Ridetech airpod Series User manual

1
Installation Guide
& Operation Manual
RideTech
350 S. St. Charles St. •Jasper, IN 47546 • 812-481-4969
TM

2
Contents
AirPod™ Installation
Mounting the unit...........................................................4
Wiring...................................................................................4
Component Installation
Mounting compressor & relay.....................................5
Mounting tank..................................................................5
Mounting air valves ........................................................6
ttings ............................................6
Mounting pressure sensors..........................................6
Mounting the controls & ECU......................................7
Wiring...................................................................................7
LevelPRO Installation
Mounting ride height sensors.....................................8
Sensor Rod Assembly.....................................................9
Example installations ..................................................10
Calibrating Ride Height Sensors..............................11
Programming & Controls
Programming and activating presets....................12
Ride Height on start.....................................................13
Display view options ...................................................13
Programming remotes................................................13
View Tank Pressure.......................................................14
Operating pressures & triggers
Compressor trigger..................................................14
ate speed.............................................14
ate feature ...................................................14
Adjusting display & backlight intensity................15
Wiring Diagrams
ARC4000L / ARC4000e2 .............................................16
ARC4100L / ARC4100e2 .............................................17
ARC4700L / ARC4700e2 .............................................18
ARC4800L / ARC4800e2 .............................................19
Problem Solving...................................................................20
Thank you for choosing an Air Ride
Technologies’suspension control system.
We are committed to providing the best
experience possible throughout the
process of getting your car on air.
Our commitment doesn’t end with your
purchase, in fact, it has only begun.
This guide should provide you with the
information you need to properly install
and set-up your suspension control system.
culty or if you have a question that isn’t
covered in this book, please call our tech
department.
812-481-4969
In addition to phone support, our web site
also provides a wealth of helpful product /
install / set-up information.

3
This guide covers installation of all RidePRO e2®, LevelPRO™ and AirPod™ systems. It is important to know what system you are
guration.
LevelPRO™ and RidePRO e2®
addition of the ride height
sensors. These sensors add the
ability to adjust the height of
the vehicle based on actual
chassis movement as well as
air spring pressure readings.
RidePRO e2 Systems can be
upgraded to a LevelPRO™ with
the purchase of the additional
sensors (LEV7500).
The AirPod™ is a complete
RidePRO e2 or LevelPRO™
System in a pre-assembled
and tested unit for simple
installation.
Part #
ARC4000L LevelPro 4 way system / 3 gal. Tank
ARC4100L LevelPro 4 way w/dual comp. / 5 gal. Tank
ARC4700L LevelPro BIG RED 4 way / 5 gal. Tank
ARC4800L LevelPro BIG RED MAX / two 5 gal. Tanks
LEV7000 LevelPro electronics package
LEV7500 LevelPro upgrade for RidePro E2
Part #
APOD4100L AirPod w/ 5 gal. Tank, 2 compressors, and LevelPro control
APOD4000L AirPod w/3 gal. Tank, single compressor and LevelPro control
APOD4100e2 AirPod w/ 5 gal. Tank, 2 compressors, and Ridepro control
APOD4000e2 AirPod w/3 gal. Tank, single compressor and RidePro control
Part #
ARC4000e2 RidePro e2 4 way system / 3 gal. Tank
ARC4100e2 RidePro e2 4 way /dual comp. / 5 gal. Tank
ARC4700e2 RidePro e2 BIG RED 4 way / 5 gal. Tank
ARC4800e2 RidePro e2 BIG RED / two 5 gal. Tanks
AirPod™ electronics & controls are identical
to LevelPRO™ and RidePRO e2® systems.
Ride height sensors are used in
LevelPRO™ systems only.
RidePROe2®
systems use
pressure
sensors only
Systems covered in this manual:
Upgrade Options
All RidePROe2 systems
can be upgraded with the
LevelPRO™ ride height
sensors for the ultimate
suspension control.
Part #
LEV7500 LevelPro electronics package Part #
REM7500 Remote control option
Add the convenience of
remote control to your
Air Ride Technologies
suspension system with this
optional upgrade.
Remote Control

