Immediate Air Suspension Service Required: 7 Warning Fixes

Have you been driving your truck for years and suddenly an “immediate air suspension service required” warning pops up? You must be baffled, questioning yourself about this never-seen-before alert. Don’t worry because sometimes this alert appears due to error codes and can be fixed with a simple air suspension reset.

However, you cannot be sure about an error until you check the air suspension by physical examination and a bounce test. If you notice that there’s a defect in the component, replacing it is the most recommended solution.

Nonetheless, if you are still curious about what the ‘immediate air suspension service required’ warning means, and how to clear it, you may read on.

What Does the “Immediate Air Suspension Service Required” Warning Mean?

The warning message immediate air suspension service required is generated on your vehicle’s dashboard display when there is a problem with your suspension system that needs to be fixed right away so that it may prevent additional harm. In 2019-2023 Ram 1500 TRX this message is displayed because of factors such as damaged wiring, faulty sensors, excessive stress, faulty compressors, etc. It can also appear in the 2016-2020 Ram 1000 or 2014-2018 Ram 1500 for similar reasons. The Dodge Ram commonly faces this warning alert as wiring problems are characteristic of old vehicles. Leaks and moisture-induced deterioration are also usual causes of a malfunctioning suspension system in new and old Rams. The 2015-2019 Ram 2500/3500 has solid construction but suspension issues have been reported in this model as well.

To understand the issues within the air suspension system, it is crucial to be aware of its functioning. In comparison to a regular suspension system, an air suspension is an improved system that makes use of air springs to decrease the intensity of impact. The air springs are air-filled bags that fill up with air at decreased pressure and let out air when the pressure increases. This system is much more comfortable than the regular suspension system since it has the potential to absorb increased shock severity.

As the air suspension system is an upgraded version, the repair costs are more expensive and need to be taken care of immediately as this complex system can easily get substantially damaged. That being said, get your air suspension system fixed as soon as you see the warning “immediate air suspension service required” on display.

Common Causes for Air Suspension Service Required Alerts

Many common causes activate the air suspension service required alerts in Rams, Dodge Rams, or 2014-2023 Rams. If you can get into the depth of these causes, it will be easier for you to figure out how to solve them so let’s get exploring.

Broken Air Springs: The air springs become worn out and broken which leads to a drop in air pressure due to leaks. With a lack of air pressure, the air suspension functions incorrectly, leading to a bumpy drive and activating the air suspension service alert.
Malfunctioning Sensors: The sensors in the air suspension system provide it with data regarding environmental conditions so if the sensors are faulty, they won’t provide the on-point information about the quality of roads. This misleading information will cause the air suspension system to work incorrectly, and the air suspension service alert will be activated.
Failure of the Control Module: The control module is a bridge to transfer information between the sensor system. When this component is faulty, it prevents ease of information transfer which causes the sensor system to go nuts. The air suspension service alert is then generated so that you can immediately fix the issue.
Moisture in the Suspension System: The moisture content within the suspension system increases when the air dryers are not functioning correctly. The increased humidity in the system leads to rusting, oxidation, and erosive wear of the internal components. Damage to the components disrupts smooth operation, generating the air suspension service alert.
Prolonged Non-operation: If you haven’t been using your Dodge Ram for a long duration, the functioning parts of the suspension system may get jammed which hinders its operational effectiveness. The air suspension service alert is then displayed on the dashboard to warn you of the underlying issue.
Non-functioning Due to Extreme Temperature: When the environmental temperatures drop and the weather becomes cold, the components of the air suspension system get adversely affected. The fluids freeze, and the air compression efficiency decreases. This is due to non-functioning valves or solenoids that jam in extremely low temperatures. The wiring is also negatively impacted and the overall suspension system goes through an inoperative spell, triggering the air suspension service alert to warn you.
A Fault in The Battery: When the 12V battery of your suspension system goes weak, the functioning of the air suspension deteriorates due to a lack of power supply. The sensors quickly detect this power scarcity evoking the air suspension service alert on the display of your 2014-2018 Ram 1500 or the Dodge Ram.
Faulty Air Compressor: The air suspension system cannot operate properly without the air compressor creating the required air pressure. The air springs fail to be fed with the needed air and the trigger warning is received by the sensors, inducing the air suspension service alert.
Broken or Loose Wires: The wires are crucial for the transfer of power for the functioning of the air suspension system. Broken or loose wires can prevent this energy exchange, negatively impacting the air suspension system function. This causes the air suspension system service alert to be generated.
Unrecommended Stress: Every Vehicle has a suggested weight capacity which if surpassed will cause the vehicle to undergo unwanted stress. This will lead to preterm deterioration of the air suspension system. The efficiency of the air suspension system will drastically reduce and the air suspension system service alert will be triggered.

