A smooth, comfortable ride is often a top priority for luxury SUV enthusiasts. For those who have lavished their fortune on the Infiniti QX80, this expectation is no different. But what happens when the high-tech amenity designed to make your journey as plush as possible starts to fail?
Infiniti QX80 air suspension problems have been annoying numerous owners as well as potential buyers for a long time. In particular, air suspension issues like bad height sensors, compressor failure, bouncy ride, and self-adjustment failure are more common reasons for headaches.
However, don’t let the headache creep on you, as we’re here to help you out. Here, we will open up the hood on some common issues faced by QX80 owners and provide expert insights into why these issues occur and how you can address them.
Symptoms of Air Suspension Issues in Infiniti QX80
As an Infiniti owner who understands top-tier performance and luxury rides, you need to know when something is off-kilter with your air suspension system before it takes a toll on your driving experience or empties out your wallet for repairs. So, keep an eye on the following symptoms.
Unusual Vehicle Height Differences
Vehicle height disparities are the most visually conspicuous manifestation of Infiniti QX80 air suspension problems. It’s quite peculiar to notice one corner of your SUV tilted while the rest stands tall, enamoring raised eyebrows from pedestrians and fellow drivers.
This irregularity can bring about an unbalanced stature in your vehicle, which is far from trivial amusement as it could indicate a grave issue with the air suspension system.
Although it might sound intriguing or fun to have your car representing a hyped trend like ‘the stanky leg,’ this anomaly is costing you neurological equilibrium and greater fuel consumption due to uneven road friction. Sadly, ignoring these nuances in your dapper Infiniti QX80 might be synonymous with setting yourself up for daunting repair bills and potential hazards on the road.
Noticeable Changes in Driving Comfort
If you find yourself bouncing around in your seat more frequently as you cruise through the city streets in your Infiniti QX80, pay attention – it could be linked to an air suspension problem. This luxury vehicle was designed with comfort in mind, offering a smooth transition over bumps and uneven road surfaces thanks to its superior air suspension.
So, when the proverbial ride turns into a rodeo adventure on regular roads – it’s likely not just because of any external factors. Consider how smoothly your car has dealt with potholes and speed bumps previously.
If changes become noticeable, such as feeling jarred or jostled during rides which used to feel like gliding on glass, remember that’s not what Infiniti intended for its drivers. It serves as a wake-up call to dig into matters before they disrupt further adventures behind the wheel!
Problems with Air Compressor Functionality
As drivers, we probably don’t think much about our vehicle’s air compressor until something goes awry. That small device tucked away under the hood plays a paramount role; it generates the necessary pressure to keep your Infiniti QX80 Air Suspension functioning optimally. You should never underestimate a fifth symptom – troubles with its functionality.
When your air compressor begins to fail, you might start noticing peculiar sounds, squeaks, or groans that weren’t there before. Your car could begin to manifest erratic movements when over bumps or riding lower than usual.
Such irregularities denote an overworked or malfunctioning compressor dragging down your Infiniti QX80’s comfy and balanced ride experience. Keeping a tab on these signs could save you from facing more prominent problems and help maintain the top-notch performance of your luxurious vehicle.
Excessive Bounciness or Rough Ride
If you’re frequently experiencing an unwanted trampoline effect or an unexpected safari ride kind of toughness, it could be a telltale sign of air suspension problems that calls for some serious attention.
Excessive bounciness could point towards leaky shocks or struts leading to inadequate dampening function, while an excessively rough ride might implicate faults in the air spring components themselves. Bottom line? It’s time you stop enduring those bone-jarring rides and consult with an auto repair specialist.
Infiniti QX80 Air Suspension Problems
As much as air suspension issues might seem minor at first glance, they can diminish the driving experience and inflate maintenance costs with time. So, before you end up with such facts, check the following issues and their potential solutions.
1. Bad Height Sensor
One of the prevailing issues with the Infiniti QX80 air suspension system involves a malfunctioning height sensor located at the rear of the vehicle. This sensor, which connects from the frame to the lower control arm on the driver’s side, often succumbs to water damage over time, leading to electrical short circuits.
As a result, the air suspension may fail to maintain proper ride height and performance, causing potential discomfort and safety concerns for drivers and passengers.
The location and design of these sensors make them susceptible to moisture ingress, resulting in gradual degradation and eventual malfunction. The height sensor’s vulnerability to water penetration presents a pervasive challenge for many Infiniti QX80 owners.
Possible Solution:
To address this issue effectively, it is imperative to systematically troubleshoot and test the integrity of the components involved.
Firstly, start by inspecting the height sensor for any signs of water damage or corrosion. If present, carefully clean and dry the affected area to remove any moisture that may be causing the sensor to malfunction. Next, check for any loose or damaged wiring connections between the height sensor and its corresponding components.
