IS - 2nd Gen (2006-2013) Discussion about the 2006+ model IS models

Air suspension/electrical help needed

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 10-06-12, 08:31 PM
  #1  
heyarms
Pole Position
Thread Starter
iTrader: (5)
 
heyarms's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: SoTX
Posts: 2,918
Received 37 Likes on 17 Posts
Default Air suspension/electrical help needed

I'm running KSport pro plus air suspension and starting last Monday, a main fuse for the suspension keeps blowing. Its been installed for a little over a month, without any problems until now.

Info:
Two power wires from the battery go to the main box in the trunk that holds the valves. Each power wire controls one of the compressors also. Both power lines have an inline fuse, and the same one keeps blowing. I can replace the fuse and the system will work like normal, except there is also an air leak now (100psi an hour loss, started when this electrical problem started), and when the compressors kick on, shortly after the fuse will blow and will leave one compressor to fill the tank and the system will be helpless (the same power line that fails controls one compressor and the valves). Regardless if the fuses are good, the system leaks now.

What I've tested/checked:
All air lines in the trunk have been checked (to/from air tank, from valve box to corners, air lines under the car, only fitting at the bag haven't been checked). Power lines have been checked from battery back to the trunk, including all wiring in the trunk for everything. All fuses throughout the system are good (after replacing the blown one every time I drive).

Hypothesis of what's wrong:
Since the system will work entirely at times, I don't believe it has a short in the system, since a short would instantly blow the fuse. I believe the compressor is over drawing the system, BUT the major air leak I believe has to be in the red metal cube that houses the KSport valves. I can not open the red cube due to it likely voiding the warranty though.



Any thoughts or recommendations on what to try? Any help is GREATLY appreciated! I'm so tired of waiting 5 minutes for my tank to air up when I try to drive anywhere and then have to swap a new fuse too...
Old 10-07-12, 11:33 AM
  #2  
Sffd103
Fire Slayer
iTrader: (16)
 
Sffd103's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: NorCal
Posts: 10,548
Received 9 Likes on 9 Posts
Default

Dude....so sorry to hear you're already having problems on your new setup. I don't know all the details about air so I can't help but good luck....I feel your pain.
Old 10-07-12, 11:59 AM
  #3  
600rr05
Lexus Champion
iTrader: (9)
 
600rr05's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 4,096
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Have you tried calling k-sport ?? Sounds odd
Old 10-07-12, 12:04 PM
  #4  
nmpeter
Pole Position
iTrader: (15)
 
nmpeter's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Florida
Posts: 2,443
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

What is losing air? Your airbags, or your tank? As for your compressor check and make sure that all the grounds and power lines are well grounded and not loose. Be careful with letting one compressor run. Those compressors are strong but they'll overheat pretty quickly, especially with a leak. Another question, are the wires you used the right gauge that KSport recommends or did they provide it? Make sure you use teflon on all of your fittings. To test for leaks use a spray bottle with water and soap and spray them on your fittings, if there is a leak, you'll see bubbles form.
Old 10-07-12, 03:46 PM
  #5  
heyarms
Pole Position
Thread Starter
iTrader: (5)
 
heyarms's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: SoTX
Posts: 2,918
Received 37 Likes on 17 Posts
Default

I can't find the air leak, and it i inconsistent on how much it loses per hour. (Sometimes as much as 30psi an hour and other times its 100psi). It worked flawlessly before this. The tank fitting and all lines coming out of the master box aren't leaking and I have not checked at the bags because the whole system loses air, not an individual corner. I still believe the problem is in the master valve box that I can not open, so just waiting to call ksport tomorrow.

The wires were provided with the kit and I haven't been able to rip it all out to check the negative wires/grounds but I'm reluctant to do this since its leaking air (again I think the box houses the main electrical problem and valve is leaking maybe? Not sure how they work completely.)

