allenst

fault 01583
I should have added that while VCDS connected the car would not lift at any point but you could here the pump clicking away working at trying then shutting off after about 20 seconds.
this all started by listing front left. then jacked NOT in 'jack mode' and things got worse from there.
now limit level in front. still lower front left than all other tires and 'left' and 'dynamic' greyed out.
even trying 'standard' and 'automatic' the car does not lift.

tips on FINDING THE LEAK IN SYSTEM....greatly apprciated.

mishar

It is most likely left front strut, but soapy water and spray can may prove differently.

allenst

Thanks for quick reply.
now the dumber questions.

should car be running with this soap test ?
should I spray from top and bottom and all over the strut ?
wheel should be off I imagine ?
can I lift the vehicle with jack and still have suspension trying to work / (dont think so ?...0

allenst

.....and should check out relay and fuses.

where is that relay on a8 2004 ?
left side knee area ?

allenst

just so im really clear for you.
not one of 4 tires lifts.
front left has worst liss
leak in system.
over temp
and
suspension level control are 3 faults.
riding in 'safety mose now' even after vcds and fault clearing.
can hear the compressor working a little

mishar

It may be difficult to find a leak if you don't have enough pressure in your system. Looks like your compressor is dying too since it is not able to overpower that leak. Relay and fuse are OK for now since you hear the compressor occasionally working. You should replace the relay if you replace the compressor. They are under the knee trim.

allenst

I do suspect you are right.
Bad strut
and a dying compressor.

since suspension is operating in 'failure mode', essectially everything related to the sytem is 'shut down'
so I would not expect the compressor to inflate.
It is running, somewhat, and I'm wondering if power supply is limited and/or pump is working at only a fraction of it's ability.

I need to get the front up by lifting the suspension (not a corner pad lift)
I need to remove the left front tire
and remove the air compressor. I need to test the compressor.
I need to spray test the strut
then all the other stuff to see if leak has been addressed and if I can get the vehicle 'out of' fail mode.

what do you think ?

mishar

There is no limited mode for compressor. If it can't produce enough pressure it will overheat and shut off. It may be it's motor. If it is loose magnet you may glue it back. New compressor from Germany is ~$500 on eBay.

Your plan is good but you need pressure in your system in order to detect leak and most likely you don't have any. You may use external source of pressure (not more than 16 bar) but you would need adapter to connect it to the system. Or fix the compressor first. Just don't drive with leak or you will burn compressor again in no time.

allenst

I just watched a video for Mercedes Strut replacement.

The first thing done was a scan and it resulted in 'no pressure in strut' (something like that)
so the scan was able to get a direct read on that particular strut.
my VCDS only produced 'leak in system' fault and no fault directly related to compressor.
My first question, would VCDS not pick up codes directly related to strut and the compressor if they had issues ?

I am also getting 0491 and 0492 secondary air pump. I suspect hoses there but maybe motor too. maybe fuse ?
Question here is, could these faults be at all related to suspension issues ? (I ask cus of the "air" component)

So back to the video.
What he did was remove the air hose from the strut to see if any air pressure.
In this case there was so he went straight to a strut leak solution.

I know I'm chasing tail at times but I am learning a lot too.
trying to build a To-Do list from cheapest on down.

first test compressor air flow by removing line to strut ?? safe ??
2-inspect fuse
3-inspect relay
4-lift car and have weight engaging suspension. do not use lift pads.
5-remove tire and inspect.
6-inspect for loose or removed connections
7-try soapy test on strut.
8-try soapy test on compressor ????? while still in place ??
9-remove compressor lube, clean maybe a repair kit ?
10-remove replace strut.

I'm sure I missed something.

Thanks again.

allenst

I printed off the nice self study PDF you've provided
but magnet is not marked

can you identify this magnet for me please ?