
(3) Check solenoid to volume canister joint.
² Front strut to solenoid valve connection.
² Rear spring to solenoid valve connection.
(4) Check air line for ruptures, cuts, splits or heat
damage. Use a soap and water solution or a liquid de-
veloped for leak detection.
SYSTEM OPERATION
ENGINE RUN OPERATION
The system will compensate for load
addition/removal when.
² The trunk and all doors are closed.
² The engine speed exceeds 600 R.P.M.
² Throttle angle is less than 65 degrees.
² The brake is not applied.
² You are not cornering above 10 mph.
² There is not a charging system problem with the
vehicle.
ENGINE OFF OPERATION
After passengers/load is removed from the vehicle
the system will correct the vehicle attitude after:
² The trunk and all doors are closed.
² The ignition switch is in the OFF position.
Opening the a door or trunk wakes up the body
computer and the air suspension module. The air
suspension system is now capable of leveling, if
required.
LONG TERM IGNITION OFF OPERATION
The system is capable of one an additional leveling
cycle. After 2 continuous hours of ignition key off and
no door open or trunk open activities. This feature is
implemented to eliminate possible ice freeze-up be-
tween the tire and the inner fender shield.
SYSTEM OPERATION INHIBITORS
The air suspension system is inhibited when:
² The trunk is open.
² A door(s) is/are open.
² The brake pedal is engaged.
² The throttle is at the wide open position.
² The charging system fails.
The maximum compressor pump or exhaust
time is 3 minutes.
SYSTEM FAILURES
Vehicles equipped with air suspension and overhead
console. Will alert the driver of an air suspension
system malfunction. A warning Check Air Suspension
will appear on the overhead console screen.
SAFETY CONCERNS
WARNING: REAR AIR SPRINGS MUST BE DEFLATED
BEFORE BEING REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE.
WARNING: OPEN TRUNK, OR DOOR(S) OR REMOVE
GROUND STRAP FROM BATTERY BEFORE HOIST-
ING OR JACKING A VEHICLE DURING MECHANICAL
REPAIRS.
WARNING: IF THE VEHICLE NEEDS SERVICE OR
REPAIR OF THE REAR SHOCK ABSORBERS OR
REAR AXLE PIVOT BUSHINGS. THE REAR AIR
SPRINGS MUST HAVE THE AIR PRESSURE RE-
MOVED BEFORE THE VEHICLE CAN BE SERVICED
SAFELY.
SHIPPING MODE
(1) Removing shipping height signal for customer
use.
² Use DRB II tester and 1991 Chassis (Air Suspen-
sion) service cartridge.
² Follow DRB II requirements to cancel shipping
height message in the body computer.
² Connect the Ignition Off Draw (I.O.D.) circuit.
The connection of the IOD circuit will cancel
the Shipping height signal. (2) Return to shipping height.
² Set shipping command in the body computer using
the DRB II and the 1991 Chassis (Air suspension)
service cartridge.
² Disconnect the I.O.D. connector.
DIAGNOSIS
INITIAL DIAGNOSTIC CHECK
(1) Check for blown or missing fuses.
Fig. 9 Compressor Current Draw Test
2 - 78 SUSPENSION AND DRIVESHAFTS Ä

SERVICE PROCEDURES
CONTROL MODULE (ASCM)
REMOVAL (1) Disconnect negative battery cable.
(2) Remove right side trunk trim panel.
(3) Remove electrical connectors from control mod-
ule and relay (Fig. 11). (4) Remove control module mounting screws and
remove assembly.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install relay on the control module mounting
bracket (if required). (2) Place control module in mounting position.
(3) Install mounting screws and tighten to 2-3 N Im
(19-29 in. lbs.) torque. (4) Install control module and relay wiring connec-
tors (Fig. 11). (5) Install right side trunk trim panel.
(6) Connect negative battery cable.
COMPRESSOR RELAY
REMOVAL
(1) Remove right side trunk trim panel.
(2) Remove electrical connector from relay.
(3) Remove relay from control module mounting
bracket by prying out on locating clip (Fig. 11)
INSTALLATION (1) Push relay onto bracket (relay will Lock into
position.) (2) Install electrical connector. (3) Install trim panel.
COMPRESSOR ASSEMBLY
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(2) Raise vehicle, see Hoisting, Group 0.
(3) Remove cover from compressor assembly. Re-
move air hose (see AIR LINES) and electrical connec-
tors (Fig. 12) (4) Remove compressor assembly mounting screws
and lower assembly from vehicle. (5) Remove mounting bracket screws and slide
mounting bracket away from compressor.
