Airmatic after parts replaced
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 12
Likes: 3
From: WA USA
2007 R320CDI
Airmatic after parts replaced
2007 R320 CDI 4 wheel airmatic.
Question:
Do I need to do anything to clear the malfunction message and unlock the airmatic system after replacing broken parts?
Story:
I’ve just replaced a blown out airbag. I’m planning to replace the compressor/pump today if the part shows up. My car has the malfunction light with the up arrow.
After replacing these things, do I need to do anything to clear the malfunction light?
I ask because after I replaced my blown airbag the light never went away and it never really tried to do anything. I could raise the car with the airmatic controls. They were still locked out. It caused to me research and investigate more.
I found the hose from the air filter to the pump broken so the pump has been sucking in moisture. The theory is the pump has been working hard to keep a leaky bag full while also wearing out due to moisture. I’ve tested the pump and it is super weak. I’m just concerned the car will still have the system locked out after I install the new pump.
Any experience?
Question:
Do I need to do anything to clear the malfunction message and unlock the airmatic system after replacing broken parts?
Story:
I’ve just replaced a blown out airbag. I’m planning to replace the compressor/pump today if the part shows up. My car has the malfunction light with the up arrow.
After replacing these things, do I need to do anything to clear the malfunction light?
I ask because after I replaced my blown airbag the light never went away and it never really tried to do anything. I could raise the car with the airmatic controls. They were still locked out. It caused to me research and investigate more.
I found the hose from the air filter to the pump broken so the pump has been sucking in moisture. The theory is the pump has been working hard to keep a leaky bag full while also wearing out due to moisture. I’ve tested the pump and it is super weak. I’m just concerned the car will still have the system locked out after I install the new pump.
Any experience?
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 30
Likes: 6
From: Prosser, WA
'15 W222 4Matic, '15 ML63, '12 W251, '08 W251
Air pump and system
First of all, you can rebuilt the compressor rather easily. The parts are essentially some teflon rings and a few o-rings and you're back in business. DO NOT - I repeat - DO NOT buy an aftermarket pump from Amazon or Auto Zone or whatever unless it's an Arnott. Arnott actually rebuilds OEM pumps and resells them as rebuilt. Also, if you're going to replace a bag, replace both of them - once again with Arnott bags because they have a lifetime warranty. Finally, if you're worried water was in the system you will be having issues with the meter block which transfers the air to the bags. Replace it too.
The final piece of this puzzle is the silly OEM relay - OMG this thing is a POS. Usually the problem with guys air ride suspension is when the relay contacts weld together because they've become misshappen from arcs that occur when the extreme current pulled by the compressor overcomes the dialectric of air at a point in the relay cycle where the contacts are a smidge apart, either in closure or in opening. This is a common problem and will keep on re-occurring over time with new relays - unless - you install a relay that is more up to the task than OEM. Frankly, the air ride on this car was an afterthought. In Europe AND China the cars are equipped with springs in the rear, not airbags. I don't know why, but I heard (unverified) that in order to be classified as an SUV the ride height had to be adjustable in the USA - makes no sense to me since the cars are made here anyway....but I digress.
The final piece of this puzzle is the silly OEM relay - OMG this thing is a POS. Usually the problem with guys air ride suspension is when the relay contacts weld together because they've become misshappen from arcs that occur when the extreme current pulled by the compressor overcomes the dialectric of air at a point in the relay cycle where the contacts are a smidge apart, either in closure or in opening. This is a common problem and will keep on re-occurring over time with new relays - unless - you install a relay that is more up to the task than OEM. Frankly, the air ride on this car was an afterthought. In Europe AND China the cars are equipped with springs in the rear, not airbags. I don't know why, but I heard (unverified) that in order to be classified as an SUV the ride height had to be adjustable in the USA - makes no sense to me since the cars are made here anyway....but I digress.
