1992 suspension compressor not working
 

I have a 1992 sse and the rear load leveling suspension has stopped working after 225,000 miles. When I turn the compressor on in trunk I hear a click from the part with three hoses on it mounted behind the back seat. nothing runs or works. no air at all. please tell me what this can be or what to look for and how to test the whole system. please post answer here or email it to me
thank you

The first thing to check is the fuses near the gas pedal. Just under the steering column. There are 2 that supply power to the ELC/inflator components. One is fuse #12, I forget the other. Check them all to be sure. You are aware that the compressor isn't in the trunk, but under the hood? Are you sure it's not running? Only the valves are in the trunk.

And don't list your email like that in a post. Spambots will find it, and you'll get hammered. Spell out 'at' and 'dot' to be safe.

Thanks for the fast reply and the advice on the email. When I turn it on im hearing a click on the component with the three hoses and the wire harness in trunk. I can't get any air to work the suspension or to the trunk to pump up a tire. I will check the fuses to see if one is blown. What else could it be? when I load down the trunk I don't even get the light showing it is trying to level the ride.I was floored at the price on some of these parts at the dealer. I can get them at shop rates but some of them are still between $300.00 and $500.00 :o ouch thanks for your time

You don't get a light telling you it's not level. Not sure what you're talking about there. If the compressor under the hood (next to your windshield washer reservior) isn't coming on, it's either a fuse, wire, or compressor. It's rarely the ELC computer. I've never seen one fail. You need to check for power at the pump when the inflator is turned on. After you check for fuses. If the pump is bad, a wrecker is the best bet. Many cars used this same compressor. Wrecker price should be about $100.

From the 93 FSM:

Component Locations:
ELC Compressor Assembly, LH side of engine compartment, beside wheel house
ELC Height Sensor, Below rear of vehicle, on frame, above RH rear lower suspension arm
ELC Relay, Center rear of engine compartment, Below RH Underhood Fuse Block
Inflator Solenoid Valve, RH front of luggage compartment near wheel
Inflator Switch, Center of rear luggage compartment
Inflator Timer Relay, RH front of luggage compartment near wheel

Check first:
I/P Fuse 12
I/P Fuse 17
Check that ELC Height Sensor is properly secured
Check that link is properly secured to actuator arm and actuator arm is not bent or damaged

Diagnostic Table A:
ELC Height Sensor Connector: DISCONNECTED
Jumper Terminal B to ground
Compressor Runs : Goto Test C (Height sensor probably bad)
Compressor does not run
Remove ELC Relay
Measure voltage from relay connector terminal 5 & 1 to ground
0 volts at one or both terminals : Check orange wire for open or short to ground, check I/P Fuse 12
Battery Voltage at both terminals
Connect a fused jumper between relay terminal 1 and 4
Compressor Runs: Check Yellow wire for open, Check Check ELC Height Sensor Connector for proper mating, IF OKAY replave ELC Relay
Compressor Does not run
ELC Compresswor Assembly Connector: DISCONNECTED
Leave fused jumper at relay
Measure voltage from ELC Compressor Assembly terminal B (dk grn) to ground
0 volts: Check DK GRN wire for open
Battery voltage
Measure voltage from ELC Compressor Assembly Connector terminal B (DK GRN) to D (BLK)
0 volts: Check BLK wire for open
Battery Voltage
Check ELC compressor Assembly Connector for proper terminal contact
Repair ELC Compressor (Section 3D1)

Clarification:

Height sensor won't be an issue if the compressor won't run with the inflator selected.

Very true, That's the FSM table for "Compressor doesn't run", He should be able to get it with that.


(gee it's nice having my FSM's :D )

Thank you all very much for the info. This should take up half my day Saturday. I will post my findings.

In case anyone is searching for the relay location (like I was)...

On my 1992 SSE the relay is the fourth from the passenger side (on the firewall below the fuse box.

This topic is almost a year old. Please don't dig things up to dust them off. Starting a new topic is best.