Dodge Ram air suspension problems - How to fix

Today I go over how I fixed the air suspension my self on my 2016 Dodge Ram Rebel 1500. I saved a ton by not going to the dealer. Let me know if you have any questions on the repair. #dodge

[@Japplesnap]

Applying vacuum isn't recommended because the system is not designed for it. To remove moisture, you're just supposed to purge the system with nitrogen before refilling it.

[@newenglandlife978]

Good to know.

[@paulforsberg]

This is a good video. When I see the look on your face and you say it will be tricky, for me, it means that it will be an unbelievable nightmare for me (since I am average, on a good day) at fixing things. However, this does give me confidence when speaking with the dealer. Thank you for posting.

[@newenglandlife978]

Haha thanks for the comment. That look may also come from all the work I did before I figured out the actual culprit. It’s not too bad of a job if you know the issue.

[@HighPlacesColorado]

RAM Dealership quoted $10,500 to repair my 2016 Ram 1500 Air Suspension (front struts, compressor, valve block). Found this company called RMT (they sell overhauled OEM struts and compressors). Ordered the parts and had a mechanic friend that specializes in Ram trucks install the parts. After driving it for about 500 miles the rear bags are sagging... Typically happens when the temp drops below 30. Just purchased replacement rear air bags and we'll see if that fixes it. Just passed 110k when I started having issues. I have another friend that has the same truck with very similar suspension issues...

[@waynerogers4145]

Great thank you for the information. Took mine to the dealer and he said it was my Left front air bag/ strut leaking. The dealer wanted to charge me 2600.00 to fix that issue. I went on A 1 auto and got the left and right part for 600, and will be doing it myself today. I hope that will fix it. But the question I have is, I am having the hard ride in the back , why would the front leak cause the ride to be so rough? It like it is hitting the frame in the back.

[@newenglandlife978]

If the back drops at all then there is probably a leak in the back. I fixed my rears about a year ago but now my front is dropping overnight. I assume I have a leak in the fronts. Ow

[@vmxg8052]

@@newenglandlife978 I find the fronts usually leak at the air connection on the top. You'll need a ball joint separator if you need to change out the strut.

[@bloodsoup031976]

Dealer charged me $300 to diagnose, and said it would be 9k to fix. But the fix they said it needed was to replace everything. When I asked what the issue was they couldn't give an exact reason.

[@newenglandlife978]

Seems like highway robbery. That is the problem with a lot of mechanics (not all). I’ve had so many mechanics just throw parts at problems.

[@titoobado]

Same issue with my 2016 rebel. Very helpful

[@JordanTraynor-v4i]

Hi There, I have a 2015 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel with the corner air ride. Twice over the past week I have noticed in the morning the right rear looks like its lost most if not all it's air. When I start the truck up it seems to pump it back up but is still about 7/8" lower than the left rear. I am going to do your soapy water trick on the air bag, but does a bad air bag sound correct to you?

[@newenglandlife978]

Yes. It is probably just a bad bag. Could also be the valve body but check the bag first.

[@ebenenatijr]

How many miles did you have when they went bad? Nitrogen? Doesn’t the compressor pull ambient air in to fill the system?

[@newenglandlife978]

It probably started having issues around 100k. I basically just had a leak in the rear shocks. The system does pull in air from the atmosphere but if you have a leak you have a leak. It’s better to just fix the leak and recharge with nitrogen. I live in a cold climate half the year so when it pulls in air it’s also pulling in moisture that can freeze up inside the system. I have to pull a vacuum on my system for over an hour to burn off the moisture

[@gerberholsters2181]

@@newenglandlife978 so filling the system with nitrogen is just an option for those who live in cold climates? Even if you do charge with nitrogen, wouldn't the system still draw air from the atmosphere? so you are now mixing nitrogen with atmosphere air? Sorry if this is a dumb question. Just want to make sure I need nitrogen or if its just optional. I live in Colorado so its cold here half the year also.

