S430 Airmatic mystery - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Bzoo · #1 08-19-2016, 03:01 PM

Hi All. I have a 2004 S430. I had a leak down problem front right strut so I replaced both struts a new pump and new relay. Now I have no response from anything. The pump does not turn on and if I jump the pins on the pump relay the pump starts but it sounds like the valve block is closed and the pump bears down immediately. Any ideas. FYI the relay tests fine and the fuse in the passenger side box looks fine. I don't have the fuse diagrams to see if there are more electronic components involved or not. thanks one and all

Bzoo · #2 08-21-2016, 07:59 PM

Ok here's an update. I disconnected the battery and lowered all four struts to just below normal height. Connected the battery and started the car and the system worked perfectly. All struts now inflated to normal height Except that the drivers side strut leaked down over the next hour or so. I started the car and the pump kicked on and raised the strut. I did this several times and the rest of the suspension preformed normally for the rest of Saturday. This morning I jacked the drivers side and opened the line connection at the strut head to try and identify a leak. Put it back together and restarted the car and the pump kicked on ran a minute or so the strut did not inflate and the pump cut off loudly and now I had an air matic visit workshop warning. I tried to disconnect the battery again and do a cold boot but this time it did not work. Later today I disconnected the battery released air from the passenger side strut so it was In par with the drivers side reconnected the battery and started the car. The pump kicked on and reinfected the passenger side normally and then a loud cut off but never even tried to I inflate the drivers side. I know the valve block is supposed to be bullet proof but I'm wondering. Im planning to release air from the rear struts further as well as the front after disconnecting the battery and recreat the all low condition when I cold rebooted the lead system effectively before. Any input would be very well received at this point. Thanks for reading.