cold/snowy air suspension inoperable
Thread Starter
Audiworld Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
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cold/snowy air suspension inoperable
New to the ar and headed into winter. The car has failed to raise on two accounts of cold and/or snowy conditions. The raise/lower light has come on and I also cant turn off esp when this happens.
One of the times was in a severe snow storm, lots off snow packed up into the car. The second time it was just cold, like -3F or so. I need the car to be elevated most of the time and even when I left it on position 3 or 4 it still dropped to 2 one time and to 1 another time. It works just fine any other time
Is this normal? Or should I be investigating something?
One of the times was in a severe snow storm, lots off snow packed up into the car. The second time it was just cold, like -3F or so. I need the car to be elevated most of the time and even when I left it on position 3 or 4 it still dropped to 2 one time and to 1 another time. It works just fine any other time
Is this normal? Or should I be investigating something?
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Kansas City
If you're at level 4 it will drop automatically at approx 15 mph, from level 3 it will drop to level 2 at approx 45 mph, it will automatically drop to level 1 at approx 85 mph.
Do you have an owner's manual for your car? If so it explains all this clearly. If not, you should get one.....BTW, the owner's manual is stored in a pocket under the steering column.
Do you have an owner's manual for your car? If so it explains all this clearly. If not, you should get one.....BTW, the owner's manual is stored in a pocket under the steering column.
Thread Starter
Audiworld Junior Member
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Thanks for the reply. I am aware of the functionality of the system. This is just a case of it not raising in the cold. Didnt know if there is something common that fails in this situation because the system works perfectly in all other conditions.
If you're at level 4 it will drop automatically at approx 15 mph, from level 3 it will drop to level 2 at approx 45 mph, it will automatically drop to level 1 at approx 85 mph.
Do you have an owner's manual for your car? If so it explains all this clearly. If not, you should get one.....BTW, the owner's manual is stored in a pocket under the steering column.
Do you have an owner's manual for your car? If so it explains all this clearly. If not, you should get one.....BTW, the owner's manual is stored in a pocket under the steering column.
Thread Starter
Audiworld Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
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Yes, this is my feeling about this too. The problem is definitely brought on by weather and the system works perfectly if it is above freezing with no snow or just a little snow.
Thread Starter
Audiworld Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
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After searching the forums extensively I found an earlier post from a few years ago that touched on the problem. The person had inconsistent operation with the raising and lowering of the suspension and it seemed to act up in cold, wet weather. They fixed the problem by adding a little air tool oil to the inlet line of the compressor which fixed the problem. Apparently there is a valve block or check valve that can freeze up possibly due to moisture or lack of lubrication. I have done this and so far so good yet the weather around here has been fairly mild since. Time will tell but the compressor works faster and more consistently so far.
Thanks for the reply
Thanks for the reply
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Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Japan
After searching the forums extensively I found an earlier post from a few years ago that touched on the problem. The person had inconsistent operation with the raising and lowering of the suspension and it seemed to act up in cold, wet weather. They fixed the problem by adding a little air tool oil to the inlet line of the compressor which fixed the problem. Apparently there is a valve block or check valve that can freeze up possibly due to moisture or lack of lubrication. I have done this and so far so good yet the weather around here has been fairly mild since. Time will tell but the compressor works faster and more consistently so far.
Thanks for the reply
Thanks for the reply
Please see belows.
Even though lubricating worked well, we must NOT be positive and must minimize to do it.
In my case, after dropping total around 5 ml, still working well more than 2 months without adding oil.
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...ssor-air-dryer
https://www.audiworld.com/forums/sho....php?t=2795904
Let us monitor our result.
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From: Manchester, CT
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Cold weather really messes with the level sensors at all 4 wheels giving intermittent or no readings at all. If you have VAGCOM and scan I bet you see that this is the issue. You can unplug the level sensors at the 4 wheels and check for corrosion or moisture.