How to Resolve Air Suspension Issues in the Ford Expedition? (Expert Solutions)

By Vroomouk
Page last updated: 10/08/2023 | Next review date: 10/08/2025
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In this brief article we are going to discuss the different Ford Expedition Air Suspension problems, what the causes are, and Troubleshooting Tips.

Top most common air suspension issues in the Ford Expedition? 

The most commo n air suspension issues seen in the Ford Expedition are:

  • Rear Suspension Sagging
  • Vehicle Sitting Low
  • Suspension stuck; Height not Raising or Lowering

What suspension does the Ford Expedition have?

The Ford Expedition was first launched in 1996 as a Full-size 3-row seater SUV, as a successor to the Ford Bronco. The Ford Expedition is currently into its 4th generation since 2018.

The Ford Expedition is Mechanically similar to the Lincoln Navigator, which was based on the same F-Series Platform, was also launched in 1997.

Front Suspension

The Ford Expedition has a Double-Wishbone type of Front suspension consisting of an Upper and Lower Control arm, Coilover shock absorber strut and Anti roll bar. This arrangement is mounted onto the front subframe.

Rear Suspension

The 1st generation (1996 – 2003) featured a live rear axle with multi-link suspension.

From the 2nd generation (2003) onwards, the Ford Expedition had a 4-Link independent “Long-Travel” rear suspension with a Coil Spring, Shock absorber and a Rear anti-roll bar.

Rear Suspension sagging

  • Rear suspension drops every time the engine is turned off

Troubleshooting Rear Suspension sagging

  • Rear suspension sag shows the inability to hold pressure
  • This generally happens when there is an air leak
  • As long as the compressor runs, air pressure is maintained. The moment the engine is OFF, the compressor stops developing pressure, resulting in the rear suspension sagging
  • Check for leakages in the rear air springs using a soapy water solution spray and looking for persistent bubble spots
  • Even if only one of the air springs have failed, the whole rear will drop since the rear suspension’s height sensor signals the opposite side air spring to drop in order to keep the rear of the car level
  • The reason for air spring leak is wear and tear over long-term usage

Vehicle Sitting Low

Symptoms:

  • Complete loss of ride height at all 4 corners
  • Compressor does not turn ON
  • Happens for the 2nd gen expeditions (2003 model year onwards)

Troubleshooting Vehicle Sitting Low

  • It is a known issue that the 2003+ year expeditions had different design height sensors that failed sooner as compared to the Expeditions upto the 2003 model year
  • The height sensors tend to corrode and get stuck. Due to this, the sensors get dislodged and do not transmit voltage signals to the suspension control system.
  • Because of the Ride height signal failure, the  compressor does not run

Suspension stuck; Height not Raising or Lowering

  • Suspension does not raise or lower
  • Compressor does not turn on; no sound, after starting the engine

Troubleshooting Suspension Stuck

  • The first step should be to run a diagnostic.
  • Most probably the fault code read would be “C1725: General Suspension Fault”, which means that the diagnostics has detected that the suspension does not respond to raise/lower commands, but has not been able to find the 

source of the issue.

  • THe C1725 Code also means that the source of the problem is somewhere in the Front suspension

Ride Height Sensor Fault

  • The Ride height sensors could be not sending the correct signal to the control module
  • In order to check this suspicion, see whether the sensor arm is properly connected to its ball joint on the suspension arm
  • If it was not connected then test the sensor by extending it upwards. This is to give a signal to the control module that the spring has collapsed. 
  • In the compressed sensor position, if the compressor starts then it means that the sensor is functional. 

Front Air Strut Leak

  • The Front suspension Air Struts can be checked by touching the rubber bellow. This check can only be done if the compressor is working. Ideally, the bellow surface must feel tight at all times, indicating a minimum required air pressure retention.
  • If, on touching, the air struts feel loose and saggy, that means a lack of air pressure and possible leakage
  • Leakage is checked by the soapy water solution bubble test. After spraying the solution on the air Struts, if the bubble spots persist at certain points, then those would be the leakage positions
  • Leaking struts have to be replaced. 
  • If, however, the leakages are left unattended, the compressor would work overtime in order to maintain the loss of pressure due to leaks. This would eventually lead to the compressor overheating and possibly failing.

Other articles about Ford you may be interested in

Ford Fiesta Rear Suspension Issues Explained

Ford Mustang Suspension Issues Explained

How to identify your Ford engine?

Conclusion

In this brief article we have discussed the different Ford Expedition Suspension problems, what the causes are, and Troubleshooting Tips.

For any questions or comments, please feel free to get in touch with us.