Ronjon1163

New Member
1999 Bosch P38 EAS Fault

Today my EAS Xmas tree lit up, I have got EAS fault on dash along with off-road icon lit, but NOT 35 mph max. Car maybe slightly down on o/s but only slightly. It has never lost all it's height or dropped to bump stops even if left for days. When I turn on ignition the pump is on constantly but nothing is happening. I am new to p38 range rover ownership, however I am handy and want to do things myself so therefore learn from you guys on the forum. Can anyone tell me where to start, is this common. Will start looking for leaks tomorrow. Is there anything in particular I can do to narrow my search.

Thanks
Ronnie
 
First thing is to get hold of the Diagnostic cable and software from a member on here (Datatek) about £16 plus p+p...check with him.

This will enable you to diagnose the fault, clear them out, calibrate the ride heights, do tests etc...
 
Thanks, I will contact him when I work out how to do it. Still trying to find my way round site. Not even sure if I am postings things correctly yet.
Thanks
Ronnie
 
Pump should only run with engine running iirc.

Good place to start will be looking at Wammers How To thread on checking the EAS compressor - this is n the How To section at the top of the Range Rover forum....

But do get the lead from Datatek, this will be invaluable to you!
 
Thanks with the advice, have already contacted datatek with view to getting cable and will now go and read the other posts.
Thanks
Ronjon1163
 
Thanks with the advice, have already contacted datatek with view to getting cable and will now go and read the other posts.
Thanks
Ronjon1163

and get a location into your on-screen details.
You're going to feel a right plonker if you find that you live round the corner from one of the gurus on here.
 
So it has a soft fault, it will eventually drop to the bump stops and go to a hard fault. Possibly a height sensor or a leaking airspring per my PM to you.
 
Yeah I was now thinking more a sensor, had car out for about 4 miles. I can see the car adjusting itself when first started but not sure in what way. Drives perfectly, although fault code and lights still on. Got it back to house and measured the distance between centre of wheels and wheel arch rears both 495mm fronts both 470mm. I can't say I have noticed the car measurably getting lower when it is sitting. Certainly was not any worse overnight. Surely then it is not a leak in my airbags. Is it worth trying to clean height sensors if so is there anyway in particular this should be done.
Thanks
Ronjon1163
 
Last edited:
Yeah I was now thinking more a sensor, had car out for about 4 miles. I can see the car adjusting itself when first started but not sure in what way. Drives perfectly, although fault code and lights still on. Got it back to house and measured the distance between centre of wheels and wheel arch rears both 495mm fronts both 470mm. I can't say I have noticed the car measurably getting lower when it is sitting. Certainly was not any worse overnight. Surely then it is not a leak in my airbags. Is it worth trying to clean height sensors if so is there anyway in particular this should be done.
Thanks
Ronjon1163

You can clean the plugs to them but not the internals. Try disconnecting and moving them through their full travel several times. Rears are too high for standard settings
 
Been out wd40d the life out of the sensors. Cleaned them with a toothbrush Airbags all appear in good condition and I also tested with soapy water. Been for a short drive over some speed bumps, compressor is very hot to touch but is obviously still working as I can see it adjusting the car on occasion. Sprayed soapy on outlet pipes from valve block, no leaks obvious either. Looks like I'll just have to wait for diagnostics from datatek. Can't think of anything else to do whilst waiting for it. Going to do the compressor test thingy tomorrow. Is it better to leave car sitting or can I drive it.
Thanks
Ronjon1163
 
Ooopppss...not WD40.....a proper contact cleaner only.......check exhaust filter of pump....something aint working correctly

P
 
More for cleaning the mechanics in case anything was seized, I didn't remove the plugs. Where is the exhaust filter on the pump. Is it easy to remove. Periodically I hear a large release of air coming from the pump/ compressor.. It's like it's purging itself.
Your thoughts
Ronjon1163
 
Exhsut filter is on the EAS valve block can be seen towards the rear of the EAS box under the bonnet...

The purging is each time the compressor switches off, it releases pressure in the compressor to inlet valve this is normal.

Also during leveling (which happens every 6 minutes (iirc), on each brake application after movement, every time a door is opened and closed and also every 6 hours when the vehicle is locked) the system exhausts through the dryer and through the exhaust filter.

WD40 is not a electrical cleaner nor a lubricant no matter what WD say themselves - it is a water dispersant and nothing more....hence why they also do a specialist range that includes an electrical cleaner and a lubricant :D
 
Get the compressor output checked as per Wammers how to.
If it's not making enough air pressure you will get all kind of problems.
Mine would sit fine overnight and show standard ride height when started but drive away and the suspension would gradually drop as it tried to adjust itself until it went into fault.
Not enough air available......reconditioned compressor and all was well again.
I have since fitted a pressure gauge which I think is invaluable.
 

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