GL Class (X166) 2013-2015 after facelift became GLS (X166)

air suspension malfunction...sometimes

Old Jan 6, 2020 | 09:15 PM
  #1  
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air suspension malfunction...sometimes

I have a 2014 GL450. Yesterday I received an air suspension malfunction error when driving on the interstate. I got home and tried lifting with the button. The dash showed it was lifting and the red button light was flashing, but there was no lift. I did some sleuthing last night and figured I need a new air compressor. Easy enough.

I went out today and noticed there was no sagging at any corner that I could see. I used the button and was able to raise and lower it several times. I ran some errands for about an hour and the error popped up again while sitting in the pharmacy drive thru. This evening, I had my son press the button while I held my ear near the compressor area. It seemed to work. The car went up and down two or three times without any issues. I have not gotten the error others have posted about the compressor needing to cool down.

I have a new compressor on the way, but I wondering if it might be something else. What do you think? Any ideas?

Tim
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Old Feb 6, 2020 | 08:27 PM
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2013 GL 450 4MATIC
Hi i need help,
I got 2013 GL 450 4 MATIC 99500 miles on it, sometimes rear passenger side sag after parking couple hours, while unlocking car sometimes hearing air pressure noise and it rise by itself. There is no lights on dashboard no warning sign such as Mulfunctioning. Also risining and lowering works good. What is this issue? It sign that it need to be replaced or what? Thanks
P.S overnight parking it doesnot sag
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Old Feb 6, 2020 | 09:39 PM
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I had a bad compressor. Replaced that and the valve block. 2 weeks later my right rear started sagging, too. I had both backs changed this week. I bet you need the same.
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Old Feb 6, 2020 | 09:43 PM
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2013 GL 450 4MATIC
Thanks for responding.
there is no warning or malfunctioning lights on dashboard is it normal?
How i can test if it is air tube or air bags?
could you please send me picture how it looks like. Thanks
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Old Feb 7, 2020 | 09:42 AM
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I saw the malfunction error when the compressor was going bad but not when it started to sag. I don’t have any pictures. I didn’t do the work myself.
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Old Feb 7, 2020 | 10:43 AM
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gl450
Originally Posted by KamranT
Thanks for responding.
there is no warning or malfunctioning lights on dashboard is it normal?
How i can test if it is air tube or air bags?
could you please send me picture how it looks like. Thanks
There won't be a warning on the dashboard unless the leak is sever enough to cause malfunction. From what you are describing, it sounds like a typical air bag leak. I had this happen with one of the rear bags, bought two from Arnott and replaced myself. Very easy job - remove the 40A large orange fuse from the fuse bank in the engine bay to disable the suspension, take the wheel off, disconnect the air line fitting and pop the airbag out from the plastic connector on the upper suspension arm. The bag then comes out.

https://www.arnottindustries.com/pro...-left-or-right

There is a video on Arnott website showing the process. There are other videos on Youtube as well.

Last edited by mtm; Feb 7, 2020 at 10:46 AM.
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Old Feb 8, 2020 | 10:17 PM
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2013 GL 450 4MATIC
Thanks appreciate for tips and link.
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Old Feb 15, 2020 | 01:50 PM
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I found my passenger rear down today, thanks for the info and link.
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Old Feb 16, 2020 | 04:20 PM
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2013 GL 450 4MATIC
Originally Posted by mtm
There won't be a warning on the dashboard unless the leak is sever enough to cause malfunction. From what you are describing, it sounds like a typical air bag leak. I had this happen with one of the rear bags, bought two from Arnott and replaced myself. Very easy job - remove the 40A large orange fuse from the fuse bank in the engine bay to disable the suspension, take the wheel off, disconnect the air line fitting and pop the airbag out from the plastic connector on the upper suspension arm. The bag then comes out.

https://www.arnottindustries.com/pro...-left-or-right

There is a video on Arnott website showing the process. There are other videos on Youtube as well.
In my 2013 GL 450 there is no 40A orange fuse it is 40S is it same? and do i need remove any relay? I need lift for changing bags? Or jack also can be used? I just wonder if u jack one side and then relase the air compressor fuse all 3 sides can sag? Thanks
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Old Feb 17, 2020 | 06:57 AM
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It's the large orange 40 amp fuse in the fuse box in the engine bay. Don't remember whether or not it is marked 40S.

You don't need a lift, a jack is fine. When you take the fuse out the air suspension doesn't sag - it just stays inactive. Once you take off the air line fitting from the bag you are replacing, this bag will release air and you'll be able to take it out. The rest of the bags stay inflated.
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Old Feb 18, 2020 | 10:42 PM
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2013 GL450
I suspect when you get a leak the compressor starts working overtime eventually overheating and stop due to thermal protection switch. Fix the leak soon enough a maybe save the compressor.

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Old Feb 20, 2020 | 12:59 PM
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Check the distribution block to see any cracks or deforms.
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Old Sep 2, 2024 | 04:00 AM
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2008 Mercedes Benz E350 and 2017 GLS 450
2017 GLS 450

I was driving down the highway when my GLS suddenly began bouncing and the Air Suspension Malfunction indication came up. I pulled over and rear side of car was lowered. Any ideas on what it could be? I will troubleshoot the issue in the morning but wanted to get some ideas to know where to begin. Thank you.
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Old Sep 2, 2024 | 08:37 AM
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Failed air spring ("air bag"), air line, compressor or level sensor. Read OBD codes and crawl under the vehicle for a good inspection. See if the car maintains level overnight.
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Old Sep 2, 2024 | 04:44 PM
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2008 Mercedes Benz E350 and 2017 GLS 450
Originally Posted by chassis
Failed air spring ("air bag"), air line, compressor or level sensor. Read OBD codes and crawl under the vehicle for a good inspection. See if the car maintains level overnight.
I drove it back home with car lowered. It was a rough ride but I had no choice. Car remained lowered throughout the night. I started up the car today and it began lifting then a message showed up saying "compressor cooling" and car lowered again and did not go back to normal height. I did hear a loud hissing sound coming for rear driver side.

Last edited by edelvillar88; Sep 2, 2024 at 04:48 PM.
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Old Sep 3, 2024 | 05:56 PM
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You most likely have leaking airbags/struts and now your compressor may be ruined.
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Old Sep 3, 2024 | 07:38 PM
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Originally Posted by BlownV8
You most likely have leaking airbags/struts and now your compressor may be ruined.
Yes it was the air springs. They are on order.
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