INSTALLATION (1) Slide mounting bracket on compressor and in-
stall screws and tighten to 8 N Im (70 in. lbs.) torque.
DO NOT OVER TORQUE THESE SCREWS. (2) Install compressor assembly to frame rail and
tighten screws to 8 N Im (70 in. lbs.) torque. DO NOT
OVER TORQUE THESE SCREWS. (3) Connect air hose and electrical connector to com-
pressor assembly. (4) Install cover on compressor assembly and tighten
screws to 6 N Im (40 in. lbs.) torque.
(5) Lower vehicle and connect battery negative
cable. (6) Check operation of the system.
AIR DRYER
REMOVAL
Remove compressor assembly. See COMPRESSOR
ASSEMBLY.
Fig. 11 Control Module and Relay Wiring
Fig. 12 Compressor Assembly
Ä SUSPENSION AND DRIVESHAFTS 2 - 85

(1) Remove dryer-to-compressor retaining screw
(Fig. 13). (2) Rotate dryer assembly 90É to release retaining
tangs from exhaust solenoid housing and withdraw
unit.
INSTALLATION
Inspect O-Ring for damage and location on dryer
assembly. (1) Insert and index air dryer locking tangs into
exhaust solenoid outlet. (2) Rotate air dryer assembly to lock position and
install air dryer-to-compressor retaining screw (Fig.
13).
SOLENOIDS (STRUTS AND AIR SPRINGS)
Front struts and rear springs are equipped with so-
lenoids that control air pressure and volume within
the assemblies. The solenoids are electrically oper-
ated to allow air input, contain air, or release air
pressure, depending on control module commands.
REMOVAL
WARNING: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REMOVE OR IN-
STALL SOLENOIDS WHILE AIR SUSPENSION
(FRONT STRUTS AND REAR AIR SPRINGS) ARE
SUPPORTING VEHICLE.
Disconnect negative battery cable. Raise vehicle
and remove wheel and tire assembly then remove so-
lenoid(s) as follows: (1) Separate electrical connection to solenoid.
(2) Disconnect air line, see Air Lines and Fittings.
Solenoids have molded square tangs to fit into
stepped notches of the air spring housing. The
notches provide an air relief position and a retaining
position. The retaining position is locked with a re-
taining clip. (3) Remove retaining clip (Fig. 14). (4) Rotate solenoid to first step in housing and al-
low air pressure to vent (Fig. 15).
(5) Rotate solenoid to release slot and remove (Fig.
16).
Fig. 13 Air Dryer Remove/Install
Fig. 14 Remove Retaining Clips
Fig. 15 Release Air Pressure
Fig. 16 Remove Solenoid (Inspect O Ring)
2 - 86 SUSPENSION AND DRIVESHAFTS Ä

INSTALL
(1) Inspect O-Ring condition and position on sole-
noid stem. (O-Ring can become dislodged during re-
moval (Fig. 16). (2) Install solenoid with tangs to top ledge of hous-
ing and install retaining clip. (3) Reconnect air line and electrical connection.
STRUT (AIR SUSPENSION) DAMPERASSEMBLY
Service procedures for removal and installation for
(air or steel spring) assemblies are essentially the
same. Except for air venting/recharging and discon-
necting/connecting air lines and electrical connection.
REMOVAL (1) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(2) Hoist vehicle and remove wheel and tire assem-
bly. (3) See AIR LINES AND FITTINGS and discon-
nect air line. (4) Disconnect electrical leads, solenoid and height
sensors. (5) See SOLENOIDS (STRUT AND AIR SPRING)
and vent air spring and remove solenoids. (6) See STRUT DAMPER ASSEMBLY in FRONT
SUSPENSION and remove strut.
DISASSEMBLY/ASSEMBLE Disassembly is restricted to upper mount and bear-
ing housing. The strut shock absorber, air spring
with integral height sensor, solenoid and wiring har-
ness are serviced as an assembly. (1) Hold retaining plate locking washer and re-
move strut rod nut. (2) Remove locking washer, retainer plate, spacer,
flat washer and mount/bearing housing assembly
(Fig. 17). (3) Assemble in reverse order. Hold retainer plate
locking washer with suitable tool and tighten strut
rod nut to 75 N Im (55 ft. lbs.) torque.
INSTALLATION (1) See STRUT DAMPER ASSEMBLY in FRONT
SUSPENSION and install strut. (2) Install solenoid, see: SOLENOIDS (STRUT
AND AIR SPRINGS). (3) Connect electrical leads, solenoid and height
sensor. (4) Charge (inflate) air spring. See RECHARGE-
AIR SPRING to activate spring solenoid and air com-
pressor. Add air for 60 seconds.
