AUDI A8 air compressor repair and relay location

This short little video is to explain where the air compressor or airpump the A8 2006 is common for the relay to burn up or the fuse to blow causing the pump to run continuously and burn itself up
what rebuild kit I used
www.ebay.com/it...

[@mattearle8937]

Chris this was an excellent well laid out video. helped me big time. Thank you for taking the time to make and post it.

[@chrisstinson2536]

no problem! I realized the frustration when i was working on this issue and figured id try to help as much as i can!

[@mattearle8937]

@@chrisstinson2536 it certainly did help..at least for 99.5% of us lol. Thanks man. Its always awesome when someone takes time out of their busy schedule to help others for the pure reason of just wanting to help.

[@edouardfleurant879]

Chris Stinson hey I got problem with Audi A8 super low to the ground the front the orange car light stayed on and the green car blinking is it pump or relay messed up how can I know the lift is not grated out when I start car but 2 minutes later lift gets grated out then there is no lift option no more can drive car no more front to low now help please

[@chrisstinson2536]

@@edouardfleurant879 That sounds like the pump is bad. If you hear the air ride pump on but it is not lifting, that is it. There are rebuild kits on ebay, its a super easy job, remove the pump, and it is 3-4 bolts, then the piston and cylinder comes apart, you put new seals in and a new teflon piston ring on. I got the kit for $30 i think, a new pump is $600 or so last i looked.

[@op-pv2nn]

Chris Stinson Must I change the relay, if the pump works fine and it is just a leak in the air struts? I’ve already changed the struts, cleaned the pump and put a new piston ring on it.

[@shelbystratton9138]

THANK YOU for making this video! My '05 A8 had the exact same issue! Bad relay blew the fuse. Ran around for almost a week with the nose on the ground! Thought my front struts were gone! Replaced the relay and the fuse. Been perfect for over a month now! Your video saved my car! Thanks Chris!

[@dreamwvr0728vm]

Could u tell.me what size fuse is used I have the relay just need to know fuse size☺AWESOME VIDEO

[@410.darrius3]

Hey Chris i just got an 2004 a8L and it won't lift i hear the pump coming on and its two cars on dash bord i need help plesse

[@joseteixeira5900]

Hi Chris. Mine is Allroad C6. I think mine 373 relay is no trunk with easy access. My compressor is new since I bought the car, however, my rear suspension goes down only on dynamic mode, and beyound 130km/h which dynamic activates by default if the automatic mode is on, the compressor tries to maintain its level every 1 or 2 minutes. Of course most of the time I choose confort mode to not force the compressor. Sometimes happen to me when I lock the doors to leave the car or unlock the doors, we hear the solenoid valve, the system is checking I guess, and so I hear the rear suspension leaking a lot (both of them), so I presume the bags are ok...ehat do you think?

[@trufmontanato]

hey Chris I have a 2006 Audi a8 is the windshield wiper relay located in the same place you showed on this video

[@chrisstinson2536]

I am not sure. haven't had to dig for that one yet. ill try cycling my wipers and listen for a relay.

[@omniwholesale4483]

my A8 is sitting like a pancake, I did not remove the dash yet but I unplugged the pump and checked the power at the pump and the pump cut on, so as I work my way back to the dash is there anything in between I should worry about

[@rotaryperfection]

I'm getting ready to purchase a 2007 Audi A8. Looks like I'll be putting in a shut off switch on that pump. I can't believe you have to take that much dash apart just to get to the fuses to keep the pump from burning up.

[@stinson87]

ya, a switch, or easier to access fuse. I would probably go with a 5A lower panel mount circuit breaker. that way it trips before the fuse.

[@mattearle8937]

Actually I thought it would be a nightmare too but I had that strip off and the lower dash by the drivers knees off in less than 10 minutes. Just be gentle and pull the strip from one end straight out and wiggle it bottom out than top out intermittently at each push in bracket to not break any. I did break one on the short piece to the left of the steering wheel. I am trying to crazy glue it. You have to be gentle and forceful but gentle. Use a flashlight to look behind the strip as you pull it off from the outer edge to the inner edge. Get yourself one of those plastic trim remover tools. They are handy.

[@TheThe1thelast]

I tried reading the comments hoping to find an answer to my question but there weren't any. anyways, my A8 front is much lower than the back and extremely stiff. is it a relay problem or the compressor is actually out?

