Replace the air suspension height sensor to restore proper ride height control and eliminate suspension fault codes on F-150 models equipped with adaptive air suspension.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Air suspension height sensor × 1 — Use OEM Ford sensor for proper calibration
• Mounting hardware kit (if corroded) × 1 — Typically includes bolts and clips

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks at opposite end from repair location
3. Connect scan tool and enter air suspension service mode to vent system pressure
4. Allow system to fully depressurize (scan tool will indicate when safe)
5. Loosen wheel lug nuts on affected corner while vehicle is on ground

Procedure

1. 1

   Raise and support vehicle
   Lift vehicle at appropriate jacking point for the corner being serviced. Support with jack stands placed on frame rails. Remove wheel and tire assembly. Ensure vehicle is stable and suspension is at full droop.
2. 2

   Locate height sensor assembly
   Identify the height sensor mounted to the suspension component. On rear axle, sensor is typically mounted to axle housing with sensor arm connecting to frame bracket. On front, sensor mounts to lower control arm or frame with linkage to opposite component. Note the orientation and arm position before removal.
3. 3

   Disconnect sensor electrical connector
   Press the locking tab on the electrical connector and carefully pull connector away from sensor. Inspect connector terminals for corrosion or damage. Clean with electrical contact cleaner if necessary. Secure connector away from work area.
   ⚠Do not pull on wiring harness - use connector body only to prevent wire damage.
4. 4

   Disconnect sensor link arm
   Remove the retaining clip or fastener securing the sensor link arm to the suspension or frame attachment point. Note the exact position and orientation of the arm for reinstallation. On most models, this uses a ball-stud connection with a retaining clip that can be pried off with a small screwdriver.
5. 5

   Remove sensor mounting bolts
   Remove the mounting bolts securing the height sensor to its bracket on the axle housing, control arm, or frame. Typically uses two or three 10mm bolts. Support sensor during removal to prevent it from falling. Inspect mounting bracket for damage or excessive corrosion.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove old sensor
   Carefully remove the height sensor from the vehicle. If sensor is seized in bracket due to corrosion, use penetrating oil and allow to soak for several minutes. Clean mounting surfaces with wire brush to ensure proper seating of new sensor.
7. 7

   Install new height sensor
   Position new height sensor in mounting bracket ensuring proper alignment. Thread mounting bolts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Verify sensor body orientation matches original installation before tightening.
8. 8

   Torque sensor mounting bolts
   Using torque wrench, tighten sensor mounting bolts to specification in a cross pattern if multiple bolts are used. Ensure sensor sits flush against mounting bracket without gaps.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Connect sensor link arm
   Attach sensor link arm to suspension or frame connection point at the same position noted during removal. Install retaining clip or fastener ensuring it is fully seated. Verify arm moves freely through full range of motion without binding or interference.
   ⚠Link arm must be connected with suspension at normal ride height position or sensor calibration will be incorrect.
10. 10

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Connect electrical connector to height sensor ensuring it clicks into locked position. Gently pull on connector to verify secure connection. Route wiring harness to avoid contact with moving suspension components, exhaust, or sharp edges.
11. 11

    Reinstall wheel and tire
    Install wheel and tire assembly. Thread lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Snug lug nuts in star pattern but do not fully torque yet.
12. 12

    Lower vehicle and torque lug nuts
    Remove jack stands and carefully lower vehicle to ground. With vehicle weight on all wheels and on level surface, torque wheel lug nuts to specification using star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Calibrate height sensor
    Using scan tool, exit air suspension service mode. Perform height sensor calibration procedure following scan tool prompts. This typically involves cycling the suspension through full range of travel while vehicle is on level ground. Clear any stored fault codes after calibration is complete.
    ℹ️Some Ford models auto-calibrate sensors after several drive cycles, but manual calibration ensures immediate proper operation.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connections are secure and properly routed
2. Verify sensor link arm has full range of motion without binding
3. Confirm no tools or parts were left in suspension area

Verification

• Start vehicle and verify air suspension warning light extinguishes after initial self-test
• Use scan tool to verify no active suspension fault codes are present
• Activate ride height adjustment through vehicle controls or scan tool to verify all height positions function correctly
• Perform short test drive and verify suspension adjusts normally over bumps and during height changes
• Recheck sensor mounting bolts and electrical connection after test drive
• Verify vehicle maintains proper ride height when parked and restarted

More procedures for this vehicle