AirMatic and Morning Startup
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 348
Likes: 20
From: Florida
W124, W126, W140, W220, W222, R129
AirMatic and Morning Startup
Hey guys, just got a 2004 S500 which had previously been switched out with Arnott struts on the front (not sure about the rear). The car sat fine, and looked in great shape. Its a beautiful car with a couple of exceptions. It has a vibration I have yet to figure out, but it also has an issue with the AIRmatic system. What I noticed was every morning I am getting the AirMatic Visit Workshop message. Its funny, because in the afternoons and evenings, it does not show up. I am not sure what is going on.
I put it on STAR (SDS) and got C1321-001 "Fault in component y51y2 (Left front solenoid valve 2) in assembly Y51 (left front axle damping valve unit". I called Arnott, and they basically told me that I have to buy a new strut or re-manufactured unit, because they can not honor the warranty since I was not the one who purchased the units.
Any ideas on what could be causing this? Arnott said it may be an electrical connection, but everything looks fine, and it would not be doing this in the mornings only if it was damaged. Could it be the difference in temperature and humidity causing it? Maybe low voltage battery? Should I change the relay?
Any help is appreciated!
I put it on STAR (SDS) and got C1321-001 "Fault in component y51y2 (Left front solenoid valve 2) in assembly Y51 (left front axle damping valve unit". I called Arnott, and they basically told me that I have to buy a new strut or re-manufactured unit, because they can not honor the warranty since I was not the one who purchased the units.
Any ideas on what could be causing this? Arnott said it may be an electrical connection, but everything looks fine, and it would not be doing this in the mornings only if it was damaged. Could it be the difference in temperature and humidity causing it? Maybe low voltage battery? Should I change the relay?
Any help is appreciated!
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Joined: Dec 2012
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From: Ball Ground, GA (N of Atlanta)
2003 S500 2007 GL450
There are two small wire harnesses that run from the strut and from the front sensors to a bulkhead connector in the top front of the wheel well. It can be difficult to get these connectors inserted properly. I suggest that you remove the wheel, unplug both connectors (it looks like one connector while inserted), and check the plugs and the connectors carefully. Then hold the plugs together, and insert them as one.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 17
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2003 Mercedes S500
Im not sure about the airmatic message, but with the vibration it could be either the engine or transmission mounts. I had my engine mounts replaced first and the vibration became a bit less, but after the transmission mounts where changed, it disappeared.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 348
Likes: 20
From: Florida
W124, W126, W140, W220, W222, R129
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 348
Likes: 20
From: Florida
W124, W126, W140, W220, W222, R129
There are two small wire harnesses that run from the strut and from the front sensors to a bulkhead connector in the top front of the wheel well. It can be difficult to get these connectors inserted properly. I suggest that you remove the wheel, unplug both connectors (it looks like one connector while inserted), and check the plugs and the connectors carefully. Then hold the plugs together, and insert them as one.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 348
Likes: 20
From: Florida
W124, W126, W140, W220, W222, R129
Ok, so I checked it all out.. Put contact cleaner in both plugs and put it all back together. I made sure all connections were good as well. At the same time I put in a new relay because I had the updated Hella one just arrive. I still have the Airmatic Visit Workshop light... Possibly time to replace the strut?
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Thread Starter
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From: Florida
W124, W126, W140, W220, W222, R129
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Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 348
Likes: 20
From: Florida
W124, W126, W140, W220, W222, R129
UPDATE: Replaced the corner with an OEM front strut. Car rides amazing and all errors are gone. I am sure some of you think Arnott is great, but just the ride difference alone makes it all worth it to go OEM - plus the fact my car is no longer "rigged" with an aftermarket part.
No offense to Arnott, but I dont think their strut, it rigged relays or whatever, coupled with the fact that they couldn't help me with their product is a good sign of their customer service.
Thanks again guys!
No offense to Arnott, but I dont think their strut, it rigged relays or whatever, coupled with the fact that they couldn't help me with their product is a good sign of their customer service.
Thanks again guys!