RECHARGE AIR SPRING
To activate compressor; Ground Pin S08 to Pin
X20. To Activate Spring Solenoid:
² LF: Ground Pin S31 to X20 ²
RF: Ground Pin S30 to X20
² RR: Ground Pin S32 to X20
AIR SPRINGS REAR
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable, hoist vehicle
and remove wheel and tire assembly. (2) See AIR LINES AND FITTINGS and discon-
nect air line and electrical connector from solenoid. (3) See SOLENOIDS (STRUT AND AIR SPRINGS)
and vent air from spring. Remove solenoid. (4) Release upper air spring alignment/retainer
clips. (Fig. 18) (5) Remove lower spring to axle nut (Fig. 19).
(6) Pry assembly down to pull alignment studs
through retaining clips (Fig. 20). Remove assembly.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position assembly lower stud into axle seat and
upper alignment pins through frame rail adaptor. (2) Install upper retaining clips.
(3) Install lower spring to axle nut: LOOSE AS-
SEMBLE. (4) Install solenoid and connect air line and electri-
cal connector. (5) Charge (inflate) air spring. See RECHARGING
AIR SPRING and add air for 60 seconds. (6) AFTER partial air recharge tighten lower nut
Fig. 17 Air Strut Upper Mount Assembly
Ä SUSPENSION AND DRIVESHAFTS 2 - 87

to 68 N Im (50 ft. lbs.) torque.
(7) Install wheel and tire assembly. Lower vehicle,
install wheel and tire assembly and connect battery
negative cable.
RIGHT SHOCK ABSORBER (WITH HEIGHT
SENSOR)
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(2) Raise vehicle, see Hoisting, Group 0.
(3) Remove tire assembly.
(4) Disconnect height sensor connector located on
right rear frame rail. (5) Remove shock, see Shock Absorbers, Removal.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install shock assembly, see Shock Absorbers,
Installation. (2) Route height sensor wire through retaining
clips and then tie strap to fuel filler tube. (3) Snap height sensor connector into underbody
harness connector. (4) Install wheel/tire assembly.
(5) Height sensor wiring harness and white paint
mark on bottom shock eye must face to the front of
the vehicle (Fig. 21).
Fig. 18 Release Retaining Clips
Fig. 19 Remove/Install Lower Spring to Axle Nut
Fig. 20 Pry Assembly Out of Retaining Clips
Fig. 21 Right Rear Shock Absorber Installation
2 - 88 SUSPENSION AND DRIVESHAFTS Ä

circuits are hydraulically isolated so a leak or mal-
function in one circuit will allow continued braking
ability in the other.When force is applied to the brake pedal, the input
pushrod applies force to the boost control valve. As
the boost control valve is moved, it allows the pres-
surized fluid from the accumulator to flow into the
master cylinder booster chamber. The pressure gen-
erated in the booster chamber is directly propor-
tioned to the brake pedal force exerted by the driver.
This pressure in the booster servo in turn applies
pressure to the primary master cylinder piston that
in turn applies pressure to the secondary master cyl-
inder piston. The pressure generated in the primary
and secondary circuits are used to apply the brakes
during normal braking.
WARNING: THE HYDRAULIC ACCUMULATORS
CONTAIN BRAKE FLUID AND NITROGEN GAS AT
HIGH PRESSURE. CERTAIN PORTIONS OF THE
BRAKE SYSTEM ALSO CONTAIN BRAKE FLUID AT
HIGH PRESSURE. REMOVAL OR DISASSEMBLY
MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY AND IM-
PROPER SYSTEM OPERATION. REFER TO THE AP-
PROPRIATE SERVICE MANUAL FOR PROPER
SERVICE PROCEDURES.
HYDRAULIC BLADDER ACCUMULATOR
A Hydraulic Bladder Accumulator (Fig. 2) is used
to store brake fluid at high pressure. The pressurized
fluid is used for Anti-Lock operation and for power
assisted normal braking. The accumulator uses an
elastomeric bladder configuration with a nitrogen
pre-charge of about 6,895 kPa (1,000 psi.) With no
brake fluid in the system, the nitrogen gas pre-
charge applies approximately 6,895 kPa (1,000 psi.)
to one side of the diaphragm (Fig. 2) Under normal operation, the Pump/Motor assembly
charges the accumulator to an operating pressure of
between 11,032 and 13,790 kPa (1600 psi to 2,000
psi.) As pressurized brake fluid enters the accumula-
tor, pushing against the opposite side of the dia-
phragm, (Fig. 2) the nitrogen gas is compressed and
increases in pressure.
