Ford Explorer suspension air leak?

1999 4L SOHC explorer

I have a problem with my suspension compressor running a lot. I suspect
there may be a leak somewhere.

Trouble is, how do I keep the compressor running to check for leaks?

If I run the engine, then switch off, open and close a door, the compressor
runs for about 30 seconds or so then stops, so not enough time to crawl
underneath

I don't fancy checking it with the engine running, as I don't want to gas
myself.

According to the Ford manual I need to use a Star NGS tester or equivelant.
I expect this would be very expensive.

Is there any other homespun way to check it?

I wondered about just connecting 12v to the compressor, but as the various
solenoid valves etc are controlled by the ARC module this may not work

Any ideas appreciated

Trefor

"Trefor" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> 1999 4L SOHC explorer
>
> I have a problem with my suspension compressor running a lot. I suspect
> there may be a leak somewhere.
>
> Trouble is, how do I keep the compressor running to check for leaks?
>
> If I run the engine, then switch off, open and close a door, the
> compressor runs for about 30 seconds or so then stops, so not enough time
> to crawl underneath
>
> I don't fancy checking it with the engine running, as I don't want to gas
> myself.
>
> According to the Ford manual I need to use a Star NGS tester or
> equivelant. I expect this would be very expensive.
>
> Is there any other homespun way to check it?
>
> I wondered about just connecting 12v to the compressor, but as the various
> solenoid valves etc are controlled by the ARC module this may not work
>
> Any ideas appreciated
>

from what i can gather from your post i suggest ...

.....leave it alone. : 0)

on a serious note - if you really want to test it by conecting 12v to it,
get a long cable and put a switch into it so you can operate it from
underneath, just so it wont be on continuously, this will give you time to
check it - i think : )
>

"Trefor" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> 1999 4L SOHC explorer
>
> I have a problem with my suspension compressor running a lot. I suspect
> there may be a leak somewhere.
>
> Trouble is, how do I keep the compressor running to check for leaks?
>
> If I run the engine, then switch off, open and close a door, the
> compressor runs for about 30 seconds or so then stops, so not enough time
> to crawl underneath
>
> I don't fancy checking it with the engine running, as I don't want to gas
> myself.
>
> According to the Ford manual I need to use a Star NGS tester or
> equivelant. I expect this would be very expensive.
>
> Is there any other homespun way to check it?
>
> I wondered about just connecting 12v to the compressor, but as the various
> solenoid valves etc are controlled by the ARC module this may not work
>
> Any ideas appreciated
>
> Trefor

Trefor,
just to clarify the situation: you say the compressor runs 'a lot'. Running
for about 30 secs is normal after switching off and opening / closing a
door. If you go back to the car after a while and open / close a door
without altering the load then the compressor shouldn't run. However, if you
get in the car, start the engine and then switch off, get out and close a
door the compressor may well run because you will have altered the level by
getting in and out. Running the engine is not crucial to keep the suspension
working. I often load / unload my disco gear into my Ex and the compressor
works each time I close the tailgate (without running the engine).
The plug on the power supply to the compressor has 4 pins. I guess this
gives it a 'forwards and reverse' scenario so it can pump the suspension up
as well as down.
Anyway, after my previous experiences with the '98 Explorer I think you
should just be thankful that your compressor actually works!
BTW I've absolutely no idea what a Star NGS tester is...

Cheers,
Simon H

Thanks for you comments fellas

When I start it up I can hear it running for a few minutes while I am
manouvering out of my drive, when I stop at the traffic lights at the end of
my road I can hear it. If I stop or slow down I can hear it. Sometimes when
I stop and switch off, it burps away for a good 5 minutes. When I tow my
caravan I think it runs a lot, because the warning light come on after about
20 miles or so. I presume the compressor has overheated. It resets OK if I
turn the ignition off.
I have left it switched off for many months without problems, but while I
was poking about underneath the rear, looking at the shocks, I could see the
compressor was easy enough to remove, which I did. You are correct, there
are 4 wires, but actually, (on mine anyway), there are 2 wires, (+ -) to the
compressor motor and 2 to a kind of choke near the compressor, this could
possibly be some sort of sensor to inform the ARC module that the compressor
is running?