[@waitotong9590]

Yes, I have the same problem with my 2007 A8

[@davidhearne497]

thanks chris , very helpful

[@willzworld9204]

Chris I have a 2006 Audi A8 I just got and the Air Suspension light is on, so I found your video and decided to check the relay and fuse. When I go check the relay and fuse are both missing. Can you tell me which relay and fuse goes there so I can replace? But I think I am going to find a bigger issue when I install them. Guessing previous owner took them out for some reason.

[@chrisstinson2536]

Relay: ebay.us/KwIldF a automotive 645, is what I put in, the original is a 373. both are 40A rated, possibly a 40A auxillary fan fuse may work. They probably took it out because it was "short cycling" which means the pump has a bad piston ring. There is a rebuild kit on ebay for that.

[@seamlessny2720]

hey Chris great vid by the way my son ripped his bumper off at a stump now his car is slammed fuse good replaced relay makes noise but won't raise the car I'm fucked 2k repair they said any opinions thanks in advance bud!

[@mikloskiraly941]

Great video Just bought a 2004 A8L and on the way home from the dealer the both fronts went down, Not fully but down. The rear is up in lift mode. Once I start the car. I get all settings highlight in white. I dial standard, automatic, dynamic and lift. Nothing moves. Front stays down rear stays up. The dash lights dont come on for a few minutes and then the standard, automatic and dynamic setttings turn grey on tne MMI screen. I will check the relay and fuse. Any other ideas? Thanks

[@shawnkindle6597]

Miklos, were yyou able to resolve this issue?

[@mikloskiraly941]

Shawn Kindle , yes we had to replace both front air shocks which were leaking bady

[@daijahmed9622]

Hi dear How are you I have a 2006 audi a8 I had problem with compressor twice So i think there's something else i have to fix Its woking sometime and sometime not working Any idea about it ?

[@chrisstinson2536]

if you have an air leak in any pneumatic shock or the manifold, the pump will run until it overheats or the computer stops it due to gross leak. if there is a airline that came loose or worn down, this can cause the same issue.

[@mattearle8937]

If you hear your air suspension pump running for a number of minutes and do not want it to burn up/wear out before getting the dash apart to access the fuse and relay, just open the trunk and take the battery terminals off the battery until you get the dash open for a relay inspection.

[@chrisstinson2536]

You can, either way you have to have tools to get either one disconnected. Poor design in my mind.

[@TheArunkhurana]

I am a Used car dealer and I do not have any mechanical help. Today I had someone who came to look at my 2005 Audi A8L and I had to jump Start it. We went on highway for test drive and after we returned Front end sat really low. And Yellow light and Green Light (car was very very very low) came on. I can hear that Compressor works for 30 seconds or so and then turns off (with engine off and only on battery). I am not sure if compressor keep running while idling the engine because compressor noise is not enough to hear clear. I am hoping to get some help from the owner of this video. What do you think is wrong? And no front end is not lifting.

[@chrisstinson2536]

Sounds like pump is dead. I would get a rebuild kit. Super easy fix

[@lennylenti6177]

Hi chris...when you replace the air compressor,need to be install with computer?

[@tjones5626]

Lenny Lenti ??

[@mikeryansgt]

is this kit used if i was told by dealer I need a new compressor

[@chrisstinson2536]

probably, If the compressor runs but does not pump. If the compressor does not run, or keeps blowing fuses it may be completely dead.

[@Therey1898]

I have a Q7 with both rear suspension lowered wont go up and green & orange suspension light flashing what could be wrong could it be just a relay? Also a yesterday the lights came on after a bump but when off after i turned the vehicle off.

[@chrisstinson2536]

that sounds like either the pump needs a rebuild or there is a leak. if the relay does what mine did, the pump never turns off.

[@joshuak1463]

I have a 2006 Audi A6 4.2 Quattro and have been having compressor issues. Mine burned out due to having leaking shocks, so i replaced all the shocks and the compressor. It worked like a dream for about 3 weeks than i noticing that one side or the other would start to drop. I figured i either had a lose hose or the distribution block (i think its called that) needed replaced. However the compressor would still lift the car back to normal when i started it. On my way to the garage to check the fittings and block the yellow and green lights came on. When i got to the shop the compressor had quit completely. We tested the circuits and the pump was getting power but refused to turn on, could this be a relay/fuse issue or could it be a compressor issue? The compressor i got was purchased brand new.

