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auto leveling question

Doc McCoy

New member
I have a 2020 RT limited that has auto leveling. Does the engine have to be running for it to work or just the key in the on position.
 
If it's like all the earlier Spyders, it'll need the engine to be running AND the trans in gear before the compressor will do its thing!! :thumbup:
 
I'll have to add to Peter's comment. :shocked: :yes:

Not only does the engine have to be running and the transmission in gear, the parking brake has to be OFF.

This is easy enough to test at home. Find a couple of chock blocks that will keep the bike from rolling and put them ahead of and behind a wheel. Start the engine, put in gear, release the parking brake. Does the 2020 have an adjustment switch like earlier models? If so, play with the switch, you will see and hear the suspension adjusting. NOTE: on our '17, the first press of the adjustment button will "wake up" the system, the second press actually makes the change.

That will test that the switch is making adjustments, but to check the auto-level, stand on one of the passenger floorboards, you should hear the compressor kick in. We tried this at night, with the headlights shining across the yard. It was interesting to see the lights return to the same level when the auto-levelling was complete. :thumbup:

.
 
OK, should still see the action when stepping on the rear floorboards.

I'll add that to the "another reason I like our '17" file. :thumbup:

.
 
I'll have to add to Peter's comment. :shocked: :yes:

Not only does the engine have to be running and the transmission in gear, the parking brake has to be OFF.

This is easy enough to test at home. Find a couple of chock blocks that will keep the bike from rolling and put them ahead of and behind a wheel. Start the engine, put in gear, release the parking brake. Does the 2020 have an adjustment switch like earlier models? If so, play with the switch, you will see and hear the suspension adjusting. NOTE: on our '17, the first press of the adjustment button will "wake up" the system, the second press actually makes the change.

That will test that the switch is making adjustments, but to check the auto-level, stand on one of the passenger floorboards, you should hear the compressor kick in. We tried this at night, with the headlights shining across the yard. It was interesting to see the lights return to the same level when the auto-levelling was complete. :thumbup:

.

I played around with standing on and getting off the passenger foot rest with my 220 lbs. The head light beam only moved slightly on the wall of the car port. I think I have a stealth pump. Checked the fuses and swapped the relay with the reverse one. Reverse still worked. So a better test appeared in my brain! I put it back in the car port with the blocks front and back of the rear tire and with the engine off I lifted the seat and let the air out of the system and watched the rear sink down a few inches. Started it up and the stealth unheard pump brought it right back up to its ride height. Pump must be at one of the ranges the VA hearing test said I have lost. Anyway a very definitive test that the pump does work!
 
So I crawled underneath and the Ride height adjuster lever was in fact attached. I then checked the pressure in the schrader valve and found that the air was only at 40 lbs. I checked the schrader valve core and it was not very tight so I tightened it. I then put 55 psi in the system. That is what is called for at my weight of 230 lbs. I will leave it for a few days and recheck the pressure. If it is losing pressure I will contact the dealer. I know you can buy extension hoses to go on the valve but I also know they have a history of leaking. Any thoughts on an extension hose to make airing it up when I am riding two up easier?
 
You have the Ltd, auto adjust height. you could only check if you have any leaks by adding air. as soon as you start moving the auto adjust will either let air out or tell compressor to add air
 
...you could only check if you have any leaks by adding air. ...

Is it possible to add an air gauge to monitor the system that way?

Also,

I thought that most car and truck air suspension systems dump air once the vehicle is turned off to reduce stress on the components. Does the Spyder do that or is it supposed to stay pressurized?
 
Remember, the purpose of the auto adjust is not to create a harder or softer ride. It is to keep the Spyder level regardless of the load on the seat. Two heavy riders will cause the pressure to be greater than a single light weight rider, but the headlight aim will stay the same.
 
I have never heard of modern vehicles dumping suspension air pressure when turned off. Now if it leaks?

On my Ram 1500. It is a closed loop system. Dry nitrogen is stored in tanks. The compressor just moves the stuff around to keep the 4 corners at the right height. It does have a Entry/Exit height that drops the vehicle down so it is easier to get in and out. But that has to chosen and not automatic.
 
As with just about anything else on these machines, the suspension height must be calibrated using BUDS to be correct. The service manual calls out two wooden blocks of different heights that the frame is set on. Then, using BUDS, readings are taken and stored to be used by the automatic system to maintain correct height under varying loads.
 
Page 50 of your operator's guide.

I love how everyone thinks I can't or haven't read the manual. Maybe I wanted personal observations who knows? People do have questions even after reading the manual, sometimes the manual just doesn't make sense to someone. The Marines I cared for thought I was smart enough to take care of battle wounds or see them in sick bay. Maybe they were mistaken. Who knows.
 
Our of curiosity I put an air gauge on the air bladder. 52psi. I have 2020 RTL and thus far have ridden solo. I weight 245lb.

I haven't even had thoughts if it should be firmer/softer. It is fine. Little surprised though it was that high. I've never heard the pump, but have hearing aids and probably couldn't hear it anyway.
 
I have four FOBO's on my 14RTS. One on each tire and one on the air ride Schrader valve under the seat. Normally I ride on the second setting on the dashboard. That pressure will self-adjust from 27 psi to 35 psi. The top setting will adjust itself to about 70 psi to 74 psi. When I ride 2up the pressure can max out at 85 psi.
 
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