The LAUNCH X431 diagnostic tool can reset system information after replacing the air spring assembly, allowing the vehicle’s computer system to match the new parts. This article will use a 2017 BMW (F15) X5 as an example to illustrate how to perform this operation.
Scenario Description: Air springs allow for vehicle height adjustment. During driving, the lower end of the air spring frequently bends and stretches, making this part of the material more susceptible to fatigue compared to other areas.
When an air spring leaks air, the vehicle loses support, and the weight of the vehicle rests on the suspension. This is visually noticeable as a certain part of the vehicle becoming lower, for example, the right rear is lower than the left rear, indicating a problem with the right rear air spring, which needs replacement.
After replacing the air spring, it needs to be re-matched. This is where the X431 diagnostic tool comes in handy.
Supported devices: LAUNCH X431 PRO3 series, PAD series
Used device: LAUNCH X431 PAD V ELITE
Before executing this function, please ensure that:
- the compressor in good condition
- the system no air leak
- battery voltage power
Operate the air spring: bleed all the air and fill up once (until normal level)
Connect the vehicle to the diagnostic tool and open the X-431 APP on the X431 PAD V ELITE tool. Click [Local Diagnostics], select BMW Software, click [Automatically Search], confirm the vehicle information, and then click [NEXT].
Click [Smart Detection] on the topology map interface to perform a vehicle scan.
After the vehicle scan is complete, click [System List]. You will see a fault in ICMQL (Integrated Chassis Management), DTC code: 480117, error message “ICM: Carrying Out Ride Height Adjustment“.
Click the [Special Function] option.
Select [Chassis And Suspension] -> [Electronic Ride Height Control] -> [Filling And Discharging Air From Air Bellows] -> [Electronic Ride Height Control (EHC): Filling And Draining]. Click [F2] to execute Bleed Of The Air Bellows.
The Following Preconditions Must Be Fulfilled:
– The Vehicle Is Standing On A Vehicle Hoist.
– The Vehicle Is Not Raised.
– Connect Battery Charger.
– Ignition ON.
– Electrical Fuse Of The Compressor Removed.
– It Is Necessary To Remove The Compressor Fuse In Order To Avoid Control Processes Of The Air Suspension When Bleeding The Air Bellows. Proceed According To The Wiring Diagram.
After ensuring the above conditions are met, click [Yes].
In The Following Step, The Air Seals Are Bled Via The Discharge Valve. A Procedure Of The Air Spring Bleeding Routine Takes About: 2 Min.
Wait for the vehicle to perform the air spring bleed procedure. After the air spring bleed procedure is performed once, the system will prompt you whether to continue (Up To 3 Runs Of The Air Spring Bleeding Routine May Be Necessary In Order To Release The Pressure Completely From The AirSuspension). We click [Yes] to continue.
Until the system prompts “End Service Function”, we click [Continue] to return to the function page.
We then click [Electronic Ride Height Control (EHC): Filling And Draining] again, but this time we select [F1].
As prompted, the following conditions must be met:
The Vehicle Must Not Be Parked On The Floor.
The Wheels Must Hang Freely At Least30 Cmabove The Floor.
Connect Battery Charger.
Ignition ON.
Electrical Fuse Of The Compressor Inserte.
Make sure the above prerequisites have been met, then click [Yes].
The air seals are supplied with air in the following step. The ventilation lasts about: 40 s.
Wait for the system to display the message “The Ventilation Routine Has Been Completed.” The vehicle can be lowered now. the correct ride height is set at the next engine start.
If applicable, perform the ride height sensor adjustment service function.
Proceed Ride Height Adjustment
Return to the [Special Functions] menu and select [Electronic Ride Height Control] -> [Ride Height Adjustment] -> [Ride Height Sensors: Start-Up].
This Service Function Is Used To Start Up The Ride Height Sensors Connected To The ICM Control Unit. Press [F1] to execute the “Carrying Out Ride Height Adjustment” function.
The Following Prerequisites Must Be Met Prior To A Start-Up Of The Ride Height Sensors:
Ignition Is Switched On.
No Internal Faults Are Stored In The ICM Control Unit.
The Vehicle Must Be Parked On A Flat And Even Surface.
Move Wheels Into Straight-Ahead Position.
Caution:
During The Entire Start-Up Process For The Ride Height Sensors, The Load Status Of The Vehicle Must Not Change. The Doors Must Not Be Opened And The Engine Must Not Be Started! This Might Otherwise Cause Misalignment Of The Chassis And Suspension Settings.
Select The Rim Size Of The Vehicle Before Starting Ride Height Adjustment. In this case, the vehicle’s rim size is 19 inches, so select [F3].
The screen currently displays the values set in the vehicle system module (Rear axle: 711 mm; Front axle: 721 mm). Click [Continue] to enter the actual measured values.
In this example, we actually measured a value of 710 mm. Enter the values for Rear axle and Front axle in sequence, then click [Continue].
The ride height adjustment was carried out successfully.
Note: After this procedure finishes, there may still be a warning light or fault code displayed until the vehicle has completed a road test, and the ignition switched off for 10 seconds and on.