2002 Park Ave self leveling problem..I think

[blsass1]

Hi...I am a fairly new owner of my 2002 Park Ave and I am beginning to learn quite a lot about it. I understand that these cars have a self leveling rear suspension and the compressor on mine seems to be running more than I think it should be. I have read it could be the shocks, the compressor itself or even the lines. Is there more that it could be? Where should I start? What exactly do I look for? Is there some way to definitively diagnose what it is (aside from taking it to the dealer)? A lot of questions...Thank you.

 

[Kevandkaye]

The air lines aren't too complicated on ours. If you have original shocks, chances are with the cold approaching, they are not holding air any more. the lines run to the compressor located under the right rear quarter panel behind the passenger wheel. If the seals around the shocks appear old and dry rotted, you can put a soapy solution around them to look for bubbles, kind of like checking for a hole in a tire. Do the same around the fitting on the shock.

 

[WaveRunner]

I have same problem on 91 PA and I would think the system would be the same DESIGN through out the years/make and models. GM did change the type of compressor and allow owner to "hook up hose and fill tires i.e., Bonnevillie." AND GM probably moved the components around to different locations. I posted a comment to my problem here:
http://www.buickforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28541

AS IS INDICATIED AT THIS LINK there could be other problems i.e., exhaust solenoid; or air lines going to air shocks; height switch; etc' Try to get manual for trouble shooting your year and make at library or go online at Helms.com.
This should get you started.

I suspect that mine is the exhaust solenoid not closing properly. BUT WITH WINTER HERE IN MN WELL ON ITS WAY (now it is 1o F ) I will wait until spring. YOU CAN PULL THE FUSE IN THE FUSE BLOCK BY DRIVERS SIDE (if not one there then you will have to find out location). THIS WILL PREVENT BATTERY FROM DRAINING UNTIL YOU CAN GET IT FIXED.

 

[rodknock95]

Most of the gm self leveling systems I have seen usually start out as the compressor not providing enough air pressure. You can unhook the compressor motor for now to keep it from running. On my 94, when I press my thumb against the outlet with the compressor running, it barely builds any up, so it isnt even close to enough to start raising the car. Mine has been unhooked for several years now.

Blaze

 

[blsass1]

Thanks for replies offering a solution. Now, regarding the compressor running even while the engine is off, mine does not do that, at least not so far as I have noticed. Would removing the fuse (and thus disabling the leveling system) cause any problems, minor or otherwise? (by otherwise, I mean dangerous driving/handling condition) Any problems or wear and tear notwithstanding, the damn thing is irritating! I can hear it >>every<< time it comes on! Thoughts?

 

[blsass1]

Well.... I just went and looked for the relay (#33 on mine) for the air pump.... And it was not there! WTH?? Now what?

 

[Kevandkaye]

Are you looking under the rear seat? Make sure it's not just the fuse you are looking for. Also, if you have a leak and pull the relay, the pump won't run but you'll also eventually lose pressure to the shocks, sagging the rear end and making the front ride lighter bouncier, and may throw the front alignment out.... yes, your ride will turn to poop! if you don't want to repair the air suspension, just get some quality replacement shocks and abandon the air system altogether.

 

[pila80]

My air pump is un-plugged, and the rear end seems normal height. My rear shocks need to be replaced for sure. It's bouncy though, which tells me the shocks are crap .......😀

 

[blsass1]

Kev...you say to look under the rear seat? According to what I was reading, the relay is in a fuse box in the engine compartment. I looked under the seat and there was no relays claiming to be for the air pump. Any ideas how the thing could be running with a missing relay?

 

[Kevandkaye]

The arrangement must be different for different years. Myself and others have disabled ours from under the removed rear seat pad. I think mine was relay#4. If the pump is running, the relay is still in. make sure that you haven't maybe unplugged a different, possibly important relay.... I figured they'd be alike from '99 and up!

 

[Kevandkaye]

From my owners manual.....