*HELP* Airmatic suspension Issue
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Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 18
Likes: 2
2011 GL450 4Matic
*HELP* Airmatic suspension Issue
Hi y’all. I had an issue where my Gl dropped and was sitting extremely low due to a bad compressor. I recently replaced the compressor ( about a week and a half ago) and everything seemed to be working just fine ( vehicle sat tall and I was able to raise and lower) until today.
I was driving around when I got a malfunction message on the dash. I pulled over and checked the ride height and everything seems to be fine and went along my day. But, the message later kept coming on until I pulled over and raised the vehicle and brought back to normal ride height. After that, no more error.
I got home, parked, and later went to go run an errand with the family and the error came back on. This time, The car dropped lower than what it normally was. ( I don’t have the sport or comfort mode button but the only way I could describe it, would be it looked like the height was set to sport mode.)
When I attempted to raise the vehicle, I could no longer hear the compressor kicking on and now, I get the “compressor cooling down “ message instead of a malfunction error message.
Im going to check the electrical connections to see if maybe the plug popped off a little? I reversed into a decent sized pot hole when backing out of a parking spot the day before so maybe that could be it? Other than that, anyone have any other ideas on what it might possibly be? Its not extremely low but, I can definitely see the difference from what it was before. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
I was driving around when I got a malfunction message on the dash. I pulled over and checked the ride height and everything seems to be fine and went along my day. But, the message later kept coming on until I pulled over and raised the vehicle and brought back to normal ride height. After that, no more error.
I got home, parked, and later went to go run an errand with the family and the error came back on. This time, The car dropped lower than what it normally was. ( I don’t have the sport or comfort mode button but the only way I could describe it, would be it looked like the height was set to sport mode.)
When I attempted to raise the vehicle, I could no longer hear the compressor kicking on and now, I get the “compressor cooling down “ message instead of a malfunction error message.
Im going to check the electrical connections to see if maybe the plug popped off a little? I reversed into a decent sized pot hole when backing out of a parking spot the day before so maybe that could be it? Other than that, anyone have any other ideas on what it might possibly be? Its not extremely low but, I can definitely see the difference from what it was before. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,116
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NGL450 w/EORP, S550
Hi y’all. I had an issue where my Gl dropped and was sitting extremely low due to a bad compressor. I recently replaced the compressor ( about a week and a half ago) and everything seemed to be working just fine ( vehicle sat tall and I was able to raise and lower) until today.
I was driving around when I got a malfunction message on the dash. I pulled over and checked the ride height and everything seems to be fine and went along my day. But, the message later kept coming on until I pulled over and raised the vehicle and brought back to normal ride height. After that, no more error.
I got home, parked, and later went to go run an errand with the family and the error came back on. This time, The car dropped lower than what it normally was. ( I don’t have the sport or comfort mode button but the only way I could describe it, would be it looked like the height was set to sport mode.)
When I attempted to raise the vehicle, I could no longer hear the compressor kicking on and now, I get the “compressor cooling down “ message instead of a malfunction error message.
Im going to check the electrical connections to see if maybe the plug popped off a little? I reversed into a decent sized pot hole when backing out of a parking spot the day before so maybe that could be it? Other than that, anyone have any other ideas on what it might possibly be? Its not extremely low but, I can definitely see the difference from what it was before. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
I was driving around when I got a malfunction message on the dash. I pulled over and checked the ride height and everything seems to be fine and went along my day. But, the message later kept coming on until I pulled over and raised the vehicle and brought back to normal ride height. After that, no more error.
I got home, parked, and later went to go run an errand with the family and the error came back on. This time, The car dropped lower than what it normally was. ( I don’t have the sport or comfort mode button but the only way I could describe it, would be it looked like the height was set to sport mode.)
When I attempted to raise the vehicle, I could no longer hear the compressor kicking on and now, I get the “compressor cooling down “ message instead of a malfunction error message.
Im going to check the electrical connections to see if maybe the plug popped off a little? I reversed into a decent sized pot hole when backing out of a parking spot the day before so maybe that could be it? Other than that, anyone have any other ideas on what it might possibly be? Its not extremely low but, I can definitely see the difference from what it was before. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
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2011 GL450 4Matic
I find it odd to be the air springs. Mainly due to the fact that before this issue occurred, I would periodically check to see if the air compressor was kicking on during start ups. I will definitely take that into consideration but, I don’t fully agree it’s leaking springs. Especially since I’m not all the way down and In the mornings recently, ride height seems decent. It’s just not all the way up. Rear has a five finger gap and front has about a four finger gap.