How to Diagnose the Air Suspension Problems?

Air suspension problems can be easily recognized when you feel that your ride is uncomfortable and bumpy. You will also notice an Air Suspension Service alert on your vehicle’s dashboard display when something is wrong with your air suspension system. Apart from a direct warning, there are several ways to diagnose air suspension problems.

Vibrating Vehicle: When you notice your Dodge Ram moving side to side or vibrating at an unwanted intensity, know that your air suspension system is adversely affected. Don’t ignore this problem as it can be dangerous, and get your vehicle fixed immediately.
Lowered Vehicle: If the air compressor of your air suspension system is malfunctioning, the vehicle goes low. This is detrimental to different components of your vehicle but can help diagnose problems in the suspension system. You can check this by performing the bounce test.
Complications in the Air Pump: If your air pump is suddenly mute, periodically kickstarting and shutting off, it means that it is faulty. This automatically indicated a problem in the air suspension system which cannot function without an operating air pump.
Broken Components: When the pipelines of the air suspension system break, the air leaks, and the suspension system fails to function. The damage in these lines can be detected if you open the suspension system and observe closely. You will notice cuts or breakages in the lines. This can help diagnose problems in the air suspension system.

What Are the 7 Key Fixes of Immediate Air Suspension Service Required Warnings?

When you first notice the air suspension warning, your instinct might tell you to ignore it and let the car run this way for some time. I mean what’s the worst that could happen right? The truth is that there are several drawbacks to ignoring this warning as a problem within the air suspension system can get worse with time, weakening other components as well. So how can you fix it?

1. Reboot the Air Suspension System

If you diagnosed the issues in the air suspension system, and you found no leakage or component damage, rebooting the air suspension system will fix your problem.

To reset, first remove the wiring from your Dodge Ram’s battery. Next, unplug the fuses F05: Air Suspension Compressor, F50: Air Suspension Mod, and F87: Air Suspension/TT. Wait for about 5-10 minutes after dismantling the electrical system and then resecure the fuses and the wiring. This waiting period will give the system enough time to reboot and all the glitches will be fixed.

2. Change the Damaged Components

During the diagnosis, if you find that the components like the air spring, air valve, or airbag strut, are leaking due to damage, you need to change them. Replacing the components is simple if you have the required knowledge about it. The first step is to locate the damaged component, then unscrew it carefully and remember which screw goes where. You can even mark the screws to remember their places. Next, remove the wiring if present, and mark the wires the same way as the screws. Finally, install the new component in place of the old one and fix the screws and wires securely. Start your vehicle and check if the new component is functioning correctly.

3. Clean the Air Suspension System

Keep an eye out for a buildup of moisture in filtration systems and air dryers. If the moisture buildup increases, it can cause rusting. For this reason, it is crucial to clean the air dryers and filters. If the air dryers are malfunctioning, and are not fixed even after cleaning, they must be replaced. Applying anti-corrosion remedies to vulnerable elements is another option.

4. Swap Out Bad Sensors

If the sensors of the air suspension system are not functioning correctly, they need to be replaced immediately. Faulty sensors circulate wrong information in the air suspension system causing air entry and exit out of the airbags at inaccurate times. Either fix them so that they are calibrated correctly, and functioning fine or swap them out with a sensor that is in good working condition.

5. Fixing the Control Module:

The function of the air suspension system is pointless without an accurately operating control module. If the control module is malfunctioning, it needs to be repaired. First, check if the wiring of the control module is secured. Then check for any physical damage, which if present, means that the control module needs to be replaced. If there is no harm to it, reboot the control module to remove any glitches. This will fix any errors. You may even try updating the software or performing system calibration so that the control module functions in a precise and required manner.

6. Clear the Codes

When you let your vehicle idle for a long duration, the suspension system might get error codes. You can use the OBD scanner to diagnose this issue and clear the codes for a fresh start for your vehicle. Keep running the vehicle from time to time so that the air suspension system doesn’t get jammed.

7. Electrical Problems:

Examine the wire linkages and terminals carefully. Be certain that the electrical wiring is sufficiently sealed off from the outside elements and shielded. To ensure that all the parts are properly connected, substitute or fix any broken wires or connectors. If you want to boost operation in wintertime, think about adding additives to your wiring network.

Also Read: How to Clear Service Def System Message – 4 Methods

Methods Of Dodge Ram Air Suspension Reset

Using the Controls: This is the preferred method for many Dodge Ram models, including the Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500.

Turn on your ignition without starting the engine.
Locate the air suspension controls on your Dodge Ram’s dashboard or center console.
Look for buttons or settings related to ride height adjustment. Terms like “Off-Road Mode,” “Entry/Exit Mode,” “Transport Mode,” or “Wheel Alignment Mode” might be present.
Try pressing and holding a relevant button for around 30 seconds to see if it initiates a system reset.

