How can I to check whether the Airmatic shock works ?

[presscot]

I have a set of 4 airmatic-shock absorbers, 2 fronts and 2 rears, that were removed from my relative's car, '00 S320 W220, because some of them were dead. I'd like them to be used in my control engineering project.

So How can I to check which of them are still working ?

And if the air section of the shock is dead i.e. air leaking. Can I use that shock by advantaging only on its mechanical and electrical controlled section ?

In conclusion, I'd like the shocks to move. How can I to check and let them move ?

Thank you