Jump to content
CaddyInfo Cadillac Forum

Electronic Level Control (ELC) Diagnostic Help


Recommended Posts

good news. Your getting closer. I dont believe the compressor is supposed to run when the key is off either. I would say check the pins to the relay and see if they are supposed to be 12v or ignition.

I figured the green one was the fuel pump test wire. That is another feature GM did away with by 96 on most models.

Also did you say your leveling light does work?

GM FAN FOREVER

Nice, clean, luxury= fine automobile

Link to comment
Share on other sites


The leveling light does work. It is the top center light on the right hand information center panel.

Here is a PDF scan of the ELC Wiring Diagram from the Service Information Manual. It should print out in readable size on 8.5x11" paper. That should help give some clarity, at least to those who can read these things a bit better than I can.

I have not tried running the rear defogger, which is on fuse 7.

Brian

Brian

Forums_Pic.jpg

Bri the Tech Guy   http://britechguy.com
britechguy@gmail.com   (540) 324-5032
"If it's got you screaming, I'll help you stop!!"
Link to comment
Share on other sites

What I can make out of the schematic is that it is similar to that of later models except that it is autonomous, while later models are operated by the PZM or BCM. The smarts are in the ELC Height Sensor.

From what I make out of the schematic, the ELC will work EXCEPT when the key is in RUN, when it is "reset." When the height changes, there is an enabling "relay" (possibly a transistor or MOSFET) that turns ON for about 2.5 minutes. While the ELC is enabled, the ELC Height Sensor will operate either the compressor or the exhaust solenoid as required to level the rear of the car. There should be some information in the FSM on what the Reset line hot in RUN, does.

In the 1997 FSM, the ELC remains operating for about 5 minutes after the key is turned off to allow the car to level when something (a set of golf clubs is given as an example) is placed in the trunk or removed from the trunk. Or a bunch of people get in or out of the back seat.

CTS-V_LateralGs_6-2018_tiny.jpg
-- Click Here for CaddyInfo page on "How To" Read Your OBD Codes
-- Click Here for my personal page to download my OBD code list as an Excel file, plus other Cadillac data
-- See my CaddyInfo car blogs: 2011 CTS-V, 1997 ETC
Yes, I was Jims_97_ETC before I changed cars.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

very good info. I know the exhaust valve does because I can hear it when I have multiple people exit the car.

GM FAN FOREVER

Nice, clean, luxury= fine automobile

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Having the ELC work after the key is off is important. Some Devilles are often used with lots of back-seat passengers, and a Seville or other sedan or crossover can be, too. ELC is also important when lots of stuff like golf clubs or beach or picnic gear is loaded in and out of the trunk, as can happen often with lots of Cadillac owners and occasionally with any Cadillac owner.

CTS-V_LateralGs_6-2018_tiny.jpg
-- Click Here for CaddyInfo page on "How To" Read Your OBD Codes
-- Click Here for my personal page to download my OBD code list as an Excel file, plus other Cadillac data
-- See my CaddyInfo car blogs: 2011 CTS-V, 1997 ETC
Yes, I was Jims_97_ETC before I changed cars.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Jim,

I can see why lowering the car might be important from several perspectives once the key is off and the car is suddenly unladen. But as for elevating the car after it's off, I simply presumed that would take place when you start the car again.

Were you able to tell from the wiring diagram whether the system is supposed to be "perpetually on" for both the raising & lowering functions? The way I read it was that it should be fully on only when the key is in the "Run" position and that the exhaust function to allow the car to lower is perpetually active (or at least it is if you have a functioning battery). Am I incorrect?

Brian

Edited by guyslp

Brian

Forums_Pic.jpg

Bri the Tech Guy   http://britechguy.com
britechguy@gmail.com   (540) 324-5032
"If it's got you screaming, I'll help you stop!!"
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Brian...

I am not the Jim you were referring to, but I think your understanding is correct.

All of the Cadillacs I have had, will only RAISE UP when you turn the key on.

They will GO DOWN at any time weight is taken off the rear suspension.

The other Jim... :)

Posted Image
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hmmm - My Fleetwood Brougham will run the level control system with the ignition off - I have not driven the car today but when I got in it to put the radar detector back on the windshield, the LEVEL RIDE light came on and the car leveled out.