[@vmxg8052]

@@gerberholsters2181 The compressor is used to move the nitrogen between the reservoir tanks and the suspension parts. This is why they claim it is a "closed" system. However when you get a leak, it draws outside air in to make up for the lost nitrogen. This also draws in moisture. You can add some air line antifreeze in through the intake air hose on the compressor. This helps the airline freeze up that happens in cold weather. So run with nitrogen in colder climates and with the air line antifreeze if you system leaks.

[@liamandsharkpuppet8036]

What have I got myself into? I wonder if it would be cheaper to find a garage to charge the system and fill the cans. The tank of nitrogen and accessories and the scan tool is expensive

[@newenglandlife978]

I don’t think a garage or mechanic will charge any less.

[@SeanzoBoston]

Nice video, mine is doing the exact same thing. 1+hour trips is drops and rides like a bull. The roads in Massachusetts are wonderful in spring. How do yiu get into aero before you out in tire jack mode? Is exit mode the same as aero?

[@newenglandlife978]

So the lowest is entry/exit then aero then normal then off road. Are you having issues with yours?

[@alexgrech4420]

The air ride is great when it works but when screws up, it may be worth looking at air delete

[@newenglandlife978]

This suspension sucks. Plain and simple. I’m still wrestling with new issues.

[@chuckhyatt761]

Just watch your video on Ram air suspension. My 2014 was all the way down, rear left bag was leaking, and the pump was noise. I replace both rear bags and the compressor but the compressor will not run to lift the truck. New fuse, New relay but nothing. Would you give a suggestion on what to look at next, thanks.

[@newenglandlife978]

You need to use a capable scan tool to relearn everything

[@Garyb1720]

@@newenglandlife978I’m planning on tackling the air pump replacement soon, my scan tool can “write suspension height values” is that what you’re referring to?

[@kennylarkey3667]

I put my 2nd one on myself after paying dealership $500,then claiming to pay half since sold broken,so instead of paying $1000 I paid $500,took 30 mins, didn't do anything but change bag pull rim n wheel well off then back on

[@mikeparadiso5593]

My issue is the compressor, can you do a video showing how to get it off and back on? Dealer is trying to screw me hard on it and I'm not trying to have them do it if I can do it myself. I'll probably have them charge it but I can replace the parts

[@newenglandlife978]

Let me see if I can find a good video on it. The compressor is pretty easy to change. I think it’s 3 nuts and a couple connectors. 30 minute job

[@kimmazvar]

I have a 2016 Dodge Ram 1500, and it has had air suspension issues off and on for almost as long as the 2 1/2 years that I’ve had it. The dealer had issues in diagnosing it, and supposedly fixed it October. I started getting the suspension warning light a few weeks following that repair. They had the truck twice, for several weeks, and had trouble diagnosing the issue. During the first diagnosis, they told me that since the truck leveled itself (it lowers in the front when it has this issue) in their parking lot, they couldn’t;t diagnose it properly. It has been a nightmare. Eventually, during a subsequent lowering of the truck, they told me they believed the air suspension was having condensation issues. Long story short, my question to you is this--if I keep the truck, would you suggest I have the air suspension ripped out and have someone (not the dealer) install a standard suspension? Will the dealer need to set any components electronically, if the air suspension is removed? I don’t tow, so I don’t need the air suspension for that reason.

[@newenglandlife978]

So it's hard to properly diagnose these things. Dealers misdiagnose all the time. I found this video and it helped me. You need a special scan tool to put the truck into aero mode white it's off. Usually you can only find leaks in the rear airbags while in aero mode. kinda weird but it works. try that if you have access to a scan tool with this capability

[@m3rdpwr]

My 2014 with 47k miles. Overheating message. Dealer wants $4,800 to replace the pump and block. Nope. If I bypass the relay to turn on the pump, the pump twitches and stops. So I suppose it could be a bad compressor, or maybe the temp sensor. I have a refurb pump and block on order from RMT for $400, plus core.

