I sometimes heard a pump sound rear suspension. When I first got the 1997 DeVille Elegance (40K mlies), family members said it had some "Air shock" issue, which made me assume there was an issue. And having never heard of an ELC system before, I didn't realize they ran a preload check on Startup, and they should be heard at startup. Although I cant say for sure if I heard them every startup. Checked more closely today.

• After ignition on 20 seconds go by, then there is a short Shhh sound (sounds like briefly hitting the Shrader valve on bike tire).
• Then a pump (or something) activates for 3-5 seconds.
• My son and I sat in the trunk after the ignition was on, and after 20 or seconds, it kicked on, and the suspension did rise. So working, for now.

I caught a video of the initial sound(*) after the key on: Shhh, then pump:
https://iplayerhd.com/player/video/8...5386d729/share

So maybe not as bad as I thought. Although some have told me, there shouldn't be a 15-20 second delay before hearing it preload after startup. Maybe a sign of expected issues/leaks.

With a clean and in good-shape donor at the salvage yard, should I consider grabbing some of these key parts (presuming I can access them)? And which?

Thanks for any info!

If it is a consistent 20 seconds, I suspect this is programmed in. 20 seconds is enough time for ignition on, engine start, self-check the suspension, without the driver ever noticing in theory. Same goes for corrections: Add weight, wait until this is done, then adjust. This saves it adjust for minor changes, like someone leaning on the car, kids bouncing in back, etc.

I'd pick up another pump, valves, and the controller if you can find good ones.

I think the times I heard it were varied because if I jump in car and music comes right on I never heard it. No music, heard it. OR unlocked car, started it, have drivers side door open for a bit, then hear it. Sometimes seemed like it was also passenfer side. So what seemed inconsistent was probably consistent. Going to salvage yard next coupled days and they have a great shape 1997 Deville. Going to try and take some of these parts off if not too expensive.

Yep, that was probably GM'* intention on this, and cost a lot less than engineering a non-hearable electric air compressor.

Good move! I saw a lot of these disappear off the streets and arrive at the yards long ago. Not going to be many left soon.

.Any specific parts worth the extra effort? Not sure I can access any hard to reach hidden ELC parts in a salvage yard setting. Already scary enough when the car is on wheel rims only.

Trim parts like lights, lenses, mirrors, etc.

If you can get the ELC pump/controller/valves/etc. that would be good.

A spare matching rim.

All the hub caps that you can find.

Door handles.

Hood ornament.

Emblems.

Etc.

I will see what I can scrounge up!