I'm pretty sure I got the transmission fixed in the $900E500 (now $1500
after parts and programming and fluid/filter) but when I let it down it
was slammed so I was not able to drive it. Getting an error code for the
RR air spring solenoids (there are 2 in the air spring unit). It had
these codes before, or one of them anyway, and the car was fine, sat OK,
drove OK (aside from the trans issue). So I was figuring it was a loose
connection or something but did not get into it as it seemed fine, aside
from the code. Investigation on the forums suggests if you get both
codes it is likely the connector.
So anyway since it is slammed I have been trying to figure out what the
issue is. I have it jacked up sitting on blocks under the jack points
with the wheels off the ground (and actually 3 of the removed so I can
get at stuff, the front tires are completely shot, wires poking out on
the inside treads [scary!], I guess it needs an alignment... I guess I
could crank in some camber hahahaha). The air compressor is not
running, which it was before, it is not getting any power to it. I have
traced the power, there is a solenoid in the underhood fuse panel and a
big 40A fuse in the passenger side footwell where a power distribution
block sits along with the N51 Airmatic ADS controller nanny box. Fuse
is good, the relay clicks with 12V on the solenoid pins, and if I jumper
the power in/out pins on the solenoid socket the air compressor runs and
puts out pressure, which I can see building up with my scanner to 4+bar,
so the 40A fuse is good. So the compressor works, the nanny is supposed
to run it as necessary to keep pressure at something like 3-4bar, I
forget the nominal pressure. Pressure did drain down pretty fast though
so maybe there is an air leak in the system or at the distribution
block, I will need to dig into that too with some soapy water. I am
thinking the N51 controller unit is not telling the relay to close and
turn on the compressor, maybe because of the solenoid errors although it
was working before. hmmm. There is a fuse for that box, I put in a new
one just to make sure it was getting power. I am not excited about
digging into that thing to see if it is working, I am thinking it
probably is since I am not getting a whole raft of error codes that the
car/control unit would likely throw if it was gorked.
Interestingly the voltages on the height sensors seem to be working
(with wheels dangling as it is on blocks), so that aspect is not
confusing the nanny. I was not getting a level error previously either
when the RR solenoid was throwing a code, so it was keeping the RR
raised and not slammed.
I ordered some new air compressor relays too just to make sure it does
work, but it seemed to on the bench. I have a big stash of solenoids
but unfortunately none that match this one even though it is a kinda
basic 4-prong plug-in thing.
I pulled the connector off the RR air bag and cleaned it with contact
cleaner and put it back, still have the solenoid codes. Turns out there
is another connector that wire goes to behind the wheel well liner that
I guess I need to check, but it got dark before I could pull the liner
and do that. So will do that tomorrow and see if that fixes the
solenoid errors. I guess I will need to also go around and make sure
the air lines are all holding air, there is a distribution block with a
solenoid near the air pump, maybe that is inop but I am not getting any
error for that.
So anyway I am now becoming an expert on the Airmatic system trying to
troubleshoot this system. I have the circuit diagrams with all the
components, and found a nice MB manual on the whole system for the E500,
and various pics and other stuff on the forums from the WIS I guess. So
plenty of info, I think I understand it pretty well now. It is complex
functionally but not too complicated mechanically if that makes any
sense, but it is a pain in the ass to troubleshoot the
electrical/mechanical (air) parts although the scanner helps.
Oh, one other thing, I have been using the iCarsoft to look at codes and
system data, it does a good job on that. But I think I now need to hook
up the Star majick box to it tomorrow as with that you can actuate
various components in the system and see if all are working, so
basically you can override the nanny and activate each component and see
what happens. I am thinking now that either this wire connecting the RR
unit is not working, or the solenoids inside the unit are bad. I might
be able to check that with the Majick Box.
Updates to follow...
--
--FT
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