Problem with my rear air ride suspension. I need to know how to inflate the air bags underneath the vehicle.

Unfortunately they are known for it. We see once a week here! Lots of help online

https://www.google.com/search?q=1996+Lincoln+Town+car+rear+air+suspension+issue

..

this a job for the suspension professionals
there are coil springs with the air bags already inside the coils that will fit straight in
the thing with air bags is that if inflated to the correct pressure , the height of the springs will not vary as the load is taken by the air bag and not the coil spring
for example heavy vehicles running on air bag suspension retains the same ride height regardless of the load on the vehicle
what you propose is great for towing trailers, caravans etc or carrying heavy loads on the tray at the back

You will have to turn the air ride system off until the bag is fixed. Otherwise the pump will run continuously trying to fill the bag. This will obviously kill the battery.

Some of the Vehicles with Air Suspension require the Pump to be shut off , before you lift the Wheels, off the Ground. The hissing noise indicates the bags ruptured and need replaced, at the very least. If there is an air suspension Cut-off, it is usually right front Kick Panel Location. If not you made need to pull a Fuse. Without a Manual, you are kind of hosed. Buy a Manual , for around $30, at the Local Parts Store.

There is a compressor underneath the car on the passenger side (RHD) which inflates two rubber suspension bags on the rear axle. This is controlled by the SLABS ECU and a pair of height sensors on the rear trailing arms.
You probably have two failed bags, and may now also have a knackered compressor if it's not managing to inflate it due to it having been working overtime!
Sometimes you can have issues due to the valve block inside the compressor housing also.
Bags are ~ £100 each, height sensors are ~£35 each, valve block is iirc about £100-£200, and the compressor is £300-400.
Bags/sensors can be DIY'd easily with the right tools.

At the rear of the vehicle there are switches. If you look underneath you will see arms coming off them as they move away from the suspension they activate the pump. When the vehicle is level the arms contact and shut the pump down.

Save your self the hassle and expence of troubleshooting and replacement parts, install a suspension retrofit kit which changes the rear bags to coil springs and the front to struts. A car this old you might as well start over for less than $500.00......

Hello! The rear suspension on this vehicle is air inflated. There are diaphrams that the level ride system uses to inflate rear shocks to aid in the comfort of the vehicles ride and handling. either an air line has rurtured,came off the connection at rear shock,or the diaphram itself has ruptured. Hope this information was helpful!

do you have just rear air suspension? here's rear only. 4 wheel different. Deler an run a diagnostic test with WDS machine and get fault codes.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The air suspension system is designed to improve ride, handling and general vehicle performance for static, on-road and off-road driving conditions:

• Ride is improved by using an air type spring (the soft ride is inherent).
• Handling is improved by maintaining constant vehicle attitude.

The system consists of unique rear air springs, the air compressor, air lines, air spring solenoids, height sensor, air suspension control module, attachments and associated signals derived from both driver and road inputs. With these components and signals, the air suspension control module commands changes in vehicle height that are necessary for the load leveling features.
The load leveling feature rear air suspension (RAS) systems shall automatically make adjustments in vehicle height so that the vehicle is always at trim height and constant front-to-rear vehicle attitudes are maintained over the expected load range of the vehicle. Adjustments in height that are necessary to correct height differences between the vehicle's left and right sides for the RAS system shall be restricted to what can be reliably achieved with one air suspension height sensor.
The system uses one air suspension height sensor, a steering sensor, generic electronic module (GEM) and other vehicle sensors to measure driver and road inputs. The system changes vehicle height using an air compressor, two air lines and the use of air springs with air spring solenoids.
The air suspension system holds vehicle height when the rear hatch or any door is opened. The system stores rear vehicle height the moment any open door is detected. The system then maintains this height regardless of the addition or removal of a load. The system will return to its commanded height when all doors are closed or the vehicle speed exceeds 16 km/h (10 mph).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air Suspension Height Sensor
One air suspension height sensor is mounted on the vehicle. The air suspension height sensor sends a voltage signal to the air suspension control module. The output ranges from approximately 4.75 volts at minimum height (when the vehicle is low or in full jounce), to 0.25 volts at maximum height (when the vehicle is high or in full rebound). The air suspension height sensor has a useable range of 80 mm (3.2 in) compared to total suspension travel of 200-250 mm (8 to 10 in) at the wheel. Therefore, the air suspension height sensor is mounted to the suspension at a point where full rear suspension travel at the wheel is relative to 80 mm (3.2 in) of travel at the air suspension height sensor. The air suspension height sensor is attached between the No. 5 frame crossmember (upper socket) and the panhard rod (lower socket).
When the air suspension height sensor indicates that the rear of the vehicle is lower than trim under normal driving conditions, the air compressor will turn on and pump compressed air to the air springs. When the sensor indicates that the rear of the vehicle is raised above trim under normal driving conditions, this will cause the air to be vented from the air springs to lower the vehicle back to its trim height level
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

• Uneven vehicle height

• Circuitry.
• Rear pneumatic fault.
• Air compressor assembly.
• Air suspension control module.

• Go To Pinpoint Test I .

I would recommend going to strutmasters.com and taking a look at the conversion kits. these convert you from the airbag to a powder coated American made steel coil spring that is guaranteed to last the life of the car. Airbags and compressors are constantly having to be replaced. Also something alot of people don't know is that theses air suspensions are not meant to be in temperatures above 90 Degrees or below 40 Degrees. That is most of the world. The temperature will cause you to replace alot of bags. and typically when your replacing a bag you are going to have to replace the compressor to because the bag had a hole or small crack in it causing the compressor to over work and it will die. I posted the link below so you can take a look http://www.strutmasters.com/lincoln-suspension-parts-s/1.htm I hope I was of some help Good Luck!!!