91 PA Auto Leveler Problems

[WaveRunner]

I know the air shocks (auto leveling system) is not working properly. The compressor runs often even if I don't drive the PA for a month. This causes the battery to drain. MY QUESTION: Is there a way to troubleshoot this system? I understand there is the compressor itself which appears t be OK; then there are the hoses and probably a T fitting; then a switch that signals the compressor to turn on; then there are the air bags within the shocks themselves. SPECIFICALLY, I would like to know if it is the air bags or the hose/fitting running to each air bag. 😕

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[pila80]

Over a number of years, the rear coil springs sag a bit. The transducer that's mounted on one of the rear control arms etc, is telling the pump to add air, to get the car up to the original height. Of course the car wont stay there, as the air bleeds off. The arm on the level transducer, has a link that can be adjusted, to run the pump when the current height is too low, and not the original height.
If you were to replace the rear springs, that link should be adjusted to the new height. After-market springs are not always the same height as the originals when the car was new either....

 

[WaveRunner]

OK? so you think it may be the springs and not the "air bags" within the springs that are BAD? I have read on other posts that the bags can leak. Is that true or is it usually saggy springs THE MAJORITY OF THE TIME?

ALSO...I may just find a way to rewire the compressor and use "Engine on" power rather than "alway on" power. This way the compressor can run when the car is running with the alternator charging battery and running power accessories. I wish Buick would have done this originally. Thanks...

 

[pila80]

Why not just adjust the link rod on the transducer ? It's on the right side rear suspension, If I remember correctly.
There is a timer on the system, so it doesn't cycle with minor changes in height etc.
Most GM cars with ELC have the same type parts to control it.
One of my Cadillacs did it, even with new struts, until I adjusted it.

 

[HotZ28]

Do not try to bypass, or alter the original wiring, or ride height sensor configuration, you would just be asking for trouble. The air assist is designed to add a level & ride control to the rear, regardless of spring control. Obliviously, you have leaking strut bladders and the rear struts need to be replaced. Always disconnect the level control sensor connecting rod, before changing struts!

 

[farmereddie]

Well ....this happened today and has not ever before. So I looked it up and decided it was best to come here. My mother has a 2001 PA and today at the farm her car decided to raise the car ...sorta . I noticed that the car looked like it has air shocks and is jacked up. It will not come down nor will it release the air. She said it farted once or twice the other day but not enough too make a change at all......I looked at the manual ...say's nothing about a release or override release valve. Is this something that happenes at this age. Or do we have a power failure to unload the air.......headlights point down ...way down now ..lol

any idea's at all....

 

[HotZ28]

More than likely, the level sensor has failed and needs replacement.

 

[WaveRunner]

I have the 91 PA manual for troubleshooting now in hand. Since yours is a 2001 there may be similarities but be careful nad be sure to get some sort of confirmation before throwing money at pats. Verify yourself by way of a manual or a mechanic you trust.

For car rides "high" the area to look is:

• Height Sensor out of adjustment
• Air drier (attached to compressor) is plugged or air lines pinched ?
• Poor electrical connections

Now these are Mechanical Items...for Electrical Items the manual says " System does not exhaust"-- car riding high" and "not venting air to lower car"... CHECK THESE ITEMS...

• Exhaust solenoid test
• Actuator arm test
• ELC Height Sensor Tests

HotZ28 is refering to the Actuator arm test--maybe this needs adjusting? BUT...you can see there are other tests. The Exhaust Solenoid sits on top of the air compressor which is located in left front engine compartment .The ELC (electronic level control) Height Sensor is the unit that the actuator arm is attached to?? I think...and on my 91 is located in rear somewhere. I have not found it and may work on problem this weekend time permitting.

I would go to library if your can and get auto manual that deals with this problem for your make and year. OR...if you plan on keepiong auto for a number of years(given the year I would suspect this ?) Then consider purchasing manual from Helms at http://www.helminc.com/helm/homepag...&url=http://www.helminc.com/&ei=6HGcUOH8KPDyy
Best wishes ...MN Mike

 

[farmereddie]

Thanks for the response on are current issue with the car. I hope to get too it sometime this weekend and put some eye balls on it. I will inform ya on what it was that failed. Creature comforts on a older car make for big headaches ........lol . I know why a farmer gets a plane jane truck with a radio as the one and only creature comfort.🙂

 

[WaveRunner]

Keep us informed on how you ae doing. I would like to learn to do the adjustments...but with winter coming I may postpone until Spring. I will just leave the fuse out--20 amp I think--located in fuse block by drivers side kick panel...it is on mine? The air drier is attached to compressor. I have not taken it off for inspection yet. I will keep thread updated as I move along on this project. Good luck...

 

[WaveRunner]

Do not try to bypass, or alter the original wiring, or ride height sensor configuration, you would just be asking for trouble. The air assist is designed to add a level & ride control to the rear, regardless of spring control. Obliviously, you have leaking strut bladders and the rear struts need to be replaced. Always disconnect the level control sensor connecting rod, before changing struts!

Thanks HotZ28...you are probably right. After going over the manual THERE ARE CERTAIN COMPONENTS THAT NEED "POWER ON" at all times...with engine off. Then there are time delays etc within the sensor circuits. Big headaches if messing with.

MN MIKE