Compressor Suspension

Compressor Suspension
Compressor Suspension Compressor Suspension

Troubleshooting A Lincoln Town Car Air Suspension

The Lincoln Town Car's air suspension uses a smallish, separate air compressor under the driver's side left fenderwell, with air lines running to the air bags. On the top of each air bag is a electrical valve. This can be a relief valve that allows air to be exhausted when activated, and which senses the amount of air pressure inside the air bag to maintain each side equal.

These valves are operated via a leveling sensor that is certainly that come with the entire body with the car and to the rear axle by a movable arm. When the rear of the car drops due to increased load, the arm is pushed up. Once the arm is pushed up, it turns on the air compressor and fills the air bags to level the car. Once the load is removed and the arm moves down, indicating that the back of the car has risen, the sensor opens the valve on the air bags and allows air to escape, lowering the car.

In the event the back belonging to the car is low, indicating that the air suspension is not working, along with the air suspension light is on, check the fuse first. If the fuse is all right, check the air suspension switch in the trunk and make sure it is on. This switch is needed once the car is in for service. Always turn off the switch before lifting the car, because the sensor will think the automobile is rising and keep the air bag valves open, ruining the rear air suspension.

Turn the ignition key when using the engine off. Listen for your compressor to come on while pushing down on the rear bumper. If it does not come on, test the switch terminals for power, using a circuit tester. If an individual terminal has power along with the other would not, replace the switch. If you experience power, turn the switch to the off position, raise the vehicle and put it on jack stands in the rear.

Inspect the leveling switch on the axle, making sure it is not bent and is connected. Use an ohmmeter for this test. Pull the electrical connector off the switch. Loosen the arm of the switch from the axle. Test the switch with the ohmmeter by checking across both terminals while slowly moving the arm. The converter should have no continuity when using the arm down. As the arm is raised, there should be continuity. If not, replace the switch. If there seems to be continuity, connect the arm as well as the electrical connector.

Put a floor jack under the axle and raise the axle with enough force where it is just beginning to lift the car heli-copter flight jack stand. First turn on the ignition. Turn the air suspension switch to the "on" position. Use the circuit tester to evaluate for power at the leveling switch. If you experience power, turn the environment suspension switch the signal from "off" and lower the car. Access the air compressor in the front, under the hood, and check the electrical connector for power. If you have power, check out the good ground. If both are good, replace the compressor. If the compressor works and the car does not rise in the back, replace the air bags.

About the Author

I have air ride suspension and my compressor gave out. Is it a bad idea to drive while waiting for parts?

I ordered the parts but its pretty hard to get around without a car where I'm currently living at. Can I seriously damage the car if I use it?

Yes, and yes.