Replace the air suspension height sensor on the rear suspension to restore proper ride height control and leveling functionality.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Air suspension height sensor × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification
• Mounting bolt hardware kit × 1 — Use if original bolts are corroded

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks at front wheels
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 2 minutes
4. Locate height sensor on rear suspension - typically mounted to rear axle or suspension arm with linkage to frame
5. Take photo of sensor orientation and linkage position for reference during installation

Procedure

1. 1

   Raise and support vehicle
   Raise rear of vehicle using jack at designated lift point on frame. Support vehicle with jack stands under frame rails. Remove rear wheel on side being serviced to improve access if needed.
2. 2

   Access height sensor
   Locate the height sensor mounted to the rear suspension component. On 2021-2024 F-150 with air suspension, sensor is typically mounted on the rear axle housing or upper control arm. Clean area around sensor to remove dirt and debris that could fall into mounting points.
3. 3

   Disconnect electrical connector
   Press release tab on electrical connector and carefully pull connector away from height sensor. Inspect connector terminals for corrosion or damage. If connector is corroded, clean with electrical contact cleaner and allow to dry completely.
4. 4

   Disconnect sensor linkage
   Remove the ball joint or linkage arm connecting sensor to suspension component. This typically uses a small clip or circlip retainer. Note exact position and angle of linkage arm before removal - this affects sensor calibration.
   ⚠Do not force linkage arm off ball joint - use appropriate clip removal tool to prevent damage to sensor
5. 5

   Remove sensor mounting bolts
   Remove the mounting bolts securing height sensor to bracket using 10mm socket. Sensor typically has two mounting bolts. Support sensor while removing final bolt to prevent it from falling.
6. 6

   Remove height sensor
   Carefully remove height sensor from mounting bracket. Inspect mounting bracket for damage, cracks, or excessive corrosion. Clean mounting surface with wire brush if needed. Verify replacement sensor matches original part configuration.
7. 7

   Install new height sensor
   Position new height sensor onto mounting bracket, aligning mounting holes. Install mounting bolts and torque to specification. Ensure sensor is oriented in same position as original sensor based on reference photos.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Connect sensor linkage
   Attach linkage arm to sensor ball joint, ensuring it is at same angle and position as original installation. Install retaining clip securely. Verify linkage moves smoothly through full range of motion without binding.
9. 9

   Connect electrical connector
   Plug electrical connector into height sensor until it clicks into place. Gently tug on connector to verify it is fully seated and locked. Ensure wiring is routed away from any moving suspension components or heat sources.
10. 10

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    If wheel was removed, reinstall wheel and torque lug nuts in star pattern. Lower vehicle from jack stands and remove jack. With vehicle weight on suspension, verify sensor linkage is positioned correctly and moves freely as suspension articulates.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reconnect negative battery terminal
2. Clear any stored fault codes using scan tool if available
3. Perform height sensor calibration procedure using Ford IDS or equivalent diagnostic tool
4. Verify all electrical connections are secure and properly routed

Verification

• Start vehicle and verify no suspension warning lights are illuminated on instrument cluster
• Allow air suspension system to cycle through self-leveling routine - this may take 1-2 minutes
• Use scan tool to verify height sensor is reading correctly and providing data to suspension control module
• Test drive vehicle and verify proper ride height is maintained under various load conditions
• Check for diagnostic trouble codes related to suspension system

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