[@stinson87]

+Joshua k did you check the power to the actual pump wiring or just at the relay? It sounds like fuse/relay issue really. it would be odd to have a pump die before the fuse.

[@joshuak1463]

+Atom RC Yes, the checked power at the actually pump and its getting power, its getting power.... Could it be that the relay is bad causing the pump to run constantly and killing in such a short time frame?

[@stinson87]

+Joshua k probably not. you could have got a bad pump. did it run when you first installed? you may want to see if you can warranty it. you can also take the pump out and connect 12v to see if it runs. could be a bad connector.

[@joshuak1463]

+Atom RC yes it ran for about 3 weeks, ive been in contact with the company and they will be warrantying it out, however, im just worried that there is some other issue that will destroy the new pump when it comes in....

[@stinson87]

not likely. the pump will throw codes if there is another issue. there is thermal protection, and timers. if the pump just died and had no codes, then it was faulty.

[@slimothy88]

My A8 is stuck in dynamic mode and only the rear passenger side sits lower than normal is it possible that I only need a compressor and relay? Audi dealership told my I need a compressor and a new shock which would be about 3 grand all together

[@stinson87]

hmm... it could be a few things. but I would start with the relay and a compressor rebuild kit... only a fraction of the $ and then if needed get the shock.

[@smoothgaskin3907]

Did u ever find out the problem cause i have a 2009 audi a8l n have the same problem and my compressor makes a lot of noise

[@stinson87]

smooth gaskin if the pump is loud and has a "blowoff" when lowering the return line is not connected. this can cause the pump to work excessively and burn out faster.

[@bizzlebands1307]

I have the same problem my 04 A8L will lift an then slowly drop the green light an yellow light will flash an the the green light will stay on as the yellow light will go off ......the compressor runs normally.......please help I can't take public transportation anymore

[@shawnkindle6597]

Jordan, were you able to resolve this issue?

[@abztrakGFX]

Hey bud did you disconnect battery while doing this work?

[@mattearle8937]

I know I did as its easy enough to disconnect.

[@chrisstinson2536]

ha... replied from my other account :p

[@mr.julien245]

Hey do you have a link for the rebuild kit bc it's not on that link posted any longer? Also,is it easy for the "average"man to rebuild the system or only if you have that for m of expertise?

[@bernardleverette3841]

I have a 06 Audi A8L,my problem is my suspension keeps goes up an down on its own, sometimes it's so low that it scrubs when I cross a speed bump.was wondering if it's my suspension going bad or do I need another compressor.

[@juanignaciotesoroduarte6644]

Hello friend, excuse me, do you have a phone number that can ask you a question, the truth is, you explain very well

[@eggsngritstn]

Thanks for the help, Chris. Great information. I, too, am very frustrated that Audi put the relays and fuses behind that dash panel. It makes me appreciate my Swedish cars a little more. For others who visit in the future (such as TheArunkhurana below), a ruptured front air strut is a very common problem if your car is sitting on the front stops with both yellow and green lamps on. Rebuilt front struts and compressors are available from a couple of German parts suppliers. I got two rebuilt front struts and a new (NOT rebuilt) compressor for about $1200 after CORE return. Good luck!

[@shawnkindle6597]

Greetings Chris - I have a 2004 A8 that has slumped down on the front passenger side. I have no organs or children to offer the dealership to repair, so I am trying to folllow your video. I am in the process of removing dash, and will next try to reach the compressor. Per your video, it is behind the foglight, Since it is passenger side, will this be on passenger side?

[@chrisstinson2536]

no, the only pump is behind the driver side fog light. if you are drooping in only one corner, unfortunately that is a sign of a valve/strut/line leak... somewhere past the valve body there is a leak. when the pump goes the whole system droops, front first, then the back will follow.

[@darthsith321]

Great video dude, what's the best setting to leave my air suspension on? And I notice the back of my a8 get real low when I don't drive it for a while but goes up as soon as i unlock it. And I hear a psht sound at stop signs in the beginning but goes away after...