[@newenglandlife978]

Way cheaper to do it yourself. You may need to recharge the system with nitrogen.

[@m3rdpwr]

@@newenglandlife978 Yes, more than likely since I will be removing the motor and manifold block. However, an air vacuum pump and gauge set can be has cheapest 70 bucks and I would just have to get a tank of nitrogen. However, the nitrogen part I could possibly just get a local garage to do it for cheaper if I didn't want to deal with it.

[@zetroc7990]

Hey what’s up brother! Good video, any way you can put the info on the scanner and special tool you’re talking about. Want to see the pricing and have them ready if my system ever goes down.

[@newenglandlife978]

Autel mk808s. That is the equivalent. I bought mine a few years ago but that is there new version

[@zetroc7990]

@@newenglandlife978 and that’s to send the air into the system correct? The special tool you’re talking about. What little pump do you have to suck out the moisture? I need to get one of those too haha

[@newenglandlife978]

I just bought the standard ac manifold gauge from harbor freight. Not sure they recommend vacuuming it out but I did. If you live in a cold climate you can add something so it won’t freeze. I also got the vacuum pump from harbor freight

[@zetroc7990]

@@newenglandlife978 thank you so much! I’m only asking because I bought a used 2017 rebel yesterday and I totally forgot that these trucks have these problems. Do you know if all these trucks have problems or only some of them?

[@zetroc7990]

@@newenglandlife978 last question. I seen in the video you replaced all those different parts and it ended up being the shocks. Let’s say hypothetically they weren’t the shocks and they were still leaking….what else can it be? The air lines themselves or what else is there to replace after replacing everything you showed in the video. Just a little worried and want to prepare myself for if I run into this problem in the near future. I bought the truck used with 97k miles 🥶

[@jamesgrant2720]

Is it still working fine. Mine Sat fine for a week after vacuuming and refilling with nitrogen. Then drove 400kms over 2 days all good. Then next day drive 1 km to buddies house and come out to rear end on bump stops.

[@newenglandlife978]

Mine is still working fine. Which components did you replace?

[@jamesgrant2720]

Compressor and valve block assembly

[@KimNguyen-nm1tx]

hello, i have a ram rebel 2017, I currently got the aev lift kit installed. all the air suspension work fine before the lift installed. now there no air in front suspension, the rear still work fine. Do you know why? thank you

[@newenglandlife978]

I have no idea. First you will want to hook up a sophisticated scan tool. You’ll want to read the codes on the air suspension module

[@KimNguyen-nm1tx]

@@newenglandlife978 the shop Installed my lift kit hook up to the scan tool and they said “ low air mass code” he said tank only has like 7psi. Idk if that is the problem

[@newenglandlife978]

They might have drained the nitrogen somehow. If they system is low then you need to recharge it. I charged mine to about 160 psi. The truck will take care of the rest

[@KimNguyen-nm1tx]

@@newenglandlife978 i took it to the dealer yesterday, the technician told me he checked it, recharge nitrogen still no front air, only rear working, he said might be a blockage in the compressor, they will give me a solid answers on monday, hopefully it not cost an arm and leg to fix it, since i already spend a lot of money for lift kit and installed. if they still don’t have solution to fix it, i might as well as get air delete lift, lesson learned, never get anything with air suspension ever again.

[@brockbelcherya]

So I have a 2016 rebel with this problem. Only the rear end will sag sometimes, and lately even after starting it can take upward of 15 minutes for the rear end to be level. I also hear a weird pressure relief sound coming from behind the tail light, then a bubbling sound until the compressor kicks back on. Has anyone had a similar issue?

[@newenglandlife978]

You probably have an air leak in one or both rear air bags. Start with that. Soapy water test

[@nomadnoobies6286]

Thanks for the informative video !!! just need to ask , how do you recalibrate the suspension after installing the new ones? I was told you need to recalibrate the suspension to get the Service required Error msg gone from the console Thanks Mate!!!!!

