Air Suspension Compressor

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the air suspension compressor on a 2017 Maserati Levante with 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo engine, including disconnecting electrical connections, air lines, and mounting hardware.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Air suspension compressor assembly × 1 — Use OEM Maserati part number
• Air line O-rings/seals (if not included with compressor) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Compressor mounting grommets (if deteriorated) × 4 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Allow engine and exhaust system to cool completely (minimum 1 hour after operation)
3. Connect Maserati diagnostic scanner and enter air suspension service mode
4. Depressurize air suspension system completely using diagnostic scanner (record any stored fault codes for reference)
5. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes for system capacitors to discharge
6. Raise vehicle on lift or support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
7. Remove rear right wheel for access (passenger side on RHD vehicles)
8. Remove rear right wheelhouse liner (forward section only) to expose compressor location
9. Photograph electrical connector orientations and air line routing for reassembly reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Access compressor assembly
   The air suspension compressor is located in the rear right corner of the vehicle, behind the wheelhouse liner. Remove the plastic under-tray panels if present to improve access. The compressor is mounted to a bracket assembly with rubber isolation grommets. Identify the electrical connector (located on top of compressor), air supply line (large diameter line to dryer), and air distribution lines (multiple smaller lines).
2. 2

   Disconnect electrical connector
   Press the release tab on the compressor electrical connector and pull straight away from the compressor. Do not twist or rock the connector excessively. If the connector is difficult to remove, inspect for a secondary locking tab. Clean any corrosion from the connector terminals using electrical contact cleaner and allow to dry.
3. 3

   Disconnect air supply line from dryer assembly
   Locate the main air supply line connecting the compressor outlet to the air dryer assembly. Using the appropriate air line disconnect tool, depress the release collar and pull the air line straight out from the fitting. You may hear residual air escaping even after depressurization. Inspect the O-ring seal in the fitting and note its condition. Cap or plug the open air line to prevent contamination.
   ⚠Small amounts of residual air pressure may remain. Wear safety glasses and keep face away from connection point during disconnection.
4. 4

   Disconnect air distribution lines
   Identify and disconnect all air distribution lines from the compressor assembly. Typically there are 4 lines connecting to individual air springs. Use the air line disconnect tool for each fitting, noting the routing position of each line. Label lines if necessary (front left, front right, rear left, rear right) to ensure correct reconnection. Inspect O-rings at each connection point.
5. 5

   Disconnect exhaust temperature sensor (if equipped)
   Some compressor assemblies have an integrated exhaust temperature sensor with a separate electrical connector. If present, disconnect this connector by pressing the release tab and pulling away from the compressor body. Route the connector and wiring harness clear of the compressor removal path.
6. 6

   Remove compressor relay/fuse holder
   If the compressor assembly has an integrated relay or fuse holder mounted to the bracket, disconnect any additional electrical connections and remove the holder if it interferes with compressor removal. Note the mounting position for reassembly.
7. 7

   Remove compressor mounting bolts
   The compressor is typically mounted with 3-4 bolts through rubber isolation grommets to the mounting bracket. Using the appropriate socket, remove all mounting bolts. Support the compressor weight while removing the final bolt, as the assembly weighs approximately 8-10 kg. Note the orientation of any washers or spacers on the mounting bolts.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts28 Nm (21 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove compressor assembly
   Carefully maneuver the compressor assembly out of the mounting location. The unit may need to be rotated or tilted to clear surrounding components, particularly the exhaust system and chassis members. Avoid contact with sharp edges or hot exhaust components. Once removed, place the old compressor on a clean work surface.
9. 9

   Inspect mounting bracket and grommets
   With the compressor removed, inspect the mounting bracket for damage, cracks, or corrosion. Check all rubber isolation grommets for deterioration, cracking, or deformation. Replace grommets if they show signs of wear. Clean the mounting surface of any debris or corrosion using a wire brush.
10. 10

    Prepare new compressor assembly
    Unpack the new compressor and verify it matches the original unit in terms of mounting points, electrical connector type, and air line fitting locations. If the new compressor includes new O-rings for air line fittings, install them now with a light coating of clean air suspension system-compatible lubricant. Do not use petroleum-based lubricants on O-rings.
11. 11

    Install new compressor assembly
    Carefully position the new compressor into the mounting bracket, ensuring rubber grommets are properly seated. Align all mounting bolt holes. Insert mounting bolts with any original washers or spacers in their correct positions. Thread all bolts by hand first to ensure proper alignment, then tighten to specification in a cross-pattern to ensure even mounting pressure.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts28 Nm (21 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect air distribution lines
    Reconnect all four air distribution lines to their respective fittings on the compressor assembly. Push each line straight into the fitting until you hear or feel a positive click indicating the line is fully seated. Verify each connection by gently tugging on the line. Ensure lines are routed correctly to avoid kinking or contact with sharp edges.
13. 13

    Reconnect air supply line
    Reconnect the main air supply line from the dryer assembly to the compressor outlet. Push the line straight into the fitting until it clicks into place. Verify the connection is secure by tugging gently on the line. Ensure the line routing does not create sharp bends or contact with the exhaust system.
14. 14

    Reconnect electrical connections
    Reconnect the main electrical connector to the compressor, ensuring it clicks fully into place and any secondary locking tabs engage. If equipped, reconnect the exhaust temperature sensor connector. Reinstall any relay or fuse holder that was removed. Verify all electrical connections are secure and properly seated.
15. 15

    Reinstall wheelhouse liner and wheel
    Reinstall the forward section of the rear right wheelhouse liner, ensuring all clips and fasteners are properly secured. Install the rear right wheel, threading lug nuts by hand first. Lower the vehicle until the wheel contacts the ground but does not bear full weight. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Then lower the vehicle completely to the ground.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts142 Nm (105 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reconnect the negative battery terminal and ensure connection is clean and tight
2. Connect the Maserati diagnostic scanner and clear any stored fault codes
3. Initialize the new air suspension compressor using the diagnostic scanner's air suspension service functions
4. Command the air suspension system to pressurize and raise the vehicle to normal ride height using the scanner
5. Monitor compressor operation during initial pressurization cycle - compressor should run for 2-5 minutes then shut off automatically
6. Check all air line connections for leaks by listening for hissing sounds and applying soapy water solution if necessary
7. Reinstall any under-tray panels or trim pieces that were removed for access

Verification

• Start the engine and verify the air suspension warning light extinguishes after initial system check (may take 10-30 seconds)
• Using the diagnostic scanner, verify the air suspension system shows no active fault codes
• Test all ride height adjustment functions (normal, low, high) using vehicle controls or diagnostic scanner to ensure proper operation
• Verify compressor cycles on and off appropriately when adjusting ride height - listen for normal operating sounds without unusual noise or vibration
• With vehicle at normal ride height on level ground, visually confirm all four corners are at equal height
• Perform a test drive including various speeds and road conditions to verify suspension operates normally without fault warnings
• After test drive, perform a final inspection of all air line connections for leaks
• Document the repair with date, mileage, and new compressor part number for vehicle service records

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

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