Warning Air Suspension - Cayenne 2006 Turbo S

[scottevestceo]

My Cayenne started giving me the warning light for Air Suspension. It first started intermittently but now is on all the time after I start the vehicle within 10 seconds.

I cannot raise or lower it, and it appears to run a bit rough/firm, but not entirely sure if this is in my mind or not.

I did some research and seems that this is either a simple Compressor Kit fix or related to poor batteries, which I didn't know there were actually 2 batteries in the car. I recently replaced the main battery so I don't think that is it, leaving the compressor kit.

It seems that VW part # 7LO 698 030 will address the compressor, but that part seems sold out.

My Porsche dealer is 150 miles away, so I am hoping to bring it to my local car repair shop to check out the battery and replace the compressor. He is uncomfortable doing work on the vehicle because all the electronics and computer.

So my questions are:

1. Do you know if the VW part # 7LO 698 030 is the correct part to fix this and where I can get it?
2. Can my local shop do this work, or is this something that needs to be done by a proper Porsche repair shop with access to the computer, etc.
3. Is this dangerous?

Thanks much for your input.

Scott

[Dmitry at Pelican Parts]

Hi Scott - welcome to the forum! I've found the part that you're referring to and we have one available if you'd like to order. I would imagine that this can be done by a local shop, but the fact that the mechanic is uncomfortable around electronics and computers doesn't give me a good feeling about letting them do it. When you say does it require the shop to have a computer, are you referring to the scan tool? I don't think it's 'dangerous' if it's what I'm thinking - which is basically that the air suspension is locked in place and will not lower or raise the suspension. I do recommend getting this looked at as soon as you can to prevent any other damage. If you're going to be ordering the part, I would recommend giving us a call at 888-280-7799 and confirming with our Porsche part specialists that this part will work for your car. Hope this info helps and best of luck!

Part link: Volkswagen/Audi Genuine Part 7L0698030 - Genuine VW/Audi - Volkswagen - 7L0-698-030 | Pelican Parts


-Dmitry

[scottevestceo]

Would most shops have the computer to ensure the issue is really the VW part listed?

[kennethg]

Can't really do anything until the air suspension system is scanned for codes other than just guessing and loading the parts shotgun. Visually all you can check is the level control sensors on the control arms. Both on the left/passenger side on the upper control arms. Make sure the links are not broken or disconnected.

[Dmitry at Pelican Parts]

Originally Posted by scottevestceo

Would most shops have the computer to ensure the issue is really the VW part listed?

I would think any shop that deals in European/German cars would have the scan tool to verify the codes.


-Dmitry

[scottevestceo]

I was told that you weren't sure if you had this in stock... Let me know.

[Dmitry at Pelican Parts]

Originally Posted by scottevestceo

I was told that you weren't sure if you had this in stock... Let me know.

We do have the part in stock, but I would still recommend giving us a call at 888-280-7799 and confirming with our Porsche part specialists that this part will work for your car - unless you know off the part number that it will. Hope this info helps.


-Dmitry

[scottevestceo]

Ok... So, I brought the Cayenne to a VW dealer in Twin Falls to fix the suspension. It didn't go so well, so looking for your advice.

In sum, the diagnostic codes confused them. They said it would take several hours to try to figure out the codes first, or they could just replace the compressor kit and hope it worked. Unfortunately, no such luck. Now the suspension is locked in the loading position, the very lowest. It looks cooler, but runs much rougher. Also, I noticed before that the drivers side was ~3" higher than the passenger side, when it was much higher. Now it appears still higher on the left but not nearly as much.

They couldn't get the compressor to fill the bags, and believe it may be something electrical. They feel they can fix it but will take some time trying to figure it out. They have a code reader but not a Porsche one that would tell them precisely what the issue is.

They did indicate that the compressor was showing a temp of over 400 degrees which lead them to conclude that perhaps it was not working properly.

They said it is safe, but if I ever want to sell or trade the SuV in, I will need to fix it. I can bring it to Boise Porsche dealer, but was hoping someone might know something here. Thanks in advance.

Scott

[scottevestceo]

Diagnostic codes: P1400 and left and right level control models.

[scottevestceo]

PPS: I understand there is some sort of aftermarket kit that will auto lower the vehicle to the loading level whenever it is placed in park. Do you know anything about that? I love the ability to drive at lowest level at times.

[kennethg]

If it doesn't show codes 0774/0775/0776 or 1780, try to re-calibrate the level control module. Need the OE scanner or a higher end Texa/Autologic/Verus or the Durametric etc. If that doesn't work the module needs to be replaced.