tx003

Hey guys, this is my first post but I’ve been reading the forum for a while. Also, I promise I did a search before posting So here’s my question:

I’ve got a 2002 W220 w/out 4matic and w/out ABC. One of my front OEM struts went out so I replaced them with (2) Arnott Industries front struts (their new version, not the refurbished ones). The struts went in easy but I’ve encountered a few problems after the install:

1.) I have an error message on the dash that is white and says “airmatic visit shop” with an arrow pointing up
2.) The steering feels completely different, as if the power steering lost half it’s power
3.) The car is riding like it’s high and the ride is really stiff
4.) The ABS light is on

Does anyone have any suggestions on what I should do? Should I have replaced the relays too, if so which ones? The compressor was fine so I didn’t change that. Is there a trick to reset the ECU (other than turning the steering right/left). If I have to take it to the shop I will, I just don’t want to get ripped off and of course if it’s something I can do myself I rather would. Thanks in advance for any advice!!

wallyp

No personal knowledge, but there have been several posts that blame wheel speed sensors for such problems.

One of the basic principles of troubleshooting a problem is to ask, "What was the last thing that you did to the car?" I would start by checking the wiring to the front wheel speed sensors and level sensors.

tx003

Thanks Wally, I'll start my trouble shooting at the wheel speed sensor because there is always a chance I hit something during the install.

Quadcammer

solid bet.

tx003

All – I dropped my car off at the dealer and they diagnosed the cause of all my problems as the body pin housing and connector for the strut. This is basically the cable attached to the wheel well where you plug in your strut. I believe there are two cables that plug into that. It absolutely makes sense that I damaged it because I pried on it for a long time before I realized there is a small metal cotter pin that you need to remove before you can unplug the two cables. Apparently that controls everything from ride height, to suspension settings, to I guess my heavy steering wheel feel issue. Here’s the kicker. The two parts they had to replace were $6.93 each! But labor was $350. Either way, I’m glad I got it done and the Arrnott struts feels as good as the factory ones so far if not slightly better. Below are the part numbers for anyone that might need it:

036-545-15-28 Plug $6.93
034-545-89-28 Pin Bushing Housing $6.93

shardul

iTrader: (1)

it is half rectangular shaped clip that needs to be pulled out before you can unplug the wire harness.

tx003

Yes, that’s the clip! I’m embarrassed to admit this but I never noticed that clip, so I pried on that harness for at least 2 hours trying to figure out how to disconnect the two cables so I’m sure that’s how I damaged it.

peters430

Hi
Can anyone please let me know , how to pulled out the half rectangular shaped clip ?

I am in the process of changing the struct and noticed the clip when I try to undo the harness

Any help will be very much appreciated
Thanks
Peter

corkshoppe

use a small screw driver to pull it of off the top, and make sure you plug the wires back in, that will make the steering hard,it will go in deep. sorry tx i didnt check post this weekend or we could have saved you some money.

peters430

Hi corkshoppe
Worked exactly as you described
I waited for reply and got a perfect answer

Car is on the road and works perfectly

Thank you very much

Peter

eejam08

The new strut comes with a new plug, so what two plugs
did the dealer replace. Right now I have an exact problems.
Thanks in advance

wallyp

There are two plugs that go into a single socket on the upper forward area of the fender liner. You must pull the little lock out to get the plugs out of the socket. It can be tricky to get the plugs inserted correctly when you finish changing the strut. It is easier to hold the plugs together as you insert them.

Unless you have really tried hard, it is not too likely that the plugs need to be replaced. It is, however, easy to fail to get the plugs reinserted correctly. Keep trying to get them in correctly.