System Description

The compressor relay, compressor vent solenoid and all air spring solenoids incorporate internal diodes for electrical noise suppression and are polarity sensitive. Care must be taken when servicing these components not to switch the battery feed and ground circuits or components damage will result. The electrical power supply to the air suspension system must be shut off prior to hoisting, jacking or towing vehicle. This can be accomplished by disconnecting the battery or turning off the power switch located in the luggage compartment. Failure to do so may result in unexpected inflation or deflation of the air springs which may result in shifting of the vehicle during service procedures. Do not attempt to install or inflate any air spring that has become unfolded. Any spring which has unfolded must be refolded prior to being installed in a vehicle. The air spring refolding procedure should only be used to service an air spring which has never supported the vehicle's weight while in the improperly folded position. Do not attempt to inflate any spring which has been collapsed while uninflated from the rebound (hanging) position to the jounce stop. When installing a new air spring, care must be taken not to apply a load to the suspension until springs have been inflated using air spring fill procedure. When front air springs are replaced, the height sensor must be checked and replaced if damaged. After inflating an air spring in hanging position, it must be inspected for proper shape. Failure to follow the above information may result in a sudden failure of the air spring or suspension system.

Fig. 1 Air suspension system. 1984---87 Continental & Mark VII (1987 Thunderbird turbo coupe system is similiar):

Fig. 2 Front suspension exploded view:

Fig. 3 Rear suspension exploded view:

The Air Suspension System, Fig. 1, is an air operated, microprocessor controlled suspension which replaces conventional coil springs with air springs, providing automatic front and rear load leveling. The front air springs, Fig. 2, are mounted to the upper spring pocket in the crossmember and on the lower suspension arms as in conventional suspension systems. The rear springs, Fig. 3, are mounted ahead of the rear axle, outboard of the body side members and on the lower suspension arm. A piston type electrically operated air compressor, attached to the left fender apron, supplies the air pressure necessary for system operation. All air passing through the system is filtered through a regenerative type dryer, located on the compressor manifold. A vent solenoid, also located on the manifold, controls exhaust air. Air flow through the entire system is controlled by the interaction of the air compressor, solenoids, height sensors and the control module.