Air Suspension Issue - Below Freezing

[Careyj]

Our truck is a 2017 2500 with the rear air suspension. This morning the EVIC system displayed a message that the air suspension needed immediate maintenance. The outside temperature was 20°. I called our local dealer, with whom we have an extraordinary relationship, and explained the situation. They said they have seen this before in cold weather and that it usually corrects itself. That is exactly what happened with ours.

I am interested in knowing if there is something that can, or needs, to be done to prevent the issue in the first place. Is there a way to purge moisture from the system, as I suspect that is the culprit.

 

[jetmechabq]

the nitrogen pressure in the tank drops when its cold and increases when its warm. normal system ops

 

[TCDiesel]

I've had 3 1500 all point air ride, 2014,2015,2019 I still have the 2014-19, the 2014 sits outside for days at times, I always lower to exit/entry and it does lag at times..I just have learned to leave it run for a few minutes before driving...I do have the 2015,19 in garage at 50-70F the garage has elaborate heating cooling and controlled environment.

If possible I would garage/shop park the truck in cold wintry conditions. Some 1500 guys have had so much trouble with the air ride they converted back to springs.

 

[Tmartin000]

I wonder if anyone expects Ram to address it in a 2020 model??

 

[R.Taylor]

the nitrogen pressure in the tank drops when its cold and increases when its warm. normal system ops

Yep, You loose 1 psi for every 10° F temp drop with nitrogen. Not sure about purging, You'd need a gas manifold and a possibly a vacuum pump to do it right.

 

[TCDiesel]

I would like to add, IMO the ride is worth the hassle. All of My Jeeps and Rams are air ride, accept My 3500.

 

[06CumminsFan]

Along these lines, my recently purchased (new) 2018 3500 Laramie with factory air system has been getting the same messages in the cold Colorado mornings.
Possibly related, after a short tow with a 2000 lb trailer, then unhooked, I've now noticed that opposite direction drivers are flashing their bright lights at me at night. Dealer says the system needs nitrogen service by them. Anyone else with similar experience to share would be appreciated.

 

[Cummins12V98]

I get flashed on occasion. Nothing wrong with my system.
I run ALT all the time.

 

[AH64ID]

I’ve had the flash once, very briefly. It was the morning after a car wash and it was COLD. As soon as I put the truck in gear it went away. I think it was a frozen ride height sensor. All my other driving in deep snow, freezing, etc wasn’t an issue but the truck was cold soaked. I think it was the warm water on cold components, then sub freezing temps.


The system is NOT a closed system, period. Dealers know precious little about it. It will refill itself for normal use, and it purges itself daily. Servicing is only required after a major component replacement.

 

[DonFitzwater]

Our truck is a 2017 2500 with the rear air suspension. This morning the EVIC system displayed a message that the air suspension needed immediate maintenance. The outside temperature was 20°. I called our local dealer, with whom we have an extraordinary relationship, and explained the situation. They said they have seen this before in cold weather and that it usually corrects itself. That is exactly what happened with ours.

I am interested in knowing if there is something that can, or needs, to be done to prevent the issue in the first place. Is there a way to purge moisture from the system, as I suspect that is the culprit.

‘I’ve owned and operated a 2016 2500 and 2018 3500, both with rear air in temps from 95 degrees to -50. Never once have I seen a warning message with the exception of the system locking out for being over weight. I haul 500 gallons of water and my truck is constantly encased in ice/water.

 

[Careyj]

Our 2017 2500 does the same thing. Our dealership, with which we have had a 15 year relationship, gave us the same answer. So far, so good.

 

[06CumminsFan]

Thanks for all the replies-I'll continue to monitor

 

[EZeis]

No issues on my 2018 3500. Never garaged and seen freezing temps many of times. No issues with the entire truck to date.


Earl

 

[Cummins12V98]

Prior to these recent threads the ONLY issue with the rear air ride was ice forming on the sensors from driving in icy/snowy weather.

 

[Aj22]

I have been wondering how bullet proof the air ride is, looking at buying new 3500 and sounds too good to be true. I am ruff on things and expect them to be problem free....lol. I also keep trucks longer than most so I don’t want to make a bad decision. Any help on the subject is appreciated.

 

[Ozymandias]

Seems to be as reliable as the rest of the truck, very few complaints have been reported.

 

[AH64ID]

I wouldn't buy a 3500 without it.

I put plenty of abusive miles on the truck and am not worried at all, at least no more than any other freak failure.

 

[Cummins12V98]

70k and nearly 5 years with almost 1/3 of my miles at full RAWR or more ZERO issues!

 

[DonFitzwater]

Just drove a 1200 mile round trip in temps ranging from 14 above zero to -35 and wouldn’t you know it......no problems!