2003 x5 suspension problem (cannot find answer)

[dvc]

Hope someone can help
I have the dreaded "self level inactive" on my dash. It has been on for a few weeks and I have tried to diagnose it.
My x5 sits very high in the rear, and the ride is very stiff.

I checked all the fuses, and the level switches seem fine. My battery compartment is not wet, so I don't think it's the control module.

Most posts I have read indicate low or leaky air shocks, my case seem that the ride stays high all the time.

I hear the pump start up, so I know thats working.

Can anyone tell me what part of the system is not working? The level sensors, or the control unit, is there a way to test these parts?

Thanks

[Isambard]

By no means do I think I am giving you the solution as I do not know enough about the air suspension. But if I were in your position and with what you have described I would try (mechanically) disconnecting each sensor (one at a time) from the vehicle and then play around with the lever and see if there is any change.

If there is no change when playing with the sensors then you may have to work your way back to the control module. Check all plugs/connections-there may be a bit of crud in one of the plugs somewhere in the system, be it on the sensors, the control unit itself, or anywhere in between those two points.

With what you are saying it seems to me that one or both of the sensors (I dont know if one sensor goes then as a fail-safe, ie the vehicle is not tipped to one side, both suspension bags raise or lower) are defective sending a false signal to the control unit..