hydractive switch

timmsd · Unread post by **timmsd** » 28 Jul 2003, 17:50

My hydractive switch does not light at all and the suspension doesn't seem switch over between sport and comfort.
Any ideas. If the bulb has gone does the hydractive still work?
Also does anyone know where the hydractive control block is. How could I test the switch. Tried a s/h one and that didn't light... but I don't know if that was u/s or not.
Thanks
Dave

Unread post by **RichardW** » 28 Jul 2003, 19:50

Dave,
The function of the switch is not straight forward, as it is only a 'soft' switch - in the 'on' (Sport) position it merely tells the computer to switch into hard mode earlier than in the 'off' (Comfort) position. There is no 'control block' to speak of - the system consists of the computer (located in the box next to the expansion tank - on a TD anyway!) the electrovalves (located next to the front and rear hydractive spheres) and the various sensors (located at various places) - there is probably a main relay and fuse, but I do not know its location / identifier! My understanding is that if the electrovalves are not energised, then the suspension is in 'hard' mode - eg if the system fails it will resort to hard mode, rather than soft mode. There is a way to tell if the electrovalves are energising - to do with tuning the radio to some LW frequency where the valves interfere with the signal - but I can't remember exactly what. Jump on the XM-l list at Yahoo groups - they know ALL about it!
I fear that if the power supply and relay are intact (relay should switch when you switch the ignition on I think), you are going to have to get the computer memory read and take it from there if you want it to work!
Richard

timmsd · Unread post by **timmsd** » 28 Jul 2003, 20:22

Thanks Richard
It seemed to work but was very dim when I first got it.
I'll look at the XM site as suggested.
Dave

Richard Gallagher · Unread post by **Richard Gallagher** » 29 Jul 2003, 03:02

Dave, the light on the switch should illuminate quite dimly when the exterior lights are switched on. If it then goes out when turned on (Exterior lights still on) then check fuse number eight in the engine bay in the block behind the battery.
Richard

timmsd · Unread post by **timmsd** » 29 Jul 2003, 16:48

Checked fuses. OK
It doesn't light under any curcumstances. That is why I suspect the switch. I have a friend who has a working switch so first step is to swop and see if mine works on his car.
Dave