'97 P38 stuck on bump stops, no faults

[Macker]

My P38 started to have a drivers side lean on the last leg of a roadtrip. I chose the highest profile and it seemed to level back out. The next morning, it was sitting on the bump stops, and won't go back up. I plan on switching to coils in the near future, but was hoping to make it drivable in the mean time. (hoping...) There aren't any faults on the dash, except for "traction failure" and an abs/tc light that have been on for a while now. (recently aquired vehicle) Anyway, long story short, the "uneven" light stays lit, and I can select the extended or regular profile, but nothing happens. I can hear the compressor running, and when the extended profile is selected, the orange ^ light on the dash turns on, but still nothing. It doesn't flash like it's in the process of raising up, it just stays solid. Was wondering where I should look first... Thanks for any help.

 

[ptschram]

Without knowing what the faults are, you have little to no chance of resolving this. Replacing parts will only benefit your UPS driver.

 

[ratboy]

you should look at moving on the coil conversion.

 

[JBradley]

buy the cable and download the free software and reset it and diagnose it for under $65 bucks.. I cant remember its name. Probably just a fault and you need no new parts. EAS also has a manual override using a jumper wire, you can look for rover eas video on you tube to learn how - dead easy. Once you have the cable to hook up the laptop and self -fix EAS is no problem.

 

[Macker]

Thanks guys.

 

[Dieter]

here is the link...
http://www.rswsolutions.com/
I had EAS Slow Max 35 MPH error. I built the cable myself and downloaded the software. (I did donate).
The software cleared the fault and my P38 was back up.
I have moved over to coils though, but left all the EAS stuff on just encase I decide to go back at some point.
Good Luck.

 

[skippy3k]

If you had a driver's side lean before the fault, then most likely you have a leak. If the air springs have never been replaced, then you most definitely have a leak. Their lifespan is only about 7 years if you are lucky. In any case, resetting the fault is only temporary...it WILL fail again.

But remember, even after you fix the problem, it's just a matter of time before something else will come up. EAS is just like that. I always tell people that if you like fiddling with your truck a lot, then EAS is great. If you get tired of worrying about things, then go with coils.

 

[ptschram]

LOFL, you guys make me laugh.

If it was nearly that simple, I wouldn't be able to make a living.

The diagnostic system does not provide enough information (regardless of the diagnostic system being used) to differentiate between a failure of the compressor, the driver block, the height sensors, or the ECU.

Whichever route you take, good luck.

 

[skippy3k]

I will have to disagree with you on this one, PT. EAS is fairly simple. To be more accurate, 99% of the time the problem is the same. It's the other 1% that gets complicated.

This isn't to say I think it's a great system.

 

[ptschram]

I will have to disagree with you on this one, PT. EAS is fairly simple. To be more accurate, 99% of the time the problem is the same. It's the other 1% that gets complicated.

This isn't to say I think it's a great system.

LOFL. "Pressure switch not changing state". Is that because the compressor is bad, the driver bad, the solenoid bad, or the pressure switch? Might even be a wiring problem with the ECU.

The diagnostics do not give enough info as there are too many components int he system that can cause the condition the diagnostics report.

The best ones are where the left door actuator is involved!

 

[lforgue8]

LOFL. "Pressure switch not changing state". Is that because the compressor is bad, the driver bad, the solenoid bad, or the pressure switch? Might even be a wiring problem with the ECU.

The diagnostics do not give enough info as there are too many components int he system that can cause the condition the diagnostics report.

The best ones are where the left door actuator is involved!

amen to that PT....i used to pull my hair out over p38 eas...now when one comes in its usually for just a coil conversion...few people i see at work want to keep the $$$$ eas anymore.

 

[fiftywattplexi]

I used to sing the praises of the awesomeness of the EAS system. Its a really great idea and when it works - its pretty sweet. But after experiencing similar issues (the leaning to one side, random faults, leaks, faulty parts, rebuilding the valve block, bad wiring from the sensors, questionable driver etc) I'd finally had it when I had a hard fault many miles from home and didn't have the laptop/cable to reset it with me - my vehicle was parked near the airport while I was on vacation and I didn't want any valuables inside. Well, that was the worst ride of my life and I even ended up screwing up my already messed up back from all the bumpstop jarring. In the meantime I installed a M.A.R.S. system from Carroll Rovers, basically a manual fill system that bypasses everything else and I would just put a bit of air in it every once in a while to keep it even, but I just ordered a conversion kit with OME HD springs from British Parts of Utah/Rover Connection. Should be here on Monday, I can't wait to 'drive it again for the first time'.
Maybe an option like that would suit you better, its robust, no chance of an exploding bellows while on the trail or during an emergency maneuver and the nonstop fussing and hair pulling will come to an end.

I certainly won't dog anyone for keeping their EAS, if you can keep it up and running properly more power to you, its just not for me.

 

[carlosz]

I run a 95 lwb 230,000 plus miles and still has a working eas, btw it is a daily driver...