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From: Emmett, ID, USA
2007 GL450
I find it odd to be the air springs. Mainly due to the fact that before this issue occurred, I would periodically check to see if the air compressor was kicking on during start ups. I will definitely take that into consideration but, I don’t fully agree it’s leaking springs. Especially since I’m not all the way down and In the mornings recently, ride height seems decent. It’s just not all the way up. Rear has a five finger gap and front has about a four finger gap.
If the air springs are neglected and develop leaks, the compressor is burdened and quickly exhausts its finite life. In a humid environment, the excessive volume of air will also push moisture through the valve block, and valve failure will result.
It is best to stay vigilant about the air springs, for they can lead to failure of the pump and valve block. What is done is done, but be aware that a portion of the finite life of the compressor has been consumed.
Raise the suspension and spray soapy water on the lower portion of the springs, especially where the fold was. Look for bubbles or foam.
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NGL450 w/EORP, S550
I find it odd to be the air springs. Mainly due to the fact that before this issue occurred, I would periodically check to see if the air compressor was kicking on during start ups. I will definitely take that into consideration but, I don’t fully agree it’s leaking springs. Especially since I’m not all the way down and In the mornings recently, ride height seems decent. It’s just not all the way up. Rear has a five finger gap and front has about a four finger gap.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
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2011 GL450 4Matic
Everything that y’all stated makes complete sense. I will definitely try the soapy water test to see if it’s a bag(s) that’s leaking. I really hope that it is not the case though. It’s just a shame that I barely got to enjoy the ride for less than two weeks.
Also, if my compressor isn’t kicking on ( and hopefully it’s not spent), other than the relays under the hood, is there another relay for the compressor? I read there would also be one located by the passenger footrest. Is that correct? Once again, I really appreciate all y’all’s help.
I’ll provide an update on my results soon. Thanks again!
Also, if my compressor isn’t kicking on ( and hopefully it’s not spent), other than the relays under the hood, is there another relay for the compressor? I read there would also be one located by the passenger footrest. Is that correct? Once again, I really appreciate all y’all’s help.
I’ll provide an update on my results soon. Thanks again!
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2011 GL450 4Matic
it’s not odd at all, your air springs are wear items that need to be replaced as part of preventive maintenance. They will over time develop pinhole leaks and hairline cracks on their way to eventual catastrophic failure. Use leak detector spray or soapy water on all four bags with the car in the raised position to determine which bag or bags have a leak, then replace the in pairs. Replacing one leaky bag only will only lead to the next worse bag becoming the weak link in the system.
Last edited by MB_noob; Sep 8, 2022 at 12:35 PM.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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NGL450 w/EORP, S550
Did you check the pump relay as well? Sometimes when that sticks on the pump will exhaust itself by pressurizing the Reservoir which is then promptly released. But that’s not what you have described is going on.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2010
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From: Emmett, ID, USA
2007 GL450
so update. I got curious and took off the bottom splash guard to check wires. To my suprise, no plug issue. I decided to check my relays and fuses. Removed the 40 amp fuse but had an extremely hard time removing it. I unfortunately broke it to get it off but, one side of the fuse is burnt. Is it because like y’all said, the compressor was over worked? Or am I now looking at a electrical issue? It rained a few days back here and I did notice the compressor had some water spots on it but I doubt a little water would short it out. There is a tiny slight nick on one of the plugs from when I was taking it off to replace the compressor. But it’s a tiny piece on the very end of the plug. Could that have allowed a little water to enter? Can I just buy another fuse and plug it in to see how it goes? I’m just really concerned at this point. Once again thanks for any info.
It is fun to satisfy your curiousity, but: When you are a pilot, and one engine goes out, you don't sit and think about what might have caused it. You pull out a checklist and proceed. Don't try to investigate Just proceed methodically. Get the fuse back in, diagnose air bags, replace leaking bags, then turn your attention to the pump function.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 18
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2011 GL450 4Matic
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 18
Likes: 2
2011 GL450 4Matic
Looks like you broke that fuse pulling it out. Just replace it.
It is fun to satisfy your curiousity, but: When you are a pilot, and one engine goes out, you don't sit and think about what might have caused it. You pull out a checklist and proceed. Don't try to investigate Just proceed methodically. Get the fuse back in, diagnose air bags, replace leaking bags, then turn your attention to the pump function.
It is fun to satisfy your curiousity, but: When you are a pilot, and one engine goes out, you don't sit and think about what might have caused it. You pull out a checklist and proceed. Don't try to investigate Just proceed methodically. Get the fuse back in, diagnose air bags, replace leaking bags, then turn your attention to the pump function.
