Air Tank in 2016 3500

[Ace85340]

I just got a new 3500 with the rear air suspension. I was installing step bars and noticed the big air tank under the cab. It has what looks like a standard connector for an air hose on it.
Does anyone know if you can use that to fill up the tires after airing down?

I wouldn't try using power tools or anything that kept the compressor running a long time but it would be nice to throw a coil hose under the seat and be able to fill up the tires with it.
I searched here and online but didn't find much info on the system.

 

[Bob4x4]

I would not,it is a semi closed system and would give you warranty issues

 

[TJJEEPER]

If the tank has a connector for an air hose there is probably an accessory hose that connects to it. Check with the parts dept to see what's available.
If you're talking about a threaded boss on the tank and not a "quick connect" Bob is probably right.
Is there a drain on the tank? Just curious.

 

[CBari]

I think I read somewhere that the system uses nitrogen and is pressurized and just a closed loop. Why I think this I am not sure. That might be what Bob meant by closed system.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Good call on the rear air ride!

Its a closed system. I will be adding a compressor and air horns soon.

 

[promisedland]

Good call on the rear air ride!

Its a closed system. I will be adding a compressor and air horns soon.

Hey! Post some pics/vid when you do! I have a truck air horn under my shop table and yes, i have a plan!
My OLDs mini van has a air comp. for the air shock system thats not being used, so i'm hoping this will work. I also have a air tank....

 

[Cummins12V98]

Hey! Post some pics/vid when you do! I have a truck air horn under my shop table and yes, i have a plan!
My OLDs mini van has a air comp. for the air shock system thats not being used, so i'm hoping this will work. I also have a air tank....

I have a thread on here somewhere about adding air horn 2.5 g tank and compressor on here somewhere.

 

[AKorner]

I would not,it is a semi closed system and would give you warranty issues

Just out of curiosity what does this mean? "Semi Closed" I have a 2016 2500 and I see it has a little tube running to the compressor mounted between the bed and the cab up high. I thought this was the intake? Also it has a little filter or silica drier canister, looks similar to the setup my old Lincoln Towncar had. Does it just suck in outside air if there is a leak? or is it for something else? Thanks in advance.

 

[TeeDub]

I just purchased a 2017 3500 with the rear air suspension and had the same question. When the pump turns on I can feel it sucking outside air into the hose and when I lower the suspension I can feel air discharging from the same hose. I don't think there is any nitrogen in this system but still trying to find out if I can connect to that quick disconnect on the tank. Did you ever get an answer?

 

[sag2]

It is factory filled with nitrogen. The compressor moves the nitrogen between the tank and bags and back. It can draw outside air to make up for small losses but can not make up for large leaks or outside use.

 

[Cummins12V98]

I just purchased a 2017 3500 with the rear air suspension and had the same question. When the pump turns on I can feel it sucking outside air into the hose and when I lower the suspension I can feel air discharging from the same hose. I don't think there is any nitrogen in this system but still trying to find out if I can connect to that quick disconnect on the tank. Did you ever get an answer?

I would listen to sag2, he KNOWS!

 

[TeeDub]

Thanks for the reply. It seems to be compensating for more than just a small leak. It is a very large amount of outside air that is being drawn in and discharging with every cycle. If the system had nitrogen to start with I would suspect it to be all gone with only a few cycles of the system. One other question. My truck sits one inch lower on the right side with the bags both inflated and not inflated. Do you know if there is a way to adjust the sensors by the bags to tell it where level is? The sensor linkage to the arm does not adjust.

 

[AH64ID]

IIRC the 2500 air ride is a closed system filled with nitrogen and the 3500 air leveling does not use the same closed system.

 

[AKorner]

I found a post here from a user named Grabinov in 2014.

Looks like the system has to be started with nitrogen if it is dead empty, then it uses air?
The compressor cannot fill the whole thing if it is dead empty. Maybe nitrogen has to be used initially to avoid introducing moisture to the system since the startup charge will not run through the silica drier like the subsequent ones will.
I dunno just guessing.

The following was referring to a 2500 setup I believe

Quoted post below:

From Chrysler Tech Authority:

"The air suspension system is an open system. The air suspension reservoir stores a specified volume of pressurized air for use when the system need to raise or lower the vehicle height. If an individual pressurized component of the air suspension system is damaged and air pressure is lost, the reservoir will hold any pressure left in the component. A scan tool is used to evacuate the component. After repair or replacement of the component, a scan tool can be used to refill the component from the reservoir.

The compressor cannot refill the reservoir and complete system if all pressure is exhausted, as in a compressor assembly or valve block replacement. The system will need to be filled at the reservoir with nitrogen. For complete filling of the air suspension system after a repair (Refer to 17 - Rear Suspension/Standard Procedure) ."

"The rear height sensors are wired directly to the Air Suspension Control Module (ASCM). The rear vehicle ride height information is used to determine and adjust the rear vehicle ride height. The ASCM then transmits the information on the CAN bus to the Air Suspension Unit (ASU). The rear height sensors have three wired circuits: height sensor power, signal and return."

"The Air Suspension Unit (ASU) is made up of two primary components, the compressor and the valve block. There is a single pressurized air line between the compressor and the valve block to maintain system pressure. Control of the air compressor and valve block is from the Air Suspension Control Module (ASCM). Diagnose the air suspension system using a scan tool.

Air Compressor The compressor runs to maintain air pressure any time the vehicle height is being changed or in the event of a small reduction in over all system pressure. Integrated reversing valves in the air compressor allow pressurized air to be moved in two directions, making this a closed system. There is a desiccant located inside the compressor for moisture protection, and an air suspension hose assembly attached to the air compressor (including a filter) which are not pressurized, and can be replaced as an assembly. If water is visible in the filter, the air suspension hose assembly and the valve block must be replaced. An air suspension temperature sensor is attached to the air compressor bracket to monitor ambient air temperature for protection of the compressor.

Positive voltage is from a 40-amp fuse located in the PDC, and a normally open compressor relay (ASCM controlled) located in engine compartment area, and ground for the relay and compressor are through a bolted on eyelet connection.

Valve Block The valve block controls the flow of air in the system and to maintain the pressure in the in each air spring which allows the system to move each corner of the vehicle up or down as necessary. Valves and solenoids in the valve body increase or release pressure to air lines that connect to each pressurized component. The ASCM determines pressure from an internal pressure sensor in the valve body. The air lines connected to the valve block are labeled for individual replacement."