I was able to activate the Jaguar specific module in my AutoEnginuity software and I pulled the codes to figure out what is going on with the persistent CATS system fault that comes and goes in my dash.



The Air Suspension module reports C1424, U2518 and U2523. The Uxxxx are network specific codes and I am not sure if they are contributing to the fault. The C1424 is quite specific and it translates to:

Fault Description: LH front damper actuator drive circuit fault
Possible Causes: LH front damper actuator drive circuit; open circuit

I checked the connections going to both of the dampers and they seem fine. Is there another place I need to be checking? Is there a procedure somewhere that will help me diagnose this further?

Both the front shocks are Arnott units.

 

Weird, hopefully someone with more experience than myself will chime in.

I'd start by checking the electrical connector on that strut for signs of damage then the connector in the trunk under the spare then the connector under the rear passenger side seat.

 

Arnott rebuilt OEM, i.e. had new air spring diaphragms fitted ?

 

I do not know how to tell the difference between the rebuilt and new units..

 

So some more information: If I unplug the sensor to the shock and reconnect it, the fault message goes away. I start driving and the message appears in less than 1 minute. Under certain circumstances, the fault message will go away on its own for less than a minute but will still come back (C1424).

Picture of the actual unit:

 

Well, after about a year, I got this resolved just when I was getting used to the permanent CATS System fault message. The sensor had an open. The good sensor registered 6.2 Ohms. After back and forth with Marvin at Arnott's, he sent me two sensors under warranty even though I was not the original purchaser of the air-shocks. I got to give it to them. True professionals. I would not hesitate doing business with them.

Problem solved.

 

Lagonia,

Thank you for your exciting follow-up post and photos!

You have added some important information to our collective knowledge of the air suspension system, but now I have more questions:

1. How do the CATS sensors mount in the tops of the shocks? In the photos it looks like they just press in...

2. Is there any electrical connection from the sensor to the shock, or only from the wiring harness to the sensor?

3. The manual specifies that the CATS signal is a 400Hz pulse, and Cambo has confirmed that with a scope. Based on your observations, can you explain how the sensor works to transition the shock from Firm to Soft mode?

Sorry for all the questions, but I really want to fully understand this system, and you're on the cutting edge here!

Cheers,

Don

 

I've looked up AS-2519 and it's the Arnotts own design Air Shock. According to their own site it bypasses the CATS system and looking at the sensor I can imagine it's just a sensor to get rid of the signal, not an actual CATS regulator. But I would like to know for sure too so any additional info would be great.

Guus

 

Guus & Lagonia,

I missed this important fact in the OP, but I'm still curious.

Cheers,

Don

 

That is exactly right. The "sensor" is there to fool the CATS computer. When you remove the two small hex screws, the thing just pops out. There is nothing more to that.

 

Lagonia,

Looking at your photos, that white woven tape looks like the sort of glass-reinforced tape used to protect and insulate coils of magnet wire. I wonder if those devices are inductor coils that fool the ASM by offering the same impedance as the original CATS solenoids?

Don

 

Yes, they are definitely coils, similar as what you would find in a speaker, for example.