DUAL FUNCTION PRESSURE SWITCH
The Dual Function Pressure Switch is located on
the bottom of the hydraulic assembly (Fig. 1) and
monitors Accumulator Pressure. The Dual Function
Pressure Switch, if found to be functioning improp-
erly using the ABS diagnostics, can be replaced. See
service procedure in Electronic Components area of
On Car ABS Service in this section of the service
manual. The primary function is to control operation
of the Pump/Motor assembly and thus maintain
proper accumulator operating pressure. When accu-
mulator pressure falls to or below 11,032 kPa (1600 psi.) the pump motor switch (internal to the dual
function pressure switch) will close. This provides a
ground, through Pin 1 of the Transducer and Switch,
10 way electrical connector to the Pump/Motor relay
coil. The energized coil pulls the relay contacts
closed, providing battery voltage to run the Pump/
Motor. When Accumulator Pressure reaches 13,790
kPa (2,000 psi.) the switch opens, de-energizing the
Pump/Motor Relay that turns off the Pump/Motor. NOTE: THE (CAB) DOES NOT REGULATE
OR CONTROL ACCUMULATOR PRESSURE. The second purpose of the Dual Function Pressure
Switch is to provide a signal to the (CAB) when the
Accumulator Pressure falls below 6,895 kPa (1,000
psi). A Warning Pressure Switch, internal to the
Dual Function Pressure Switch, is normally closed
above 6,895 kPa (1,000 psi.) This sends a ground sig-
nal to pin 17 at the (CAB). At or below 6,895 kPa
(1,000 psi.) the Warning Pressure Switch opens. In-
ternally, the (CAB) (pin 17) detects 12 volts and thus
low pressure. At this warning pressure, the (CAB)
will disable the Anti-Lock Braking functions, light
the Red Brake Warning Lamp and the Amber Anti-
Lock Warning Lamp. After two minutes of continu-
ous detection, a low accumulator fault is stored. Grounding for the Dual Function Pressure Switch.
Is provided through Pin 1 of the Transducer and
Switch, 10 way electrical connector and the Modula-
tor Assembly.
PRESSURE TRANSDUCERS
Two Pressure Transducers are used for brake sys-
tem fault detection. Both transducers generate a
voltage signal (between 0.25 volts and 5.0 volts) that
is proportional to pressure. These signals are com-
Fig. 2 Hydraulic Fluid Accumulator
Ä ANTI-LOCK 10 BRAKE SYSTEM 5 - 77

In order to effectively diagnose an Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS) condition. It is important to read Sec-
tion 1 of this manual, Anti-Lock Brake System De-
scription. This section will give you information on
the function of the ABS components. Then follow the
diagnostic procedures outlined in this section. Many conditions that generate customer com-
plaints of the ABS system may be normal operating
conditions. These conditions though are judged to be
a problem due to unfamiliarity with the ABS system.
These conditions can be recognized without perform-
ing extensive diagnostic work, given adequate under-
standing of operating principles and performance
characteristics of the ABS system. See Section 1 of
this manual to familiarize yourself with the operat-
ing principles of the ABS system.
DEFINITIONS
Several abbreviations are used in this manual.
They are presented here for reference.
² CABÐController Anti-Lock Brake
² ABSÐAnti-Lock Brake System
² PSIÐPounds per Square Inch (pressure)
² WSSÐWheel Speed Sensor
ABS CONTROLLER ANTI-LOCK BRAKE (CAB) SER-
VICE PRECAUTIONS
The ABS system uses an electronic control module,
the (CAB). This module is designed to withstand nor-
mal current draws associated with vehicle operation.
However care must be taken to avoid overloading the
(CAB) circuits. In testing for open or short circuits, do
not ground or apply voltage to any of the circuits unless
instructed to do so by the appropriate diagnostic pro-
cedure. These circuits should only be tested using a
high impedance multi-meter, special tools or the DRB
II tester as described in this section. Power should
never be removed or applied to any control module with
the ignition in the ON position. Before removing or
connecting battery cables, fuses, or connectors, always
turn the ignition to the OFF position.
ABS SYSTEM GENERAL SERVICE PRECAUTIONS
TEST DRIVING ABS COMPLAINT VEHICLES
Most ABS complaints will require a test drive as a
part of the diagnostic procedure. The purpose of the
test drive is to duplicate the condition. Before test driving a brake complaint vehicle,
especially if the Red Brake Warning Lamp is on.
