QuestionJohn, Good morning! I recently purchased a used 2000 Disco II 4.0L V8 with 101K mile on it. Presently, the air suspension lowers without provocation. Until recently, I would press the button to raise the vehicle with success but yesterday, the rear end dropped while driving and would not raise when parked. I let the vehicle sit overnight and it raised this morning? Two questions: Why does the rear end lower and how is it controlled. 2nd question, the vehicle came with no owners manual so other than pressing the raise rear end button, I really do not know how to operate the system. Am I doing something to cause it to lower? I saw the answer regarding the system's sensitivity to low temps (I live in suburban SE Michigan) is that a factor? I am planning on replacing the air springs with steel coils within the next 30 days but anything I can do in the shorterm to control the lowering? Also with the steel springs from strutmasters or roverland parts will the ride height be "normal"? I do not want my Disco II to resemble a jacked up off roader.
Thanks so much for your response..also any idea where I can get an owners manual for a 2000 Disco II for less than $150?
Much appreciated and have a great day!
AnswerHi Art,
sounds like you have a leak one (or both) air spring(s). Could also be height sensor failure. Compressor seems to be working but if this is a daily event, you'll soon have a bigger problem (blown compressor).
Normally, the vehicle should adjust automatically to the correct height. Temperature should not be a factor in this case. I live north of you (Quebec Canada) and on those cold days (-30) my compressor kicks in only a few times during the day.
The problems that SLS Disco's have is a real shame. North American air suspensions seem to do much better by comparison. If you've been having so much trouble AND if your dealer's head is ... in the sand ... perhaps converting to coil and spring is your best solution.
However, there is nothing nicer than an air suspension - especially on long highway drives AND a firmer ride improves control and braking. The ride is not the same with coil spring & shock.
You don't have to worry about added height if you do convert over. Those trucks you mention usually have purposely lifted their suspension. With a conversion kit, your vehicle height should be at least LR minimum clearance requirements.
Here's the info on the SLS system ...
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Description - SLS
General
The Self Levelling Suspension (SLS) system is an optional fitment and comprises an Electronic Control Unit (ECU), air supply unit, two air springs and two height sensors. The SLS system only operates on the rear suspension and is designed to keep the vehicle level to compensate for uneven loads or when towing. The system controls the gap between the chassis and the rear axle to a tolerance of ± 0.5 mm (0.02 in). The ride height of the rear of the vehicle can be controlled in three modes of operation; normal ride height, Off-Road Mode (ORM) and extended mode. A transportation mode, initiated using TestBook, is also available for moving the vehicle on a trailer.
The system is controlled electronically by an ECU which is shared with the ABS system and known as the Self Levelling and Anti-Lock Braking System (SLABS) ECU. The system operates by using an air supply unit to inflate or deflate the air springs to maintain a constant ride height.
An accessory remote handset is available to remotely operate the SLS system to allow easier connection and disconnection of trailers. Two SLS system warning lamps are located in the instrument pack. The warning lamp in the bottom left corner of the instrument pack is the SLS warning lamp. If a fault is detected in the system, the warning lamp will illuminate continuously in an amber colour. The warning lamp also flashes in an amber colour when the remote handset is being used. The second warning lamp, located in the top right of the instrument pack is the ORM warning lamp. When ORM is selected the warning lamp is continuously illuminated in an amber colour. When the SLS is between standard ride height and ORM or in extended mode, the warning lamp will flash. Standard ride height, measured between the tip of the axle bump stop rubber and the axle, is 61.5 mm (2.42 in). ORM ride height, measured between the tip of axle bump stop and the axle, is 100 mm (3.93 in).
A switch is located in the group of six switches on the fascia and is used to select the ORM. The switch is non-latching and must be depressed for a minimum of 0.5 seconds to signal the ECU that ORM has been requested.
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Art, send me an email and I'll help you with your owners manual.
Best of luck,
JohnMc
jmcinnis64@hotmail.com
Tata for now... bad joke - sorry.
