Air Suspension Height Sensor

Replace the air suspension height sensor to restore proper ride height control and suspension leveling on your Dodge Ram 2500 with air suspension.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Air suspension height sensor × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Sensor mounting bolts × 1 — Replace if corroded
• Sensor link arm × 1 — Inspect and replace if worn

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind front wheels
3. Turn ignition to OFF position and allow air suspension to fully vent (approximately 2-3 minutes)
4. Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent suspension system from activating during repair
5. Locate height sensor on rear axle assembly near differential housing

Procedure

1. 1

   Raise and support vehicle
   Raise the rear of the vehicle using a floor jack at the rear axle differential. Lift until rear wheels are approximately 2-3 inches off the ground. Place jack stands under the frame rails for support. Ensure vehicle is stable before proceeding.
2. 2

   Remove rear wheel for access
   Remove the rear wheel on the side where the height sensor is located to improve access to the sensor and mounting points. The sensor is typically on the driver side rear axle.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Lug Nuts183 Nm (135 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector on the height sensor body. Press the locking tab and carefully pull the connector straight off the sensor. Inspect connector pins for corrosion or damage. If connector is corroded, clean with electrical contact cleaner.
4. 4

   Disconnect sensor link arm
   Locate the sensor link arm connecting the sensor to the axle or control arm. Remove the clip or fastener securing the link arm ball socket to the sensor lever. Use a flat blade screwdriver if necessary to release the retaining clip. Note the orientation of the link arm for reassembly.
   ⚠The link arm retaining clip is easily lost. Keep track of small hardware components.
5. 5

   Remove sensor mounting bolts
   Remove the mounting bolts securing the height sensor to its bracket on the frame or axle housing. Most sensors use 2-3 mounting bolts. Apply penetrating oil if bolts are corroded. Support the sensor as you remove the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
6. 6

   Remove old height sensor
   Carefully remove the height sensor from its mounting location. Take note of the sensor orientation and any alignment marks or positioning. Inspect the mounting bracket for damage, rust, or bent components. Clean the mounting surface with a wire brush if necessary.
7. 7

   Install new height sensor
   Position the new height sensor onto the mounting bracket, ensuring it is oriented in the same position as the original sensor. Start all mounting bolts by hand before tightening. Verify the sensor lever is in the correct position to accept the link arm.
   ⚠Sensor orientation is critical for proper operation. The lever arm must be positioned to allow full range of motion without binding.
8. 8

   Reconnect sensor link arm
   Attach the link arm ball socket to the sensor lever. Ensure the link arm is properly seated and install the retaining clip. Verify the link arm moves freely through its full range of motion without binding or interference. The link should be at approximately mid-travel when vehicle is at normal ride height.
9. 9

   Connect electrical connector
   Push the electrical connector firmly onto the height sensor until you hear or feel it click into place. Tug gently on the connector to verify it is fully locked. Route the wiring harness away from any moving components or heat sources.
10. 10

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the rear wheel, threading lug nuts by hand initially. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern to specification. Remove jack stands and carefully lower the vehicle to the ground. With vehicle on the ground, torque lug nuts to final specification in star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts183 Nm (135 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect battery and test system
    Reconnect the negative battery cable. Turn the ignition to the ON position without starting the engine. The air suspension system should initialize and the suspension warning light may illuminate initially. Start the engine and allow the air suspension to pressurize and reach normal ride height.

Reassembly

1. Verify all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
2. Confirm link arm has full range of motion and is properly retained
3. Check that no tools or parts were left in the work area
4. Ensure all mounting bolts are torqued to specification

Verification

• Start vehicle and verify suspension warning light turns off after system initializes (may take 30-60 seconds)
• Observe vehicle settling to proper ride height on all corners
• Test the air suspension by switching between normal and off-road height modes if equipped
• Drive vehicle and verify ride height adjusts properly under load and during cornering
• Use diagnostic scanner to verify height sensor is reading correctly and no fault codes are present
• Check for any air leaks at suspension components after system has pressurized

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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