The Ram 2500 is a powerhouse in the truck market, known for its durability and performance. However, even the most reliable vehicles can encounter issues, and one area of concern that has surfaced among Ram 2500 owners is air suspension problems.
Ram 2500 Air suspension problems have raised questions about the effectiveness and longevity of the air suspension system in this heavy-duty truck. Some of the most common issues include rough rides, air spring issues, malfunctioning ride height self-adjustment, and air suspension malfunctioning in cold weather.
So, are you one of those frustrated owners who experienced such issues? Or are you hoping to purchase a brand new Ram 2500? In any case, if your answer is yes, then this guide is for you. So stay with us till the end.
Symptoms of A Bad Ram 2500 Air Suspension
A malfunctioning air suspension system on your Ram 2500 can often be identified through some signs. Recognizing the symptoms of a bad air suspension is crucial for maintaining optimal performance and addressing potential problems before they escalate. So, take a look at the below-mentioned symptoms:
- If you observe that your RAM truck’s factory air suspension is leaning to one side or sagging in the rear, it is crucial not to overlook this issue. This may indicate potential factory air suspension problems in your Dodge RAM 1500 model, which require attention and resolution.
- Another concerning symptom to watch out for is the occurrence of a nosedive when bringing your truck to a stop. During this maneuver, the rear end of your RAM lifts while the front end goes down, indicating an evident sign of suspension damage.
- In certain situations, identifying a problem might not be immediately evident. However, there are subtle indicators that can serve as red flags. For instance, you may begin to sense something amiss when driving, such as experiencing an increased sensation of potholes and divots on the road compared to before.
Common Ram 2500 Air Suspension Problems
The air suspension system utilized in RAM 2500 truck is highly sophisticated and intricate. Due to its complexity, it is not uncommon for issues to arise from various components within the system. That being said, certain air ride problems tend to be more prevalent in RAM 2500 than others.
1. Air Spring Issue
One of the frequently encountered problems pertains to the air springs or bags. These specialized components are responsible for supporting the vehicle’s weight while ensuring a smooth and controlled ride.
Complaints regarding the air suspension system in Ram 2500 trucks have increased recently, with many owners reporting issues related to air spring failures. One possible cause of air spring problems in the Ram 2500 is excessive wear and tear.
The heavy-duty nature of this truck means that it often carries heavy loads or trailers, putting extra strain on the suspension system. Over time, this can damage or deteriorate the air springs, causing them to leak or fail. Furthermore, manufacturing defects or faulty installation processes may sometimes contribute to premature failures.
Quick Solution:
Start by inspecting the air springs for any visible signs of damage or wear. Look out for cracks, leaks, or sagging in the springs. If any issues are detected, it is essential to replace them promptly.
Next, ensure all connections and fittings related to the air suspension system are secure and properly tightened. Loose connections can cause air leakage and affect the overall performance of your suspension system.
After ensuring everything is securely fastened, check for an adequate supply of compressed air reaching the air springs.
2. Suspension Repair Warning Message
Several Ram 2500 owners have reported encountering an issue with their vehicles’ ride height adjustment. According to these owners, a warning message unexpectedly appears on the vehicle’s display when attempting to make adjustments.
Worryingly, once this message is triggered, the system no longer permits any further modifications to the vehicle’s ride height. This occurrence suggests an underlying problem within the ride height adjustment system of certain Ram 2500 models.
Quick Solution:
To address the Suspension Repair Warning Message issue in your Ram 2500 truck, it is important to ensure that fuses 05, 50, and 87 related to the air suspension are properly seated. If necessary, follow these steps to fix the problem:
Firstly, locate the fuse box of your vehicle, usually found under the hood or within the passenger compartment. Carefully identify the fuses mentioned (05, 50, and 87) related to your air suspension system.
Inspect each fuse closely to determine if they are securely seated in their designated slots. In some cases, these fuses may have been initially positioned approximately 1/16th of an inch outwards during assembly at the factory.
Remove each fuse from its slots using gentle force or a suitable tool such as needle-nose pliers or a small flathead screwdriver. Carefully reseat each fuse back into its designated slot, ensuring that they are pushed in firmly all the way. This will guarantee proper electrical contact and functionality.
