airmatic probelm s500
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3
airmatic probelm s500
Have a 2000 s500 which occasionally instrument warning tells me to take care to garage because of airmatic suspension problem. The ride becomes very firm. After car is turned off for a while it works fine again. Anyone had a problem like this?
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,410
From:
RE: airmatic probelm s500
Warning is telling you to take to the garage because the car suspension is LOW.
This is why the ride is firm. The vehicle has settled to its bump stops because there isn't enough air in the suspension.
Since turning the car off and restarting resolves the matter this suggests that the suspension air pump and height sensors must be working OK.
Most LIKELY cause is an air leak allowing the car to settle when not used for a period. Some leakage is normal. If the suspension is low it takes some time for the pump to get it up off the stops. Could it be that "turning off the ignition and then restarting" is creating a sufficient time window that on the second start the car is at the required height when the system checks ride height.
The system is very complicated and most of the bits are expensive not to mention diagnostics time so you need to be careful unless you trust your dealer.
So the big question is whether this occurs frequently or just after you have left the car for several days without use. If it only occurs after several days of inactivity does the "fault" clear if you leave the car for a minute or so to sort itself out?
If indeed the fault doesn't clear itself without a restart I suggest you get a dealer to read the airmatic fault codes (they will likely charge for this say 25USD) and this will give a better indication as to what is wrong. they can then give an indication of what is wrong and the likely parts and labour costs.
Good luck.
Stuart
This is why the ride is firm. The vehicle has settled to its bump stops because there isn't enough air in the suspension.
Since turning the car off and restarting resolves the matter this suggests that the suspension air pump and height sensors must be working OK.
Most LIKELY cause is an air leak allowing the car to settle when not used for a period. Some leakage is normal. If the suspension is low it takes some time for the pump to get it up off the stops. Could it be that "turning off the ignition and then restarting" is creating a sufficient time window that on the second start the car is at the required height when the system checks ride height.
The system is very complicated and most of the bits are expensive not to mention diagnostics time so you need to be careful unless you trust your dealer.
So the big question is whether this occurs frequently or just after you have left the car for several days without use. If it only occurs after several days of inactivity does the "fault" clear if you leave the car for a minute or so to sort itself out?
If indeed the fault doesn't clear itself without a restart I suggest you get a dealer to read the airmatic fault codes (they will likely charge for this say 25USD) and this will give a better indication as to what is wrong. they can then give an indication of what is wrong and the likely parts and labour costs.
Good luck.
Stuart
Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 47
From:
RE: airmatic probelm s500
the front air struts are most likely leaking. when you shut the car off open your hood and youll see 2 air struts with air lines going to both. listen for any hissing noises. they have rebuild kits because the struts leak from the tops. the kits are about 100 each and i suggest replacing your airmatic pump and relay, it will go bad. ...and yes if you take it to a shop it will be expensive
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