Hi all...my 2011 XK threw an "Adaptive Dynamics" fault. Using my Autel and OBD I got code C1A03-14, which indicates a "Left Front Height Sensor - circuit short to ground or open". I managed to get a "working" used unit from a trusted supplier and swapped the sensor out, since this seemed to be the "easiest" fix and IMO "most likely" issue. The car-side plug looked fine when I did the swap (no corrosion and no obvious damage). I haven't had a chance to drive the car since I swapped it but the fault warning immediately reappeared when I started the car.

I checked the old sensor by putting 5V into it and measuring output as I moved the lever-arm, and got nothing on the output pin. Before I start testing the car side and the module I read that one should drive the car for 30 minutes or so as the system needs to "calibrate" itself to clear a "permanent" fault: does this make sense? Assuming the fault is still indicated my intention was to:

1. Check I have 5V from the module to the connector?
2. Try and put some volts into the connector input socket and see if the car recognises it? Something between 0V and 5V should simulate and output from the sensor?

Any other suggestions?

 

It’s true that the car needs to relearn or calibrate to some replaced sensors (don’t know about the one you replaced). If the drive test doesn’t clear it, try disconnecting the battery, touch the cables together (a hard reset), and reconnect. See if that clears it (had to do that when I replaced a coolant temperature sensor).

 

30 minute drive didn't work, and neither did the "reset"...I shall progress to the wiring checks and see if that reveals anything. I also noticed (suspiciously) cheap sensors on eBay so I may get one of them as a test part...

 

It's not letting me add the PDF with the wiring diagram but it sounds like you have that already. What are the results of these voltage checks?

 

Hi - not had a chance to try that yet. I'll put the results up here when I do.

(As an aside I'm more convinced it's car side than sensor as not only do I have a new sensor on there but I also built a much better test rig. On testing the old unit I did get a variable output from pin # 4 when applying 5V across the sensor, so looks like connector, wiring or module problem after all. I also read a bit further into the manual and there's a requirement to re-calibrate the system if you change any of the height sensors. This requires dealer level kit, apparently...)

 

Yes and no, the calibration on our suspensions are just to verify that the sensors are in range. If you get a bad reading from the car it's usually due to bent parts, as the car can't adjust anything without air suspension anyway. So if you just replace the sensor and it's a valid reading, the module should not be unhappy. If your module is out and you replace that, it will require some programming unless you are able to find a good used one that exactly matches yours, and even then you can have issues with an incorrect VIN in the used module, which is why new is always the recommended option.

The testing I put up is for the module side, with the sensor unplugged if i'm reading it right, which will verify your module/wiring. If the values are off at the sensor connector, repeat your testing at the module end to rule out the wiring. If still bad, replace the module. If different end to end, fix the wiring.

 

I suspect wiring at the sensor/car connection on the basis that everything was working fine until the other day and a new used sensor hasn't fixed the fault (plus it now looks like the old sensor was okay too). I'm getting consistent "left front height sensor codes" and not module related codes.

Thanks for the instructions...I'm hoping I have ruled out the last one (sensor) so "all" I need to do now is confirm the wiring/connector...