Harold 4x4 · Apr 23, 2015

Hi all, just a quickie...

I'm on my way to London, stop-over at Paris. My dash switch to raise/lower the suspension is not working (light comes on but no movement) and the suspension is lowish. Suspension is equal so I'm guessing it's not the airbags. Not really noticing any significant discomfort when driving but clearly a problem coming up.

Is there a 'Jungle mechanics' solution for this ie. Can I manually check anything or adjust the height sensors to get to me to London and back?

Thanks.

sierrafery · Apr 23, 2015

Hi, the question is that is the compressor working at all?... cos my suspicion is that the SLS/compressor doesnt work at all and the bags are just keeping the air in them without any compressor activity and in this case the bags will slowly flatten like any tyre so might not be a height calibration issue, as crisis solution untill you figure things out you can inflate manually the bags by improvising a wiring as to feed both air supply valves and the compressor at the same time and cut the feed when it's up on level, then let the valves and compressor unplugged and remove relay R5, as your's seems to not have leaks it will stay on level for many days just that there will be no self levelling, other simpler fix in case the compressor is dead is to get hold of two push fit schrader valves suitable for 4mm pipe then inflate with a tyre inflator, read the description here Air Suspension Emergency Air Valves 4mm OD Discovery 2 | eBay

untill then go to engine bay fusebox and check fusible link FL9 and swap relays R5(compressor) with R3(headlamp wash) to rule them out

you have attached the scheme how to feed the compressor and valves to manually inflate, just concentrate to cut the feed before you overinflate them

Harold 4x4 · Apr 23, 2015

Thanks. i'll be checking that first thing tomorrow. May be driving back to the Auvergne next week without a fix

could be a costly trip!

Harold 4x4 · Apr 24, 2015

Found the fuse had gone so simple solition for now. Why the fuse went is the next mystery...

Thanks for your help!

Harold 4x4 · May 9, 2015

Just cleaned the filter at the back, and removed the compressor to give it a clean and wd40 the electrical connections.

Compressor seems to be pumping away but nothing happening with the air bags raising?

Any ideas out there? I'm stomped!

Though I'm now thinking the compressor, whilst working, just doesn't have enought power due to wear and age. i've ordered a piston repair kit.

sierrafery · May 9, 2015

yes, repair kit seems a good first move

Mendez · May 10, 2015

You should consider switching to springs before you spending lots on the air suspension system. I spent hundreds trying to sort out my sir suspension and no matter what we did we couldn't get the suspension to rise up. Gave up and switched to coils. Problem free since then.

biggeeeee · May 10, 2015

Mendez said:
You should consider switching to springs before you spending lots on the air suspension system. I spent hundreds trying to sort out my sir suspension and no matter what we did we couldn't get the suspension to rise up. Gave up and switched to coils. Problem free since then.

No way, its one of the easiest systems to get right.
Routine maintenance on the sensors works wonders.
I went through a spell of problems with the system, read loads on it and on investigation found that most of my problems stemmed from the sensors.
I replaced the connectors to the sensors, the sensors themselves and now every couple of months release the bottom bolt on the sensor and grease it and refit, since doing this I have had no problems with it.
I wouldn't consider replacing with springs, I do a lot of towing and use the remote control to lower the back end when hitching the boat trailer.

Persevere and learn how the system works.

IMO 100% of SLS problems occur due to lack of maintenance

Harold 4x4 · May 10, 2015

I don't buy into the "you must do a spring conversion" as a blanket statment to any problem with air suspension. The vehicle was designed with air-suspension, it works very well if you maintain it, and it's obligatory if you have a seven seater for insurance purposes.

Forget the spring conversion, I'll get the air system working, and all will be well...m

biggeeeee · May 10, 2015

Harold 4x4 said:
I don't buy into the "you must do a spring conversion" as a blanket statment to any problem with air suspension. The vehicle was designed with air-suspension, it works very well if you maintain it, and it's obligatory if you have a seven seater for insurance purposes.

Forget the spring conversion, I'll get the air system working, and all will be well...m

:clap2::clap2:

(Insurance wise doesn't make a difference)

Harold 4x4 · May 10, 2015

Is the insurance thing another myth? I thought you had to be clear about any modifications - you have to be upfront over here in France..

sierrafery · May 10, 2015

dont bother with insurances and other trifles m8, keep up the good attitude and fix the SLS, it's a brilliant enhancement and one of the main things which makes the difference between a D2's ride and a D1's for example... i know quite well how this system works and i'll help you as i can here to make it work:5bcheers2:

Harold 4x4 · May 10, 2015

Thanks, I'm sure I'll get it sorted before long.

