Town Car air suspension problems? Read this thread!

[Boston Lincoln TC]

I have an 06 Signature, approx 135K. The air suspension system was failing repeatedly so I had the air bags removed and springs installed.
My problem is the dashboard illuminates to read Check Air Suspension. Had mechanic look to try and disable on computer unsuccessfully.
Any advice? Will post a pic.
Thank you!

 

[Action]

My problem is the dashboard illuminates to read Check Air Suspension. Had mechanic look to try and disable on computer unsuccessfully.
Any advice? Will post a pic.

I do not believe shutting off the instrument panel warning is a possible feature on the older air systems. You can clear it each time the engine is started.

Action

 

[Boston Lincoln TC]

I do not believe shutting off the instrument panel warning is a possible feature on the older air systems. You can clear it each time the engine is started.

Action

I was told that it could not be disabled by 2 different mechanics and thought they were bs'n me.

 

[V35A]

Could you secure the level sensor arm so the system thinks it’s at the correct level?

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[Babyburr]

Could you secure the level sensor arm so the system thinks it’s at the correct level?

There is your answer!

 

[07-TC-SL]

Could you secure the level sensor arm so the system thinks it’s at the correct level?

Zip ties for the win! LOL

 

[dblshot67]

My 2005 Town car rear suspension sinks as I drive down the road, I stop and get out and check it out and it raises as I watch it. I drive down the road and it sinks again. I'm looking for tips on how I can start narrowing down what the culprit is.

I would say that you need a new compressor. I have a 2006 and replaced the air bags, as that happened to me. Got it on Amazon. Does not cost much. You can do it yourself.

 

[sturgigk]

My experience up till now has been awesome of Lincolns. I grew up in a Lincoln family and do not remember my family ever having issues. With the downfall of european cars since 1999, Germany in an effort to combat the falling dollar make a good looking car but very poorly made(many engines failing at 60, 70k now), I decided to become a die hard American classic buyer again, was sorry to see the Town car end production as Cadillac is now outsourcing to China.

I have a similar issue as this thread but I am sure once figured out, it will not be too bad.

I have an ‘07 Town Car and the rear end started going down overnight. When I started it up it goes up and stays up while drive and only goes down after sitting overnight. My local Goodyear shop couldn’t find a leak and quoted me $2500 to replace the air suspension parts (minus the compressor which they said was working). They really tried to sell me on a regular spring conversion but I had an ‘02 Continental that I did that to and the ride sucked compared to the ultra smooth air suspension. Never again. Should I try replacing the module back of the glove box? If not what parts do I need to look for to replace all the components? Back when I did the conversion on the Continental, the same shop told me if I tried replacing parts for the air suspension it would be just a matter of time before other parts of the system would start going out. Strangely enough I seem to get a much better deal with this shop when I bring in the parts. Case in point I recently had a misfire in cylinder 2 and thought I’d have all the plugs and coils replaced. Goodyear quoted me a price of $1100. I purchased the parts for $80 on Rock Auto, the shop put them in and I ended up paying $360! I was shocked 8 plugs 8 coils added almost $800 to their estimate. Go figure. I’ve gone to this shop for years so I sure hope their prices are legit. Any advice is greatly appreciated! Love the big Lincolns!

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[Action]

You have a slow leak in the suspension system.
97% chance it is the rubber air bags starting to leak at the fold.
2% chance there is a leak at rubber O rings.
1% chance it is something else.

If the system is pumping up during driving, what can be said is ....
The compressor is working because it is what is pumping air into the system
The module is working because it is getting signals that the body dropped
The height sensor is working because it gives the signal to the module
The actuator is working because it lets in air from the compressor.

Which only leaves the bags, lines and connectors.
Rare is a line or connector failure.

Which leaves the bag.

Also know that the actuator, the module, the compressor, lines and connectors are all independant. If an actuator fails, it can be replaced without removing the bag. Same with everything else. You can over repair if you want. However there isn't much to be gained other than your bank account showing a lower balance.

And I agree with you. Metal springs suck. Did I say that out loud?

Action

 

[sturgigk]

Wow! Thanks so much! I’ll take your advice and go with just replacing the bags. On Rock Auto are the bags aka air springs shown here?

 

[Action]

Yep that is the [piece to replace.
You will need the top mount of your old air spring.

Tips - (well you may not be doing the work)
Lubricate those O rings to reinstall. Those O rings and clip are for the actuator.
On an annual basis, I get under there and wipe the rubber air springs with a (rubber) treatment. Actually, it is a leather treatment that I use on everything rubber, vinyl, plastic and of course leather.

Those air springs live in a dirty environment. Wiping off the dirt and treating the rubber will make them last longer.

Action

 

[sturgigk]

Thanks again!

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[oktowncar]

The bags are the most common problem as Action mentions above.
I replaced mine back in 21' with a set I found for $57 on eBay. The replacement took me an afternoon to do.

First timers can do it over a weekend. The hardest part of the job for me was figuring out how the air lines release from the solenoids.
Hand space can get limited when removing and reinstalling the retainer clips for the bags but it is doable

 

[pocketchange]

Should the drier be replaced?

 

[Action]

If you replace the compressor.

Action

 

[batchman]

I will add, from doing this on a 97 Conti, even with the system down and off there may still be pressure in the system - wear eye protection when you take the hat off the bag!

Best,
- Jeff

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[ppritchard]

My 07 has been in the up/correct drive height for 3 days with the trunk switch OFF.
Since it filled, the compressor works
Since it achieved proper height, the height sensor must be ok.
It's holding air, so the bags must be ok.

I'm guessing all that is left is the solenoids or perhaps a line leak.

The last time it dropped, the switch was off, But I did keep trying to clear the Air Suspension Off message. Wondering if somehow that sent a signal to vent??

Thanks for any input.

 

[oktowncar]

My 07 has been in the up/correct drive height for 3 days with the trunk switch OFF.
Since it filled, the compressor works
Since it achieved proper height, the height sensor must be ok.
It's holding air, so the bags must be ok.

I'm guessing all that is left is the solenoids or perhaps a line leak.

The last time it dropped, the switch was off, But I did keep trying to clear the Air Suspension Off message. Wondering if somehow that sent a signal to vent??

Thanks for any input.

It's possible that the vent on the compressor is faulty. Keep monitoring for now

 

[Norms1stTC]

My 07 has been in the up/correct drive height for 3 days with the trunk switch OFF.
Since it filled, the compressor works
Since it achieved proper height, the height sensor must be ok.
It's holding air, so the bags must be ok.

I'm guessing all that is left is the solenoids or perhaps a line leak.

The last time it dropped, the switch was off, But I did keep trying to clear the Air Suspension Off message. Wondering if somehow that sent a signal to vent??

Thanks for any input.

Rare occurrence, but don't count it out, bad module , you forgot about the brain of the system.

 

[ppritchard]

Is there a way to test the module? If not, would a salvage yard one work or do they somehow have to be programmed for the set car?

Still at ride level today. Does leaving the switch off affect the ride/