w220 airmatic problem - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

nebbie · #1 10-25-2003, 12:39 AM

I am having problems with my airmatic pump, for some reason there is no power being sent to it. I checked the majority of the fuses under both fuse boxes but found no blown fuses. Does anybody know which fuse the airmatic fuse is? If I send power to the pump directly from the battery or test light, then the pump will turn on and raise the car up. Could it be a relay, if so which one? These airmatic problems have been driving me crazy. Thank you ahead of time.

stevebfl · #2 10-25-2003, 05:06 PM

Story I heard was that the early pumps wear out trying to keep the early struts full. At some point they use more current than the fuse will handle.

I don't know where the fuse is without looking in Star Finder after looking at the wiring diagram to get the number. I can't do that at home unless I pay the $20 to get on www.startekinfo.com .

I would suggest paying the 20 and get your answer and then spend a few hours getting your monies worth. Print up all the wiring diagrams say.... or look up all the service bulletins. I have heard of a couple early 220 cars that got all new struts under warranty along with the pump that started the problem.

Stan Pittman · #3 07-19-2004, 11:35 PM

I replaced the pump on one today. The pump was shorted and it blew the 40amp fuse in the passenger side fuse box.

AusMBtech · #4 07-20-2004, 05:16 AM

There will be a fuse/relay diagram in one of the fuse boxes (look in the owners manual for locations (they're different on LHD/RHD).

Check the fuse and relay. The relays are know to fail (either on or off) and when they stick on they can burn out the pump as well.

ILUVMILS · #5 07-20-2004, 12:24 PM

The Air-Matic pump runs off of the 40A Maxi-fuse in the right front fuse box. The relay is the square one closest to the front. The fuse data sheet should be in the spare wheel well with the tool kit.

Stan Pittman · #6 03-15-2005, 10:35 PM

The fuse is the middle 40amp (of the large fuses) in the front right side fuse box

BENZDRIVER14 · #7 05-09-2006, 07:12 AM

I have an 02 s430 and it has the airmatic warning light on, but when you turn the car on it goes up no problem and when you press the button for the car to rise it gives no problem and goes right up and stays. (tested to see if weight on the hood would bring it down and nothing it stayed strong, brought it to a specialist and he test the seals by spraying water to see if the front was leaking but nothing, he qouted $200 for something that needed to be done. wondering after reading these forums its the relay also any ideas?
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02 S430 67k all lights upgraded to 03 plus thanks to ebay all OEM new, 20% tint all around

cdplayer · #8 10-14-2006, 08:50 PM

I have located the pump fuse and it's blown. But where is the pump?
And there are two square relays close to the front of the fuse box. One is larger than the other. Which one is the pump relay? Thanks in advance.

cdplayer · #9 10-14-2006, 08:57 PM

Sorry. One more question. There are plastic lines leading to the top of the front struts. So I know I have an airmatic system. But the message displayed inside the vehicle says "Active Body Control" ABC Stop! Car too low. Is this just a general warning. I remember reading a post that you cannot have both systems in the same car.

Johnhef · #10 10-15-2006, 12:48 AM

The pump is located from underneath, under the right headlamp assembly. can't miss it.

as for the relay, if you don't have your relay list, there should be two similar looking relays, just replace both, or swap them with each other for testing first after replacing the fuse.

I've only seen ABC on some S500's and standard on S55's and S600's. never on an S430, but I guess its possible. If you are sure you have plastic lines running to the tops of the struts, then you only have airmatic. take the car to someone that can read the faults out -or- if your cluster has been replaced, it needs to be coded correctly.