Air Suspension Height Sensor

Replace the air suspension height sensor on a 2017 Maserati Levante to restore proper ride height control and suspension functionality.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Air suspension height sensor × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Sensor mounting hardware kit × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Connect diagnostic scanner and read current suspension faults to confirm sensor failure location
2. Use scanner to activate service mode and lower air suspension to minimum ride height
3. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
4. Disconnect battery negative terminal and wait 2 minutes
5. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
6. Raise vehicle and secure on jack stands at manufacturer lift points
7. Remove wheel on side requiring sensor replacement

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate the height sensor
   The air suspension height sensor is mounted to the rear suspension control arm or subframe, with a connecting link rod to the suspension component. Inspect the sensor location and mounting configuration. On the Levante, sensors are typically located on the lower control arm near the knuckle connection point. Note the sensor orientation and link rod position for correct reinstallation.
2. 2

   Disconnect the sensor electrical connector
   Locate the wiring harness connector attached to the height sensor. Press the release tab and carefully disconnect the electrical connector. If connector is corroded or difficult to remove, spray with penetrating oil and allow to soak for several minutes. Do not pull on wires, only on the connector body.
3. 3

   Remove the sensor link rod connection
   The height sensor has a connecting link rod with a ball joint or clip connection to the suspension arm. Use needle-nose pliers to remove the retaining clip or unscrew the ball joint end from the suspension mounting point. Note the exact orientation and position of the link rod for proper reinstallation. If using a ball joint style, carefully separate using appropriate tool without damaging the suspension component.
4. 4

   Remove sensor mounting bolts
   Using a T30 Torx bit or 10mm socket (depending on mounting hardware), remove the bolts securing the height sensor to its mounting bracket or control arm. The sensor is typically held by 2-3 mounting bolts. Support the sensor while removing the final bolt to prevent it from falling. If bolts are corroded, apply penetrating oil and allow to soak before removal.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts28 Nm (21 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove the old sensor
   Carefully extract the height sensor from its mounting location, guiding the wiring harness through any clips or retainers. Inspect the mounting area for corrosion, damage, or debris. Clean the mounting surface with a wire brush if necessary. Verify the link rod connection point on the suspension is not damaged or excessively worn.
6. 6

   Prepare and position new sensor
   Compare the new height sensor to the old unit to verify correct replacement part. Route the wiring harness through the same path as the original, securing in any factory clips. Position the new sensor in the mounting location, ensuring proper orientation with the link rod attachment point facing the correct direction. The sensor must be oriented exactly as the original for accurate readings.
7. 7

   Install sensor mounting bolts
   Install the mounting bolts through the sensor and into the mounting bracket or control arm. Start all bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Torque the mounting bolts to specification in a cross pattern if multiple bolts are used. Ensure the sensor is seated flush against the mounting surface with no gaps.
   Torque spec

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

   Connect the sensor link rod
   Attach the sensor link rod to the suspension mounting point. If using a clip-style connection, ensure the retaining clip fully seats and locks in place. If using a ball joint connection, thread onto the mounting point and secure. The link rod must move freely through its full range of motion without binding or interference. Verify the connection is secure by gently pulling on the link rod.
9. 9

   Reconnect electrical connector
   Plug the electrical connector into the new height sensor until it clicks into place. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is fully seated and locked. Route the wiring harness through factory clips and secure away from moving suspension components, exhaust, and sharp edges. Ensure adequate slack for full suspension travel.
10. 10

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the wheel, starting lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but vehicle weight is still on jack stands. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Remove jack stands and lower vehicle completely to the ground. Torque lug nuts again in star pattern to final specification with vehicle weight on wheels.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts142 Nm (105 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Calibrate and test system
    Reconnect battery negative terminal. Connect diagnostic scanner and clear any stored suspension fault codes. Exit service mode and allow suspension system to perform self-leveling. Use scanner to perform height sensor calibration procedure specific to the Levante (typically requires vehicle on level surface with normal load). Cycle suspension through all height settings to verify proper operation. Road test vehicle and verify ride height adjusts correctly and no warning lights illuminate.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connections are fully seated and secured with locking tabs engaged
2. Verify sensor link rod has full range of motion without binding throughout suspension travel
3. Double-check that wiring harness is routed away from heat sources, moving parts, and sharp edges
4. Confirm all mounting hardware is torqued to specification and properly seated

Verification

• Use diagnostic scanner to verify no active suspension faults are present
• Confirm height sensor is reporting data correctly through live scanner data
• Test all ride height settings (entry, normal, sport, off-road if equipped) and verify smooth transitions
• Perform road test at various speeds and verify suspension maintains proper ride height
• Check that suspension warning light remains off after 5-10 minutes of driving
• Verify suspension self-levels correctly when load is added or removed from vehicle

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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