[@newenglandlife978]

That part took me the longest to figure out. You need a scan tool capable of reading the current suspension values and also setting suspension values. Just read what the values are write them down then input those same values and then a reset.

[@kilobear1979]

I have a 14 ram and battery died and did display service air suspension, put new battery no messages but seems riding rough. If u push on bed u don’t hear compressor or noise it usually did. Any suggestions?

[@newenglandlife978]

Is the truck lower? Is it riding really hard?

[@josephterry324]

I keep getting a payload error on my 17 rebel. Just bought from dealership. I haven’t had the chance to put anything in it, but get the error. Thinking about just adding regular shocks to never worry again? What’s your take on that idea?

[@newenglandlife978]

I looked into the air suspension delete kit from Monroe before I fixed mine. It was tempting but I had heard Monroe makes crap stuff. Decided to just fix it right. Honestly not too bad depending on what the issue is.

[@waynereed7657]

Mine stopped working altogether doesn't go up down or anything else. got a few dashlights on the way home one day that said the system was overheating a couple of days after that its dead. I'm thinking there's a leak somewhere and now the compressor has burned up . does that sound about right to you?

[@newenglandlife978]

Do your shocks still have some air? Or is it lowered and riding hard?

[@waynereed7657]

@@newenglandlife978 it’s lowered and riding hard

[@energyefficient2247]

Do you know where to get a Service/Shop Manual for the Air Suspension System for a 2015 Ram 1500 Sport?

[@newenglandlife978]

No sorry

[@rauljacobo2386]

By chance u have a link where u got the pump n I’m literally having these problems

[@liamandsharkpuppet8036]

I went out to spray with soapy water but now the bags are holding and functioning perfectly. It even sounds different. I’m wondering what to check now

[@liamandsharkpuppet8036]

Would a snap on modus scanner work on this for vacuuming and refilling with nitrogen?

[@newenglandlife978]

I’m not familiar with that one.

[@GroggyGinger]

So my dealership keeps telling me I can't replace the pump and valve body assembly on my own because it's a closed nitrogen system....any truth to this?

[@newenglandlife978]

I did it all myself. Just have to recharge the nitrogen after.

[@cboop9014]

Great video! Thanks for dropping some leads on where to find parts and supplies. My back driver and only sometimes front driver drops. Any insights would be helpful. Could you provide name/model or hyperlink of your scan tool that allows you aero mode and partially fill the bags? Also the vacuum pump?

[@newenglandlife978]

Here is the scan tool I have. Autel Scanner Maxicom MK808 OBD2... www.amazon.com/dp/B07T9J34HT?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share Vacuum pump is the cheaper one that harbor freight offers

[@RCjunkie]

I have a 2021 Ram 1500 that will not hold the last setting. It keeps going back to the mid setting. as soon as you start to drive. It also is a 3.0 ED. I like the ride to be at the lowest setting. It held this till I got into a small hit on the front end, now back from the shop it will not hold the lowest setting

[@newenglandlife978]

You can probably go into the on screen settings and toggle different options

[@MrJustinWheeler]

Thanks for the info!

[@newenglandlife978]

Any time!

[@adrianugalde5633]

I never had this problem until i took my truck to ram to have my differential replaced then came back with this problem

[@newenglandlife978]

Oh boy

[@rauljacobo2386]

Would u have a video of how to take it off actually to?

[@newenglandlife978]

I don’t. Are you trying to take off the rear air bag? It’s very easy. The install is a little tricky because you have to air up the shock slowly and have the truck at the right level with a jack

[@rauljacobo2386]

@@newenglandlife978 ah ok gotcha well I was having issues with it but I swapped out the fuses and it’s working fine but I bought the truck used but it feels like the shocks are pretty old so I think I might swap them out. That’s why I was asking.