4
MOUNT THE MAIN UNIT:
1 - Mount airpod in the trunk or other area where the airpod will not
be exposed to the elements (ECU is NOT water proof!)
at to the vehicle surface (do not bend the base)
3 - Secure the base with self tapping screws or bolts.
4 - Secure the cover to the airpod base using the supplied screws.
CONNECT AIR LINES:
1 - Airline cuts must be straight and clean - use a razor blade or tubing
cutter. (part # - cut1000)
ttings are DOT approved, reusable, push-to-connect style. Firmly
tting and pull the airline out.
3 - All of our airlines are DOT approved so they are very strong. Secure the
airline with zip ties, keep them away from any sharp edges and when
passing through a hole in the frame use a grommet.
ers and exhaust manifolds.
CONNECT POWER HARNESS:
1 - Connect the red power wire directly to the battery.
Use included fuse within 18” of battery.
2 - Connect the yellow ignition wire to switched 12v.
3 - Connect the black wire to chassis ground.
CONNECT LEVELPRO SENSORS
See LevelPRO section for more information
on installing and calibrating height sensors.
(see page 8)
CONNECT DISPLAY / CONTROLS:
See control programming and additional
features section for more information on using
the control panel.
(see page 11-15)
RF
LF
RR
LR
POWER
HARNESS
PLUGS IN HERE
RF
LF
RR
LR
CONTROL
PANEL
PLUGS IN
HERE
Be sure to use included fuse
holder in the battery feed
wire as close to the battery
as possible.
CAUTION: Use 10 gauge wire or larger
to extend red power feed if needed
Component Installation Instructions
Remove the negative battery cable before beginning installation.
STOP
AirPod Part #: APOD4000L APOD4000e2 APOD4100L APOD4100e2

5
Mounting the Compressor & Relay
• All of our compressors are sealed for moisture and dust resistance so they
can be mounted anywhere on the vehicle. Although it is best to mount
it in a place out of direct contact with rain and snow. It is OK to mount it
underneath the vehicle but keep it inside the frame rails away from water
the tire.
• This is a dry compressor; therefore it is maintenance free and can be
mounted in any position.
• It is best if mounted to something solid to reduce vibration and noise. If
mounting it to sheet metal or the bed of a truck use sound deadening
material between the compressor and the mounting surface.
• Use the rubber grommets supplied on the feet of the compressor to reduce
vibration.
• A main power wire of 12AWG. or larger will be needed
to supply each compressor. It will attach to the Red
wire on the relay. The yellow wire on the relay will go
to the Red wire on the compressor. The black wire on
the compressor should be attached to a clean ground,
usually the frame. The small gray and orange wires
will plug into the RL1 port on the ECU.
• If you are running two compressors you will need an
additional relay that will plug into the RL2 port. (Part
# - WIR8500)
• Thomas Compressors (black) will require a 20 amp
fuse (each).
• Viair Compressor (silver) will require a 30 amp fuse
(each).
Mounting the Air Tank
• The air tank can be mounted anywhere on the vehicle in any
position. (sensor cannot be on bottom)
• There is an 1/8”port in the tank that will accept the tank pressure
sensor.
Use spacer for
better cooling er
install on inlet
Always use
rubber mounts
FUSE
To Comp.
To ECU
Relay
+12VDC
R
E
T
A
BTY
Component Installation Instructions
Remove the negative battery cable before beginning installation.
STOP
Com
p
o
p
Remove
LevelPRO Part #: ARC4000L ARC4100L ARC4700L ARC4800L
RidePRO e2 Part #: ARC4000e2 ARC4100e2 ARC4700e2 ARC4800e2
Tank pressure
sensor
&
&

6
Mounting the RidePro Air Valves
• The valves, like the compressor, are sealed and can be mounted
in the same locations. Although if the vehicle will be exposed to
freezing temperatures it is a good idea to mount them in the engine
bay if possible to reduce the possibility of freezing.
• They can be mounted in any position.
• Attach the ground strap to a good, clean ground (preferably the
frame).
• The exhaust port will be left open.
• The valve is held closed with the pressure in the tank. If tank
pressure drops below air spring pressure they will equalize,
Routing the Airline and Fittings
• Make all airline cuts with a razor or tubing cutter (part # - cut1000) .
It must be clean and straight or it will not seal.
ttings are DOT approved push-to-connect style. They are very simple to use and are reusable.
tting back
tting and pull the airline out.
• ttings.
tting or damaging the air spring.
• All of our airlines are DOT approved so they are very strong. But keep them away from any sharp
edges. Also when passing through a hole in the frame use a grommet.
ers and exhaust manifolds.
• Use zip ties or other fasteners to secure the airline.
Mounting the Air Pressure Sensors
• These sensors are voltage based and do not need to be grounded.
Ensure a
good ground
is used
use thread
sealant to
avoid leaks
Component Installation Instructions
&
&
LevelPRO Part #: ARC4000L ARC4100L ARC4700L ARC4800L
RidePRO e2 Part #: ARC4000e2 ARC4100e2 ARC4700e2 ARC4800e2
Use Tubing Cutter
(part # CUT1000)
for straight ends.
•
!

