Auto ride Air Compressor Issues...

[blackironarmory]

Hi Another newbie here with what seems to be a somewhat common issue... 2006 Denali with Air Auto Ride. Compressor used to kick in all the time so I assumed bad shocks and was really ******* the electrical/charging system. During the first 5 minutes of driving, intermittently, the volt meter would drop from 14+ down to about 13 or less. The engine would struggle and of course the lights would dim. If the kids weren't screaming, or the music wasn't turned up you could hear the compressor kick on at the same time. If at an idle, say at a drive through, it almost killed the engine when the compressor kicked on. To be clear, I've had no warning lights or indications of a problem from the vehicle at all...

Assumed it was the air bladders on the shocks so I ordered a new pair. This is my wife's car so she doesn't really pay attention to issues like this like I would. I drive it with the family on the weekends which is when i notice the little problems. New shocks arrived on Wednesday. We took the car out last night, however I never heard the compressor kick on once. The electrical issues remained (dim lights and voltage drops) however so work from the compressor that I could tell. Same thing this morning as I drove the car to the shop I work (farm equipment) at to do some before hours repair.

Swapped the new shocks in to no avail and yes they are air shocks with sensors and all. When I disconnected the air lines off the old shocks, there was no air pressure released so that confirms my original diagnosis, however now I get no joy from the system. Found after a quick google search the three fuses and main relay that is supposed to control the system and everything seemed to check out. Grabbed one of the better electrical diagnostic techs we had and he did a quick check over the fuses and relay. Relay clicks over but still no signal to the compressor. The one thing we did not get a chance to do was drop the compressor out and bench test due to time constraints.

The compressor remains disconnected from the system and I still did not get any warning lights, however, I did notice on the drive home, there were no voltage issues. I want to keep the air ride as we have a ski boat and a travel trailer so maintaining this vehicle for towing purposes would be ideal.

Curious if A: The compressor is shot from working so hard over the last few months. Its the cold wet rainy season here, could the moisture drawn in from constant work caused a failure?
B: Is it a sensor issue? Would that not have thrown a code like so many people talk about?
C: Screw it all and install a passive air system where you fill the shocks with an external compressor and Schrader valve?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Yukon John]

I had a 2005 Escalade with similar issues. I went to Arnott.com and ordered the entire rear shock and compressor package from them. Ran it 3 years with no issues. Sounds like the compressor is shot.

Good luck.

 

[blackironarmory]

Going to pull out and bench test the compressor some time this week. I drove around with the compressor wiring harness unplugged with no warning lights or message alerts. Assuming this is not out of the norm?

 

[Rocket Man]

I agree it sounds like the compressor was on its way out. It shouldn't have been drawing that much power unless it was going bad. I also installed the Arnott a year ago and so far so good. These systems can be difficult to diagnose. Be sure to check the ground wires when checking the compressor; one of mine near the compressor was corroded and faulty.

 

[blackironarmory]

I think you are probably correct. After driving around this evening, I finally got the service ride control message to come on. However its because the compressor is completely disconnected. Glad to see the thing reacting to something Ive done, even if it isn't as solution. Been looking at the Dorman compressor on amazon. They have a lifetime warranty vs arnotts 1 year, the reviews are good, and you cant beat the price.

 

[OHSIXX]

As others have stated...replace that compressor. I've replaced my shocks after buying it preowned and am on my 2nd compressor. Bought package from Arnott and compressor crapped out in under a year but Arnott was really cool and sent me one at no charge. I also tow a boat and like the auto level feature. I've seen that Dorman unit and it should work just fine. GL

 

[blackironarmory]

Thanks for the input everyone. Seems like this is pretty cut and dry, or more so than I originally thought. Hopefully bench testing tomorrow or tuesday and will have a new compressor soon (thankyou amazon prime).

 

[blackironarmory]

UPDATE: Suspicions were correct. The pump/motor had seized due to overheating. Understandable that it was running every couple minutes or so, and also explains the voltage issues. We were able to free it up and lubricate it on the bench and had it working normally. Not sure how it would do under a real load. I'm going to re-install it for the time being. Hopefully with new shocks that will actually hold air, it wont have to work much at all and it will buy me some time to get the replacement.