I live in the northeast of the USA. I have a 2017 ram 1500 ecodiesel. First winter I had it it through codes for for air suspension service immediately. The system froze up. The front dropped down to the stops. I vacuumed the system. In refilling the system I drew in 1 0z of airbrake antifreeze. Then I removed the right rear tailight. Carfully removing the vent filter I put another 1 oz of airbrake antifreeze with a small funnel into the hose. Haven't had a single problem since. I've done this every November . Im about to do it again. Its easier than you think. Just takes a little figuring the first time. Take about 30- 40 mins to do.
Thanks for the info . I want to do this as well . How did you vacuum the system ? I am guessing there are UA-cam videos demonstrating how- but I am having hard time finding them . Thanks
with this system, if you were low on nitrogen then you had a leak. if you had a leak the system is designed to pull in outside air to replenish the system. when it does that it pulls in moisture and in colder climates that little bit of water causes big problems when it gets really cold. you should check for leaks (if you have not already) and then pull a vacuum on the system prior to recharging with nitrogen. this should eliminate any moisture in the system and get you back to factory condition.
If you watch the video, it clearly explains the reason for the pressure loss. These systems do not take air from the atmosphere, they are completely hermetic. The whole point of the hermetic system is to avoid moisture from entering the system.
@@grizzlyfn393 sorry but that is not a correct statement. there is a line that runs up behind the right rear tail lamp that has a filter on it where the air can be brought into the system if required. I had a leak in my ram and the system continued to function by pulling in outside air.
I was also lead to believe that it was a closed system by the stealership, but yeah it's an open system. I had the stealership completely swap out my system because they said it was all buggered. Many thousands of dollars later, I now have all 4 airbags and the compressor/relay valve assembly.
This system has 2 sides. One closed Nytrogen side and a side with outside air. The system regulates the height with the outside air, but in the suspension itself it's only nytrogen. That's what makes it a little complex looking at the space they had to place all that stuff.
Thank you Grizzly! Your video provided me with the nudge I needed to perform my own repair. I just paid the dealership 2k to change the air suspension compressor assembly. I get it back and they only changed the compressor and not the valve block. I’m 99% certain my valves are sticking. The dealerships’s “troubleshooting” confirmed no leak in the system, but they couldn’t understand why the truck drops to the bump stops with a light load in the bed.
They want to charge me an extra 2k to follow through with the valve block replacement. Anyhow, I’m going to do it myself. Do you know of any write up’s or videos of the valve block assembly replacement?
Thank you for your time and expertise to produce this video. Our air suspension works OK but one time it vented to the outside with a loud whoosh. I was told the system will vent to the outside if it detects too much pressure. But I'd like to know for sure as we are planning to drive 3500 miles in the next couple of weeks on a trip across the USA and don't want problems.
Based on experience playing with these, the system self regulates. It will release tank pressure until it sits between the pressure in the front shocks and the back shocks. It does this once, and then it's happy. I assume its trying to minimize the pressure differential so the compressor has to work as little as possible when moving nitrogen in and out of the shocks.
I'll be honest, I'm not 100% sure how it works, but I'm fairly sure that even in the event of a leak, it will naturally aspirate to and from atmosphere. If you want to be sure your clear of leaks, inflate the bags to full height, remove the air ride fuse and monitor the height over a few days. You'll soon notice if one or more corners start to deflate. Outside of that, be lucky. Worse case, you'll be riding on your bump stops which isn't too bad for short journeys. Just to put your mind at rest, these systems are pretty good and reliable compared to many other manufacturers, so have confidence on your trip. Your truck will know if your doubting it's ability 😉
@@grizzlyfn393 We completed our trip and lowered the JEEP to Park Height on every stop. All worked good. Really enjoy the feel of air springs. I bought the adapters to connect to the Nitrogen tank under the back seat. Might check it out sometime.
Got an opinion on pulling a vacuum to boil off the moisture in the system from the compressor drawing in outside air to compensate for nitrogen lost to leaks? My pump froze up on me yesterday in sub-freezing temps and popped the fuse, came out of class to a body riding on bump stops. 🤣
I’ve got no compressor at all. Fuse doesn’t look blown. Should I replace it just because and see what happens? I’m trying hard to not pay the dealership a bunch of money.
@@kimberlyjohnson3375 it'll be in the fuse box. Check the cover of the fuse box for the location or check your owners manual for a diagram. Some relays will the same so you can swap them around to see if it's faulty.