[@darthsith321]

Replaced compressor for 5k a couple years ago...what a headache lol

[@frankmtech3766]

I just want to say thanks for the info. I couldn't find any info about where was the location of the relay and fuse. I own my shop and my system didn't tell me the location. tomorrow morning I'm going to call alldata and find out why they don't have the info that I need. Great video bro! 👍👍👍👍👍

[@410.darrius3]

Hey Chris i just got an 2004 a8L and it won't lift i hear the pump coming on and its two cars on dash bord i need help plesse

[@amex1997]

new to a8 2006, there are buttons to select the air ride High/Comfort/Dynamic,, do you have to set it on a specific setting before you raise the car? how did you de-pressurized the system? im gathering info im in the process on getting a 2006 a8 , and I will replace the relay before it stops working, thanks

[@smoothgaskin3907]

hey there I have a 2009 Audi a8l and I'm having a little problem don't know if the compressor is bad but it makes a lot of noise. My passenger side is lower than the left side the dynamic and yellow light is on but it only comes on in the morning both at once then both turns off and my car raises but as I continue to drive it comes back on and my cars tend to lower is the pump bad or something is loose people are telling me that the pump is not keeping the pressure

[@garrygreen4442]

Did you figure out what was wrong?

[@jawadhussain2241]

FYI: fuse and relay are under the carpet in the passenger footwell (on a RHD car). this was on an Audi A8 D3

[@CarlosSanchez-vx2ge]

There's a 10 amp fuse on the passenger side fuse box the cuts the power supply to the relay

[@osvaldofranklin1055]

hello my friend got an Audi A8 is well below the front. ?????? what do I do?

[@sandradolinska4572]

Hi i have a audi a8 and the jackmode is on all the time and car is verry low ???

[@samueldelornac5852]

Thank you for your explainations, i had the someone problem ......

[@dusanstevanovic8955]

Hello Chris, The exact same issue happened on my 2006 A8 and of course the air compressor is dead now. I purchased the same relay that you currently have, that's what they give you at Audi as an updated part and it's already installed on my vehicle. I do see Wabco compressor repair kit all over Ebay and it's pretty cheap for what it could fix but is there anything else that could go bad inside the compressor? Like the motor or other parts that don't come with the repair kit. Your advise would be much appreciated. Thanks! Dusan

[@chrisstinson2536]

Dusan Stevanovic Within the compressor your motor could go bad, but its most likely the seals, especially if the pump runs good, just wont lift the car.

[@guniseran]

My right (passenger) side keeps dropping overnight, changed the shock no luck, checked the valve body no luck. Shall I change the Relay? Says there is a leak in the system Thank you

[@chrisstinson2536]

you may want to check the air line for a leak if the shock and valve body is good, if the relay was bad, the entire car slowly lowers over time and it keeps itself level. spray the lines with soapy water and look for bubbles.

[@guniseran]

@@chrisstinson2536 Thank you!

[@williamyu94]

Thank you very helpful

[@Bangledorf]

Thank you for posting this! Exact same issue with my car. Very frustrating.

[@chrisstinson2536]

Glad you found it! hope it helped!

[@kaibintech]

Nice video!

[@adamkupietz8677]

When your compressor stopped working, did both front air suspensions fail? I have a situation where the whole front of my car is dropped down like a low rider. Is this what happened to you?

[@chrisstinson2536]

no, when the compressor failed, the pump runs more to try to lift but cant, the car will roughly lower all together, the front does go a bit more but not "all at once"

[@ales.svoboda]

Nice video Chris, thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@samueldelornac5852]

Sorry "same problem "

[@stankosvrkota9250]

Hi, you are owesome. Can you give me the link where to find the repair kit, with relay and other stuf that I need. My problem that it wouldn’t turn of, and then it started the to smoke. I have plugged of the battery to stop it. I have 2008 AUDI A8 3.0 tdi 4E Thanks

[@mikeryansgt]

what forum did you post on?

[@otismatthews1042]

Have you heard anything about conversion kits for A8's? Or about how the ride is?

[@stinson87]

conversion kits? to make them non air ride? it would ride just like every other spring car, personally havent seen a kit though...

[@MrImarcus]

brilliant vid, thankyou sir!

[@walton760]

How can I get an a8 pump kit (rebuild/seals) & what should it cost

[@stinson87]

+walton760 I have a link in the description to the kit i used

[@trufmontanato]

ok thanks

[@romandiriyenko6442]

Did you replace the actual compressor or just used the rebuild kit?

[@mattearle8937]

I recall he said he bought a rebuild kit in the video.

