Got my XJ Vanden Plas towed and the front shocks are low but it doesn't show anything on the dash, what could have happened, I got them replace about 1.5years ago.

 

Did you have the XJ flat bedded or towed from the rear? If the latter - the residual air in the bladders were probably forced out during towing... (always have these cars flat bedded)

Drive the car more than 20 mph for a few minutes and the air suspension should reset and fill the struts.

 

it was towed on flat bed, i have driven it for three days now but nothing has happened, hoping that they don't need to be replaced

 

If both shocks are low it probably not the shocks themselves but either the front height sensor or an electronic fault. The car to low message only appears when it's really very low. First you could try a drive with some heavy breaking and acceleration to force the height sensor through its range. If that doesn't work or you don't want to at this moment take it to a specialist with Jag software. They can read any errors and manually manipulate the system to help diagnose what is actually the problem.

Guus

 

The manual specifies that not only must the X350 must be towed on a flat bed, but that it must be secured by the wheels only and not the body. No explanation is given, but I suspect that harm can be done to the suspension if the body is tied down but the ASCM enters Inclination Mode and tries to re-level the body by raising one or more corners.

Do you know if the car was secured by the body or by the wheels only?

I agree with Guus that your next step is to have the codes read by a good independent Jag specialist (or dealer if that's you're only option).

Please keep us informed.

Don

 

Don, my guess is that if the car lowers itself the holding straps or chains get loose and they might get undone.

Guus

 

I have flat-bed hauled our XJ over 12,000 miles behind our RV, and never had an issue with it not immediately adjusting to proper ride height. I think you have something else going on. If it is a strut or sensor, the computer should flag a code. One of the air lines from the compressor in the front to the valve block in the boot, may have gotten crimped during the tow.

 

There's only one line from the compressor to the valve block. Only the front ones are down so that not likely the problem. Two separate lines to the front struts. Both on the front are down so lines to them or the shocks themselves are also les likely.

Guus

 

Thank you all very much, this forums has saved me lots of money. So i had read other forums and they suggested to replace the relay #4, went and got one for $15 and that solved the problem. Now its driving good, thanks again

 

Great to hear that!

Guus

 

Hi kchirume,

Just for clarity, was it Relay 4 in the Rear Power Distribution box that powers the Air Suspension Control Module?

Thanks,

Don

 

no its one in the hood passenger side towards the front of the engine, they are marked i think from r1 to r8 the one you need is the r4, good luck

 

I hear and read this a lot. Can somebody clear up once and for all that Relay 1 in the engine box is the air suspension, NOT Relay 4?

 

In both the 2003.5 and 2004 Electrical Guide it's called R1 in the Front Power Distribution Fuse Box. I've also looked for R4 and it's for the wiper and in the same box.

Guus

 

According to the 2004 Electrical Guide, Figure 05.3, Relay 1 in the Front Power Distribution Fuse Box in the front right corner of the engine bay is the Air Suspension Relay that provides power to the Air Suspension Compressor.

The Air Suspension Control Module (ASM) receives Battery Power from 20A Fuse F52 and Ignition Switched Power from 10A Fuse F12 by way of Switched System Power Relay 4, all of which are in the Rear Power Distribution Fuse Box in the trunk/boot. I haven't figured out why, but the schematic also labels Switched System Power Relay 4 as "R7".

The schematic indicates that Relay 4 in the Front Power Distribution Fuse Box is the Wiper On/Off Relay.

I don't know if components were moved for the 2005 MY but it seems unlikely.

Please keep us informed, kchirume.

Cheers,

Don

 

Thanks very much for the clarification, Don. Its really a shame that this disinformation continues to be spread around this forum.