Air suspension problem. Isolated or common?

[gamefish]

I have a 2017 1500 Limited that I traded my 2014 in on specifically for the air suspension (and to treat myself). While I love the air suspension when it works, I have had ongoing problems and dealers can't seem to fix it.
Problem 1: Truck will never sit level. Right rear is anywhere from 3/4" to 1-3/4" off from rest of vehicle. Will level out when dealer works on it then off again as soon as the drive home from dealership is over.
Problem 2: Periodic warning messages indicating "Immediate service of air suspension required". I take it to the dealer and they clear it but it eventually comes back. Have not been able to pinpoint any driving condition that causes this. Seems random.
Problem 3: Front end will drop to entry/exit height and rear will go to "off road 2" height. Again, random and can not find common link causing this.

I am asking FCA for options to resolve this including the possibility of replacement. I want to stay with RAM and I REALLY want the air suspension but wonder if it is best to move away from the air suspension due to "known" problems.

Would like some input if you guys have any. Thanks in advance for any input you could provide.

 

[BWL]

Mine works properly so far, but does sit about .75" low on the front left. Had the dealer try to reset it but it stayed the same.Guys have said try adjustable links to adjust the 4 corners independently, but that didn't work either. I don't think it's 4 corner levelling just front to back so if the air shocks aren't matched in pairs it's going to sit low on 1 side. Perhaps a tech with real knowledge of the system could correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[tfeni52355]

Put the dealer on notice for possible lemon law replacement of the vehicle. There is generally a limit to the number of times they can have the truck and not resolve the issue before the have to offer a replacement. Do some research and check your state laws.

FCA has a buy back program that works. I was offered it after all the problems I had with my 2014 Bighorn. Not air suspension problems but just about everything else..

Good luck with your truck.


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[HitchHiker]

Mine works properly so far, but does sit about .75" low on the front left. Had the dealer try to reset it but it stayed the same.Guys have said try adjustable links to adjust the 4 corners independently, but that didn't work either. I don't think it's 4 corner levelling just front to back so if the air shocks aren't matched in pairs it's going to sit low on 1 side. Perhaps a tech with real knowledge of the system could correct me if I'm wrong.

I’m noticing the same issues on my 2018 with air suspension the past month or so, sits a little low on the front left when sitting in the driveway overnight. It levels back up when driving and stays level if it’s only sitting for a short while, but after several hours the left front definitely sits lower. Need to take it to the dealership at some point soon.


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[TerraNewf]

Mine drops overnight to the entry/exit level. Had it to the dealer once but they didn't fix it, said they have to keep it overnight to replicate the problem. Very annoying to say the least

 

[BWL]

Mine stays the same height no matter how long it sits, but consistently 1 corner low. Lowering just sitting likely means a leak. System will make up for an air leak by drawing in air, but that brings more problems in the form of moisture in the system so once the leak is repaired it requires a full purge and recharge with nitrogen to prevent corrosion or freezing of components in cold climate.

 

[Firebird]

My 2014 with air suspension never had an issue, however, I traded out because the truck was too complex. I figured it was just a matter of time before I had trouble with it, and besides, the coil suspension rides just as good. It was also a first-year EcoDiesel, which made me a little nervous with all of the reports of engine failures.

 

[RamCares]

I have a 2017 1500 Limited that I traded my 2014 in on specifically for the air suspension (and to treat myself). While I love the air suspension when it works, I have had ongoing problems and dealers can't seem to fix it.
Problem 1: Truck will never sit level. Right rear is anywhere from 3/4" to 1-3/4" off from rest of vehicle. Will level out when dealer works on it then off again as soon as the drive home from dealership is over.
Problem 2: Periodic warning messages indicating "Immediate service of air suspension required". I take it to the dealer and they clear it but it eventually comes back. Have not been able to pinpoint any driving condition that causes this. Seems random.
Problem 3: Front end will drop to entry/exit height and rear will go to "off road 2" height. Again, random and can not find common link causing this.

I am asking FCA for options to resolve this including the possibility of replacement. I want to stay with RAM and I REALLY want the air suspension but wonder if it is best to move away from the air suspension due to "known" problems.

Would like some input if you guys have any. Thanks in advance for any input you could provide.

Hi gamefish,

Sorry to hear that you are having concerns with your Air Suspension. I would like to look into this for you, if you would like to PM your vin & mileage, I can try to assist any way I can.

Lamar
RAM Social Care Specialist

 

[RamCares]

Mine drops overnight to the entry/exit level. Had it to the dealer once but they didn't fix it, said they have to keep it overnight to replicate the problem. Very annoying to say the least

Hello TerraNewf,

If you end up letting them keep it overnight and need an additional layer of assistance during service, let us know. We're available via direct message and would be happy to escalate for further handling.