Disconnecting the Battery (Only if control reset fails):

Important Safety Precaution: Parked in gear before disconnecting the battery.
Find the battery in your Dodge Ram.
Disconnect the negative battery terminal (usually black).
Wait at least 30 minutes for the system to fully discharge.
Reconnect the negative terminal and start your engine.

Preventative Measures and Maintenance Tips

The air suspension system is a central and crucial mechanism designed to protect all the other components of your car from damage due to shock. If this system is affected, the other parts of the vehicle will be at risk of damage and it can also be dangerous for you. So how can you prevent the air suspension system from going bad?

Never let your vehicle sit idle for a long time. Even if you don’t need to, drive it now and again, even if at short distances so that the air suspension system stays in a working condition.
Steer clear of the bumpy, broken roads. These unpaved roads can cause excess strain on the air suspension system causing it to go bad.
Check for obstructions in solenoids and inner valves.
Fix or swap out damaged or deformed parts.
To shield your vehicle from extreme temperatures, park your vehicle indoors at all times.
Ensure that you update your suspension fluid frequently to maintain the fluid levels for practical functioning.

Can I Drive with Air Suspension Service required Warning Sign?

Yes, you can drive with the ‘air suspension service required’ warning sign on the display of your car’s dashboard. This warning sign is to alert you about an underlying issue in your suspension system but your car will still safely run for some time after this alert appears. Nonetheless, the ride may be bumpy and uncomfortable when you sit in a car with a malfunctioning air suspension system.

Even if it is safe to drive with this warning sign, the uncomfortable ride coupled with a risk of damage to other parts of your Ram 1500 is not worth ignoring the sign. Check your air suspension system and diagnose the cause of the issue immediately to prevent long-term damage and increased repair costs.

The real question here is: How many miles can I drive with the ‘Immediate Air Suspension Service Required’ warning?

Long routes are definitely not safe with air suspension warnings continuously alerting you of the underlying air suspension problem, but you can drive around 10 to 15 miles with this warning. This is only allowed in case of emergency and you should try to fix your air suspension issue on the first basis.

Conclusion

From all the information about the “air suspension service required” warning, we conclude that this alert can appear due to an error code even if the air suspension is unproblematic. The code can easily be removed by resetting the air suspension system. If you check visibly or by a test and find physical harm to the air suspension components, you may replace the components. Also, check if the wiring is secure because that can also lead to issues in the air suspension system.

Also Read:

Faqs:

If you see this warning on your 2014 Ram 1500, you should check your air suspension system to diagnose the underlying problem. It could be the damaged airbags, airpipes, or any other suspension part. You can also use the OBD scanner to diagnose error codes. The bounce test is also helpful in such scenarios. Lastly, fix the issue by replacing the damaged components or resetting the air suspension system.

Fixing the air suspension system can cost around $50-$1500 depending upon if the components need to be replaced or if the air suspension system can be fixed by rebooting it. If you know how to fix and replace the components yourself, it will be less costly, but if you visit a dealer, the repair costs will increase.

To reset the air suspension on a Dodge Ram 1500, turn off the ignition, locate the suspension switch, and turn it off. Remove the wiring from the batteries and wait for 5 to 10 minutes to let the air suspension system reset. Reinstall the wiring, turn the suspension switch on, and then start your car. The air suspension system is now reset.

Yes, the air suspension issue is common in cold weather as the fluid viscosity increases which resists the flow properties of the fluid. This affects the overall performance of the air suspension system which depends upon the fluid. Air leaks and sensor inaccuracy is also common in cold temperatures because flexibility is reduced.

A broken air suspension can affect your car’s stability and control, especially when turning or braking. This can increase the risk of an accident. Therefore, it is generally not advisable because it can be unsafe and lead to further damage.

The most common causes of air suspension failure include damaged airpipes, airbags, and leakage. Faulty sensors, batteries, and control modules usually cause air suspension failure as well. All in all, the causes can easily be diagnosed by visible inspection and tests and can be fixed simply by a repair or replacement of the components.

If the dealer can’t immediately replicate the air suspension service warning, you can keep driving your vehicle for a few days until the dealer finds a solution. If you drop your vehicle off at the dealer then wait for some days till the dealer finds a solution. You can also suggest the dealer try resetting the air suspension system a few times to remove the air suspension service required alert.

Immediate Air Suspension Service Required: 7 Warning Fixes

What Does the “Immediate Air Suspension Service Required” Warning Mean?

Common Causes for Air Suspension Service Required Alerts

How to Diagnose the Air Suspension Problems?