Close the fuse box securely after reseating all three fuses relating to the air suspension system (05, 50, and 87). Turn on your vehicle’s ignition and carefully monitor if the Suspension Repair Warning Message persists or has been successfully resolved.
3. Malfunctioning Ride Height Self-adjustment
The Ram Active-Level System, which is designed to maintain rear ride height, may experience occasional self-adjustment failures. This system is particularly found in the RAM 2500 and 3500 models. The Normal Ride Height (NRH) serves as the default position, ensuring optimal performance.
However, there is also an Alternate Trailer Height option that lowers the suspension by 1 inch for easier loading purposes.
Under normal circumstances, when the ride height adjustment occurs, a blinking light indicates the proper functioning of the system. However, if this light fails to blink, it may suggest malfunctioning of the Ram Active-Level System.
It could be due to internal damage or distortion within the Air Spring’s sleeve, preventing it from inflating properly under pressure. Additionally, if you have installed a lift kit, there is a possibility that it may have caused damage to your air suspension system.
It is worth mentioning that the 4th generation of Ram Trucks (2009 to 2018) has been associated with a higher number of reported cases involving this specific type of Ride-Height Adjustment failure.
Quick Solution:
Firstly, check the fuse box for any blown fuses related to the self-ride height adjustment system. A blown fuse can disrupt the functionality of this feature. Replace any faulty fuses and test if that resolves the issue.
Secondly, ensure that all air lines connected to the suspension components are securely attached and free from leaks or damage. Any loose connections or leaks in the airlines could cause improper functioning of the ride-height adjustment system. Tighten connections or replace damaged airlines as needed.
4. Delayed Ride Height Adjustment
Upon engaging the ride height adjustment switch, it is expected that the suspension will react promptly, allowing for quick and seamless adjustments. However, some Ram 2500 owners have noticed an annoying delay in this process. Despite pressing the switch and initiating the desired modification, the truck takes an excessive amount of time to respond accordingly.
Quick Solution:
The Air Compressor plays a crucial role in determining how quickly height adjustments can be made. In cases where the Compressor seems to be shifting from its fixed position, there are probably problems with its mounting brackets.
To ascertain if this is indeed the issue, one must remove the protective shield covering the compressor and inspect for signs of rust or breakage on its mounting brackets. If, regrettably, it turns out that the problem lies elsewhere and not with these brackets, then one must be prepared to replace the entire compressor unit.
5. Cold Weather Effect on Air Suspension
The Active-Level 4 Corner Suspension incorporated in the Ram 2500 truck demonstrates a heightened vulnerability to extreme cold temperatures. When faced with such harsh weather conditions, the air suspension system can unexpectedly cease its operation altogether.
This occurrence poses potential challenges and inconveniences for drivers, as it hampers the smooth and controlled movement of the vehicle.
With temperatures reaching exceptionally low levels, the susceptibility of the suspension system intensifies, rendering it more prone to failure compared to other climatic conditions. This issue can be caused due to a blown fuse, damaged compressor, or frozen valves.
Quick Solution:
Proceed by removing the 40 AMP fuse and carefully examine its internal metal part for any visible signs of damage or splitting into two halves. If you notice any such indications, immediately replacing this faulty fuse with a new one would be necessary.
However, replacing this fuse does not resolve your issue. There might be another potential culprit causing problems with your Air Suspension system. In short, the pneumatic valves freeze or get blocked while still allowing the normal operation of your compressor simultaneously.
Please bear in mind that such a situation has inherent dangers associated with it and could potentially result in more serious complications within your air suspension system as a whole.
If your Air compressor fails to start (no noise), we suggest checking whether there might be an issue with its corresponding Relay responsible for activating it properly. To test if it is a relay issue, you can try shorting the 2 terminals and listen carefully for any changes in sound.
Final Words
Ram 2500 air suspension problems have proven to be a significant issue for many owners of this truck model. From leaking airbags to faulty compressor systems, these problems have caused inconvenience and frustration for users.
While the manufacturer has attempted to address some of these issues through recalls and repairs, it is clear that more needs to be done to ensure the long-term reliability and performance of the air suspension system in the Ram 2500.