Thanks for your comments, thanks for watching my video and thanks for the thumbs up and thanks for appreciating the free time and effort spent on doing this. Knob.
@@grizzlyfn393 Grizzly, thanks, the video was very useful. You can pick up regulator and air connections for about $65. About $110 for a small tank if nitrogen. I also bought a vacuum pump to help get the moisture out. If you want, you can reach up to access the ports from the underside of the truck, without tearing off the fender well. Mine originally had issues with the cold but was good after I warmed it back up. Now I'm having issues all the time. This time I warmed it up, refilled, raised the suspension, refilled again (per the manual) and then pulled the three fuses and the relay. Hopefully if the valves aren't opening any and it will hold the suspension for a while. Frustrating as hell. I'm waiting on a valve body, but there are no pumps available anywhere!
@@johndespenas1539 No it didn't hold, but I've learned a lot since I posted here. If you are having compressor issues, there is a good chance you have a bad air shock. The compressor really does not run much when the system is sealed and working properly. These are slow leaks and are not easily detectable. Last year my rear shocks leaked, but only while I was driving. The compressor normally refills, so you don't know its happening. To determine which shock is shot, get the truck up to ride height and the pull the three fuses and the relay for the air ride system. Measure the fender height on all four tires, then drive it or let is sit for a few days. Remeasure. If any of them change by more than, say 1/2 inch. It's probably bad. You can let it go longer to know for sure. After the shocks are fixed, then tackle the compressor/nitrogen. I replaced my compressor twice (first with aftermarket, then with factory) before finding the bad shocks. I'm guessing leaks go unnoticed for a long time as the compressor keeps refilling them. It's not until the compressor either gets tired or freezes up that anyone realizes it. I replaced rear shocks and compressor/valve assembly last year on my 2015 w/ 72,000 miles on it. My fronts are now leaking, but I caught it early. I just ordered new ones three days ago. (Arnott's from RockAuto). Hopefully you get your fixed before the compressor goes. I can offer a few more suggestions if you decide to tackle yourself. Just reply.
I have a 21 ram limited and my truck came with a compressor but I also have those connections as well. Sometimes I can look at my truck and think it looks like it sets lower and sometimes it looks higher. I wonder if I have a leak but I’m not getting any error lights.
Park it on a level surface and raise the truck to full height. Measure the distance between the floor and the top of the wheel arch on all four wheels. Pull the fuse from the air suspension and leave it for 24hrs. After 24hrs, re-measure the distance between the floor and the wheel arch. If the truck is lower on any corner, then you have a leak.
The compressor helps to push nitrogen/pressure back and forth from the shocks, in order to achieve proper ride height. Without tanks, the compressor would need to push out the full 175 (give or take) psi that the shocks require. By having pressurized tanks, the compressor only need to push the 10 to 20 psi (difference between tank and shock). As pointed out below, nitrogen is dry, so it prevents freezing. It's also a larger molecule, so less likely to leak. (Same reason some companies use for tires.)
the tank holds pressure raise the car valves dump that pressure to lower it dumping to air compressor charges the tank back up with air all the nitrogen will be lost with normal opperation
Thank you for the video explanation, this is exactly what I've been looking for! What fault message did you have on the dash and did it clear after servicing?
Hey Grizzly !! Great video….i want to add more payload to my 2014 ram limited with air ride….the shops here tell me they cant do because they cant mount the new ones on there…i was thinking the air lift 5000 ….is there a way u know of?
I'd much rather have the air suspension Ram. It has a much better ride quality, it also self levels the rear end when towing or hauling a heavy load. It has the ability to increase ground clearance for offroad or snow. It also helps increase fuel economy on the highway by going into aero mode. Too many benefits over the regular coil spring suspension.
I ask because mine went out. Tried to pull a trailer and said going 4 hi and wouldn't stop trying, then exceeded weight limit. Drove ok for a week then the back was hi front at exit entry. Local guy said drop it by the shop. Rear tire was low, like 29 so since he couldn't figure it out might as well air the tire up. The pump came on! He couldn't figure how the 2 were related but he found the intake hose to the compressor was crushed or collapsed. Air filter ok just collapsed tubing. Cut the tubing off and it worked again. So, maybe check to see if the compressor like and filter is good. If it can't suck in air the bags won't inflate and it will overheat and shut down. Think the hose cost like 40, could be DIY modified cheaper for those that want to save a buck.
