Air suspension issues

[djatkinson]

We've been having air suspension issues with lights and bells going off.
We took it to our Rover specialist, he ran some diagnostics on it, and to make a long story short, found out that the compressor is not adequately filling the air bags.
He said that there has been a history of these compressors having voltage/current issues, and eventually failing.
Now, to get this replaced will be somewhere around $1500.
He did mention that some have eliminated this problem in the future by switching to struts/coilovers. I'm just not a fan of eliminating the variable suspension height.
Is this a relatively common issue with the 2006 LR3 HSE?
Oh, the wonders of modern technology!

 

[Houm_WA]

dj...you need to get WAY more deep into the issue if you really want to find a solution. Generally, when there is an issue, the first thing the "specialists" want to do is throw a compressor at it. There could be other issues.

If the compressor is the problem, to me, replacing it is the right solution. The new AMK compressor is supposed to be a lot better, and honestly, people have gotten anywhere from 75k to 150k miles out of the Hitachi units, as reported on boards like this. To me, this does not warrant switching to coil-overs (not without cost for install, itself) which robs the LR3 of one of its prime features. Not just the raising and lowering bit but the articulation and/or cross-link valving.

 

[BearishDriver]

I've seen the new AMK compressor for under 700 usd @ ebay
make sure it's not one of the valves, those are well cheaper to replace...

and bloody yes !! this is a common issue with the LR3, I went to my dealer not too long ago and they said the new RR has a load of suspension issues as well

 

[djatkinson]

Houm,

We're not at all interested in eliminating the air suspension. I just think that it's a very valuable feature of the LR3. He was just offering an option that others have chosen.
The specialist is someone that I trust, was referred to me by another Rover owner, and he's done work for me before. That being said, no one is infallible, so I'm open to discussion...

As far as going deeper into the issue, and since you asked, I'm able to determine this much from what I've been given:
-The diagnostic report was compiled by Autologic Diagnostics equipment.
-All Terrain Control Module shows 3 faults: U0402-94, U0416-94, U0421-94
-Vehicle Dynamics Control Module shows 2 faults: U0132-87, U0401-68
-Ride Level Control shows 2 faults: U0416-86, C1A20-64

Your thoughts are certainly welcome. This discussion might be valuable to others on the forum.
I'd like to know more about the new AMK compressor or the Hitachi unit, if you could shed some light on that. I could always run that by him; he didn't mention any names for replacement, just that it would be a more reliable upgrade kit.

Thanks!

 

[Houm_WA]

Okay....good info.

I don't know what the codes themselves mean; someone on here can shed light on that I'm sure. My feedback is that you need to determine if there are leaks at the shocks, or at the valve block...or if the height sensors are out of cal. For the first two checks you are to use a spray bottle with soapy water and watch for leakage. For the last, an IIDTool can help to see where each sensor is. There is also the EAS ECU which can need replacement from time-to-time.

Also, if your compressor is "tired" you can replace the dryer and dessicant, and upgrade the relay so that it runs per the new software-imposed paradigm (of exhausting after each use to relieve gallery (?) pressure)

There's a lot to this. It's worth it to do the homework though, because all of these other things are much cheaper to replace than a new compressor and if the compressor is not the problem, then you're back to square 1.

The AMK compressor is now the OE unit. The Hitachi is the older one, that was OE until about 2010 or 11 I think.

 

[djatkinson]

Huom,

That's great info to know. It makes a lot of sense! You're obviously very knowledgable about this system.
The main thing that concerns me is the amount of time this will take, especially considering my lack of knowledge about this set-up. Although I'm an intelligent layman, and teachable, I have no background in this area. If I pursued this, I would certainly need videos!
This is my wife's DD, so keeping it out of commission while I **** around trying to be a DIY-er would likely create some problems!
I'll run this by my tech, but if he has to spend a lot of time chasing down these diagnostic rabbit-trails at $110/Hr, I'm wondering what the cost of that would be...

 

[Houm_WA]

I understand. I'm NOT good with a wrench. I have no patience, time, space, lift or other tools. I just learn what I can here, then direct work at my LR Service Dept. I have a great rapport with them.

...plus I'd make more money just working OT than I'd save trying to DIY a job.

 

[djatkinson]

I understand. I'm NOT good with a wrench. I have no patience, time, space, lift or other tools. I just learn what I can here, then direct work at my LR Service Dept. I have a great rapport with them.

...plus I'd make more money just working OT than I'd save trying to DIY a job.

I can relate!

I'm limited in most of the above mentioned areas, but I'd like to learn more, and be knowledgeable of the vehicle and the technology. I really would like to be able to address most things that are straightforward, if possible. Like you, I don't have a shop; just hand tools. Maybe it's just a control issue. Or, like most folks on this forum, I'm not comfortable being ignorant!

I'm thinking there might be some others with similar issues, so I'll keep this journey public for others' benefit...

 

[BearishDriver]

is it leaking? I mean in the mornings can you notice if it's lower than when you parked?

 

[djatkinson]

is it leaking? I mean in the mornings can you notice if it's lower than when you parked?

We normally keep it on the low setting for city driving. So no, it's not something that is noticeable. We're just not doing any off-roading at this time.
But, we've been constantly getting warning lights and bells telling us that there are faults with the system. I'm concerned that this is something that will get worse, given what Murphy's Law says.
I want to use the vehicle to tow a fairly small boat, so I don't want the suspension to be an issue when that time comes...