jimscriv

I was wondering if anybody had any idea what a "malfunction" message with a picture of the car having an up arrow under it meant? I'm guessing air ride compressor, but it seems to be riding level and at the right height. I put a code reader on it and there are no codes. Thanks

Jim

DennisG01

I don't have my manual where I am, right now, but there might be a section in the manual that tells you what the various MIL's mean.

gl450x164

airmatic malfunction replace relay simple inexpensive thing to rule out..itll need to be read with star das

chsu74

It is a bad compressor when I had this problem. Just means the valve block and air bags are OK. Raise the suspension next time when truck is running. If it runs and then shuts off/says cooling down from overheating then it is a bad compressor.

2010GL550

LOL, gotta love this forum! We started to have the same problem about two days ago. I just ordered a new compressor and it should arrive on Weds.

Our GL is also level and there's no noticeable problem other than the message. And YES, when I press the option to make the vehicle raise (to the off road position) I get the "cooling down" message.

2010GL550

This is the one I purchased:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/231928731175

It's too early to say that I can recommend it, as it hasn't even been installed. But it is the "Arnott" brand and about $150 cheaper than on the Arnott website.

jimscriv

I'll have to go out and try to raise it. I did notice that the error comes up when I get on the highway, you'd think it would be releasing air at that point not running the compressor. In my case it well be the relay as suggested, but I'll give it a shot. The compressor doesn't look terribly hard to swap out, and seems to be a common point of failure. Thanks for the help everyone!

Jim

2010GL550

Here's a forum member selling the pump for $300

https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...ssor-pump.html

Damobarnes

Hi I have a similar issue on my 2011 Gl350, same symbol comes up on dash and also the suspension stays in sport mode, the fault code on the system was 5250 " Left rear solenoid 2" could anyone shed any light on this? Is it related to the n/s/r shock absorber?
Thanks

jimscriv

I don't get any codes at all. I did go out and try the raise button. The compressor ran for three minutes straight so I shut it down. Sounds like it may be weak. I ordered the relay to try that first, then will have to swap out the compressor. Will update as things progress.

Jim

chsu74

Here is a good thread on compressor replacement DIY

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/x164...2695113?page=1

ItalianJoe1

Code reader won't scan the other systems, gotta use a full feature scanner that can see the airmatic controller. There's codes in there if the message is on the dash.

2010GL550

I'm expecting my compressor on Weds. If it arrives as planned, I will probably do the installation on Thursday evening. Arnott has a PDF with the steps.

http://arnottinfo.com/manuals/P-2594.pdf

ItalianJoe1

Compressor is easy, remove right front wheel well liner, you can turn the wheel in or remove it, your call. Compressor has 3 mounting bolts and the air line, and that's about it.

Be sure to check the 40A fuse in the underhood box, I've seen them melted from failing compressors.

2010GL550

Just finished up...that was a pain in the A$$

Not a lot of clearance under there to get access to the wiring connectors and to put things back together.

Glad it's done. BTW, the Arnott compressor came with a new relay.

Mikchek

did that fix the issue?

gamedad

My 2007 GL450 has the Airmatic 'up arrow' malfunction showing up yesterday. From this thread, it sounds like a compressor issue?

Max Blast

Yes, but why. Check the fuse, check for obvious noise, check pump output with a scanner tool.
If it's wore out its probably because it's been running constantly, trying to pressurize leaky bags.
So make sure you check for leaks as well.

gamedad

The malfunction message shows up after a few minutes of driving. Is there a particular area I should check for leaking sounds? I do not have a scanner tool. Will anything show up on the OBDII? Sorry but I'm not anywhere close to being a mechanic and the GL450 is way more complex than my other cars.

gamedad

Just to add on to what I've seen so far.

All the wheel height stays the same even when I left the vehicle for more than a day.

I've checked all the Airmatic fuses and they're all good. The relay is a Hella relay which I read is better than the original Tyco relay. I don't know how to test the relay though.

Kevinlfifer

My 08 gl450 had all the above symptoms. Malfuntion, cooling down, ... icarsoft diagnastic said 33800 consecutive minutes of running.. I replaced EVERYTHING, pump,valve block, filter, relay, and the blown fuse.
Used the car for a week on the old relay, no problems, the new relay came in last, swapped it out.
We were leaving on a camping trip and got about 100 yards and the motor stalled, I retarted, ran 5 sec and stalled, repeat, over and over. here was the problem. Front fuse box circuit board burnout. I tore apart the entire fuse box to get to this. I cleaned it up, soldered a bridge and it ran fine, on the old relay. Next week drove to Cinci from Toledo 185 mi. No problems. Decided to put the new relay back in. STUPID, got 1/4 mile. Stalled. Lucky to get back to campsite. My solder bridge had failed. Got a new soldering iron, repaired the solder bridge, put the old relay back in and made it home just fine. I think my new relay is crap. I'll order another OEM relay as well as another fuse block, circuit board.



After all that I get a message when I attach the trailer, push the airmatic button and get "Leveling feature is not permitted" what is that? The rear of the car is low from the tongue wieght, but comes up after driving a few miles.

gamedad

I'm kinda at a lost now. The airmatic seems to work as it can raise and lower. Left the car in the garage for a couple of days and the suspension did not drop. Was not able to see/hear any leaks. The airmatic malfunction message still comes up. Not quite sure what to make of it now.

Did not want to bring it to a mechanic and end up changing a whole bunch of stuff for nothing. Any ideas?

expl0rer

I'd invest in a scanner that is MB specific. There are several recommendations on this site. I use an iCarSoft. It only reads the modules, but does not allow you to perform any adaptations. You can't screw anything up with it. It is also the less expensive option. Without knowing what codes are triggering the message on your dashboard, we couldn't give you good advice.

gamedad

Thanks for the advice! I looked up iCarSoft and there are so many different types. Do we need one that is specific to MBZ?

expl0rer

The iCarSoft MB II is MB specific. I have been using it for the past 18 months.