Airmatic Blues......(Compressor not activating?)
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Member
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 79
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2005 S55 AMG
Airmatic Blues......(Compressor not activating?)
So I've been watching my 2013 RWD CLS550 sink a little lower each day (especially in the back) because the compressor doesn't seem to be coming on. I noticed this last time I tried to raise the car and it didn't do anything. Since then I haven't once heard it activate or the little puff of released air in the back after the car is turned off. I'm about even with the tires right now instead of being a few inches above them. I've heard about fuses in the engine bay and relays in the back? Is there anyone who could post pictures of what's what before I resort to YouTube mechanicing? Also is there some sort of way to test the compressor (fuse jumper or hot-wire the compressor) to see if that really is the problem? I'd like to figure something out before the car hits the deck
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 79
Likes: 32
2005 S55 AMG
An update: compressor failed "catastrophically" according to the local Benz shop (not dealership), and took out fuses, a bunch of wiring, and the pre-fuse block when it did. $1800 later I'm back on the road. They said they had 6hrs labor in wiring alone. Only good news is that the air struts all seem to be in good shape and the car didn't lower that much after sitting for a week. If you have a high mile Benz might want to replace the compressor sooner than later.
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 909
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2007 cls550
Glad you are working but that diagnosis seems strange. The compressor isn’t complicated as it is no different than an electric one in a garage. I guess the wiring could have shorted somehow and upstream fuses didn’t protect the wiring but that sure is unique. I had a front airmatic strut short its wiring and it took out a fuse and threw all sorts of odd codes but the fuse protected things. What a bummer your situation was but I don’t think preventative maintenance is replacing compressors as they get old.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 79
Likes: 32
2005 S55 AMG
Glad you are working but that diagnosis seems strange. The compressor isn’t complicated as it is no different than an electric one in a garage. I guess the wiring could have shorted somehow and upstream fuses didn’t protect the wiring but that sure is unique. I had a front airmatic strut short its wiring and it took out a fuse and threw all sorts of odd codes but the fuse protected things. What a bummer your situation was but I don’t think preventative maintenance is replacing compressors as they get old.
