W211 E55 Airmatic fault.

AMGeed

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I got myself prepared this morning to adjust the lowering links fitted to the front of my E55 as the car is too low and its aiding premature tyre wear.

To do this, its advised to raise the car to its highest setting before removing the links and shortening them.
Pressing the raise button, it illuminated the red light, but no sign of raising the car either front or rear.

After many attempts to raise the car, it refuses to move either up or down so I have a problem.
I have checked both the 7.5a Fuse#45 in the engine compartment and Fuse#37 in the drivers side interior fuse box and neither have blown.
The compressor makes no noise so I'm wondering if the relay is faulty?
If the pump had failed then I'd expect all the wheels to be up inside the wheel arches. This isn't the case.

Has any member here got a suggestion before I give in and take it for a Star test?
Testing the relay is beyond my limitations I'm afraid:(
 

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If pump not making noise and fuses all good, relay is where I’d be looking (without doing a star test).

Don’t suppose you have a spare relay anywhere?
 

Tim Revetts Prestige

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Check power to the pump with voltmeter.
Also if the level sensor fails will not work either. You can test accumulated pressure in pump tank.


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AMGeed

AMGeed

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Check power to the pump with voltmeter.
Also if the level sensor fails will not work either. You can test accumulated pressure in pump tank.


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To check power to the pump, is it just ignition to Pos 2 to power up or does the engine have to be running?

As I understand it, there are 3 level sensors, two at the front and one rear. Do you mean if any one of them fails the car will not raise? I assume a Star test will confirm faulty level sensor(s) along with accumulated pressure?

Many thanks for your comments.Very helpful.
 
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AMGeed

AMGeed

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If pump not making noise and fuses all good, relay is where I’d be looking (without doing a star test).

Don’t suppose you have a spare relay anywhere?

No spare relay Russ:(
I am puzzled as to why the car hasn't sunk if the pump isn't running?
Accumulated pressure?
 

Tim Revetts Prestige

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Pumps on these run even with ignition off after a run.
You have a few possibilities
1, your level sensors think they are at the right height so pump not required
2, pump pressure is too high so pump not working
3, relay not working properly there is 12v power feed and earth then signal 12v and earth.
4, wiring or ecu fault (unlikely but possible)

5 pump timed out no pressure built up (leak)

Accumulated pressure (they have a sensor in the pump is that reached high pressure pump won't work)

Crack a pipe off (very high pressure be careful then see if there is pressure)

Star can test these faults. Also there is some code readers that can do it too.



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AMGeed

AMGeed

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^ Thanks for that info, although I'm leaning on just getting a Star test and making my life easier chasing the fault.
I have a good indy nearby who is pretty reasonable for Star testing.
I will remove and reseat the airmatic relay as a last resort. 20190622_195800(0)[1].jpg
 
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AMGeed

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It's alive!
I removed the relay, then refitted it , started the engine and pressed the button to raise the car........................up she went.:dk:

Tried the raise and lower about 6 times and it worked every time.
I will get another relay and fit it to be on the safe side.

I think the car knows I'm thinking of selling it:devil:

Thanks for everyone's suggestions.
 

EmilysDad

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A result ..... :D
When my R Class's Airmatic played up a while back the big jumbo 40A(?) fuse supplying the compressor had all but welded itself in. Replaced it and all was well again.
 

malcolm E53 AMG

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It's alive!
I removed the relay, then refitted it , started the engine and pressed the button to raise the car........................up she went.:dk:

Tried the raise and lower about 6 times and it worked every time.
I will get another relay and fit it to be on the safe side.

I think the car knows I'm thinking of selling it:devil:

Thanks for everyone's suggestions.

Get two they are cheap as chips I keep a spare in the the car tool kit just in case it fails or fails to positive and tries to burn the pump out
 
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AMGeed

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Now the airmatic is working properly again I thought I'd raise the height on the front adjustable lowering links as it was too low and I got lazy doing nothing about it.
Took around 45 mins to do each side and get them equal height.
I'm happy the car looks at a better height now.
20190624_174322.jpg
 
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