How to Solve RAM Rebel Air Suspension Issues? (11 Main Problems)

By Vroomouk
Page last updated: 14/08/2023 | Next review date: 14/08/2025
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Vroomouk
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In this brief article we are going to discuss the different Ram Rebel Air suspension issues, what causes these issues and Tips on how to deal with these issues effectively.

The Most Common problems with the RAM Rebel Air Suspension are:

  • Rebel Lean Problem
  • Service Air Suspension Warning
  • Failure to self-adjust Ride Height
  • Harsh Rear suspension ride
  • System Malfunction in Low Temperature Conditions
  • Noisy Air Compressor
  • Slow Height Adjustment
  • Unable to Self-Reset after repair/replacement
  • Air Leakage
  • Compressor malfunction due to moisture

Ram Rebel Air Suspension

The RAM Rebel variant of the RAM 1500 was introduced by RAM Trucks in the 2015 model year with several OFF-road features that were otherwise optional on the RAM 1500.

The 4-Corner air suspension is standard on the RAM Rebel 1500 with a higher Normal Ride height (by 1 inch) as compared to other RAM 1500 truck variants.

The Suspension ride height is adjustable to 4 settings: PARK, Aerodynamic, Normal and OFF-Road

‘Rebel Lean’ Problem

  • The truck leans either to the right or left
  • This seems to be a common issue with Rebel Trucks
  • There are multiple reasons why this problem could occur
  • The top 2 reasons are
    • Ride height not calibrated at all wheels
    • Leakage in the Air Compressor

Troubleshooting the ‘Rebel Lean’ Problem: Height Calibration

  • Ride height calibration seems to fix the issue in a majority of cases
  • Use a Scan tool like AlphaOBD to connect to the ASCM (Air Suspension Control Module)
  • Go to the ‘Read System Status’. Here you will get suspension sensor readings. See the values that appear for “Front Left Callibrated Height”, and so on, for all the 4 wheels corners
  • From the values you will be able to see that the calibrated values are different from left to right on both front and rear. This is the root cause of the problem
  • In order to correct this, you need to go to the procedure called “Write Suspension Height Values”
  • Hit “Start” and you will find the Ride height Adjustment Up/Down buttons blinking simultaneously
  • It will ask you to enter the ride height values at each wheel. Enter the values that you already read in ‘Read System Status’ and hit “Start”
  • The system automatically does the calibration and shows the complete status
  • Once again, check the ‘Callibrated Height’ under ‘Read System Status’ and verify that the left and right side values are equal at the front was well the rear wheels

Troubleshooting the ‘Rebel Lean’ Problem: Air Compressor Leakage

  • Use a Soapy water solution spray to check for leakages at all the Air compressors Air connectors
  • If there is a leakage found, first try replacing the connector
  • In many cases, it could be a crack in the compressor air outlet itself. This cannot be repaired and so the compressor will need to be replaced.

‘Service Air Suspension’ warning message

  • While trying to adjust ride height, the warning message shows up
  • The system does not allow height adjustment anymore

Troubleshooting ‘Service Air Suspension’ warning message

  • Check whether the fuses 05, 50, and 87, related to the air suspension, are seated properly or not. If necessary remove and reseat them. 
  • It is a possibility that these fuses were seated about 1/16” outwards when they came from the factory. Hence they need to be pushed in further.

Ride Height self-adjustment Failure

The Ram Active-Level System sometimes fails to self-adjust. The RAM Rebel comes with a levelling system to maintain rear ride height. ‘Normal Ride Height’ (NRH) is the standard position. ‘Alternate Trailer Height’ lowers the suspension by 1 inch to assist in loading.

For a normally functioning system, the light blinks during ride height lowering adjustment.

If the system is not functioning properly, the system does not respond and stays at a constant height. 

Troubleshooting Ride Height self-adjustment Failure

  • The Air Spring might have internally gotten damaged or distorted inside the sleeve and therefore is unable to inflate itself under pressure.
  • If there was a lift kit installed, it might have caused damage to your air suspension system. Historically, several RAM owners who installed aftermarket Lift-Kit solutions have reported Ride-Height Adjustment failure.
  • The 4th generation of Ram Trucks (2009 to 2018) is known to have reported more instances of this sort of Ride-Height Adjustment failure.

Harsh rear suspension Ride Quality 

  • The rear suspension of the truck feels like it is floating during normal driving. The rear suspension of the truck does not self-adjust.
  • The suspension would often be hit going over bumps

Troubleshooting Harsh rear suspension Ride: Air Spring Leak

  • Check visually to see whether the truck sits low at the rear end. If it does, then it means low pressure in the air springs.
  • A Harsh ride at the rear also means that the axle was riding on the bump stops and that the air springs have basically lost air pressure and are sagging
  • Slide down or remove the dust cover of the Air Spring to have a clear view
  • Make a solution of diluted soapy water and spray it all around every corner of the Air Spring. Leave it to soak for a while.
  • Now observe the Air Spring for white spots. Wipe off and spray more soapy water where necessary
  • If the frothing is persistent at one or more spots then it is confirmed that the Air Spring has a hole
  • A leaking air spring can only be replaced since there is no puncture repair possible

Troubleshooting Harsh rear suspension Ride: Air Compressor Fault

  • Ideally, when either lowering or raising the suspension, the Compressor humming can be heard
  • But if the compressor humming noise cannot be heard then it means that there could be either an electric issue or it could be a seized compressor
  • To check for an electric fault remove the 40 AMP Fuse within the Fuse-Box for the air compressor, located under the hood closer to the firewall
  • Examine the Fuse to see whether the metal part inside the fuse looks damaged or also split in half. If the fuse is split, then the fuse needs to be replaced.
  • If the fuse was not the issue, then it is almost definitely the compressor itself that is faulty.

Compressor Pressure Test:

  • Use a Diagnostic Scanner to read the Air Pressure Sensor live data while the vehicle is running. This will tell how much pressure the compressor is developing.
  • If there is no Pressure sensor in your truck’s suspension system, you could connect an ordinary pressure gauge (probably one that is used for AC repair). 
  • Connect the gauge to the outlet of the compressor while blocking other compressor valves in order to build pressure.
  • Supply separate DC current to the compressor and read the pressure on the gauge once it starts running.

Conclusion

In this brief article we have discussed the different Ram Rebel Air suspension issues, what causes these issues and Tips on how to deal with these issues effectively.