Ninety-Eight FWD V6-260 4.3L DSL (1985)
Level Control Solenoid Valve: Testing and Inspection
System Does Not Exhaust
Fig. 18 Sensor connector wire terminal locations
Exc. 1984-85 Cutlass Ciera & 1985 98
1.
With ignition ``On,'' disconnect wiring connector from compressor exhaust solenoid terminals. Using a suitable 12 volt test light, probe red wire
terminal on 88 and 98 models or orange wire terminal on Toronado of the solenoid wiring connector. If no power exists, locate and repair open
circuit in red wire on 88 and 98 models or orange wire on Toronado models. If power exists, proceed to step 2.
2.
Using a suitable jumper wire, connect 12 volts to one terminal of the exhaust solenoid valve and a suitable ground to the other. Observe if system
exhausts. If system does not exhaust, replace exhaust solenoid valve. If system exhausts, reconnect exhaust solenoid wiring and proceed to step 3.
3.
Raise and support rear of vehicle then, check height sensor for the following: link is securely attached to arm, wiring connector is properly
installed and securely attached, harness ground wire is securely attached, arm adjusting nut is securely attached and the correct height sensor is
installed. Refer to ``Trim Adjustment.'' If any of the above is incorrect, repair as necessary. If all the above are satisfactory, proceed to step 4.
4.
Disconnect height sensor wiring harness. Using a suitable test light, check for 12 volts at terminal 6 of wiring harness, Fig. 18. If no power exists,
locate and repair open in wiring between terminal 6 and fuse block. If power exists, proceed to step 5.
5.
Connect test light between terminals 6 and 4 of height sensor wiring connector, Fig. 18. If no power exists, repair open in height sensor ground
circuit. If power exists, proceed to step 6.
6.
If shocks are deflated from previous testing, inflate by using a suitable jumper wire to jump terminals 3 and 4 of the height sensor harness
connector. After shocks are noticeably filled, jump terminals 2 and 4 and observe if shocks deflate. If shocks do not deflate, repair open in white
wire between height sensor and compressor exhaust solenoid. If shocks deflate, proceed to step 7.
7.
Check height sensor operation. Refer to ``Height Sensor Operational Check.'' If height sensor operates properly, check trim height. Refer to
``Vehicle Trim Height Check'' and adjust as necessary. If height sensor operates improperly, replace.
1985 98
1.
Turn ignition ``On'' and disconnect electrical connector from ELC compressor.
2.
Connect suitable test lamp between orange wire terminal on solenoid connector and ground. If test lamp lights, proceed to step 3. If test lamp does
not light, check ELC fuse and replace if necessary. If fuse is satisfactory, check orange wire between compressor and fuse for an open and repair
as necessary.
3.
Connect 12 volt power source to orange wire of compressor and ground the white wire. If system now exhausts, proceed to step 4. If system still
does not exhaust, replace compressor.
4.
Reconnect wiring to compressor, then raise and support rear of vehicle and check height sensor for the following: link is securely attached to arm,
electrical connector is properly installed and securely attached, ground wire is securely attached, arm adjusting nut is tight and correct height
sensor is installed. If any of these items are incorrect, repair as necessary. If all items are satisfactory, proceed to step 5.
5.
Disconnect height sensor electrical connector and connect test lamp between orange wire terminal of connector and ground. If test lamp lights,
proceed to step 6. If test lamp does not light, repair open in orange wire between height sensor and ELC fuse.
6.
Connect test lamp between connector terminal 6 (orange wire) and terminal 4 (black wire). If test lamp lights, proceed to step 7. If test lamp does
not light, check for open in black wire between height sensor and ground.
7.
If shocks are flat from prior tests, inflate by connecting a jumper wire between terminals 3 (yellow wire) and 4 (black wire). After shocks have
inflated, connect a jumper wire between terminals 2 (white wire) and 4 (black wire). If shocks deflate, proceed to step 8. If shocks do not deflate,
repair open in white wire between compressor and height sensor.
8.
Check height sensor operation as described under ``Height Sensor Operation Check'' and replace if necessary. If sensor operates satisfactorily,
check trim height as described under ``Vehicle Trim Height Check'' and adjust as necessary.