Ironically re. Insurance - when I changed the registration from UK to French they messed up and classed as a five seater. If you know anything about French paperwork you'll appreciate that I left it at that - nightmare over here.

If I get no joy with the repair kit (due by friday) I'll but a new compressor, should be approx £350 inc. postage to France from UK.

sierrafery · May 10, 2015

dont jump to a new compressor untill you are not certain that the valves are opening when it pumps to rule out a management issue first, for that undo the two air supply pipes on the valve block, leave the middle pipe from the compressor connected and see if you get air there when you turn ignition on cos as i presume now the rear is down the compressor should start andthe valve open when you start the engine, then put your fingers on the valves to feel if the pressure is good enough to rise untill aprox 100psi, if you feel that you can clog the air too easy then yes it's possible that the compressor has some leak into the exhaust or pressure limiting valve which is hardly repairable, anyway if you'll need a compressor call this guy in UK:

Discovery 2 Parts
Quality Used and New Parts & Accessories

Call Paul on
01206 211623 - office
07828 278465
07760 955966
07742 839393

he's 100% reliable and can deliver you a perfectly working compressor at lower price

GOOD LUCK

SLN · May 10, 2015

Hi I'm having similar problem ,suspension is working like it should but when I push the raise button nothing happens.not got round to investigating it as I have a list as long as me arm to get through 1st:frusty:.must be the French air I'm in Normandie.I would agree trying to change your log book from 5 to 7 seater would be a headache

three months of pointless paperwork but they have to keep the country employed somehow.

Mendez · May 11, 2015

Harold 4x4 said:
I don't buy into the "you must do a spring conversion" as a blanket statment to any problem with air suspension. The vehicle was designed with air-suspension, it works very well if you maintain it, and it's obligatory if you have a seven seater for insurance purposes.

Forget the spring conversion, I'll get the air system working, and all will be well...m

You see, the problem for many of us is that the air suspension doesn't work. So its all very well when your maintenance routine keeps everything working well, but what about those of us who don't know enough to get under the skin of the AS system to keep it as you suggest?

When the system starts to go wrong, there then becomes a question as to how much time / effort / money / expense etc...you are prepared to go too versus the compromise that is springs. No doubt the AS system is superior in terms of functionality, but the springs are a winner in terms of reliability and simplicity.

Harold 4x4 · May 11, 2015

Clearly we all have different experiences with our Land Rovers and each to their own when it comes to mods and maintenance. However, if the only response to a question refering to air suspension is " Fit springs it's so much easier to maintain" then I question the ability of the person to maintain anything, let alone an air suspension system.

It doesn't make any sense to immediately throw away a purpose-built system and replace with something else simply because you don't know enough to repair it. Better to find out how to repair it/replace parts and keep it in good roadworthy condition.

Having written all that, if I don't get it working I shall send it down the same path as my Old Freelanders...

Harold 4x4 · May 12, 2015

...and thanks for that contact sierrafery. Just ordered a pump and a set of air bags!

Very helpful guy.

Harold 4x4 · May 17, 2015

Just finished a selection of 'tests' on this and as you mentioned sierrafery I tried the valve connection off only to find there is no pressure at all...

I've now removed both air bags ( one with water ingress) and checked them both for leaks - both OK but as they are dated as original installation I will replace them with newer ones arriving tomorrow.

The air filter has been cleaned, and connections checked for any water. All electrical connections have been WD40'd, fuses and relay checked, air supply pipes to air-bags OK and level sensors cleaned and greased.

If the replacement compressor doesn't solve the problem I think the only thing left is the 3-point valve block. Hopefully all sill be resolved by end of play tomorrow!

sierrafery · May 17, 2015

Harold 4x4 said:
Just finished a selection of 'tests' on this and as you mentioned sierrafery I tried the valve connection off only to find there is no pressure at all...

I've now removed both air bags ( one with water ingress) and checked them both for leaks - both OK but as they are dated as original installation I will replace them with newer ones arriving tomorrow.

The air filter has been cleaned, and connections checked for any water. All electrical connections have been WD40'd, fuses and relay checked, air supply pipes to air-bags OK and level sensors cleaned and greased.

If the replacement compressor doesn't solve the problem I think the only thing left is the 3-point valve block. Hopefully all sill be resolved by end of play tomorrow!

so the compressor started and you didnt get pressure... you must rule out the management so disconnect the lelectrica plug on a valve and measure for voltage when the compressor starts cos you must get voltage there...if you dont get voltage it's a management issue and the new compressor is useless, if you get voltage then the new compressor assy will cure it

measure once in the plug, the black wire is earth and the other positive and if no voltage measure across body and the positive to rule out a bad earth to the valve feed(they share the same earth point)

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