Self level suspension inactive error after lowering.
 

Hi,

I used search and I could not find the answer. Basically I lowered my 2004 4.4l x5 today with the front giving a 30mm drop. I used rear end links because I have rear air suspension. This error message came up even though the car seems relatively level. I measured and the back was 10mm higher than the front measuring on level floor to centre of guard. Anyone have any suggestions?

Either change the designated "normal" height for the rear, in mm., or you can turn off plausibility check. Height change via computer is better of the 2. Turning off plausibility just means that the computer will tell the suspension what to do, but will not respond with an error when it doesn't see what it expected. That's very useful when you have a failure and you are waiting on parts but want to set things manually in the meantime, and not have the computer attempt to correct for your manual settings.

Turning off plausibility will lose auto leveling, load compensation, and if it bleeds down for whatever reason, it won't correct for that. So really, that is just a temporary thing while getting what you need to service it.

I don't know what you mean by links unless you are saying you modified the height sensor mounting position sensors.

Maybe less frustrating to go into the suspension settings (INPA or similar) and just take 30mm out of it.

Check the sensor links that you installed in the rear. It is not unusual that when you let the X down that the sensor 'bar' turned over. If so, that will cause your issue. If that is the case you can either disconnect the link and turn it over or jack it back up and it should turn over when the tire is off the ground. After correcting you will need to drive a short distance before the warning goes out.

I agree with coding to lower air suspension.
civdiv99, there're lowering link which replace the stock one to "fool" the sensor into lowering the SAV.

What do you mean by disconnecting the link? Should I turn on the car and jack up rear until wheels are off ground and then take it for a drive?

I have adjustable links also. The lever on the load sensor that moves up and down should be facing out toward the wheel. It can turn over either when you changed the link or when you let the X down off the jack. My instructions were two options to get the sensor lever in the correct position. You can either jack it up on the side that is reversed and turn it over without disconnecting one end of the link or disconnect one end of the link on the ground to turn it over. After correcting the link the warning will not go out until you have driven the X some distance.

There is no need to turn on the X for either correction method. But you will need to take a short drive after the levers are in the correct position.

Ok thank you. Ill jack the car up till the wheels are off the ground then start the car and see if it turns over

No, do not start your X. The lever is turned over by hand. Didn't you say you changed the links? Didn't you jack up the X to do so?

Ok, I figured out what you meant. I had a look at both sides and the driver side link was horizontal. So I undid that link and made it vertical. Then I lowered the car and went for a drive and the error went away

Great, glad you got it fixed!

Today the error came back again. I checked the rear heights and the passenger side is 10mm lower than the driver side. It seems to me the driver side is slightly raised from what I had set it at originally. I cleared the error with a scan tool and it came back again shortly after. Any ideas what I should be looking for? I cant hear any leaks coming out of the rear and the pump still sounds like it is working. The car has not dropped in height when left sitting there with car off. I have checked all the fuses and they are fine.
Ill check battery voltage shortly. The aftermarket rear end links are vertical how they should be.
also not sure if this effect anything, i did not get a wheel alignment after shortening the rear end links to lower the car. When the car is running, it doesn't look like it makes any attempt to re level the car although I can hear the pump running.

Take the approach there are no coincidences which means exhaust all efforts to troubleshoot the links and the sensors first before spending any time on the pump or a leak.

So I am clear, you have checked the rear sensors and the arm is positioned as it was when the light was out. And, you have checked to be sure the links are still connected on both ends. And, you have checked to make sure the sensor housing is solidly in place.

i have checked to make sure the links are still correctly installed. Tomorrow I will check to see if the sensor housings are solidly in place.

pulled out wheel today and found the driver side link nut attached to sensor loose. I tightened it and cleared code. Has not come back yet. I remember tightening it decently last time so not sure how to stop it from coming loose again.

Lock washers will help if they are not on there already and Permatex threadlocker.

Just installed the H&R spring set and rear lowering lins on my 4.6is. Upon startup and the drive I got the dreaded suspension inactive message. Pulled the vehicle into the garage read a few xoutpost postings on the subject matter and went back in the garage and rechecked the position of the leveling links. The one on the left side of the vehicle was not correctly positioned. Then went back on the road did 6 miles round trip and about halfway through the message disappeared. Thanks for the insight on this bcredliner.

I just had mine up in the air last week and got the light when I let it down. Always have to check that just after the tires touch the ground with the shorter links.