favours.

I need to use access height as my wife is disabled. I generally select access height as I enter or leave the driveway so that the car is moving to mitigate this risk.

Martin

[Graeme]

Am I right in thinking I need to take action now and I can't ignore it until I'm going on an off road trip because one day it will drop to bump stops?

Tardiness in raising the reservoir pressure triggers 'normal height only' but the inability to achieve normal height will trigger a drop to the bump-stops. Hence don't let the situation deteriorate too far by waiting too long before replacing the compressor.

I only change heights if the current height is not appropriate but will do so every time and replace the compressor as needed. For me, the variable height is there to be used rather than just keep the vehicle level regardless of load, for which it's also used.

[Babs]

I'm confused now, I was planning on using access height and extended access height with Llams whenever I remember, I love the ease of getting in/out and accessing the rear at this height.

Doesn't the HSE automatically drop to access height when stopped in Park ❓

It makes sense about the extra wear but I would have thought this was what they're made for ❓ I'd be interested to hear others opinions on this.

Thanks to James on his thread.



Cheers, Babs Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

[letherm]

Doesn't the HSE automatically drop to access height when stopped in Park ❓

It makes sense about the extra wear but I would have thought this was what they're made for ❓ I'd be interested to hear others opinions on this.

My MY13 HSE does NOT drop to access height when stopped in Park and I would think that this is normal behaviour. IMHO if it wasn't made to be used LR would not have provided it. I understand the viewpoint of those saying that they don't use it unless really necessary but it's a component of the car and if it wears out in normal usage so be it. I've used access mode since purchase every time I use the car and it seems ok so far. Coming up to 33 months since new and used multiple times per day.

Martin

[JamesH]

I've used access mode since purchase every time I use the car and it seems ok so far. Coming up to 33 months since new and used multiple times per day.

Martin

Hi Martin, I would have said exactly the same thing at 33 months, same thing at 42 months 13 days. Trouble is now I'm 42 months 15 days and I'm staring at a $1000 (?) bill


The reason I am unhappy is that it looks like you don't actually own an air-suspension compressor, you rent one for $24 a month. Netflix only costs me $11 a month! Still I replaced the tyres after three and a half years and did not complain but I'm not in the head space where an air pump is a consumable!