ok so ive been having some problems with RAS in my 92cv and have some questions about it. first, would a leaking air spring cause the "check air suspension" light to come on? what are some signs of bad air springs other than obviously not holding air? and would old or bad air springs cause it to have a very bouncy ride or would that more be the shocks? thanks for any help with these questions

A leaking solenoid on an air spring may cause the light to come on as well as rear height sensor or compressor issues.

The most common symptom with "bad" or worn air springs is that the rear end drops all the way when parked, and may or may not come back up to ride height when the car is started. If the rear end stays down and will not pump up turn off the switch in the trunk or risk damaging the compressor, it's not made to be running constantly.

Also if you have more of a bouncy ride than usual you are correct in that the shocks are shot.

ok so how would i go about testing the solenoid or height sensor? and yes the back does drop while parked but it will come back up. also the drivers side always seem to be a bit lower than the passenger side, bad air spring? right now im still thinking about saving the air ride do you think this is a good idea?

There is no way to test the system electronis without the Ford scan tool.

Does the rear drop all the way down when it's parked and does it happen quickly or does it have to be parked for awhile?

You visually check the condition of the air springs by checking the bottom of the rubber air spring right at where it sits on the hard plastic base, and worn bags will have vertical cracks. The bags will start to crack in normal use so some cracking is normal, but if there's alot then they would be suspect. Check the springs with the engine running and on the ground so you can see under there with a flashlight.

With all due respect to thise here that are in LOVE with the RAS on Ford vehicles, my best advice is to replace the whole works with REAL springs. Real springs never leak.

I've been thru this rigamarole with my Loncoln Mark VIII as well as my 03 Vic, and for my peace of mind, I'd never toss major money at these systems. They're OK for the first few years, but once the various components start going bad you'll be fiddling with them in one way or another as an ongoing commitment.

Like I said... I've never seen a real spring with a leak.

If your compressor is working then the first suspect would be the springs. How old are they? Springs are an easy enough fix and new and use springs are on ebay all the time. A few years ago I converted to air ride from coil spring (many folk go the other way) and I've loved it since day one. I'll NEVER go back to coil springs and I think you will be disappointed if you switch to the less hassle way. I installed all used components and have had zero problems. If your getting a check suspension light and your car falls to the ground when parked I would put money on the springs. If the compressor can't achieve trim height in 45 seconds after start the compressor with turn off and trigger the check suspension light. As suggested crawl under with a flash light and check your springs. One good way is to turn off the switch and jack one side at a time up by the frame and check each side individually. With the spring fully extended you will be able to get a better picture of what condition your springs are in. Keep us posted.

Here are a few links regarding Rear Air Suspension that will help you decide what to do. If you read it all you'll have all the info needed to diagnose and repair your RAS.

http://www.crownvic.net/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1709943#Post1709943

http://www.crownvic.net/drock96marquis/RAS.htm


Arnott Industries can supply many of the parts you might need
http://www.arnottindustries.com/part_FORD_Air_Suspension_Parts_yid1_pid9.html

Keith

thanks for all the advice guys, at this point im probably going to just put new air springs in it but im not sure all what i should be getting? and 03redvicsport i know exactly where your coming from i just sold a 94 Mark VIII that i had to convert to coils cause air ride went to pot and it was an expensive pain the ass to fix