How serious of a problem is this? It only flashes when I have 3 riders or a big load in the trunk/back seat.

Also, the check engine light came on the same time the leveling light was flashing. Could these be related?

Thanks

How serious of a problem is this? It only flashes when I have 3 riders or a big load in the trunk/back seat.


it's not a problem, the flashing means the compressor is working to level out your car.

think about it: if you've got a bunch of people on board, it'll flash more than if it's just yourself.

But is it normal to be flashing for long periods of time? It was flashing for at least 45 minutes.

Thanks

I had that same problem, the compressor will run untill the leveling sensor located at the rearend, sees that the car is leveled out and shuts off the compressor. I had a leak in the air lift component of the right rear shock, so the car never got back to level. BUT there is a timer that should trip the compressor after 2.5 minutes if there's an air leak or the compressor is defective. Also if relay K19 is not energizing or the contacts to the compressor are not closing, you'll get the leveling warning light.
So check the compressor by putting 300 lbs ( a couple of your friends or maybe not so much friends,) in the trunk. start the car. after about 25 seconds check the compressor ,located ahead of the right front wheel, and see if it runs. If you need more help, I'll type some more.

good luck.

Jerry O

Thats incorrect. The leveling light flashes when there is a problem with the system. When working properly it should just be steadily lit.

thats correct if the system is working properly the light will steadily illuminate when the ignition system is turned on for a brief moment to indicate that the bulb in the cluster is still good then it will go out. It should illuminate steadily as the leveling system is operating but if it every startsflashing that indicates the body control module has sensed a problem in the system and has set a trouble code.

OK. so for Hoosier's piece of mind; The leveling light comes on when ignition first turned on, as a lamp test. Then it goes out. IF leveling is required the leveling light comes on steady. IF the system can't level the car after 2.5 minutes the compressor shuts off and the leveling indicator on the dash flashes constantly and records a fault code.
Peace??

Sounds like another trip to the Caddy dealer....

Hey guys. One of my rear shocks blew completely, so for the last couple weeks I've been driving on one shock... Anyway, I have a rear suspension comversion kit coming tomorrow. I am gettin coilover shocks instead of the self-leveling suspension. Goodbye automatic leveling system and LEVELING light... :nyanya: Hello regular shocks...:coffee:

Hoosier!! Not so fast. Did you find anything wrong with the rear shocks? Did you try jacking up the body to see if the compressor shut off. It only cares if the sensor thinks it's level. Did you look underneath the car at the rearend to see if the sensor's linkages are connected to the body & axle? There's lots you can do to narrow down the problem. It could be as simple as a disconnected air line at the compressor or one of the shocks. Anybody can change out the rear shocks and they're not that expensive.

Yeah, had enough of that system already. I've played with it and tried just about everything. By the way, it's only one side that's out, so the ride quality, khem khem... Leveling wasn't working since I got the car 2 years ago. Needs automatic leveling control sensor, est. $500. Been to the dealer. Cheaper (and I will probably enjoy it better) getting the conversion kit. It's suppose to see my door tomorrow, and the back of my car hopefully Friday ;) Keeping my fingers crossed... Oh, did I mention the Lifetime warranty? Never have to buy shocks again!

I'm thinking about taking it to the local suspension/tire place in town. I'm sure it will be a lot cheaper. I'll keep you updated.

Installed the new shocks in the rear yesterday ;) No more LEVELING suspension!!! The ride is awesome, much stiffer and more stable- just the way I wanted it. If anyone need info, just let me know

I was thinking about a performance air ride set up. Pretty stiff handling and then i can set the car on the ground when im parked. good or bad idea?

R Caddy

What type/brand of shocks did you purchase, and where? What did they cost you? Difficult or easy to install? My compressor is seized-up and a replacement compressor is anywhere from $400 to $700. If I can get away with new shocks in the rear, I'm in!

1999 TN Catera Owner

dgarri11
go to strutmasters.com. Strutmasters: Cadillac Catera Air Suspension Kits, Air Shock Replacement, Air Strut Replacement (http://www.strutmasters.com/catalog.php?cat=42#*CAD-R4CAT) it's about $300 with shipping. The job isn't difficult. Just have to reuse some old rubber bushings, since the bastards don't include new ones for $300 for a pair of shocks... If you have a set of large sockets (7/8" I believe to remove on the bottom side) and some wrenches, and a day off, go for it! Any questions, I'll let you give me a call... ;)