New to me

[smitty]

Hey everyone. I'm new here and bought a 99 Eddie Bauer w/ 70k on it. It's in overall great condition, well taken care of.

I have a couple questions/concerns for the group.

1. Air ride suspension. I've read up a little about this but am unsure as to what is normal or a failure.
I've noticed the pump comes on when I start the engine. It also comes on when I stop and put it in park. When parked and the engine off the back end sits about an inch lower than the front. When the engine is shut off, I can hear clicking, which I'm sure is the suspension lowering. Yesterday, it was parked forward on a very slight incline in a parking lot and the back end was sagging quite a bit. Once I started it and moved it, it came back up.

2. I've noticed the temp gauge is reading slightly above the 1/2 way position. I've only had it for 4 weeks, so I'm not sure if it is normal. I thought it was usually at exactly 1/2. I'm wondering if the thermostat is failing. If so, what thermostat would you guys recommend. I don't know if it matters, but I live a pretty warm climate. It doesn't get very cold in the winter.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Maddog11]

Sounds like you have a slow leak in the air ride suspension. If it were mine I would replace the air ride with a conventional system. I think somebody makes a kit to do just that?!?

As far as the temp guage they are not always dead nuts on. However, I would replace the thermostat with factory specs type and flush the coolant for good maintenance!

Good luck and have fun!

 

[strutmastr]

Congratulations on the purchase, Smitty! I would agree with Maddog about the air suspension. What happens with those systems is that over time you get tiny leaks in the air bags. That causes your compressor to have to work harder to keep the bags inflated, which will eventually burn out the compressor. You can start replacing parts but it will end up costing you a pretty penny-we estimate it at an average of $2700 if you go to a dealer. At Strutmasters, we have a conversion kit that will get rid of the air suspension and replace it with American made, powder coated coil springs. Our kits are backed by a lifetime warranty, too; when you do the conversion, you will get rid of your suspension headaches for good. You can give us a call at 866-597-2397, ask for Jennifer, or you can check out our website. Good luck and enjoy your new ride!

 

[tonydiv]

Yet another reason to love the Edge programmer - cylinder head temp display.

That factory coolant temp display is a joke. (although probably just fine for the soccer moms that drive 75% of the Expditions out there)

 

[smitty]

After posting, I felt pretty silly...
When I had looked at the gauge and thought it was a little high, I was feeling pretty crappy from a cold and was looking at the gauge for the battery. So, the temp is just fine. The suspension seems to be okay for now, but when I can afford to, I will get the conversion kit. I had a Subaru several years ago that had the same setup and what a joke. I ended up swapping that system out with passive struts.

I have another question though...The engine runs fine, but occasionally when stopped at a light, it will idle a little rough. Nothing major and it's not like it wants to die, but just something my wife and I have noticed. I'm wondering if it needs a tune up, or something else.

Thanks for your input!

 

[lakmflx]

1st couple of things i always do when i buy a used vehicle is complete tune up and all fluid changes since there is no actual way of knowing when the previous owner had them done unless they kept all paperwork which is rare. This way YOU know at exactly what time when service is due. As for the rough idle, a tune up may help and smooth things over but i would also check IAC valve and clean MAF and throttle body.