Malfunction Airmatic
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Joined: Jul 2012
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S350 w221
Malfunction Airmatic
Airmatic Malfunction.
Hey. I got up this message a few days ago. Took a diagnostic test, and I get the message that there is a problem with a valve left front.
There is no leak, as it is not lower after 3 days without startup.
The compressor also works just fine. It pumps up fast behind, but after 3-4 seconds, it switches to the front, and then the error code comes up.
I've fixed a lot of cars, but not touched my Mercedes yet. (Oil change, of course)
Wondering if anyone knows the problem. Did not think it was seperate valves for each damper, but a common valve block.
Have any of you drawings or pictures on where the valve block is located ?
Is this a simple matter to reach and change?
Hey. I got up this message a few days ago. Took a diagnostic test, and I get the message that there is a problem with a valve left front.
There is no leak, as it is not lower after 3 days without startup.
The compressor also works just fine. It pumps up fast behind, but after 3-4 seconds, it switches to the front, and then the error code comes up.
I've fixed a lot of cars, but not touched my Mercedes yet. (Oil change, of course)
Wondering if anyone knows the problem. Did not think it was seperate valves for each damper, but a common valve block.
Have any of you drawings or pictures on where the valve block is located ?
Is this a simple matter to reach and change?
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 6,499
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From: Europe
223.168 & 213.012 & 906.633 & 214.005
It appears (to me) that the 221 is actually similar to the 220 where no solenoid valve exists at the strut itself. The only wiring is for the shocks adjustments (at the strut area) plus the level sensor.
The W220 description covers "a passive valve" for emergency purposes at the strut, not sure if one exists on the 221, I would assume so but I did not find the description.
I'd like to have a second opinion on this in order not to confuse the original poster too much.
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S350 w221
Have now changed the valve block. But still get the AIRMATIC malfunction.
Left front air damper will not lift properly. It stops about. 3 cm lower than the rest.
Diagnostic says there are problems with the left valve. But it is in the valve block.
Does anyone know if there is a control module for this valve block.
Or some weak points in the network that provides electrical signal to the valve block.
Diagnostic equipment can not force lift up air damper.
Left front air damper will not lift properly. It stops about. 3 cm lower than the rest.
Diagnostic says there are problems with the left valve. But it is in the valve block.
Does anyone know if there is a control module for this valve block.
Or some weak points in the network that provides electrical signal to the valve block.
Diagnostic equipment can not force lift up air damper.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 616
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From: Planet Earth
S500
Have now changed the valve block. But still get the AIRMATIC malfunction.
Left front air damper will not lift properly. It stops about. 3 cm lower than the rest.
Diagnostic says there are problems with the left valve. But it is in the valve block.
Does anyone know if there is a control module for this valve block.
Or some weak points in the network that provides electrical signal to the valve block.
Diagnostic equipment can not force lift up air damper.
Left front air damper will not lift properly. It stops about. 3 cm lower than the rest.
Diagnostic says there are problems with the left valve. But it is in the valve block.
Does anyone know if there is a control module for this valve block.
Or some weak points in the network that provides electrical signal to the valve block.
Diagnostic equipment can not force lift up air damper.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 37
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S350 w221
Diagnostic tool says that the left damper is 30 mm lower. Something I can see.
So the sensor works.
I think the fault must lie between the control module to the valve block. But I have no idea where the control module is located and where the electrical cord is located.
So the sensor works.
I think the fault must lie between the control module to the valve block. But I have no idea where the control module is located and where the electrical cord is located.
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Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 382
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From: LI, NY
(1960) 300d, S550 AMG S500 S600 560SEL
castro69 you need not change the vlave block, just use a star to readjust all four wheel height, if you have a star computer i can give you the code. Otherwise your airmatic strut is about to go, it is a way to give you a heads up before the whole strut fails.
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S350 w221
It's true that I did not need to replace the valve block. But it is also wrong that AIRMATIC strut is about to go.
It was not possible to control the valve block with the diagnosis. And thus impossible to set in the correct height of the 4 air strut.
As I wrote in a post earlier it had to be wrong with the communication between the main control unit and valve block. And it was correct. It was actually a crack in the electric wire between the valve block and control module.
4 "above the valve block, a wire was broken. On a flat surface without corners or movements. Absolutely amazing how poor quality this is.
I have a -67 Mustang, where most of the wires are still original without fracture.
It was not possible to control the valve block with the diagnosis. And thus impossible to set in the correct height of the 4 air strut.