Last edited by heyarms; 10-08-12 at 05:25 AM. Reason: iPhone grammar corrected :p
Old 10-07-12, 10:13 PM
  #6  
Ikon_Vin
Driver
iTrader: (3)
 
Ikon_Vin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Tx
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Sounds like a check valve gone bad. That would make the compressor draw more power and blow the fuse and would explain the leak.
Old 10-08-12, 09:38 AM
  #7  
KsportUSA
Driver
 
KsportUSA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Gilbert, AZ
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Check this video out, might help you dx the check valve problem.
Old 10-08-12, 09:42 AM
  #8  
KsportUSA
Driver
 
KsportUSA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Gilbert, AZ
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by heyarms
I can't find the air leak, and it i inconsistent on how much it loses per hour. (Sometimes as much as 30psi an hour and other times its 100psi). It worked flawlessly before this. The tank fitting and all lines coming out of the master box aren't leaking and I have not checked at the bags because the whole system loses air, not an individual corner. I still believe the problem is in the master valve box that I can not open, so just waiting to call ksport tomorrow.

The wires were provided with the kit and I haven't been able to rip it all out to check the negative wires/grounds but I'm reluctant to do this since its leaking air (again I think the box houses the main electrical problem and valve is leaking maybe? Not sure how they work completely.)
As we spoke on the phone I would recommend going through your wiring, you mentioned you weren't happy with the wiring job, this is usually a sign of poor installation.

-Jade
Old 10-28-12, 10:49 AM
  #9  
nano310
Driver School Candidate
 
nano310's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: ca
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Heyarms u ever find out the problem??
Old 10-28-12, 11:31 AM
  #10  
heyarms
Pole Position
Thread Starter
iTrader: (5)
 
heyarms's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: SoTX
Posts: 2,918
Received 37 Likes on 17 Posts
Default

It was a combination of things.

My installers used 12 gauge (thin) wiring. This caused xthe compressor to overheat quickly and melt the inline check valve on the compressor (causing the leak) and also blowing the fuse.

I reinstalled it all yesterday with proper thick gauge wiring (8 gauge) and all is well.

Hid the red valve box in the spare well, compressors on my sub box, and no where to hide that 5 gallon tank haha might switch to two 3 gallon tanks some day

Old 10-28-12, 11:35 AM
  #11  
Sffd103
Fire Slayer
iTrader: (16)
 
Sffd103's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: NorCal
Posts: 10,548
Received 9 Likes on 9 Posts
Default

Glad it worked out for you. I like the big chrome tank!
Old 10-28-12, 11:43 AM
  #12  
heyarms
Pole Position
Thread Starter
iTrader: (5)
 
heyarms's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: SoTX
Posts: 2,918
Received 37 Likes on 17 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Sffd103
Glad it worked out for you. I like the big chrome tank!
Haha thanks, I was running one compressor the past few weeks until I took care of this, it was getting really old.

If you like the 5 gallon chrome tank, you'll love what I have in store in the next couple weeks that's getting installed
Old 10-28-12, 08:07 PM
  #13  
kwikshift
Rookie
 
kwikshift's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: IL
Posts: 94
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

When u gonna make video?
Old 10-28-12, 08:32 PM
  #14  
heyarms
Pole Position
Thread Starter
iTrader: (5)
 
heyarms's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: SoTX
Posts: 2,918
Received 37 Likes on 17 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by kwikshift
When u gonna make video?
Of what? I have a (crappy) one in my KSport review thread of the car going up and down. If you mean a professional video of just my car in general, that's in the works with the completion of my next big mod
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
hadris
LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000)
7
11-14-16 10:36 AM
gs4bkny
LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006)
6
03-25-15 09:03 PM
sojah
VIP Style
19
10-16-13 04:11 PM
silos5
LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000)
4
06-12-10 04:05 AM
kmaracing
LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006)
1
05-22-10 10:13 AM



Quick Reply: Air suspension/electrical help needed



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 12:52 AM.