Serious Suspension Fault

[zeeshanzaki]

I encountered this error when I was driving with sports mode suspension settings. The only thing I did few days ago is top up LDS fluid.
When I checked the LDS reserve tank, the cap was fill with lds fluid and looks like it came out from tiny hole on top of the cap. LDS fluid is at Base level when on normal height.
Car drives normal but I go over speed hump it give this error message.
What could have cause this error message and is it safe to drive?

[Stickyfinger]

Do you know how to check the LDS level is correct ?

[zeeshanzaki]

Mine does not show those marking point in tank, so i just added around 300ml till it reached to middle of base and middle mark.

[sparksie]

I'm no expert (one of those will be along shortly!), but my gut feeling is it's just overfilled.
Find out how to check the level properly, then set it to the correct level and see how it goes.

[zeeshanzaki]

I empty around 100ml fluid to reduce the level. Don't know if it is still above the max limit. Attached photo s are after lowering the suspension to lowest.
When i remove the cap i don't see any pressure in the tank. Do i have to do anything with cap to maintain the pressure. When i checked the cap when error came up, it has couple of drops of oil came out from the pressure release hole.

[GiveMeABreak]

Ok, so you have a mark I and on early models there were 2 types of tank, the earlier one with a 'window' on the side of the LDS tank showing the levels as per the first diagram below and a later one where the levels are checked using the cap filler neck.

According to your build date, you may have the earlier type with the markings on the tank side.

Older C5 MK I LDS Tank Refer to second diagram for checking levels.	Old LDS Tank on early MK I C5 Open the plug ( 1). If the level of LDS fluid is below the minimum mark "b". Add LDS fluid until the level is 10 mm above the minimum mark "b". Newer LDS Tank Open the plug ( 1). If the level of LDS fluid is below the minimum mark "b". Add LDS fluid until the level is between the minimum mark "b" and the maximum mark "a".

So in call cases now, use the LDS filler cap neck to check the levels, as per the instructions in the table, using the second diagram.

Another possibility to consider, is have you had the vehicle raised off the ground with the wheels hanging freely (i.e. unsupported)?

If you do this, it is essential that you should put the suspension on high, then remove the LDS cap first, then raise the vehicle off the ground. Not doing so can cause significant pressure in the hydraulic system when the wheels are lowered back to the ground, with fluid being forced back into the reservoir too quickly for the hole in the venting cap of the LDS tank to cope with. This can cause a split LDS tank or a leak. Raising the suspension to the highest point first, allows a controlled return to normal height settings later when the car is returned to the ground. So lower the car back to the ground, then return the car to normal suspension height setting and replace the LDS cap.

This only applies if more than one wheel will be raised off the ground unsupported. If the car will be raised on a four post lift with the wheels supported, then that is fine.

[zeeshanzaki]

Hi Marc
Thanks.a lot for quick response, much appreciated.
Mine has mark on the side of the tank as shown in the picture. If i fill up to base then it is 10mm above b. So dont know what is maxi and hyd levels are.
I drew car with and without sports mode over the speed humps and no error defected. I will monitor few days and see if the error comes up.

[GiveMeABreak]

No problem, leave it at 'a' on the second picture again checked on lowest setting. Normally Lexia would be used to depressurise the hydraulic circuit and the levels properly checked when the car is fully depressurised. Ignore the older markings on your tank and focus on the second diagram.

[zeeshanzaki]

Error come back. After parking the car the rear suspension was higher than front. Tried lowering height but it gave error message similar to when it reach max/min and can’t lower. Drew the car in this condition at 60km/h without any fault. Parked the car and was able to lower and raise the car with no error. Could it be height corrector issue or the pump.
Thanks

[GiveMeABreak]

Height correctors for sure.

Check the linkage near the dog and bone of the heigh correctors but don't get underneath the car if you have not got it supported with axle stands as there is the likely possibility that it can rapidly lower and crush you.

[zeeshanzaki]

I only checked rear one and here is the picture p

[GiveMeABreak]

It doesn't look too bad, but make sure it has some silicone oil around the moving parts - but it is possible that the internal tracks of the height corrector are worn.

Try raising and lowering the car several times to see if that cures it.

[zeeshanzaki]

I applied Silicon lubricant, let see if this resolve the issue.
Thanks