I have a 1997 Ford Expedition with air suspension not working. Sound Familiar? Where do I start?

If the air suspension is not working, the problem may be electrical, mechanical or both.

Start with the easy stuff first.

Check the fuse for the air suspension, then check the relay that powers the air suspension compressor. The relay is located near the right headlamp.





If the fuse and relay are okay, but the air compressor is not kicking on, the motor has probably burned out. The motor often burns out because there is an air leak in the system (a leaky air line or a leaky air spring). If you can get the compressor working, you need to check the air lines and air springs for leaks once the system builds up pressure. This can be done by spray soapy water on these parts and looking for bubbles. Most leaks will hiss or you can feel the air coming out.

There is also a control module for the air suspension located inside the vehiclebehind the center of the instrument panel. If the module is bad, it can prevent the system from working.

If the compressor was cycling constantly, it probably means the system has an air leak. That's why the compressor often burns out.

The relay is located near the passenger side headlamp. See the first illustration I sent you. The relay is C1000 in the illustration. You can test the relay by finding another relay with the same size and plugs, and swap them. If teh compressor starts to work, get a new relay. If nothing happens, you have a bad fuse, compressor or wiring problem.

The fuse for the air suspension is #15 in the underhood power distribution box (see first illustration for location undder the hood).


The compressor is located under the windshield washer reservoir. You have to emvoe the reservoir to get at it.