[@Nicholas-me9kx]

What scan tool do you need to use to adjust the air suspension

[@newenglandlife978]

I think the link is somewhere in the comments. Some $500 Autel?

[@whiskeyactual.]

The front driver side air suspension elbow broke on my 2016. I replaced the elbow the next day. I get the "Selected Ride Height Not Permitted Due to Payload" and the driver side is riding on bump stops while the passenger side is at it's normal height. I have tried disconnecting the battery and pulling both the air suspension fuses but still no change. I've even driven it for short time to see if it will automatically recalibrate but no success. Anyone out there have any pointers?

[@newenglandlife978]

So you need to plug in a capable computer and check total system psi. If it’s low you’ll need to add nitrogen

[@ldware9]

In it werent for the nitrogen part of the system i would just replace this myself. I'll take it to the dealer to have them replace the air spring and hopefully it doesnt cost my first born

[@newenglandlife978]

Get a quote first. Dealer is $$$

[@ddubs329]

Mine will stay pumped up overnight in off raod mode. But when i drive mine goes flat i can’t figure it out to save my life

[@newenglandlife978]

So most of the time the truck will drive in aero or normal. That creates leaks in the shocks but only at those heights. You need to put it in normal and aero and spray soapy water to confirm leaking air bags. Amazon has them cheap. I blew a rear out the other day and got the pair of rears on Amazon for $150!

[@andrewhaschle214]

Would you be willing to send me a step-by-step? I’m good with doing the swap, I’d just need a little guidance with purging the system and refilling the bags. Thanks in advance

[@newenglandlife978]

Sure thing. Have you found a leak?

[@andrewhaschle214]

Yes sir, it’s my driver rear air bag

[@newenglandlife978]

@@andrewhaschle214 ok. It will basically be the same procedure as mine. What sort of scan tool do you have access to? It’s needs to be able to do short and complete fills on each individual shock in the system

[@andrewhaschle214]

None at the moment. I may have to buy the one your using. Will airgas sell nitrogen to the regular customer?

[@newenglandlife978]

@@andrewhaschle214 yup. I went there and got a bottle of nitrogen and the regulator. You will also need an ac line kit that is used to recharge cars. I had one from harbor freight. It also came in handy before when I installed a mini split

[@chava3032]

I took my air suspension off and installed a Monroe air delete kit

[@newenglandlife978]

How much $ easy install?

[@admir48059]

I m in same boat right now I m handy with repairs but would highly appreciate help because I never had to do this or where to get the parts

[@newenglandlife978]

First you need to find the issue. Have you sprayed the rear air shocks with soapy water to check for leaks? Remember you need to remove the zip tie holding the guard over the shock

[@admir48059]

@@newenglandlife978 yeah my left back one is leaking keeps going flat and dealer wants to much money and they want to replace the whole system

[@waynerogers4145]

Thanks I am doing a conversion kit now forget this

[@newenglandlife978]

I’ve thought about that. This air suspension is not worth the hassle sometimes. How much?

[@zacharypsick874]

@@newenglandlife978I’m about to do this. I’m using a Monroe kit. It’s actually three separate parts that came to $900 total. I’m planning to do it myself so I also bought a couple hundred dollars in tools I didn’t have, but I’ve had a hard time finding a mechanic to work on the air ride system, and the truck was already in one shop for three months before the guy gave up. There are super helpful videos about how to do it yourself, and it seems like conversions are the best long term solution or you’re going to be paying thousands to replace the whole air ride system every so often.

[@justinstromski2435]

Thanks

[@austinwest5302]

Hey man great video I’m having the same types of issues it started with the front 2 bags being deflated and seemed like compressor was stalled out let it run for 30 minutes restart the truck and watch it raise fine and then I started getting issues where I’ll leave work and in aero mode the truck back left will feel like I’m riding on cinders and then when exiting the highway the truck can’t find it’s normal ride height again it won’t even change positions I’ve had the truck sprayed in every mode and left it sit in different modes for days with no problem the one time I did have it ride rough I got home turned it off and the back drivers bag deflated in idk 30 min later that day it was compressed back to normal height idk how u sprayed it in aero mode other then u took it right off the highway and it couldn’t find its normal height and then u sprayed it either way I have 5 compressor codes aswell I’m prepared to by a new compressor and I will do the steps required to recharge the nitrogen system I’m really hoping to hear back from you thanks!