Test the brake function at low speed to be sure
that the car will stop normally. Remember that
conditions that result in illumination of the Red
Fig. 14 Decay Pressure - Hydraulic Control
5 - 88 ANTI-LOCK 10 BRAKE SYSTEM Ä

Brake Warning Lamp may indicate reduced
braking ability. The following procedure should
be used to test drive an ABS complaint:(1) Ignition on. Turn the ignition to the ON position
without starting the car and wait until the Red Brake
Warning Lamp and Amber Anti-Lock Warning Lamp
turn off. This will allow the pump to charge the
accumulator to operating pressure. If the warning
lamp(s) do not turn off, go to step 3. (2) Ignition off for 15 seconds.
(3) Start car. Wait for displays to return to normal
operating mode before proceeding. (4) With Shift lever in PARK, slowly depress brake
pedal and release. (5) Drive vehicle a short distance. During this test
drive, be sure that the vehicle achieves at least 20 mph.
Then brake to at least one complete stop and accelerate
slowly back up to at least 20 mph. (6) If a functional problem with the A.B.S. system is
determined while test driving a vehicle. Refer to the
Bendix Anti-Lock 10 Diagnostics Manual for required
test procedures and proper use of the DRB II tester.
CAUTION: The following are general precautions that
should be observed when servicing and diagnosing
the ABS system and/or other vehicle systems. Failure
to observe these precautions may result in ABS
system damage.
(1) If welding work is to be performed on the vehicle
using an arc welder, the (CAB) should be disconnected
before the welding operation begins. (2) The (CAB) and hydraulic assembly 10 way con-
nectors should never be connected or disconnected with
the ignition on. (3) Some components of the ABS system are not
serviced separately and must be serviced as complete
assemblies. Do not disassemble any component which
is designated as non-serviceable. (4) Always de-pressurize the Hydraulic Accu-
mulator when performing any work that re-
quires disconnecting any hydraulic tube, flex
hose or fitting. The ABS system uses brake fluid
at high pressure. Failure to de-pressurize the
accumulator may result in personal injury
and/or damage to painted surfaces. Brake fluid will damage painted surfaces. If brake
fluid is spilled on any painted surfaces, wash off with
water immediately.
DE-PRESSURIZING HYDRAULIC ACCUMULA- TOR
The ABS pump/motor assembly keeps the hydraulic
accumulator charged between approximately 11,032
and 13,790 kPa (1600 and 2000 psi) anytime key is in the ON position. The pump/motor assembly
cannot run if the ignition is off or either battery ca-
ble is disconnected. Unless otherwise specified, the hydraulic accumu-
lator should be de-pressurized before disassembling
any portion of the hydraulic system. The following
procedure should be used to de-pressurize the hy-
draulic accumulator: (1) With ignition off, or either battery cable discon-
nected, pump the brake pedal a minimum of 40 times
using approximately 50 pounds of pedal force. A no-
ticeable change in pedal feel will occur when the ac-
cumulator becomes discharged. (2) When a definite increase in pedal effort is felt,
pump the pedal a few additional times. This will in-
sure removal of all hydraulic pressure from the
brake system.
WHEEL SPEED SENSOR CABLES
Proper installation of wheel speed sensor cables is
critical to continued ABS system operation. Be sure
that cables are installed and routed properly. Failure
to install cables in their retainers, as shown in Sec-
tion 3 of this manual. May result in contact with
moving parts or over extension of cables, resulting in
an open circuit.
MECHANICAL DIAGNOSTICS AND SERVICE
PROCEDURES
SPECIAL SERVICE TOOLS
Some diagnostic procedures in this section require
the use of special service tools. Each of these tools is
described below.
DRB II DIAGNOSTIC TESTER
Some of the diagnostic procedures that are ex-
plained in this section require the use of the DRB II
DIAGNOSTICS TESTER to insure that proper diag-
nostics are performed. Refer to those sections for
proper testing procedures and the DRB II manual for
its proper operational information.
MST-6163 PRESSURE TESTER
Some diagnostic procedures in this manual require
the use of the MST-6163 pressure gauge and adaptor
(Fig. 2). Pressure Gauge, Special Tool MST-6163 is
required to measure accumulator pressure during
certain phases of ABS operation. The pressure gauge
and adaptor should be installed as follows: (1) De-pressurize the accumulator by pumping the
brake pedal a minimum of 40 times with the ignition
off. The procedure is fully explained under De-Pres-
surizing Hydraulic Accumulator which is described
earlier in this System Diagnosis Section.
Ä ANTI-LOCK 10 BRAKE SYSTEM 5 - 89