When it becomes necessary to either raise or lower the vehicle ride height, the ECU will energize the
respective manifold valve coil(s) by applying 12VDC. With 12VDC applied to the coil, current flows
through the windings and creates an electro-magnetic field. This magnetic field is stronger than the
existing spring pressure that holds the valve plunger against the valve seat within the manifold. The
strength of the magnetic field will cause the plunger to move inside the body of the valve assembly,
compressing the spring, and opens the respective “fill” or “exhaust” passage within the manifold. This
will allow system air to either “fill” or “exhaust” the associated airbag. This action will either raise or
lower the vehicle, depending upon which valve has been energized. When the desired position has been
reached, the ECU will remove power from the valve coil(s), the internal spring will decompress (expand),
and the plunger will once again seal off the associated manifold port. This sealing action will sustain the
desired ride height until system adjustment once again becomes necessary.
Valve Servicing
The valves are secured to the body of the manifold by using four (4), 10-32NF X ½” socket head cap
screws (SHCS) with lock washers and are factory tightened to 30in/lbs. of torque. Care must be taken
when removing or replacing the valve assembly so as not to lose the mounting hardware or the O-ring that
is installed in the respective manifold surface machined groove. The O-ring and mounting hardware
create a positive seal between the valve assembly mounting plate and the valve mounting surface of the
manifold.
Note:
If the O-ring is lost or damaged or the valve is not properly attached to the manifold by using all of
the previous mentioned hardware, an external leak will occur and a source for contamination to enter the
manifold is created.
The valve body and coil are independent assemblies and can be replaced individually, if necessary. The
coil
only
can be replaced by the following procedure:
1.) Disconnect the associated valve wiring harness.
2.) Remove the power wire from the harness connector and remove the ground wire SHCS.
3.) Insert an appropriately sized flat head screwdriver into the hook section of the clip groove located
on the top of the valve assembly.
4.) Tilt the screwdriver handle down, so the clip slides out (towards the screwdriver).
5.) Remove the clip and slide the coil upward, to clear the housing of the valve body.
6.) To reinstall, slide the coil over the valve body and reinstall the clip.
7.) Install and crimp a new pin/connector on the coil wires.
8.) Reinstall the wire in the harness connector, reattach the ground wire, and reconnect the wire
harness connector.
Warning
: System operating pressures are typically 90-130psi. Steps should be taken to
relieve pressure from the system prior to removing any valve assembly from the manifold.
