suspension
Air Suspension Height Sensor
for 2014 Ram 2500 6.7L I6 Cummins Diesel · 4WD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
1.6 h
Tools
9
Steps
11
Replace or recalibrate the air suspension height sensor to restore proper ride height control and suspension function on the 2014 Ram 2500 with air suspension.
Warnings
⚠Air suspension must be disabled before raising vehicle to prevent system damage or injury
⚠Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack - always use jack stands
ℹ️Height sensor calibration must be performed after installation or vehicle will display suspension faults and ride height errors
Tools required
10mm socket and ratchetEssential
13mm socket and ratchetEssential
Torque wrenchEssential
Floor jackEssential
Jack standsEssential
Wire brush
Penetrating oil
Scan tool with air suspension calibration capabilityEssential
Pry bar
Parts
- Air suspension height sensor × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Sensor mounting hardware kit (if corroded) × 1 — Use OEM specification
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Turn ignition to ON position and access air suspension control panel
- Disable air suspension system using dashboard controls or by disconnecting air suspension compressor relay
- Turn ignition OFF and wait 2 minutes for system to depressurize
- Chock rear wheels securely
Procedure
- 1Remove wheel and access suspensionLoosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground. Raise front of vehicle using floor jack at designated lift point on frame rail. Support vehicle on jack stands placed under frame rails. Remove wheel completely to access suspension components.Torque specWheel Lug Nuts183 Nm (135 lb-ft)
- 2Locate height sensorThe air suspension height sensor is mounted to the lower control arm with a linkage rod connecting to the frame rail or upper control arm. Identify the sensor body (approximately 3 inches long black plastic housing) and its mounting bracket on the lower control arm near the ball joint area.ℹ️Take photos of sensor orientation and linkage position before removal for proper reinstallation reference
- 3Disconnect sensor electrical connectorLocate the electrical connector on the height sensor. Press the release tab and carefully pull the connector straight off the sensor. Inspect connector terminals for corrosion or damage. If connector is corroded, clean terminals with electrical contact cleaner.⚠Do not pull on wires - only pull on connector body to avoid wire damage
- 4Remove sensor linkage rodThe linkage rod connects the sensor arm to the frame or upper mounting point via a ball socket or clip connection. Note the exact position of the linkage for reinstallation. Remove the retaining clip or press the ball socket release to disconnect the linkage rod from the sensor arm. If equipped with a threaded adjustment link, note the exposed thread count before removal.ℹ️Linkage rod length adjustment directly affects ride height - maintain original adjustment unless recalibration is planned
- 5Remove height sensor mounting fastenersRemove the mounting bolts securing the height sensor bracket to the lower control arm using a 10mm socket. Most applications use two bolts. Support the sensor while removing the final bolt to prevent it from falling. Remove sensor and bracket assembly from vehicle.Torque specMounting Bolts37 Nm (27 lb-ft)
- 6Inspect and prepare new sensorCompare old and new sensors to verify correct replacement part. Check that mounting bracket holes align and connector type matches. If reusing mounting bracket, clean threads with wire brush and apply light coat of anti-seize to bolt threads. Verify new sensor rotates smoothly through full range of motion without binding.ℹ️Some height sensors come pre-calibrated to a neutral position - do not move sensor arm until after installation and initial calibration
- 7Install new height sensorPosition new height sensor and mounting bracket on lower control arm in original location. Thread mounting bolts by hand first to ensure proper alignment. Torque mounting bolts to specification using torque wrench. Ensure sensor body moves freely and does not contact any suspension components throughout suspension travel range.Torque specMounting Bolts37 Nm (27 lb-ft)
- 8Reconnect linkage rodAttach linkage rod to sensor arm in exact position noted during removal. If ball socket type, press firmly until click is heard. Install retaining clip if equipped. For threaded adjustable links, set to original thread exposure measurement. Verify linkage rod does not bind at either end and allows sensor arm to move freely.⚠Incorrect linkage length will cause ride height errors and may prevent proper calibration
- 9Connect electrical connectorRoute sensor wiring harness to avoid contact with moving suspension components, exhaust, or sharp edges. Connect electrical connector to height sensor by pressing firmly until tab clicks into locked position. Gently tug on connector to verify secure connection.
- 10Reinstall wheel and lower vehicleInstall wheel onto hub and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower vehicle until wheel contacts ground but vehicle weight is not fully on suspension. Torque lug nuts to specification in star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands and floor jack.Torque specWheel Lug Nuts183 Nm (135 lb-ft)
- 11Calibrate height sensorConnect scan tool to vehicle OBD-II port. Turn ignition to ON position without starting engine. Re-enable air suspension system. Navigate to air suspension module and select height sensor calibration procedure. Follow scan tool prompts to complete calibration - typically requires cycling suspension through multiple height positions. Clear any stored suspension fault codes after successful calibration.⚠️Ensure no persons or objects are near vehicle during automatic suspension height adjustmentsℹ️Calibration procedure may take 5-10 minutes and requires vehicle on level surface with engine running
Reassembly
- Ensure all electrical connections are secure and properly routed away from moving components
- Verify linkage rod maintains proper adjustment and moves freely throughout suspension travel
- Double-check all mounting fasteners are torqued to specification
Verification
- Start engine and verify no air suspension warning lights remain illuminated on instrument cluster
- Use scan tool to verify height sensor is reading reasonable values (typically 0-5 volts with suspension at normal ride height)
- Cycle air suspension through all available height settings (normal, off-road, entry/exit if equipped) and verify smooth operation
- Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify suspension maintains proper ride height without fault codes
- Recheck ride height measurements on level ground - all four corners should be within manufacturer specifications (typically ±10mm variance side-to-side)