[@newenglandlife978]

First step is to check all shocks for leaks. For the back you just pull down the plastic dust cover and then spray with soapy water. Front you can spray all around. Bubbles means a leak. If you are sure those are not leaking then the next step is to spray the rest of the system to look for leaks. Let me know

[@austinwest5302]

@@newenglandlife978 is there a chance we can exchange numbers or email ? I’ve checked all airbags in every mode with soapy water and came up with nothing so far idk how you checked for leaks in aero mode bc the truck won’t stay in aero mode under like 60 mph

[@newenglandlife978]

@@austinwest5302 [e-mail]

[@austinwest5302]

@@newenglandlife978 I guess wat I’m wandering on is the steps it took to recharge the system with nitrogen after u put in your new compressor

[@newenglandlife978]

@@austinwest5302 in order to check them in aero mode you need a scan tool that can force it into aero mode. My scan tool helped a lot in the whole repair.

[@seanblomeley611]

Nice explanation video. My 2014 Ram has had Air ride for the last 2 years. Mine also dropped in the rear or would not hold pressure and completely drop after the front lowered into Aero mode. I finally caved and took it to the dealer this past Feb and they wanted $1200 to fix 1 bag. I told them to keep looking for issues first and they found a leaking air line on the reservoir tank, fixed that one for $400, and the system still didn't hold air. The dealer wanted to replace the entire reservoir assembly next for $1050 and I said forget it and brought the truck home. I'm probably going to just start replacing bags, valves, and the compressor!

[@newenglandlife978]

You gotta put it in aero mode with a scan tool

[@seanblomeley611]

I am not able to place into aero mode. Lights just flash and nothing moves. I think I will start with replacing the rear bags and reprogramming with the scan tool.

[@newenglandlife978]

@@seanblomeley611 you should be able to put it into aero mode with a good scan tool. May scantool was around $500

[@copperheadmarine]

​@@newenglandlife978,what particular "scan tool" are you referring to??

[@newenglandlife978]

@@copperheadmarine I don’t have the model handy but I did post it somewhere in the comments here

[@TheWillOfFate2014]

what kind of scan tool?

[@newenglandlife978]

Autel Scanner Maxicom MK808 OBD2... www.amazon.com/dp/B07T9J34HT?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

[@TheWillOfFate2014]

@@newenglandlife978 awesome thanks. Is there a way to do safely install and inflate without the scan tool. Like if I just replace the rear bags and hook it up and turn truck of and try to raise it.

[@newenglandlife978]

@@TheWillOfFate2014 I do not know. I don’t think so. Maybe but I do not want to give that advice. It can be tricky. You have to do a SHORT FILL. I complete full can rupture and create more problems

[@TheWillOfFate2014]

@@newenglandlife978 ok thanks the reply, is the tool easy to navigate and use?

[@newenglandlife978]

It’s not too bad once you play around with it. Email me with any specific questions. [e-mail]

[@MikeWolf-427]

Dealer wanted $460 to recharge my system.

[@newenglandlife978]

I guess that’s not too bad. Probably the same or cheaper to get the stuff yourself.

[@anatoliy769]

Dodge ram1500 help me Does not lower the suspension

[@anatoliy769]

Dodge ram1500 5,7 2022 error power side step unavailable service required

[@newenglandlife978]

Check all 4 airbags for leaks. Spray with soapy water and look for air bubbles

[@anthonyquinn7803]

At least $5k at my dodge dealership

[@newenglandlife978]

It’s not too bad on your own. Definitely a few steps involved