Mercedes “Vehicle Rising” Malfunction – What May Be Wrong with Suspension?

A very disturbing situation is when you try to raise the level of your car and the rising malfunctions. You may be left to wonder why the vehicle notifies you about a need to rise but it does not. In some cases, you don't even get notified. In this article, we will be exploring how the air suspension system is involved in this malfunction.

Vehicle rising message highlights

• Common reasons:air leak in air suspension, vehicle is in the process of rising
• How to fix:stop changing suspension height, check suspension for air leaks
• Possible consequences:air leak may kill the suspension compressor quickly
• Priority level:High
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:Impossible
• Repair price range:$150-$450

Essential components of the AirMatic Suspension system

An air compressor performs the function of inflating the airbags and struts and totals the function of the air suspension. Although it is not as simple as it seems. Organized in this section is a list of the essential components of a Mercedes air suspension that ensure the vehicle is kept balanced

• Module for AirMatic Control

An integral part of the whole system is this module. To ascertain the air suspension's actions, it receives data from several sensors. Through unified work with the relevant sensors, speed, and, braking, this system can effectively modulate travels and journeys by balancing the suspension. 

• Airbags

To the rear of the vehicle are airbags or air springs. They are installed directly onto the base control arm and the rear subframe.

• Rear-Axle Block

The air that goes into the springs at the back of the car is distributed by the rear-axle distribution block.

• Dampers and Struts

The front axle in the Mercedes suspension system is supported by a variety of struts and dampers. This system, which controls the appropriate vehicle rising and lowering, is made up of an air spring assembly and a monotube shock absorber.

• Primary Air Reservoir 

In the absence of an air reservoir, there would be constant stressing of the compressor. To manage this stress, every Mercedes vehicle is equipped with a filled reservoir of pressurized air. This reservoir is only present in vehicles with an AirMatic System and is loaded before the engine runs.

• Block Valve Assembly

The distribution of pressurized air between the rear and front axles is handled by this valve block. The pressure sensor and air compressor are both directly linked to the valve block.

• Acceleration Sensors

The control panel of your vehicle's suspension system receives data from several acceleration sensors surrounding it to lessen body roll.

• The compressor relay and the air compressor

The air springs and struts in the suspension are filled with compressed air by the compressor. It further relays controls when the compressor is active or not. Located next to the left front wheel, the relay is situated within or next to the fuse box of the vehicle.

• Controls for the damping, instrument cluster, and level

Any problems in the AirMatic system will be shown via the instrument cluster. The buttons on every vehicle with an AirMatic Suspension are for the level and damping adjustments.

Possible problems associated with the AirMatic Suspension of a Mercedes

• Failure of the Mercedes AirMatic Strut

Leaking air struts is one of Mercedes' most prevalent faults. While an air spring fails, you will notice that your car is idle sitting lower on the affected corner, and when you are moving, the Mercedes height will be uneven. This indicates that the struts need to be changed. This kind of failure impairs the vehicle's stability and control and might be dangerous when you're driving. The struts are replaced similarly to replacing a regular strut, with the addition of a top air connection.

The car's whole back or front end is drooping to the ground. One wheel may also experience sagging. When there are significant leaks, you can practically hear the compressor struggling to fill the air spring.

If you neglect a drooping automobile even while the air compressor is still able to fill the deflated air strut, you are stressing the air compressor even more. Your automobile will eventually sink to the ground in a matter of minutes as the sagging gradually worsens.

Replace both air struts and airbags in a pair as a solution. Remember to pick durable replacement components.

• Air Leaks

When one side of the vehicle is drooping, leading you to initially wonder if an airbag or an air spring is malfunctioning. Air Leaks may be the issue.

If a vehicle drops suddenly, it is quite likely that an air leak is to blame. Several air lines, linkages, and seals make up the AirMatic suspension system. Any of those might be a leakage point. The brass valves at the top of the air strut are another typical location for leaks. The brass valve and strut connection are placed metal on metal, which causes this.

Air compressor fittings, airlines, valve block fittings, air reservoir connectors, and level control valve blocks are other typical places where leaks occur.

A wash with soapy water is an easy fix for this. Spray a solution of water and soap on the air lines, connections, and seals before checking for bubbles around the troublesome location. Although professionals frequently utilize this technique, a skilled mechanic should have access to expert leak detection instruments.

• Faulty Suspension Compressor

Another component of the Suspension system that may be faulty is the air compressor. The unit is responsible for turning chemical energy into a pressurized air volume.

Symptoms of a defective or underpowered air compressor include the entire car sitting very low to ground level. Another is the inability of the compressor to raise the vehicle suspension, and a lack of compressor buzzing.

When the compressor or its relay is defective, the vehicle becomes completely grounded. Having all four units of the air suspension defective or malfunctioning at the same time is rare. Even in their defective state, an attempt would still be made by the air compressor to elevate the vehicle. In the case of a leak in the components of the compressor, there would be a noticeable effort in lifting the level of the car.

A new compressor is required in the event of a completely broken compressor. Additionally, changing the compressor relay is also advised. When fixing a defective compressor, be careful not to travel miles with it to avoid damaging other components. Validate the operability of the compressor relay before switching the compressor itself.

• AirMatic Fuse failure

Defects in the AirMatic system and your Mercedes' capacity to respond to various circumstances might result from a bad fuse in the suspension system. A considerably less comfortable driving results from this.

The bounce test is an easy technique to assess the condition of your suspension system. Push down with your weight on the hood of your car; if the car bounces on release more than three times, your Mercedes suspension is not functioning at its best.

• Valve Block Failure

Leaking of the solenoid valves in the valve block back into the compressor or the central air reservoir is the major cause of valve failure. This may result in the vehicle failing to maintain the necessary ride height.

The Mercedes can become loosened or grounded entirely or simply on one side. The signs of a failing air compressor or air spring are similar. The valve block functions in delivering the pressurized air from the compressors to the air springs. A defective valve block may prevent air from reaching a particular wheel. 

When troubleshooting the valve block, it is easier with the availability of expert troubleshooting. Once the technician ascertains that the air compressor is operational and that all of the air springs are in good condition, a defective valve block can be identified.

Aside from the issues mentioned above, other causes may be responsible for a Vehicle Rising Malfunction. Some of these include:

• Faulty Level Sensors
• Clogged Air Filter

Conclusion

For a vehicle like Mercedes, which promises to offer premium looks and performance, fault can be a big deal. It's tough to imagine buying a vehicle for thousands of dollars and having to spend more on repairs. 

Having issues with the suspension system can be a result of several issues. Many of these issues have been highlighted and discussed above stating some convenient means of troubleshooting them.

Also, in case you're tired of the AirMatic system, changing to a regular coil spring suspension is possible. If after personal troubleshooting, any of the issues persist, it is safer to consult a local mechanic stating the issues.