[Stealth_Space]

Hi

I have a 1980 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham, (368 6.0L V8)

I know it's supposed to have the rear air ride system (because it's got the air shocks underneath and it's got the compressor assembly under the hood by the master cylinder) but it's obviously not working because any time two people or more sit in the back seat every hump on the road i go over the whole rear end scrapes the ground :/

I know it's supposed to level automatically via sensors, but i have no clue as to where those sensors are (it'd make sense since it's an old car and they didn't use computers to level, that the sensors would be under the car, close to the rear axle i guess...) and i don't know why it's not working (i haven't tested anything other than basics, like the fuse, etc.).

What steps should i go about testing as to what's not working... someone said power the compressor manually, but there's like 5 wires going to it, so i wouldn't know what wire to power

Help please

Thanks a lot
~Stealth

 

[davesdeville]

If you load the car up in the back and open the hood, you might be able to tell if the compressor works. Then you'll want to check the hoses, make sure they're connected and appear to be in good condition. Uh after that you might try looking for the sensors.

 

[Katshot]

There's only on sensor and it's in the back under the car mounted to the body and connected via a link to the suspension. It controls the compressor completely. I don't think I have any schematics for an '80 but I'll look. You're also pretty close to the cut-off for the old vs. new style compressor. The old one was engine vacuum powered, the new one was/is electric.

 

[Stealth_Space]

well i think my compressor's electric, cause it's two cylinders (one with an air hose coming out of it, to the shocks i'm assuming) and lots of wires going to it

 

[Stealth_Space]

anyone wanna help?

I also have noticed that since i've gotten the car, the left side is higher than the right side... even when i park completely level, the body's leaning down on the right, and i don't know why.

 

[carnut]

I Believe You Will Find An Air Fill Valve On The Pump. Much Like A Tire Valve. Add Air At That Point And The Shocks Should Inflate. Also Should Be An Extra Wire At The Pump Not Connected To Anything, I Think Its Green In Color. That Wire Connected To 12 Volts Should Turn On The Pump . Should Have A Spade Connector On It. Most Times The Reason For The System To Quit Is Leaking Hoses To The Shocks. Some Times You Can Hear The Air Leaking Once The Pump Has Run. Other Times I've Used Soapy Water Sprayed On The Hose And Watched For Bubbles, Signifying A Leak. Hope This Helps, Bill.

 

[Stealth_Space]

yeah there's a yellow wire that's just hanging loose, not connected to the compressor in anyway. my mom's 1988 lincoln has the same wire hanging loose... but i can't figure out where it plugs to... any ideas?

 

[carnut]

That Wire Is The Test Wire. Run A Wire From The Battery Positive Post To The Wire, That Should Turn On The Pump. Techs Use That Wire To Verify That The Pump Will Run. Under The Car, Passenger Side Is The Level Ride Height Sensor, A Link Connects It To The Axle. When The Level Ride Sensor Arm Goes Up Thats Means Weight Is On The Axle, Turning On The Pump For As Long As Necc. To Bring The Car Level. Try Disconnecting The Link From The Axle And Push Up On It. Wait About A Minute And The Underhood Pump Should Turn On. Make Sure The Ignition Key Is In The Run Position, Engine Not Running. If No Pump Function, Then Somewhere The System Is Electrically Open. Will Be Necc. To Trace The Power Wire. Hope This Helps, Bill.

 

[Stealth_Space]

yeah, i went to a junkyard a few days ago and pulled one out, hooked it up, and it kicks on and off now, but i'm still thinking of doing it manually, with a switch under the dash or something