Additionally, ensure that all electrical connections in this system are securely tightened and free from any corrosion. Subsequently, conduct a diagnostic scan using specialized equipment to identify any fault codes related to the air suspension system.
Lastly, after identifying and resolving any potential issues with the height sensor, recalibrate or reset the system as per manufacturer guidelines to ensure proper functionality.
2. Air Compressor Failure
Infiniti QX80 owners have been reporting widespread concern over air compressor failures in the vehicle’s air suspension system. Specifically, when the vehicle is loaded and the rear suspension lowers due to weight, the self-leveling mechanism should engage the air compressor to increase the ride height.
However, many owners have experienced instances where this mechanism fails to activate and the compressor does not turn on as expected. The failure of the air compressor can result in compromised ride comfort, handling, and overall safety of the vehicle, making it crucial for this matter to be addressed promptly.
Furthermore, since this problem seems to be occurring across multiple QX80 vehicles, it highlights a potential systemic flaw within the air suspension system that necessitates thorough investigation and resolution by Infiniti.
Possible Solution:
To address this issue, please follow these steps: First, inspect the Air suspension Fuses and check the Air Compressor Motor Relay. Replace any faulty fuses or relays as needed. Next, conduct a Self-Levelling Verification to test its functionality.
If it still does not work, verify whether the compressor is receiving power supply by checking for 12V voltage after loading 100-200 kg onto the vehicle. If there is no issue with the power supply, remove and inspect whether the compressor itself may have burned out. You can also connect a 12V power supply for further testing.
3. Rear Self-Levelling is Not Working
Many Infiniti QX80 owners have expressed concern over the failure of the Rear Self-Levelling system in their vehicles. The system, which is designed to automatically adjust the suspension height after applying a load, has been reportedly not functioning as intended.
Some owners have also reported instances where the rear end of their Infiniti QX80 remains visibly lower than normal even when unloaded, indicating a persistent issue with the self-leveling feature. Given the complexity of modern vehicle suspension systems, seeking professional diagnosis and repair from qualified technicians is advisable in such cases.
Possible Solution:
To diagnose issues with the air suspension system in your Infiniti QX80, start by checking the air suspension fuses and the air compressor motor relay. Replace any fuses or relays that are faulty. Then, perform a self-leveling verification to test the system.
Ensure that there is no payload or passengers in the truck before measuring the ride height from the wheel center to the fender bottom as a reference point. Next, add a load of at least 100-200 kg near the rear axle and observe any changes in suspension height.
If the measured ride height is lower than the reference ride height, it indicates that the self-leveling air suspension is not functioning properly. You can then inspect the ride height sensor to see if it is broken or bent, and replace it if necessary.
After replacing the ride height sensor, repeat the self-leveling verification procedure to check for improvement. If issues persist, there is likely a problem with the air compressor.
To confirm this, disconnect the electrical connector from the ride height sensor and short its 3 terminals using office binders or safety pins. If the compressor starts when you short these terminals, it indicates that it’s working properly; if not, there may be an issue with the compressor itself.
For further guidance on addressing potential air compressor malfunctions, refer to specific sections related to this component in your vehicle’s documentation.
4. Excessive Bouncing at the Rear
Many Infiniti QX80 owners have reported experiencing significant issues with the vehicle’s rear air suspension system. A common complaint is that the rear suspension feels excessively bouncy, leading to a vague and unsettling handling sensation characterized by excessive roll.
Customers have also noted a lack of responsiveness in the steering, which can exacerbate the feeling of instability on the road. These problems are exacerbated when driving over uneven or rough terrain, resulting in a less-than-desirable driving experience.
Possible Solution:
Weak damping in the shock absorbers can result in excessive bouncing, which compromises the cornering ability of the vehicle and leads to excessive roll. To confirm weak damping, a bounce test can be performed by applying vertical pressure at the rear of the vehicle and observing how many times it bounces on its own after being released.
If it takes more than one oscillation to settle, then it indicates weak shock absorbers. This issue is related to Infiniti QX80 air suspension problems and can significantly affect the vehicle’s performance.
Summary
Infiniti QX80 air suspension problems are indeed a significant concern for owners. These issues not only affect the vehicle’s performance but also compromise passenger comfort and safety. The recurring nature of these problems indicates a need for potential design enhancements or recalls from Infiniti.
It is advisable for owners to proactively inspect their vehicles and promptly address any signs of malfunction in the air suspension system. Remember, early detection and repair can save you expensive costs down the line, so keep an eye on your Infiniti QX80’s air suspension system and ensure its optimal performance at all times.
