GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Raising the Vehicle

When a load is added to the vehicle, the vehicle body moves down causing the position sensor actuating arm to rotate upward. The upward arm movement activates an internal timing circuit in the RIM once the doors and rear deck lid are closed. After the initial fixed delay, the RIM provides a ground to complete the compressor relay circuit. The 12V (+) circuit to the compressor is then complete and the compressor runs, sending pressurized air to the shock absorbers through the air tubes.

As the shock absorbers inflate, the vehicle body moves upward rotating the actuating arm towards its original position. Once the body reaches its original trim height, the compressor relay circuit is opened and the compressor is turned off.

Air Compressor Head Relief Sequence

In order to reduce current draw during air compressor starting, the RIM performs an air compressor head relief sequence before air compressor operation. This sequence reduces the air pressure in the air compressor cylinder during start-up. The air compressor head relief sequence occurs as follows:

  1. Exhaust solenoid is energized.
  2. Air compressor is activated 1.3 seconds after the exhaust solenoid is energized.
  3. Exhaust solenoid is de-energized 0.5 seconds after the air compressor is activated.

Lowering the Vehicle

When a load is removed from the rear of the vehicle, the body rises, causing the sensor actuating arm to rotate downward. Once the doors and the rear deck lid are closed, this again activates the internal timing circuit in the RIM. After the initial fixed delay, the RIM provides a ground to complete the exhaust solenoid circuit, energizing the solenoid. Now, air starts exhausting out of the shock absorbers, back through the air dryer and exhaust solenoid valve, and into the atmosphere.

As the vehicle body lowers, the actuating arm rotates to its original position. When the vehicle body reaches its original trim height, the exhaust solenoid circuit is opened, which closes the exhaust solenoid and prevents air from escaping.

Air Replenishment Cycle

The sensor actuating arm position is checked when the ignition is turned on. If the sensor indicates that no height adjustment is needed, an internal timer circuit is activated in the RIM. After about 30 seconds, the compressor is turned on for 3-5 seconds. This ensures that the shocks are filled with the proper residual pressure. If weight is added to or removed from the vehicle during the time delay, the air replenishment cycle is overridden, and the vehicle rises or lowers after the normal delay.