You may have noticeable problems with the air suspension in your Cadillac XTS even before the warning light comes on. If your XTS is leaning to one side or sagging in the rear, you're probably experiencing air suspension issues. That may also be the case if you have noticed a noisy compressor under the hood or a small "nose dive" when coming to a stop. Whatever the issue, air suspension problems are worrisome. They are expensive to fix, and the repairs are endless once they begin.
Why Does Your Cadillac XTS Have Suspension Problems?
Air suspensions are a marvel of modern automotive technology in some ways. They are complex systems of mechanical and electronic components that cooperate to create a smooth, balanced ride. When working well, they offer great comfort and handling for the driver. In general, active suspensions have many advantages. However, they also have an expiration date.
To function correctly, your air suspension relies on a mechanical compressor, electronic and mechanical ride-height sensors, airbags, pneumatic air tubes and several small computers. If that sounds like a lot, it's because it is.
As with any system, any increase in complexity means a higher probability of failure at one point or another. When everything is interdependent, one faulty part throws the entire system out of whack. Other parts will overcompensate to try correcting the situation, which will cause early failure of different components. So air suspension problems in your Cadillac XTS aren't a matter of "if" but "when."
What Are the Common Cadillac XTS Air Suspension Problems?
Here are six typical Cadillac XTS front and rear air suspension problems.
How Do You Troubleshoot Cadillac XTS Problems in the Air Suspension?
Here are eight ways to diagnose your air suspension system for problems.
How to Do a Cadillac XTS Air Suspension Reset
There are two ways to reset your Cadillac XTS air suspension system.
1. Method One — Disconnect the Battery
Here is the first method for resetting the air suspension.
- Turn off the engine.
- Locate the battery and remove the negative terminal.
- Wait for about five minutes and reconnect the terminal to the battery.
- Drive the car around and see if the suspension works properly.
2. Method Two — Switch off the Air Suspension
Here is the second method for resetting the air suspension:
- Turn off the engine.
- Locate the air suspension switch in the trunk or the passenger side footwell.
- Switch off the air suspension.
- Allow the air suspension to release all the air from the shocks.
- Turn the air suspension back on.
- Drive the vehicle and monitor the air suspension to see if it's working correctly.
Why Are Cadillac XTS Air Suspensions So Expensive to Fix?
Overall, there are several reasons the complex Cadillac XTS air suspension can cost a pretty penny to fix. For starters, the components are expensive. Each air spring will run you just shy of $200, which initially might not sound like much. But soon after replacing the first air spring, you will likely need to replace the other three. You're already signing up for $800 worth of parts. Then you've got to pay someone to install them.
Assuming you decide it's worth replacing all your air springs, your ride height sensors and compressors will also wear out eventually. You're looking at several hundred to a thousand dollars worth of parts there. You've also got a suspension control module and all the tubes and wires that connect everything. Finally, you are dealing with a complex system with many tiny nuances. That means increased labor time.
What Is the Best Way to Fix Your Cadillac XTS Suspension Problems?
Use Strutmasters' Cadillac XTS conversion kit. These conversion kits eliminate the complex and troublesome air suspension components and replace them with sturdy, reliable old-fashioned coilover struts with mechanical resistance. For just under $600, you can replace all four of your Cadillac's air springs.
The engineers at Strutmasters tune and rate these kits correctly for your XTS. The result is the patented Glide-Ride Technology, which provides a smooth ride comparable to the original. Best of all, we design them with DIYers in mind. All you need is a few simple tools you probably already have, a sturdy jack and the better part of an afternoon. We've packaged detailed instructions with the kit and a helpful video to guide you.
Shop Strutmasters' Cadillac XTS Suspension Conversion Kit
Strutmasters is an industry leader with over two decades of experience delivering the best strut solutions in the United States. Contact us now!