Kevin
'93 Fleetwood Brougham
'05 Deville
'04 Deville
2013 Silverado Z71

Link to comment
Share on other sites

weird. None of my caddys have come on to build pressure when the key is off. If it did I would be screwed with my deville because the shocks leak and the car settles. As soon as I start the car though it comes right back up

GM FAN FOREVER

Nice, clean, luxury= fine automobile

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think that it depends on the model and the year. From what I could determine from the schematic on the 1989 Sedan Deville ELS, it is "on" all the time, but inactive unless there is a level change. When there is a level change, the height sensor module turns on for about 2.5 minutes. When the key is in run, it goes into a line in the schematic marked "Reset" which to me means that the ELC turns off when the key is in the RUN (on) position.

But, the logic inside the ELS sensor module is not spelled out, so I can't be sure exactly what is meant by "Reset." The FSM from which this figure came should spell that out in a dedicated section on the ELS. If you have the owner's manual, the ELS operation should be explained there, too.

CTS-V_LateralGs_6-2018_tiny.jpg
-- Click Here for CaddyInfo page on "How To" Read Your OBD Codes
-- Click Here for my personal page to download my OBD code list as an Excel file, plus other Cadillac data
-- See my CaddyInfo car blogs: 2011 CTS-V, 1997 ETC
Yes, I was Jims_97_ETC before I changed cars.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 5 years later...

Hmm.

Not that I know of. The adjustments are at the Height control valves. There is a set bolt at each leveling valve.

What are you looking to do?

Welcome to CaddyInfo

GM FAN FOREVER

Nice, clean, luxury= fine automobile

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...

hey all   I have an '89 brougham and want to improve the ride quality. the 'level ride' light goes on for a couple of seconds after starting, and goes on and off periodically while driving. I have nothing in the trunk. I don't think it's even working. can I replace the rear air shocks with conventional shocks?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

You must replace them with air shocks, check monroes.  The rubber bladders on the shock become porous and leak.  Spray soapy water on them while inflated and look for bubbles.

If the compressor is bad, you could direct fill the shocks by rerouting the lines and installing a Schrader valve, unless you want to keep the car original and you would need to repair ALC pump or replace it.  You can find new pumps here

www.car-parts.com

Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1  >>

1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm

How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/

Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year  http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Have you checked the relays that are on the right side cowl area underhood under the

removable panel?  Could one of those be blown and not supplying power to the compressor?

Sorry cant post a pic cuz its too big.

 

Edited by sonjaab

93 DeVille-13 Chevy Impala

72 GTO - 77 Triumph Bonneville

84 Z-28

Syracuse NY

Link to comment
Share on other sites

thank you all for your input. I tried the simplest test and had a buddy sit on the open trunk of the car, turned on the ignition ( didn't start the car ), and the 'level ride kicked on and did it's job. so no problems there. it's just that the car doesn't seem to ride like a caddy should; I feel almost every bump and pothole on the road.

any suggestions?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Are you getting strut codes or messages on your dash?

Do you hear a rolling noise that could indicate a hub bearing problem?

Have you checked ball joints?

Loose or worn parts cause amplified impact to be transferred.  

Bounce each corner of the vehicle the movement should be dampened and it should not bounce up and down.  That would indicate a strut that is failing to dampen impact.  

Check control arm bushings

Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1  >>

1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm

How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/

Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year  http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Do you know how to extract all DTC codes?, including suspension, body, not just P or powertrain codes.

You do know you can access them from the dash correct?

Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1  >>

1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm

How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/

Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year  http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 year later...
  • 2 weeks later...

My 93 Devilles level system works when the car is off.

I just wonder if it works just because its tied into the light delay after

the key is turned off?

93 DeVille-13 Chevy Impala

72 GTO - 77 Triumph Bonneville

84 Z-28

Syracuse NY

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Does it exhaust only, or inflate as well?

It is normal for it to exhaust like a minute after shutdown

GM FAN FOREVER

Nice, clean, luxury= fine automobile

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Not a clue why it runs.

BUT my climate and gas guages went dark yesterday!  BCM died?

I thought I smelled something electrical burning.

Gotta pull the glovebox and plug in my old BCM to check that this new old

replacement has failed.  (the old BCM the climate functions work but no guage display)

93 DeVille-13 Chevy Impala

72 GTO - 77 Triumph Bonneville

84 Z-28

Syracuse NY

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...