Another Airmatic Help Needed Thread
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 17
Likes: 6
From: Buffalo, NY
2021 AMG GLS 63
Another Airmatic Help Needed Thread
Hello all, this is my first post to this forum, so please bear with me if I sound like a bit of a newb, because I sort of am 
. Just recently, I purchased a 2013 GL63 AMG from a dealership down in Florida (I am in New York). Everything with the vehicle was good down in Florida, but upon delivery to New York, the dreaded suspension malfunction graphic popped up on the dash on first start.
Symptom:
So I have 2 questions:
. Just recently, I purchased a 2013 GL63 AMG from a dealership down in Florida (I am in New York). Everything with the vehicle was good down in Florida, but upon delivery to New York, the dreaded suspension malfunction graphic popped up on the dash on first start.Symptom:
- Left front shock will not fill with air when being raised, and I get a suspension malfunction error on the dash. LF suspension will raise a few mm, but that's it.
- The suspension was just serviced by a MB dealer about a month ago, and the 2 front air shocks were replaced. This was done just before the vehicle was traded in, and I have receipts proving the work was done.
- I have a iCarsoft MB II scanner, so I can clear codes and check suspension levels, but it's not a bidirectional scanner, so cannot do any specific tests.
- The suspension seems to hold air over a couple days minimum. I haven't had the vehicle long enough to let it sit longer. That, and I keep playing with the system trying to uncover what's going on with it.
- The scanner reports a C155664 error - "the compressed air sensor for the system has a malfunction, there is an implausible signal"
- At it's low point, after clearing codes, when I press the suspension button to raise it, the vehicle mostly raises, but the left front shock only goes up a few mm.
- Here are the suspension levels at low point, and raised (at the point where the error pops and the vehicle stops raising):
- Lowered: LF -22, RF -21, LR -15, RR -19
- Raised: LF -16, RF 2, LR 7, RR 13
- Once raised, if I clear codes and try to lower the vehicle, it will not lower, even though the "lowering" graphic pops up on the screen. It's not until I turn off the vehicle and close/lock the door, that the suspension quickly drops.
- Clear codes (error comes right back when attempting to lift the vehicle
- Soapy water tested the top of the left front shock to check for leaks. Did not test the bag, but again, they are brand new and I don't believe the vehicle doesn't losing air.
- Loosened the line going into the shock and air started hissing out, so air pressure is present. The scanner reports this too.
- Loosened the same line going into the distribution block/valve, and air started hissing out.
So I have 2 questions:
- How should I go about further testing to see what's going on, without throwing parts at the problem? Or is it obvious what the problem is?
- Can someone recommend a good quality bidirectional scan tool that will test the individual suspension components like the Mercedes STAR tool can? I don't know that I am comfortable using a knockoff that could be rendered useless at any point. It looks like Autel makes decent units, but I cannot tell what models will support specifically what I am trying to test for.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 17
Likes: 6
From: Buffalo, NY
2021 AMG GLS 63
So I have my bidirectional scan tool question answered. I am going with the Autel MS906BT. I confirmed it will work with the suspension in the GL63.
If anyone can help with my main question, that would be awesome.
Thanks.
If anyone can help with my main question, that would be awesome.
Thanks.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 17
Likes: 6
From: Buffalo, NY
2021 AMG GLS 63
I received my Autel MS906BT scanner today, and started running some tests on the suspension. After draining the air shocks, I disconnected the air lines going into the 2 front struts, and found that no air is being pumped to the left front strut. The line does not seem to be kinked, so I have a feeling it's going to be a bad distribution block. Will find out tomorrow.
Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 214
Likes: 30
From: Chicago/Serbia
2017 GLS 450,Bmw Z4 35i
My 450 squats at the rear when i dont press raise vehicle button,if i do i stays normal height when you turn off the engine,what is usual labor to replace 2 rear air shocks?
got a quote for 950$ With parts i think thats too much
got a quote for 950$ With parts i think thats too much
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 306
Likes: 78
gl450
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
The replacement process is easy:
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
GL500
X166 2014
Hi all, mine is costing me a fortune on suspension. 9 months ago FR air suspension burst. 3 months later FL burst. Then had to change full shock absorber, stabilizer, arms, rods and all. Being a heavy car seem to wear suspensions very frequently .
quite anxious to drive comfortably but recently air pump got busted
so disapointed
quite anxious to drive comfortably but recently air pump got busted
so disapointed
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Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 62
Likes: 8
2008 ML 350
For the rear airbags, you don't need much. Just a level surface, jack and jackstands, some simple handtools and a piece of cardboard for when you lay on the ground to access the air hose nut. First one takes some figuring out, second one takes less than 10min. Jacking the car up and putting it on jackstands takes more time. You can do this on the side of the street if need be. Remember to chock your front wheels when jacking up the rear. The arnott rear bags should cost less than $300 for both.
Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 214
Likes: 30
From: Chicago/Serbia
2017 GLS 450,Bmw Z4 35i
Just fixed it today,200$ labor to replace both rears,i can not hear compressor working hard most of the time like with old ones so i am happy but looks like i will need new radiator
