Suspension system 2003 X Type

Pull the fuse for the air ride system.

Air suspension compressor change 2003 Grand Marquis ...

? 19:37
www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8IlErTkSyY
Mar 18, 2012 - Uploaded by displayfireworks2008 In this video I change an air suspension compressor on my 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis. The old ...

Or add new struts.

The suspension system being that old probably needs some major work. Beside being a short wheel base does not help. The longer the wheel base the smoother the ride. I bought a new car a short time ago(cross-over) , did not like the ride. Bought a mini-van a year later. Much smoother ride and better gas millage.

Yes they can but the plugs let go for a reason, find out why. A crate engine costs about $9,000 for this car so find it hard to believe you where really given this promise.

Hi Jose:
The first place to start is to have Ride Control Module scanned for trouble codes, this requires a high end scan tool. Most common problem is the air compressor in the rear or a height sensor. Here is how the system works.

Automatic Level Control Description and Operation
The RTD system is bi-state real time damping system. The Suspension Control module controls the suspension damper solenoids and suspension position sensors, along with parts of the automatic level control (ALC) system and electronic variable orifice (EVO) power steering system.

The Automatic Level Control system consists of the following:
• Suspension Control Module
• Compressor/Leveling Module
- Air Pressure Sensor
- Exhaust Solenoid
• Compressor Motor Relay

The objective of the Automatic Level Control System is to provide constant ride height at all load conditions. The Suspension Control module monitors body-to-wheel height, and vehicle speed.

The Suspension Control module will use the rear body-to-wheel displacements and vehicle speed inputs to keep the rear trim height of the vehicle at its desired level.

The electronic suspension control (ESC) system is bi-state real time damping system. The ESC module controls the suspension damper solenoids and suspension position sensors, along with parts of the automatic level control (ALC) system, if 1500 series.

The ESC system consists of the following:
• The ESC module
• The compressor/leveling module, if 1500 series
- The air pressure sensor, if 1500 series
- The exhaust solenoid, if 1500 series
• The compressor motor relay, if 1500 series
• The steering handwheel speed/position sensor
• The suspension damper solenoids
• The suspension position sensors

Hope this helps; also keep in mind that your feedback is important and I'll appreciate your time and consideration if you leave some testimonial comment about this answer.

Thank you for using Fixya, and have a nice day.

A GM dealer can tell you if you give him the VIN number, but the simplest way is to check one of the rear struts for an electrical connection (will also have a leveling air line connection). If there is one, you have a road sensing suspension (RSS) with rear leveling capability - if not, just air shocks. If you have RSS, these struts are very expensive and notoriously unreliable, and you may want to replace them with air shocks. However, if you do this you will have to trick the RSS into thinking they are still there by terminating each electrical connector with a resistor (see the Cadillac Forums website).

You can replace the air ride system, with a conventional non air type,like on most vehicles

If your going to keep it another ten years,I would do that

If you decide to continue to diagnose and repair your system ,and you will, often, and hopefully never at a dealer,or it will be like a second mortgage payment

Strutmasters and other have replacement suspension for it.

If your not too familiar with air-suspension, send it in. But I can tell you that the air-compressor will not last too much longer if it runs constantly.
You need to go underneath and find out where the air is coming from while the compressor is running. It is possibly coming from a defective proportioning valve, bad air-line or defective air-bag.

There is one at each wheel. here is some info

Vehicle Dynamic Suspension The four wheel air suspension system is comprised of the following components:

• service switch
• control module
• two front height sensors
• one rear height sensor
• compressor and drier assembly (includes vent solenoid)
• air lines
• front and rear air spring and shock absorber assemblies
• four air spring solenoids

WARNING: The service switch for the air suspension system must be shut off prior to hoisting, jacking or towing an air suspension vehicle. This can be accomplished by turning off the air suspension switch located in the jack storage area in the rear of the passenger compartment. Failure to do so may result in unexpected inflation or deflation of the air springs which may result in shifting of the vehicle during these operations.
WARNING: Do not remove an air spring under any circumstances when there is pressure in the air spring. Do not remove any components supporting an air spring without either exhausting the air or providing support for the air spring to prevent vehicle damage or personal injury.
Air Suspension Pneumatic Diagram
Item Part Number Description 1 5319 Air compressor and drier 2 5B322 Air line T-fitting 3 5B321 Air line union 4 — Air line Y-fitting 5 18945/5311 Air spring and solenoid

Suspension Height Sensor Removal and Installation
NOTE: Front shown, rear similar

1. WARNING: The electrical power to the air suspension system must be shut off prior to hoisting, jacking or towing an air suspension vehicle. This can be accomplished by turning off the air suspension switch located in the LH quarter trim panel. Failure to do so may result in unexpected inflation or deflation of the air springs which may result in shifting of the vehicle during these operations.
   Raise and support the vehicle. For additional information, refer to Section 100-02 .

1. Disconnect the sensor arm.

3. Remove the bolts and the sensor.
4.

1. Disconnect the electrical connector.

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Ride Height Adjustments
Special Tool(s) Worldwide Diagnostic System (WDS)
418-F224

New Generation STAR (NGS) Tester
418-F052 or equivalent scan tool
Inflation and Deflation of the Air Suspension System

1. NOTE: Make sure that the air suspension switch is in the ON position
   NOTE: Make sure that a battery voltage of at least 11 volts is maintained while carrying out this procedure.
   Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.

1. Connect scan tool to the data link connector (DLC).

1. Select Air Suspension Control Module under Active Command Mode:
   • VENT FRNT to deflate the front down.
   • LIFT FRNT to inflate the front up.
   • VENT REAR to deflate the rear down.
   • LIFT REAR to inflate the rear up.

Calibration
Ride Height Resetting

1. NOTE: Make sure that the air suspension switch is in the ON position
   NOTE: Make sure that a battery voltage of at least 11 volts is maintained while carrying out this procedure.
   Turn the ignition to the ON position.
   • Exit the vehicle, close all doors and allow the system to vent the vehicle down to kneel height (approximately 45 seconds).

1. With the ignition remaining in the ON position, shift the vehicle into DRIVE and then back to PARK.
   • Exit the vehicle, close all doors and allow the vehicle to pump to trim (approximately 45 seconds).

1. Measure the ride height. For additional information, refer to Section 204-00 .

1. Open the LF door.

1. Connect scan tool to the data link connector (DLC).

1. While outside of the vehicle, select the proper vehicle year, model and engine type.

1. Select 4WAS module.

1. Using the active command mode, vent or lift the vehicle to achieve the correct ride height.

1. Select the "Save Calibration Values (Store Ride Height)" scan tool command to calibrate the 4WAS module.

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Climate control is the heater/a.c. systems. Multi-Point fuel injection is the type of fuel system the car has. Vented brakes have holes in the rotors to help cool them during heavy braking. Immobilizer is the anti-theft device. Electronic traction control will transfer the power to the wheels so it doesn't slip or loose traction. ABS is Anti Lock Brake system. This is so your brakes doesn't lock up during hard braking. No. 7 is the suspension system for a good ride and cornering. Not sure about No. 8 though.