air suspension problem

[03blackvegas]

Hi everyone, I have a question, I just bought an 03 marauder, when I drive the car, all the air bleeds out of the back, and the pump won't work until I come to a stop. It then pumps the car back up, only to have it go away again when I continue to drive, I'am pretty sure there's no actual leak, but the switch in the back is malfunctioning. Also I was wondering, if everything is working properly, does the car stay in the full raised position ? I have ordered a new switch, Thanks

[Raudermaster]

Yes, the car will stay raised when driving. The only time it will re-inflate/deflate is to compensate when you put more weight in the car, or you're on a hill or something of that nature. Perhaps it could be a bad/faulty solenoid?

[Drock96Marquis]

The switch is likely not faulty. All it does is disable the system - which means no more air will be inflated or deflated automatically. Any air in the air springs is not vented, it remains.

When the switch is flipped back to normal operation (and the car is on), the RAS module will inflate or deflate the airsprings as needed to reach ride trim height.


Any time the switch is flipped to off, the check air suspension light on the dash will be illuminated. If your switch was faulty and causing it to turn on/off, the light would be flashing on the dash along with it.

The car will not stay at the full ride trim height. After the vehicle has been turned off, and all doors are closed, the system will vent some air out. The RAS will run the compressor after start up to raise the vehicle back to ride trim height. The RAS typically should not vent/lower during a driving cycle unless weight has been removed and air pressure must be vented to lower to trim height.


I have lots and lots of info on operation strategy and components of the panther RAS system on my site here:
http://www.crownvic.net/drock96marquis/RAS.htm


It sounds like you may have an air leak, which is causing the
compressor to run frequently to keep at trim height. You likely will not notice the compressor is running while cruising. Inspect the airsprings and airlines for leaks (I like to use a spray bottle with a strong concentration of car wash soap and water - look for bubbles ;) )
A malfunctioning height sensor may also cause some issues.