Airmatic Won't Raise & Car Shuts Off
09-17-2022, 04:45 PM
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Airmatic Won't Raise & Car Shuts Off
2007 Mercedes R500
I recently replaced my starter and after about 2 wks of no issues the rear of the car would lower without warning. The system would raise back up after stopping the car. Determined that the air compressor was beginning to fail so I replaced with a new one. Here's where it goes sideways...
- Installed the new compressor but it won't stay on long enough to fully lift the vehicle
- If I plug in the compressor the car will start but then cut off
- If I unplug the compressor the car starts and stays on
- If i plug the compressor in after the car has been started and running it will continue to run
*I thought that the system would engage and determine that the vehicle is low so it would kick on the compressor but nope
What I've done as far as troubleshooting:
- Replaced the fuses and relays with Hella as suggested by Mercedes
- Checked the system for leaks
*Valve block and lines are all new but no leaks
*The rear sensors are new
*The airmatic shocks are new as well
- I thought maybe the starter was grounding out but after double checking that it appears to be clean and not grounding
Another weird issue during troubleshooting...
- When I was looking to see if the rear level sensors were connected properly I lifted the rear of the vehicle via floor jack with the vehicle off. I removed the rear wheels and then decided to start the vehicle with the compressor plugged in. While the compressor didn't kick on it did start. However as I lowered the vehicle it would cut off. If I unplug the compressor the vehicle will start up regardless of the height of the vehicle.
Prior to replacing the compressor the vehicle started quickly and didn't exhibit any other issues so I'm not sure why replacing the compressor would cause this issue. Given that the compressor only starts for a few minutes before cutting off maybe a power issue? Is there somewhere else I should be looking?
Appreciate any assistance or guidance.
Cheers,
dg
I recently replaced my starter and after about 2 wks of no issues the rear of the car would lower without warning. The system would raise back up after stopping the car. Determined that the air compressor was beginning to fail so I replaced with a new one. Here's where it goes sideways...
- Installed the new compressor but it won't stay on long enough to fully lift the vehicle
- If I plug in the compressor the car will start but then cut off
- If I unplug the compressor the car starts and stays on
- If i plug the compressor in after the car has been started and running it will continue to run
*I thought that the system would engage and determine that the vehicle is low so it would kick on the compressor but nope
What I've done as far as troubleshooting:
- Replaced the fuses and relays with Hella as suggested by Mercedes
- Checked the system for leaks
*Valve block and lines are all new but no leaks
*The rear sensors are new
*The airmatic shocks are new as well
- I thought maybe the starter was grounding out but after double checking that it appears to be clean and not grounding
Another weird issue during troubleshooting...
- When I was looking to see if the rear level sensors were connected properly I lifted the rear of the vehicle via floor jack with the vehicle off. I removed the rear wheels and then decided to start the vehicle with the compressor plugged in. While the compressor didn't kick on it did start. However as I lowered the vehicle it would cut off. If I unplug the compressor the vehicle will start up regardless of the height of the vehicle.
Prior to replacing the compressor the vehicle started quickly and didn't exhibit any other issues so I'm not sure why replacing the compressor would cause this issue. Given that the compressor only starts for a few minutes before cutting off maybe a power issue? Is there somewhere else I should be looking?
Appreciate any assistance or guidance.
Cheers,
dg