@@jamesbork127 figured it out. 4 months prior had the bumper and tailgate fixed. Took to an old dodge guy. He took in shop and noticed tire pressure low so aired the rear right. He heard the compressor come on. He knew the compressor worked and began searching. Somehow, the inlet hose was collapsed so the compressor wasn't getting air and shut off for protection. Think a new $14 hose and all good. May e the repair guys crush/crimped the hose fixing the bumper
![DODGE air suspension [De-Icing-lubricant]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/0tcUlzDDexQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Thanks!!! Professional mechanic that needed an AC guy to explain a suspension system. Never dealt with the hermetic version before. Great explanation.
I live in the northeast of the USA. I have a 2017 ram 1500 ecodiesel. First winter I had it it through codes for for air suspension service immediately. The system froze up. The front dropped down to the stops.
I vacuumed the system. In refilling the system I drew in 1 0z of airbrake antifreeze. Then I removed the right rear tailight. Carfully removing the vent filter I put another 1 oz of airbrake antifreeze with a small funnel into the hose.
Haven't had a single problem since. I've done this every November . Im about to do it again.
Its easier than you think. Just takes a little figuring the first time. Take about 30- 40 mins to do.
mine did that but just last month Illinois. dealer said block. changed it charged it no codes wont work?
Thanks for the info . I want to do this as well . How did you vacuum the system ? I am guessing there are UA-cam videos demonstrating how- but I am having hard time finding them . Thanks
ua-cam.com/video/EXyrihrY7Yw/v-deo.htmlsi=CWrcmfnyZFmrKL7t
This guy give a good example on how to vacuum the system, helped me alot
Do you have to drain the tanks first?
with this system, if you were low on nitrogen then you had a leak. if you had a leak the system is designed to pull in outside air to replenish the system. when it does that it pulls in moisture and in colder climates that little bit of water causes big problems when it gets really cold. you should check for leaks (if you have not already) and then pull a vacuum on the system prior to recharging with nitrogen. this should eliminate any moisture in the system and get you back to factory condition.
If you watch the video, it clearly explains the reason for the pressure loss. These systems do not take air from the atmosphere, they are completely hermetic. The whole point of the hermetic system is to avoid moisture from entering the system.
@@grizzlyfn393 sorry but that is not a correct statement. there is a line that runs up behind the right rear tail lamp that has a filter on it where the air can be brought into the system if required. I had a leak in my ram and the system continued to function by pulling in outside air.
@@jbjohn21 👍
I was also lead to believe that it was a closed system by the stealership, but yeah it's an open system. I had the stealership completely swap out my system because they said it was all buggered. Many thousands of dollars later, I now have all 4 airbags and the compressor/relay valve assembly.
This system has 2 sides. One closed Nytrogen side and a side with outside air. The system regulates the height with the outside air, but in the suspension itself it's only nytrogen. That's what makes it a little complex looking at the space they had to place all that stuff.
Thanks , you saved me ! Greetings from Holland !
Thank you Grizzly! Your video provided me with the nudge I needed to perform my own repair.
I just paid the dealership 2k to change the air suspension compressor assembly. I get it back and they only changed the compressor and not the valve block. I’m 99% certain my valves are sticking. The dealerships’s “troubleshooting” confirmed no leak in the system, but they couldn’t understand why the truck drops to the bump stops with a light load in the bed.
They want to charge me an extra 2k to follow through with the valve block replacement. Anyhow, I’m going to do it myself. Do you know of any write up’s or videos of the valve block assembly replacement?
Did you have to do anything after filling tank. ? Or did the trucks computer fill up the bags to the height ?
Thank you for your time and expertise to produce this video. Our air suspension works OK but one time it vented to the outside with a loud whoosh. I was told the system will vent to the outside if it detects too much pressure. But I'd like to know for sure as we are planning to drive 3500 miles in the next couple of weeks on a trip across the USA and don't want problems.
Attack life standing up. You'll be fine.
Based on experience playing with these, the system self regulates. It will release tank pressure until it sits between the pressure in the front shocks and the back shocks. It does this once, and then it's happy. I assume its trying to minimize the pressure differential so the compressor has to work as little as possible when moving nitrogen in and out of the shocks.
