Auto Level Contol

[Zoef]

Hi Guys,

Question on the Air level Control system on my 1997 Venture. When the car is parked, switched off and locked, it still runs the air compressor in the back every couple of minutes. Is this normal? I am afraid it is draining my battery and wearing the compressor while I don't need it when the car is parked.

If this is not normal:
1) Is a leak in the system expected?
2) Could the shocks themself be leaking?
3) Is the system (sensor) improperly adjusted?
4) something else

Incase of improper adjustment, what is the ride height I should set it to? Or is there a specific procedure to adjust it.

Thanks for your input

Joeri de Haas

[cjstew4]

Hi Guys,

Question on the Air level Control system on my 1997 Venture. When the car is parked, switched off and locked, it still runs the air compressor in the back every couple of minutes. Is this normal? I am afraid it is draining my battery and wearing the compressor while I don't need it when the car is parked.

If this is not normal:
1) Is a leak in the system expected?
2) Could the shocks themself be leaking?
3) Is the system (sensor) improperly adjusted?
4) something else

Incase of improper adjustment, what is the ride height I should set it to? Or is there a specific procedure to adjust it.

Thanks for your input

Joeri de Haas[/quote]

At around 100k miles, my 97's rear shocks went bad and leaked out their fluid and I left it that way for about a year. It seems that my level control started working more than usual (similar to your issue) to compensate for the blown or less than useful rear shocks. At about 120k miles, I replaced my rear shocks (they were getting too bouncy as well) since my level control system had blown a fuse also probably from working too hard. Replaced the rear shocks with the ones that are filled by/used with the level control system (recommended), and replaced the fuse to the level control system. The tire store that did the shock replacement recommended that I also replace the level control motor or compressor (cost would be $380....what a ripoff) since they said that it fills the new shocks "too slowly" (about 10 minutes after the new shocks were installed). I said that I will come back when the motor/compressor breaks. It hasn't yet, I have 147k miles on it, but yes it seems to go off more than when the van had below 80k miles on it. I haven't check the hose from the compressor/motor yet for leaks, but that may be my problem. It could also be the bladder that gets filled that is closest to the compressor/motor. It doesn't seem to draw any excess power though where it may cause starting problems. Mine starts up no problem.

So in your case, are your rear shocks leaking? That could be causing yours to work more than normal. Could be a system leak as well. If your shocks are good, I would let it go until the rear shocks go or you blow a fuse, etc. If you want to discuss further, email me at [email protected]. Either way, let the forum know what solution worked for you.

['97ventureowner]

One problem I had with one of my '97s was the hose became disconnected. I've seen it happen to other vehicles as well. It's a fairly easy fix and it can occur if the vehicle is driven on roads that are bumpy and in disrepair, especially as the vehicle ages and parts start to wear out.

[cdru]

I'd suspect leaking rear shocks as well. At that age, you probably have a decent number of miles and it's probably time to replace them. Replacing them is a pretty simple job and the shocks aren't too expensive aftermarket. I beleive the part number for Monroes are 824 or something like that. The hardest part was removing the rust welded bolts holding the shock to the axle. An angle grinder will make quick work of them though. The top bolt was simple to remove and didn't even require removing the wheels IIRC.