Cadillac DeVille air ride system

w1lddude

I have a 1996 Deville and I think the air pump for the air ride system is not working. Can any one let me know how to test the air pumb?

bolivar

Well, I'm not totally sure about this, but I think every time the car starts, the air suspension pump comes on and pumps the system up. And then it exhaust the system just a small amount. This is a 'self-test' that the system goes through.

I'm not sure if the system will go through this cycle if you just turn the ignition to 'run'. You may have to actually start the car. If you do this, you will probably need to get down near the rear tire to actually hear the pump start up. The pump is between the rear tires, above the exhaust pipes.

There are various sensors in the system. If you seriously want to diagnoise and/or repair it yourself, you proably should have the factory service manuals. First, I would check on eBay for ones being sold. Next, all GM manuals (and Ford and Chrysler) can be bought at www.helmsinc.com Helms 'publishes' manuals for all the US car manufactors. A set of new ones will be around $135 or so. eBay should be about half of this.

w1lddude

Thanks I will look on eBay for the manuals.

When I start the car I do not hear the pump come on. I also have a 1991 and I can hear that one. The pump on the 96 is under the air cleaner and in the same place on the 91. Is there a way to test the pump by bypassing the system with a hot wire?

ky_dog

when replacing air ride shocks on a 87 and a 88 cadillac, do you need to air up the shocks before connecting the air lines and if you do, what is the pressure that you air the shocks too...