I'll be honest, I'm not 100% sure how it works, but I'm fairly sure that even in the event of a leak, it will naturally aspirate to and from atmosphere. If you want to be sure your clear of leaks, inflate the bags to full height, remove the air ride fuse and monitor the height over a few days. You'll soon notice if one or more corners start to deflate. Outside of that, be lucky. Worse case, you'll be riding on your bump stops which isn't too bad for short journeys. Just to put your mind at rest, these systems are pretty good and reliable compared to many other manufacturers, so have confidence on your trip. Your truck will know if your doubting it's ability 😉
@@grizzlyfn393 We completed our trip and lowered the JEEP to Park Height on every stop. All worked good. Really enjoy the feel of air springs. I bought the adapters to connect to the Nitrogen tank under the back seat. Might check it out sometime.
Spot on Grizzly. Great video
A quick question why the blue connector and not red? I’m making my own line from the regulator. Regards
Is it the same as Jeep quadralift
Got an opinion on pulling a vacuum to boil off the moisture in the system from the compressor drawing in outside air to compensate for nitrogen lost to leaks? My pump froze up on me yesterday in sub-freezing temps and popped the fuse, came out of class to a body riding on bump stops. 🤣
Thank you so much for this video,am looking to this to my 2017 ram. Alot of shops won't charge system if you get lift kit so I'll just do it myself.
No problem
I’ve got no compressor at all. Fuse doesn’t look blown. Should I replace it just because and see what happens? I’m trying hard to not pay the dealership a bunch of money.
Is there power going to the compressor when you ask for it? Could be a relay.
No, when I push the raise button nothing happens. If I could find the relay I’d test it. Where is it typically located?
@@kimberlyjohnson3375 it'll be in the fuse box. Check the cover of the fuse box for the location or check your owners manual for a diagram. Some relays will the same so you can swap them around to see if it's faulty.
what was it ? did top button light up at all? tia
@@kimberlyjohnson3375
Note, the shop manual says fill pressure is 175 psi, not the 200 noted in the video.
Thanks for your comments, thanks for watching my video and thanks for the thumbs up and thanks for appreciating the free time and effort spent on doing this. Knob.
@@grizzlyfn393 Grizzly, thanks, the video was very useful. You can pick up regulator and air connections for about $65. About $110 for a small tank if nitrogen. I also bought a vacuum pump to help get the moisture out. If you want, you can reach up to access the ports from the underside of the truck, without tearing off the fender well. Mine originally had issues with the cold but was good after I warmed it back up. Now I'm having issues all the time. This time I warmed it up, refilled, raised the suspension, refilled again (per the manual) and then pulled the three fuses and the relay. Hopefully if the valves aren't opening any and it will hold the suspension for a while. Frustrating as hell. I'm waiting on a valve body, but there are no pumps available anywhere!
@@michaelosvatic7506 what was your outcome after doing this? Did it hold?
@@johndespenas1539 No it didn't hold, but I've learned a lot since I posted here. If you are having compressor issues, there is a good chance you have a bad air shock. The compressor really does not run much when the system is sealed and working properly. These are slow leaks and are not easily detectable. Last year my rear shocks leaked, but only while I was driving. The compressor normally refills, so you don't know its happening. To determine which shock is shot, get the truck up to ride height and the pull the three fuses and the relay for the air ride system. Measure the fender height on all four tires, then drive it or let is sit for a few days. Remeasure. If any of them change by more than, say 1/2 inch. It's probably bad. You can let it go longer to know for sure. After the shocks are fixed, then tackle the compressor/nitrogen. I replaced my compressor twice (first with aftermarket, then with factory) before finding the bad shocks. I'm guessing leaks go unnoticed for a long time as the compressor keeps refilling them. It's not until the compressor either gets tired or freezes up that anyone realizes it. I replaced rear shocks and compressor/valve assembly last year on my 2015 w/ 72,000 miles on it. My fronts are now leaking, but I caught it early. I just ordered new ones three days ago. (Arnott's from RockAuto). Hopefully you get your fixed before the compressor goes. I can offer a few more suggestions if you decide to tackle yourself. Just reply.
I have a 2013 Laramie and I can’t find the relay. Where is it typically located?
May I ask why you have chrome fender flares?
Why not.
I only asked because you only have them on the front I thought after you installed the fronts you had buyers remorse
I have a 21 ram limited and my truck came with a compressor but I also have those connections as well. Sometimes I can look at my truck and think it looks like it sets lower and sometimes it looks higher. I wonder if I have a leak but I’m not getting any error lights.
Park it on a level surface and raise the truck to full height. Measure the distance between the floor and the top of the wheel arch on all four wheels. Pull the fuse from the air suspension and leave it for 24hrs. After 24hrs, re-measure the distance between the floor and the wheel arch. If the truck is lower on any corner, then you have a leak.