I bench tested the compressor and it seemed OK, I saw on a US forum that the
PSI should be around 120, but I wasn't able to find a way of connecting a
gage to check this

WHat I think I will do, is connect a 12v battery (via a switch) to the +
and - wires going to the compressor and get underneath and see if I can
detect any leaks. According to the Ford manual, there are solenoids front
and rear to vent the system (ie lower the truck) so I MAY have to do this
as well.

I have seen a picture of the New Generation Star tester, it's about the size
of a large calculator, and plugs in somewhere underneath. you can use it to
vent each solenoid or raise the truck with the compressor.

I'll let you know how it turns out

Trefor

"Simon H" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...

>
> Trefor,
> just to clarify the situation: you say the compressor runs 'a lot'.
> Running for about 30 secs is normal after switching off and opening /
> closing a door. If you go back to the car after a while and open / close a
> door without altering the load then the compressor shouldn't run. However,
> if you get in the car, start the engine and then switch off, get out and
> close a door the compressor may well run because you will have altered the
> level by getting in and out. Running the engine is not crucial to keep the
> suspension working. I often load / unload my disco gear into my Ex and the
> compressor works each time I close the tailgate (without running the
> engine).
> The plug on the power supply to the compressor has 4 pins. I guess this
> gives it a 'forwards and reverse' scenario so it can pump the suspension
> up as well as down.
> Anyway, after my previous experiences with the '98 Explorer I think you
> should just be thankful that your compressor actually works!
> BTW I've absolutely no idea what a Star NGS tester is...
>
> Cheers,
> Simon H
>
>

"Trefor" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Thanks for you comments fellas
>
> When I start it up I can hear it running for a few minutes while I am
> manouvering out of my drive, when I stop at the traffic lights at the end
> of my road I can hear it. If I stop or slow down I can hear it. Sometimes
> when I stop and switch off, it burps away for a good 5 minutes. When I
> tow my caravan I think it runs a lot, because the warning light come on
> after about 20 miles or so. I presume the compressor has overheated. It
> resets OK if I turn the ignition off.
> I have left it switched off for many months without problems, but while I
> was poking about underneath the rear, looking at the shocks, I could see
> the compressor was easy enough to remove, which I did. You are correct,
> there are 4 wires, but actually, (on mine anyway), there are 2 wires,
> (+ -) to the compressor motor and 2 to a kind of choke near the
> compressor, this could possibly be some sort of sensor to inform the ARC
> module that the compressor is running?
>
> I bench tested the compressor and it seemed OK, I saw on a US forum that
> the PSI should be around 120, but I wasn't able to find a way of
> connecting a gage to check this
>
> WHat I think I will do, is connect a 12v battery (via a switch) to the +
> and - wires going to the compressor and get underneath and see if I can
> detect any leaks. According to the Ford manual, there are solenoids front
> and rear to vent the system (ie lower the truck) so I MAY have to do this
> as well.
>
> I have seen a picture of the New Generation Star tester, it's about the
> size of a large calculator, and plugs in somewhere underneath. you can use
> it to vent each solenoid or raise the truck with the compressor.
>
> I'll let you know how it turns out
>
> Trefor
>
> "Simon H" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>

I guess that you are correct in suspecting a leak somewhere. The warning
light coming on after 20 miles or so (it was about 25 minutes on my '98
regardless of distance) is an indication that 'something' is wrong. The
light indicates that the system has thrown in the towel and given up trying
to level the suspension. This could be due to a multitude of reasons, but in
your case it is most likely to be a leak somewhere. Try mixing a strong
solution of washing up liquid & water and brushing it onto all the airline
joints and connectors while the compressor is running - it should bubble up
if there's a leak.

Good luck!
Simon H

Yes, that sounds a good idea, I saw in one of the US forums to use a
stethoscope, but I just looked in my first aid kit, and there doesn't seem
to be one there (g)

Trefor

>>
>> "Simon H" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>> news:[email protected]...
snip

Try mixing a strong
> solution of washing up liquid & water and brushing it onto all the airline
> joints and connectors while the compressor is running - it should bubble
> up if there's a leak.
>
> Good luck!
> Simon H
>