The snorkel may be replaced separately.
The vent solenoid:
Allows air to escape from the system during venting operation.
Shares a common electrical connector with the air compressor motor.
Is enclosed in the cylinder head casting, which forms an integral valve housing that allows the valve tip to enter the pressurized side of the system.
Has an O-ring seal that prevents air leakage past the valve tip.
Provides an escape route for pressurized air that opens when system pressures exceed safe operating levels.
Is not a separately replaceable item.
Air Springs
Vehicles with rear air suspension (RAS) systems use pneumatic springs on the rear axle. The air spring is essentially a column of compressed air confined in a container.
Increasing air pressure (compressing) raises the rear of the vehicle, and decreasing air pressure (venting) lowers it.
The air springs are mounted between the axle spring seats and the frame upper spring seats, and they replace conventional rear coil springs.
Air Suspension Height Sensor
The air suspension height sensor (5359) is connected to the frame crossmember at the top and a height adjuster bar at the bottom.
As the distance between the frame crossmember and axle increases, the air suspension height sensor length increases. Through the rear air suspension control module strategy, the vent
and air spring solenoids open allowing the vehicle to vent to trim height.
As the distance between the frame crossmember and axle decreases, the air suspension height sensor length decreases. Through the rear air suspension control module strategy, the air
compressor turns on, compressing air into the air springs and raising the vehicle to trim height.
Air Compressor Relay
The air compressor relay is energized by the rear air suspension control module. A solid state relay is used in the air suspension system for air compressor control.
Air Line
The air line is routed through the chassis from the air compressor assembly to each solenoid valve at each rear air spring.
2
1998 Town Car Workshop Manual
9/29/2010
http://www.fordtechservice.dealerconnection.com/pubs/content/~WSWG/~MUS~LEN/19/...
