Rear air suspension troubleshooting - just replaced air springs

Hello everyone. Nice forum here

I just replaced the air springs in my 2000 CV. After airing up the bags, everythigng seemed to be OK. However, the compressor turns on every time the key is cycled. I thought there may be a slight leak, checked the solenoids again by removing and inspecting. Nice loud pop when i pulled out the solenoid indicating plenty of air pressure Put everything back together and no matter how long it sits, the compressor turns on everytime for a short 5-10 seconds. I dont even notice whether the body is even moving.

Left overight, didnt see any noticeable sags the next morning. I suppose i could measure the body height the night before and the next morning, but its not very noticeable by the eye. Also, its puzzling that the compressor comes on every key cycle. I'm hoping its something very simple like a reset (disconnect the battery?) etc..

Thanks in advance for your help!

I believe the system is just airing itself up to keep the pressure at a set level. I had an air system on a Chevy that only did it when you first started the car. Never did have a leak-down. I talked to several mechanics about it then, and they all said it has to keep its internal pressure up to work correct. Just learned to live with it.

+1 to what jdmeaux posted

My 99 CV does the same thing I just replaced both rear bags as they were leaking. The solenoids are pretty much bullet proof but the o rings can go out.

When I hit it up on crownvic.net in the search I found something very similar to what jd is saying about the Chevy he had. The CV's, TC's and GM's all have a pressure sensor looking for a specific PSI in the system. They all cycle when started even when right off the showroom floor.

The only time you need to worry is when the system runs for more than 30-40 seconds (it will time out a 90 seconds to keep from burning up the compressor) or you get the Check Air Suspension light that indicates the system could not be pressurized to the sensors liking or the rear end is to low.

Also as a side note the compressor will run longer if you have a loaded car as it is leveling the car this is actually okay. But doesn't fit the normal unloaded behavior so it seems like it is working too hard, it's not though.

Thanks for your replies. I just dont ever remember the compressor cycling on every key cycle before. I will follow the advice and just get used to it. I will move on with the next project and change dryer. I bought one as recommended, but now that I have researched to find out where it is, I hope it can be changed separately instead of the whole compressor assembly.

Thanks again for the help!