Firenza

Went for DAS and found out Airmatic malfunction of WAKE-UP process time way too long. Don't really understand what that fault code means? Can anybody help me?

Diesel Benz

What was the exact fault code? 5503?

georgedaman

Do you get an error message when you start the car?

Firenza

The message come few mintes later after I start the engine. Just quote from the MERCEDESTECHSTORE regarding the airmatic issue:
Wake-up process

The SAS control module is wakened up via the driver-side SAM (N1O/1). The signals are received by the passenger-side SAM (N1O/2) via analog fault inputs by the:

* door contact switches and the trunk switch.
* Information regarding Keyless Go and opening and closing is relayed by the same SAM as the contact switches over the
CAN-B to the driver-side SAM (N1O/1) and is available there for the SAS.

I think it's probably the delay problem of WAKENING UP the compressor unit?

konigstiger

Wake-up causes SAS module to monitor vehicle ride height and adjust as needed dependent on vehicle load changes and occurs with any one of the following inputs: Ignition (EIS) key activation, any door activation, trunk lid activation, parking brake activation, or stop lamp switch activation.

CAN B function problems sometimes can be caused by a faulty key which is no longer answering properly. Just a suggestion, as this may or may not be your problem. Have you tried using both keys? Any intermittent problems with seat adjustment, steering wheel adjustment, or door control unit being nonfunctional after an engine start?

Firenza

I will try to use the other key and see how it goes. Thanks...!!

Firenza

Everything work normal with both keys. The message came again today: "visit workshop" with the car sign and an arrow going up. So I tried to push the raise-up bottom when this message appeared, I can hear a louder groaning noise surely from the compressor unit (under left front light). It was much louder than usual. So I turned off the engine and restart again, after driving 5 minutes with "no malfunction" message this time, I pushed the raise-up bottom and the compressor unit soon pumped and the noise was little (normal sound). Is it the compressor unit not working properly? Is it the WAKE-UP PROCESS being delay (not switch automatically) when it suppose to be? Do we need to lubricate or doing some maintenance for the compressor unit? Any comment and help would be thankful.

konigstiger

A moment of clarity! Without a specific fault code it will be process of elimination. Just so you know a warning such as this normally has an associated fault code whereas it could be the wiring harness, a leak in line to the rear struts, malfunctioning sensor (i.e.: central pressure sensor), strut, shock or as you seem convinced the compressor. The compressor consists of a motor, air cleaner, pressure relief valve, air drier, and pressure relief line but I do not think there is anything serviceable by the owner. Check the connections at the charge valve (central pressure valve is right below) pictured. At this point I would suggest bringing the vehicle in for repair.

Diesel Benz

A clear list of fault codes from DAS would have clarified the mystery. Since the compressor is working harder than normally, I would also guess for a leak. Actually that seems to be almost the only thing WIS suggests. You should use special spray to help finding the leaks but a strong leak could be easy to find simply by following the pressure lines.

I thought the error code about wake-up could be about the fact that it takes too long to reach working pressure on the reservoir, because of significant air leaks.

Firenza

Thanks so much for your suggestion and advise. Just to mention that last Friday the car was in the dealer for finding the cause of malfunction message. They checked all day to see if any air leaking. But no leaking at all. But on the next day the malfunction message came again and I went to another dealer for DAS check. That was the time I found the message something indicating "wake-up process time was too long" . The mechanic I met seem had no clue for the message. That's why I am here searching for help. Because only very limited E-Class have airmatic here in Taiwan. The w211 here are E200,E240,E320 and facelift model E200,E280,E350. AMG E55 not so many. (airmatic std for E500 and AMG only)

konigstiger

Long shot but suggest they check the connections at the SAS control module (passenger footwell) and if no trouble found, replace the module for monitoring to see if this eliminates the DAS message received.

vettdvr

What about a leak on the strut itself? They have been known to fail a leak there might give the same problem.

Diesel Benz

I have not seen any documents about the air struts having problems, can you provide more info.

The owner did not mention the car sitting low after being parked. If it wasn't, then it should not be the strut, neither the lines to the struts. If it does sit low, it could be the strut or the pressure line. Should be unlikely that several wheel lines or struts fail at the same time, then it should help identifying the fault if only one wheel was sitting low.

georgedaman

The right rear harness was pinched on mine........and it was posted here as something to look out for.

Firenza

Just leave the car in the dealer for further check and inspection, will post a reply back later after they have really fix the problem.

Firenza

Just came back from the dealer and they had fixed the problem. Things were replaced as follow:

1. MA211 320 03 04 KOMPRESSOR USD:480.00
2. MA220 320 00 69 FILTER USD: 14.00
3. MA002 542 13 19/26 (022) RELAY USD: 65.00

Anyone had their COMPRESSOR UNIT replaced before? Glad to know that all the four airmatic suspensions were okay, cause they are very expensive to replace if any of it fail.
Once again, thank you guys for your help and advises !!

Diesel Benz

Great if it got fixed. Hopefully it was "just the compressor", and nice that it was not more expensive than that.

I'm on my third Airmatic car, no compressor problems but all have low mileage. I would also be interested on comments from owners who have had the compressor replaced.

Firenza, enjoy your Airmatic ride.