Nitrogen, What does the air compressor do than?
I don’t think you need nitrogen because the normal air we breath is 78% Nitrogen. My profession is an aircraft mechanic and been one for 47 years.
The compressor helps to push nitrogen/pressure back and forth from the shocks, in order to achieve proper ride height. Without tanks, the compressor would need to push out the full 175 (give or take) psi that the shocks require. By having pressurized tanks, the compressor only need to push the 10 to 20 psi (difference between tank and shock). As pointed out below, nitrogen is dry, so it prevents freezing. It's also a larger molecule, so less likely to leak. (Same reason some companies use for tires.)
You could just buy a high pressure hose gauge and a few valves and BAAM you got your regulator
Thanks!
the tank holds pressure raise the car valves dump that pressure to lower it dumping to air compressor charges the tank back up with air all the nitrogen will be lost with normal opperation
Thank you for the video explanation, this is exactly what I've been looking for! What fault message did you have on the dash and did it clear after servicing?
The fault was air suspension immediate service I think. Once I deleted the fault, it didn't return. 🤞
I’m just doing one of those tomorrow I do HVAC Body Shop called me up , nitrogen is something we always carry and they R134 fitting adapter.
Hey Grizzly !! Great video….i want to add more payload to my 2014 ram limited with air ride….the shops here tell me they cant do because they cant mount the new ones on there…i was thinking the air lift 5000 ….is there a way u know of?
Very helpful, is it typical to louse air
I think so
How has your truck operated after the recharge? Any difference in reaching different suspension heights faster or slower?
It now works fine. Please bare in mind that there wasn't anything wrong with it until I removed the rear axle and let out some nitrogen.
Best way to fix the air suspension on 4th gen Rams: Trade the truck in and buy one without the air suspension.
i agree 100 % had 2 so not anymore will i have an air ride system dodge ram
I'd much rather have the air suspension Ram. It has a much better ride quality, it also self levels the rear end when towing or hauling a heavy load. It has the ability to increase ground clearance for offroad or snow. It also helps increase fuel economy on the highway by going into aero mode. Too many benefits over the regular coil spring suspension.
Is ithe same system as Jeep
That’s why you don’t get air ride i’d switch to coilovers and forget the headaches 👍
Nice video! Subscribed.
excellent
The system is supposed to have 175psi, not 200psi. Thanks for the video!
Do you know if that is 175 in both tanks or just the front one like this guy fills.
Why are you using nitrogen it’s an air compressor using oxygen ?
No moisture in nitrogen
Rams don't use an oxygen air compressor. The system is nitrogen with holding tanks and a pump
How old is that truck? Sure looks like the frame is rusting through!
2015. They all rust. Even the new ones 🤑😂😜
@@grizzlyfn393 oh well that’s great! I just paid over $30,000 for a 2018 rebel.
Great video. But it's not a DODGE. It's a RAM.
Nah it's a CHRYSLER. just like all of those junk vehicles Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, Ram. Thanks
@ You don’t know what you’re talking about. It’s not a Dodge RAM. Get your facts straight or find other things to comment on…like pantyhose.
Anyone ever have an issue when not cold out?
I ask because mine went out. Tried to pull a trailer and said going 4 hi and wouldn't stop trying, then exceeded weight limit. Drove ok for a week then the back was hi front at exit entry. Local guy said drop it by the shop. Rear tire was low, like 29 so since he couldn't figure it out might as well air the tire up. The pump came on! He couldn't figure how the 2 were related but he found the intake hose to the compressor was crushed or collapsed. Air filter ok just collapsed tubing. Cut the tubing off and it worked again. So, maybe check to see if the compressor like and filter is good. If it can't suck in air the bags won't inflate and it will overheat and shut down. Think the hose cost like 40, could be DIY modified cheaper for those that want to save a buck.
yes for sure always when the bitter cold returns to canada dodge has no fix but dont buy 1 with an air ride system
now that it is warmer today no problems
@@jamesbork127 figured it out. 4 months prior had the bumper and tailgate fixed. Took to an old dodge guy. He took in shop and noticed tire pressure low so aired the rear right. He heard the compressor come on. He knew the compressor worked and began searching. Somehow, the inlet hose was collapsed so the compressor wasn't getting air and shut off for protection. Think a new $14 hose and all good. May e the repair guys crush/crimped the hose fixing the bumper
I'm trying this today I'm at 50 pounds and it's on the bump stops
Let me know how you get on. You may have a leak.
That chrome front fender is hideous