Adonaischild Posted August 21, 2008 Report Share Posted August 21, 2008 Our '92 Cadillac Seville's level ride control isn't working. The compressor runs but what some call the electronic level control doesn't work. The arm is broken. We are looking for the actual term for this part so we can get a replacement. Does anyone know what this is actually called and where we can find one? Thanks, April Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adallak Posted August 22, 2008 Report Share Posted August 22, 2008 What "arm"? The saddest thing in life is wasted talent Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texas Jim Posted August 22, 2008 Report Share Posted August 22, 2008 I assume you are talking about the RIDE HEIGHT SENSOR ARM? I don't know the CORRECT name for it bit that is what it does. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adonaischild Posted August 22, 2008 Author Report Share Posted August 22, 2008 Okay, I will attempt to download a picture because my description will only confuse you more! So, what is the name of this component? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adonaischild Posted August 22, 2008 Author Report Share Posted August 22, 2008 Texas Jim, How do we find the replacement for it if we don't know what the proper name is? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texas Jim Posted August 22, 2008 Report Share Posted August 22, 2008 Texas Jim, How do we find the replacement for it if we don't know what the proper name is? Someone will chime in with the proper name for it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adonaischild Posted August 22, 2008 Author Report Share Posted August 22, 2008 Okay. It's frustrating knowing the function of the part but having no name to call the auto part store with! We even tried scrolling through RockAuto's catalog and came up with nothing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texas Jim Posted August 22, 2008 Report Share Posted August 22, 2008 Okay. It's frustrating knowing the function of the part but having no name to call the auto part store with! We even tried scrolling through RockAuto's catalog and came up with nothing. Try calling the suto parts store and asking for .... RIDE HEIGHT SENSOR ARM. I am almost SURE that is real close to the actual name for it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce Nunnally Posted August 22, 2008 Report Share Posted August 22, 2008 At least in 1998 it was referred to as an Automatic level control System sensor actuating arm. Document ID# 281310 1998 Cadillac DeVille Automatic Level Control System Operation w/o Road Sensing Suspension Raising the Vehicle When a load is added to the vehicle, the vehicle body moves down causing the sensor actuating arm to rotate upward. The upward arm movement activates an internal timing circuit and, after an initial fixed delay of 17 to 27 seconds, the sensor provides a ground to complete the compressor relay circuit. The 12V (+) circuit to the compressor is then complete and the compressor runs, sending pressurized air to the shock absorbers through the air tubes. As the shock absorbers inflate, the vehicle body moves upward rotating the actuating arm towards its original position. Once the body reaches its original height, +/- 25 mm (+/- 1 in), the sensor opens the compressor relay circuit, and the compressor is turned off. Air Compressor Head Relief Sequence In order to reduce current draw during air compressor starting, the height sensor performs an air compressor head relief sequence before air compressor operation. This sequence reduces the air pressure in the air compressor cylinder during start-up. The air compressor head relief sequence occurs as follows: * Exhaust solenoid is energized. * Air compressor is activated 1.3 seconds after the exhaust solenoid is energized. * Exhaust solenoid is de-energized 0.5 seconds after the air compressor is activated. Lowering the Vehicle When a load is removed from the rear of the vehicle, the body rises, causing the sensor actuating arm to rotate downward. This again activates the internal timing circuit. After the initial fixed delay, the sensor provides a ground to complete the exhaust solenoid circuit, energizing the solenoid. Now, air starts exhausting out of the shock absorbers, back through the air dryer and exhaust solenoid valve, and into the atmosphere. As the vehicle body lowers, the actuating arm rotates to its original position. When the vehicle body reaches its original height, +/- 25 mm (+/- 1 in), the sensor opens the exhaust solenoid circuit, which closes the exhaust solenoid and prevents air from escaping. Air Replenishment Cycle The sensor actuating arm position is checked when the ignition is turned on. If the sensor indicates that no height adjustment is needed, an internal timer circuit is activated. After about 35 to 55 seconds, the compressor is turned on for 3 to 5 seconds. This ensures that the shock absorbers are filled with the proper residual pressure. If weight is added to or removed from the vehicle during the time delay, the air replenishment cycle is overridden, and the vehicle rises or lowers after the normal delay. Bruce 2023 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing Follow me on: Twitter Instagram Youtube Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adallak Posted August 22, 2008 Report Share Posted August 22, 2008 Okay, I will attempt to download a picture because my description will only confuse you more! So, what is the name of this component? Okay, from right to left... Metal actuating arm Plastic actuating arm Height sensor Height sensor bracket Height sensor harness Looks like you need to buy whole part shown in your picture. I am not sure of the name but I guess it is called ELC Height Sensor. Check it out with a dealer. The saddest thing in life is wasted talent Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adonaischild Posted August 22, 2008 Author Report Share Posted August 22, 2008 Thanks for the information! Would we have to replace the whole thing? My dad, who was the previous owner, told us that he was just going to replace the arm(s) for like $20 because the whole unit cost $300. We, rather my husband, tried to raise the car by moving the arm manually. It would raise the car, but about a day later the car would decompress again. Any ideas how to keep it raised? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adonaischild Posted August 23, 2008 Author Report Share Posted August 23, 2008 My husband fashioned an arm out of a coat hanger and so far it's working! Just wanted to let you all know and thank you for the help! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce Nunnally Posted August 23, 2008 Report Share Posted August 23, 2008 That sounds creative. Thanks for the report. Bruce 2023 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing Follow me on: Twitter Instagram Youtube Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adallak Posted August 23, 2008 Report Share Posted August 23, 2008 My husband fashioned an arm out of a coat hanger and so far it's working! Just wanted to let you all know and thank you for the help! Buy a six-pack for your husband! Good mechanics are rare nowadays. Those with coat hanger solutions are the most valuable ones. The saddest thing in life is wasted talent Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adonaischild Posted August 23, 2008 Author Report Share Posted August 23, 2008 I thought maybe using a coat hanger solution on a Cadillac was some form of desecration. I'll tell him what you said though, he'll appreciate it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delta Posted August 25, 2008 Report Share Posted August 25, 2008 I thought maybe using a coat hanger solution on a Cadillac was some form of desecration. I'll tell him what you said though, he'll appreciate it! Coathanger, AWESOME. Was down at the Elks club, jukebox doesnt get loud enough on busy nights, paperclip and steakknife got into the jukebox real quick! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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