Chrysler Le Baron, Dodge Dynasty, Plymouth Acclaim. Instruction - page 94

FRONT AND REAR AIR SPRINGS

The front and rear air springs are essentially pneu-

matic cylinders that replace the steel coil springs.
The air filled springs allow the vehicle suspension
height to be adjusted for all weight conditions.

The air springs allow for the reduction of spring

rates to improve vehicle ride characteristics.

FRONT/REAR SPRING SOLENOIDS

The front and rear solenoids control air flow in and

out of the front and rear springs. The Air Suspension
Control Module (ASCM) opens the solenoids when
the system requires air to be added to or exhausted
from the air springs. The solenoids operate at a cur-
rent draw range of 0.6 to 1.5 amps.

HEIGHT SENSOR

A magnetic switch type sensor. Located in the

right rear shock absorber and left and right front
struts, (Fig. 2) monitors vehicle height. The sensors
transmit signals to the (ASCM) relating to vehicle
height status (low, trim, medium, high).

CONTROL MODULE

The Air Suspension Control Module (ASCM). Is a

device that controls the ground circuits for the Com-
pressor Relay, Compressor Exhaust Solenoid Valve
and Front and Rear Solenoid Valves. The (ASCM)
limits the compressor pump operation time to 170 to
190 seconds. This controlled operation time is to pre-

vent damage to the compressor motor.

To prevent excessive cycling between the compres-

sor and the exhaust solenoid circuits during normal
ride conditions. A 14 to 16 second delay is incorpo-
rated in the microprocessor logic.

The system is non-operation when one of the fol-

lowing conditions exists. A door(s) is/are open, the
trunk is open, the service brake is applied or the
throttle position sensor is 65% to 100% open. System
operation is inhibited during high speed cornering
activities or if there is a charging system failure.
The control module is on the CCD bus system.

COMPRESSOR ASSEMBLY

The compressor assembly is driven by an electric

motor and supplies air pressure between 930 to 1241
kPa (135 to 180 psi) (Fig. 3). A solenoid operated ex-
haust valve. Located in the compressor head assem-
bly, releases air when energized.

A heat actuated circuit breaker. Located inside the

compressor motor housing. Is used to prevent damage
to the compressor motor in case of control module
failure.

COMPRESSOR AIR DRYER

The air dryer is attached to the compressor (Fig. 3).

This component serves two purposes. It absorbs mois-
ture from the atmosphere before it enters the system

Fig. 2 Front and Rear Air Springs

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SUSPENSION AND DRIVESHAFTS

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and with internal valving maintains a residual pres-
sure of 172 to 276 kPa (25 to 40 psi).

AIR LINES

Nylon air lines (4) are routed from the compressor

(air dryer) to each strut/spring assembly. Right side
strut and air spring air lines are routed with the fuel
lines. Left side strut and air spring air lines are
routed across the vehicle (forward of the fuel tank).
And to the front of the vehicle with the brake lines
(Figs. 4 and 5).

Fig. 3 Air Compressor/Dryer Assembly

Fig. 4 Air Lines Front

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SUSPENSION AND DRIVESHAFTS

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Fig.

5

Air

Lines

Rear

,

and

Rear

Height

Sensor

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SUSPENSION AND DRIVESHAFTS

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AIR LINE FITTINGS

To remove an air supply line from an air compres-

sor assembly air line fitting. Push in (toward re-
ceiver dryer) on the plastic ring of the receiver dryer
air supply air line fitting. While holding in the air
line fitting on the receiver dryer pull the air supply
line strait out of the fitting (Fig. 6).

The fitting has a unique push-in feature. A brass

type collet locks the air line in place. One rubber
O-Ring seals the air line to prevent air leakage. To
attach air line, just push into fitting (Fig. 7).

AIR CHECK, RESIDUAL

The air dryer has a valving arrangement that

maintains 172 to 276 kPa (25 to 40 psi).

To test this function, perform the following proce-

dure:

(1) Remove the air line from the dryer and strut or

spring. Attach a piece of bulk nylon tubing to one
side of a Pressure Gauge (0-300 psi), and to the strut/
spring solenoid (Fig. 8).

(2) Attach another piece of nylon tubing from the

dryer (compressor) to other side of the pressure
gauge.

A compression ball sleeve nut and sleeve for 3/16

inch tubing with ball sleeve connector and an inter-
nal pipe T-fitting. Can be used to attach the tubing
to the pressure gauge.

(3) Activate compressor by grounding pin 508 to

pin x 20 (See Control Module Connector), cycle unit
and read actual air pressure. Pressure of 172 to 276
kPa (25 to 40 psi) indicates that the system and com-
pressor is acceptable.

COMPRESSOR PERFORMANCE TEST

This test can be performed on the vehicle to evalu-

ate compressor current draw, pressure output, and
leak down.

(1) Disconnect the compressor motor wiring har-

ness connector.

(2) Disconnect air line between dryer and strut or

spring solenoid.

(3) Connect an air pressure gauge into the system

(Fig. 8).

(4) Connect an ammeter in series between the red

wire terminal on compressor connector and a 12 volt
power source. Also, connect a ground wire from the
black wire terminal on the compressor connector to a
good ground on the frame (Fig. 9)

(5) If the current draw to the compressor motor ex-

ceeds 30 amperes, replace the compressor assembly.

AIR LEAK CHECK

(1) Check all air line to connector joints.

• Air line to compressor connectors.

• Air line to solenoid.

(2) Check the rubber membranes.

• Front struts.

• Rear springs.

Fig. 6 Release Air Line from Fitting

Fig. 7 Push Air Line into Fitting

Fig. 8 Pressure Gauge Installed in System

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