C5 2.0 HDi 2002 ssuspension compressor test

[mykle13]

HI - First time posting on this forum so please bear with me.
I have a mark 1 C% 2.0 HDI 2002. After working on the exhaust system in the drive the suspension has gone down to the bump stops and will not rise. Checked the fluid levels and for any leaks. Working methodically around the system I discovered the main fuse MF8 had blown. Inspected through the wiring and connectors and found all three wiring connectors on the pump were oiled up. Cleaned the connectors thoroughly, replaced the fuse and connected on by one and everything OK. Rest the BSI by disconnecting the battery etc, turned on the ignition and everything OK. Pressed the button to raise the car and blew the fuse again. My assumption is that there seems to be a problem on the pump itself?????

Can anyone point me in any other direction???
Is there a way of jump leading the pump alone to test it????

Any help would be appreciated.
Cheers, Mike

[Hell Razor5543]

The most likely cause is that the carbon dust (from the brushes) has mixed with LDS fluid that has got into the motor, and is drawing too much current. I had this happen to my C5 recently. It is possible to open up and clean the motor, provided the windings have not burnt out. Here is my thread on the experience;

viewtopic.php?t=72123

There are other threads within, that detail how others have also resolved the problem.

[mykle13]

I have now removed the compressor pump from the car and tomorrow will start dismantling the unit to clean the motor. I have acquired a replacement motor just in case and will let you know the result.

From searching the forums there is mention of a relay in the circuit which I can see on the wiring diagrams but can't find a location on the car. Does anyone know where it is??? Cheers, Mike

[Hell Razor5543]

The relay is a large brown unit that should be close to the offside front suspension mount. There is (in my thread) a photograph of where it is on my C5, on the last page. It is sufficiently heavy duty that it should be OK (on my C5 a previous owner had replaced the (correct) 40A maxi fuse with a 60A maxi fuse, which is why the motor ended up burning out).