[@tjones5626]

Thanks for this

[@TheRafalblog]

Hi thanks for this video is very helpful for me. Could you tell please after you took out compressor have you seen any air filter mounted on it? Thanks

[@stinson87]

+TheRafalblog no. it recirculates air... no filter or dryer. it uses return air from the relief

[@TheRafalblog]

+Atom RC thanks a lot

[@temocgauna5615]

hi Chris. where can I order this rebuilt kit for the compressor. also were did you find the relay. thanks for the video very helpful.

[@chrisstinson2536]

I got the relay off of ebay. the vendor i got does not sell them any more so just have to search.

[@temocgauna5615]

Chris Stinson thank you

[@ethantuttle2247]

Is there anyway to manually raise my air suspension

[@chrisstinson2536]

Not that I know of, if your system failed, I guess you could make an airline adapter and use an air compressor to adjust each corner. Not sure what exactly you would have to do though, and what pressures it runs at.

[@9Ball88]

Thank you Chris!! Great work!!

[@chrisstinson2536]

no problem.

[@gbr437]

So glad someone actually took the time out to film & discuss this all too common issue! My compressor just recently failed & now my a8 sits on all corners. Just purchased a new compressor but i dont know if i should also purchase new struts as well. Ive read a bunch of forums in regard to this matter. Most suggest that the compressor runs because there is a leak in an air strut somewhere & it causes the compressor to overwork itself trying to compensate for the leak. My car only has 79,000 miles on it. Should a strut need replacing so soon? Do you think it could be a leak in the air strut or could the pump fuse & relay really be the actual culprit?

[@stinson87]

sorry i didnt reply sooner.

[@stinson87]

no, they are actually very rare to go out. most people think of the allroad and older cars. These actually are more like hydraulics than bags. its most likely the pump or relay. honestly you could have got a rebuild kit for only $25 rather than a new compressor, unless the motor was shot.

[@gbr437]

at the time of purchase i wasn't aware of any rebuild kits. it wasn't until after i had already purchased the new pump that i was made aware of the rebuild kits. i do have a few questions if you don't mind answering. after you replaced the pump & relay, did the vehicle raise up on its own or did the suspension need to be re-calibrated via vcds? how easy is it to remove the fog light grill & fog light? did you use a repair kit or did you install a new pump? i'm gonna attempt to perform this repair myself so any advice you could offer would be very helpful. thank you!

[@stinson87]

the grill and fog light is super easy. I used a rebuild kit. just took the two bolts out once the pump was off, pulled the piston open, cleaned out the dust and debris with a dry rag, reassembled with new parts. And once it was all back together, the car sort of recalibrated itself... the pump turned on and off for a few minutes while in my driveway. then leveled and its good to go.

[@gbr437]

ahh! you used the rebuild kit. that's probably why your vehicle calibrated itself automatically. you used the same pump! i may have to manually program the new pump to my vehicle(via vcds) after installation. were you able to use a regular floor jack to lift the vehicle or did you have to use a low profile floor jack? lastly, what tools were used to perform the job?

[@drrobsan]

Thanks!!!

[@stinson87]

no problem! I got tired of searching for this damn thing :D

[@MySuccess4u2010]

Did you make a video of your pump rebuild by any chance. Not that I need it. Just that I never rebuilt an air pump. Was there anything on a need to know basis or is it just a simple parts replacing type of deal.

[@chrisstinson2536]

Sorry, no it is two bolts an oring and piston ring.

[@andredaniels2185]

Chris Stinson hello Chris out of no where my 2005 audi a8l green and yellow indicator started to go off... the Yellow disappears and then the green.. but once i start driving they come back on and then the front sits real low... can you tell me if that sounds like the relay or the pump...

[@stinson87]

Andre Daniels that sounds more like a leak in the manifold or a front strut. Does it level out when stationary? And does the back sag as well at any time?

[@andredaniels2185]

When I start her back up it levels back up the bag does not sag but once I start driving the Yellow and green light comes back on and the front lowers back down but the back remains normal...I still have the option to,select any adaptive air ride selections though.

[@andredaniels2185]

The back dosent sag I meant

[@josearriaga4110]

Hey, I have the same car and I wanted to know if u knew what every relay is for on that section

[@stinson87]

+Jose Arriaga ha... no clue... it took a few days of digging to find the pump relay. if you could find a list of relays and fuses it would be great.