Hey There!

I have a 1999 SSEi that i have been tinkering with, I got the air ride struts back on the butt end of the car and seemed that everything was working well. Now it seems that they are way too stiff. I am trying to figure out what else could be wrong with it. The tail end doesnt seem to go up or down at all when the car is started. Any ideas on what could be the problem with this? I'm a novice Bonnie tinkerer and looking for any input i can get!

Disconnect the level sensor and start the car. Move the sensor up then down. Does the compressor kick on?

and that would be where?

From the looks of the diagram, it should be in the right rear area of the car underneath. Of course, I could be wrong, because this is a diagram for my 97.

found it! gotta get it down to the shop so i can get the rear end up to look at.

Well, after running a bit of diagnostic stuff... the pump comes on when the car is turned on, for a brief period. Found the sensor. Since the car is over inflating i wonder if it may be the sensor. Any idea on the cost of a new one? Sensor seems loose... should it be loose or tight?

That I do not know.

the sensor itself or the arm? the arm should move pretty easy when you have the arm disconnected, if you push it up the struts should inflate and pull it down deflate

The ELC (electronic level control) system is not designed to provide varying levels of suspension stiffness. It is designed to keep the car level when there is a load in the back seat or the trunk. The pump comes on when you start the car to re-fill whatever air leaked out while the car was off, but if the car is level the ELC is doing its job. With no extra weight in the car, if the butt end is raised to high you can adjust the level control arm. If the car is riding at normal height your issue with harsh ride is related to the shock you selected, not the ELC system.

The rear of the car is riding too high. i have to get some jack stands so i can mess with the sensor while under the car. Teh part is discontinued from the dealership, so i may have to find a used one. That has been a real feat in itself.