Hi
Any body out there that can tell me why the right front air suspension air bag goes down while sitting over night? The air ride air bag is fairly new. Could it be a bad o-ring in the air bag solenoid itself and if so how do you go about getting the soleniod out to replace the o-rings? Thanks Alot. ED

Usually when a front end goes down (while either sitting or driving) it usually indicates damaged bags and they must be replaced in pairs on the front before beginning the complete diagnostic sequence. Was the replacement bag OEM and did it come with the solenoid installed? If leaking again, it has most likely been damaged and will need to be replaced again.

The car will continue to trim itself for about five minutes (I believe) after the key is turned off. After that there is no power supplied so suspect a mechanical defect.

Use soapy water to check for a bad diaphram and/or leakage from the solenoid O-Rings/air delivery tube.

-MARK VII Air Suspension Help-

Complete diagnostics are covered in the appropriate Shop Manual and there are additional TSB's also.

I had the same type of problem with my Mark VIII, the portent of an air suspension system failure. Apparently salty or moist air gets in the system through the front fender mounted air compressor and starts to oxidize the airbag housings creating leaks.

My solution was to axe the entire airbag system in favor of Eibach coil springs and Koni shocks. I had to fabricate spring seats to insert in the rear spring perches where the airbags had previously sat to hold the rear coil springs. In the front I used a shock absorber housing from a Cougar to hold the Konis.

A cheaper alternative is to get the complete conversion from Strutmasters. Check out the Lincoln sites like Lincolns of Distinction for indepth info.

I have had the Mk8 converted now for a couple years and do not miss the air suspension at all. Now, it has a more performance feel and handling is much improved over the wallowy air ride. With the Eibachs the lowered stance is absolutely perfect.

This is a good point in the care of the system. There is a dryer mounted on the compressor that should be changed on a regular basis as it is filled with a moisture dessicant and can/will cause system failure.