Jasmine
Ram Social Care Specialist

 

[TerraNewf]

Hello TerraNewf,

If you end up letting them keep it overnight and need an additional layer of assistance during service, let us know. We're available via direct message and would be happy to escalate for further handling.

Jasmine
Ram Social Care Specialist

Thanks so much, I will keep you posted

 

[hotrod45]

Every once in a while, when I'm outside standing near the truck, I can hear sounds that are the same as when the suspension is lowering. I've heard the sounds on several occasions, but only a couple times have I found the truck at entry level when I get in it first time in the day. I suspected that maybe with my hands in my pockets, I had bumped the keyfob, but there were no warning flashes from the lights before it started the sounds. I wasn't able to see any movement, either.
In regard to comparing air suspension and conventional coil springs, it's definitely different. I prefer the air, but it took a little while to decide.

 

[Sparky853]

Every once in a while, when I'm outside standing near the truck, I can hear sounds that are the same as when the suspension is lowering. I've heard the sounds on several occasions, but only a couple times have I found the truck at entry level when I get in it first time in the day. I suspected that maybe with my hands in my pockets, I had bumped the keyfob, but there were no warning flashes from the lights before it started the sounds. I wasn't able to see any movement, either.
In regard to comparing air suspension and conventional coil springs, it's definitely different. I prefer the air, but it took a little while to decide.

I notice my truck adjusting height as I remove/add stuff in the bed. Never had any issues with it lowering by itself though.

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[Fieldoc]

Couple of things. I have had 2 air suspension rams. Both leaned to the front left 3/4-1". Put in adjustable links and solved problem on both. When gets cold, live in Mn., air tended to ride stiffer. Now have an 18 longhorn with coils. Ride is only slightly different and that is on very rough roads. Went to coils just because in the colder climates are where the issues become more prevalent.

 

[gamefish]

I’m noticing the same issues on my 2018 with air suspension the past month or so, sits a little low on the front left when sitting in the driveway overnight. It levels back up when driving and stays level if it’s only sitting for a short while, but after several hours the left front definitely sits lower. Need to take it to the dealership at some point soon.


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Yeah, If it were just a level problem while sitting idle, I may be able to get by with that. I hope you are able to avoid further problems with it. May be worth your time to have them check it out so you have record of it in case you have additional problems. Hoping you don't have any trouble, but that is how mine started. I didn't worry too much until it started giving me warnings and really getting out of wack.
Hoping to have it looked and (and fixed) this week. Will post outcome on here once I get it back. Best of luck with yours!

 

[gamefish]

Couple of things. I have had 2 air suspension rams. Both leaned to the front left 3/4-1". Put in adjustable links and solved problem on both. When gets cold, live in Mn., air tended to ride stiffer. Now have an 18 longhorn with coils. Ride is only slightly different and that is on very rough roads. Went to coils just because in the colder climates are where the issues become more prevalent.

I may end up getting away from the air suspension as well. I am in MN as well and it seems to be that more problems are related to cold weather. If I am having this many problems in nice weather, I am concerned what may happen this coming winter if issues are not resolved............

 

[hotrod45]

In comparing the air suspension to coils, I'd describe the air as being "quicker." That seems in some way "stiffer" at first, but I don't think it takes any more force to cause the suspension to absorb and recover, it just does it faster than coils.

 

[BWL]

Couple of things. I have had 2 air suspension rams. Both leaned to the front left 3/4-1". Put in adjustable links and solved problem on both. When gets cold, live in Mn., air tended to ride stiffer. Now have an 18 longhorn with coils. Ride is only slightly different and that is on very rough roads. Went to coils just because in the colder climates are where the issues become more prevalent.

Did you just switch the link on the 1 corner or both sides and is there a trick to it. I couldn't get it any closer with them. I put in a pair starting at factory length and the truck sat the same. Then I tried shortening the left as that's what it says to raise it and both sides went up. Tried lengthening the right and they both went down a bit.

 

[tom martley]

I have a 2014 Longhorn with air shocks. The suspension has gone totally flat twice in two months. Dealer refilled system twice with nitrogen and claim they don' know why it is happening so they fixed nothing. I expect it to happen again as nothing was fixed. Have contacted Ram but zero satisfaction. Am getting ready to contact Consumer Protection Division in state where I live. I am afraid to take very far out of town in case problem repeats itself. Last time it went flat I was 900 miles from home so had a very rough ride home. Anyone have any suggestions? It is under warranty now but what happens when is out of warranty?

 

[TerraNewf]

Mine is in the shop as I type. It's been there since last Thursday and no fix yet. It only had 26000 kms when it started to act up. If a solution is found I'll gladly post

 

[Razzman]

I keep mine in normal ride height as I have AMP steps so no need to lower to entry/exit. Every day once parked it will adjust itself within minutes usually up or down, just depends on it's mood i guess. If in OR2 it will stay put and not fluctuate at all. Had it in the dealer last week for recalls and they put it on the WO, when i pick it up it says "Will address next visit", nice.