As I wrote in a post earlier it had to be wrong with the communication between the main control unit and valve block. And it was correct. It was actually a crack in the electric wire between the valve block and control module.
4 "above the valve block, a wire was broken. On a flat surface without corners or movements. Absolutely amazing how poor quality this is.
I have a -67 Mustang, where most of the wires are still original without fracture.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 382
Likes: 4
From: LI, NY
(1960) 300d, S550 AMG S500 S600 560SEL
It's true that I did not need to replace the valve block. But it is also wrong that AIRMATIC strut is about to go.
It was not possible to control the valve block with the diagnosis. And thus impossible to set in the correct height of the 4 air strut.
As I wrote in a post earlier it had to be wrong with the communication between the main control unit and valve block. And it was correct. It was actually a crack in the electric wire between the valve block and control module.
4 "above the valve block, a wire was broken. On a flat surface without corners or movements. Absolutely amazing how poor quality this is.
I have a -67 Mustang, where most of the wires are still original without fracture.
It was not possible to control the valve block with the diagnosis. And thus impossible to set in the correct height of the 4 air strut.
As I wrote in a post earlier it had to be wrong with the communication between the main control unit and valve block. And it was correct. It was actually a crack in the electric wire between the valve block and control module.
4 "above the valve block, a wire was broken. On a flat surface without corners or movements. Absolutely amazing how poor quality this is.
I have a -67 Mustang, where most of the wires are still original without fracture.
you said "It was not possible to control the valve block with the diagnosis. And thus impossible to set in the correct height of the 4 air strut." if you do not know how to use the diagnosis tool and input the correct value for height adjustment purposes, you will never be able to adjust the height, amongst the test sequence of a star is to test line pressure for leaks on all the lines connected from the pump to the valve block and interconnection of the 4 airmatic strut, height calibration / adjustment can only be done by a Star diagnostic tool.
Last edited by cool_lagoon; Apr 17, 2013 at 09:40 PM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 37
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S350 w221
castro69 you sure are something, first you post your problem then when you get help you play the know it all, good luck.
you said "It was not possible to control the valve block with the diagnosis. And thus impossible to set in the correct height of the 4 air strut." if you do not know how to use the diagnosis tool and input the correct value for height adjustment purposes, you will never be able to adjust the height, amongst the test sequence of a star is to test line pressure for leaks on all the lines connected from the pump to the valve block and interconnection of the 4 airmatic strut, height calibration / adjustment can only be done by a Star diagnostic tool.
you said "It was not possible to control the valve block with the diagnosis. And thus impossible to set in the correct height of the 4 air strut." if you do not know how to use the diagnosis tool and input the correct value for height adjustment purposes, you will never be able to adjust the height, amongst the test sequence of a star is to test line pressure for leaks on all the lines connected from the pump to the valve block and interconnection of the 4 airmatic strut, height calibration / adjustment can only be done by a Star diagnostic tool.
It's over two months since I asked the question. Do you really think I'm sitting with the computer and waiting for someone to respond?
I know how to use diagnostic tool. But it does not help when an electrical wire is off.
None of the answers I got were close to the problem. Nor yours.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
S550
Hello,
Before I replaced my shock, for some reason my rear sat a tad lower than the front. I always had to push the rise button for the car to look leveled but even with it raised it still sat lower in the rear. Being on the freeway is even worst seeing how the car lowers at a certain speed.
Replaced one shock and pump recently and the car is still at the same height needing the rise button pressed to look ok.
Should I replaced the valve bloc or check the electric??
Before I replaced my shock, for some reason my rear sat a tad lower than the front. I always had to push the rise button for the car to look leveled but even with it raised it still sat lower in the rear. Being on the freeway is even worst seeing how the car lowers at a certain speed.
Replaced one shock and pump recently and the car is still at the same height needing the rise button pressed to look ok.
Should I replaced the valve bloc or check the electric??
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 34
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From: Koblenz,Germany/Chicago Suburb,Illinois
2002 S320-CDI
You write: "castro69 you sure are something, first you post your problem then when you get help you play the know it all, good luck."
It's over two months since I asked the question. Do you really think I'm sitting with the computer and waiting for someone to respond?
I know how to use diagnostic tool. But it does not help when an electrical wire is off.
None of the answers I got were close to the problem. Nor yours.
It's over two months since I asked the question. Do you really think I'm sitting with the computer and waiting for someone to respond?
I know how to use diagnostic tool. But it does not help when an electrical wire is off.
None of the answers I got were close to the problem. Nor yours.
Last edited by brenner; Feb 14, 2014 at 12:23 PM. Reason: forgot something