7
Air Pressure Sensor Harness
There are 4 separate harnesses
for the height sensors. They are
labeled per corner and the ECU
is marked; LSLF (Level Sensor
Left Front) Etc.
This harness has 8 pins and will plug
into the connector labeled “Driver”. The
other end has two black Weather Pack
connectors that will plug directly into
the RidePro air valves. These plugs are
labeled for“Front” and “Rear”. If you have
the Big Red valves an adapter harness
is needed.
Height Sensor Harness Air Valve Harness
Black wire
A clean chassis ground
Yellow wire
Ignition
(12 volts only when the key is on)
Red wire
Constant 12 volt
Green wire
Illumination
(12 volts only when lights are one, this will dim the gauges-
Not required but is suggested)
Main Power Harness
This harness has 3 plugs; one 4 pin plug for
the Tank pressure and two 6 pin plugs for
the air spring pressures.
The tank pressure harness will connect to
the plug on the ECU labeled “tank”. The
supplied air spring pressure connectors are
labeled on the ECU as APRF (Air Pressure
Right Front) & APLF. The plug with the Blue
wire will connect to the APRF and the plug
with the green wire will connect to the
APLF. The other end is labeled accordingly.
ECU is NOT water proof!
Component Installation Instructions
&
&
LevelPRO Part #: ARC4000L ARC4100L ARC4700L ARC4800L
RidePRO e2 Part #: ARC4000e2 ARC4100e2 ARC4700e2 ARC4800e2
LSLF LSRF LSLR LSRR TANK APRF APLF
APRR APLR
RL2 RL1 DRIVER DISPLAY RF POWER
ECU Wiring Connections
Mounting the ECU (Electronic Control Unit) & Control Panel
• The control panel should be accessible from the drivers seat and may be surface
ush mounted, or left unmounted. A larger faceplate is included to
ush mounting of the control panel.
• 6ft. extension cables for the control panel harness are available if needed.

8
Ride Height Sensors (RidePro E2 systems will not use height sensors)
• The LevelPro system uses 4 height sensors (one at each
wheel). They are weather proof and may be mounted in
any position as well as“clocked” in any position. (There is
sensors are typically mounted to the chassis / frame rail.
• A linkage with rubber ends connects the sensor arm and
a suspension component. On most front suspensions the
linkage will attach to the upper or lower control arm. On
most rear suspensions it will attach to the axle or control
arm.
• eveihcaotsirosnesehtgnitnuomnehwlaogniamehT
as much sensor rotation as possible without exceeding
the sensors limits.
• Although the sensor arm will rotate 180 degrees, it must
remain in the middle 90 degrees throughout suspension
travel. See diagram below for sensor travel limits.
• It may be necessary to shorten the sensor arm and drill
a new hole to ensure the arm is rotating enough during
suspension travel to accurately determine vehicle height.
• The sensor arm can also be removed from the sensor
erent positions. It may also be
necessary to bend the sensor arm and/or linkage to achieve proper clearance and alignment.
deilppussitlobderedluohslaicepsA.stlobroswercsgnippatfles”¼gnisuemarfehtotdetnuom
eblliwrosnesehT•
to attach the rubber rod ends to the suspension and the sensor arm, this will avoid over tightening.
• Make sure the sensor has adequate clearance from all suspension components throughout suspension travel.
Check tire clearance, lock to lock and throughout suspension travel.
If the electrical range of travel is exceeded the system may function erratically or not at all.
Also note that if the sensor has very little travel the LevelPro system may not perform to its potential.
It may be necessary to shorten the sensor arm to increase travel.
Travel Limits
Attach to
Chassis
90º of
ective
range
Attach to suspension
Good
Good TO FAR
e of travel is exceeded the syst
e

nction erratically or not at all

I
f
!
A
!
I
t
!

9
1- Once the linkage rod has been cut to the proper
length assemble the linkage rod with heat shrink
tubing and the rubber end.
Assembly of the LevelPRO Sensor Link Rods
2- Slide the heat shrink tubing over the rubber end
as far as it will go.
3- Heat the shrink tubing with a heat gun (hair dryer
or small torch will work). Begin by heating the
rst. The heat shrink is lined with
adhesive and will stick to the rubber when heat is
applied.
4- Continue shrinking the tube to the rod until
secured. Be sure not to overheat the tubing
causing it to pull from the rubber end.
5
- nished
secure the linkage to the sensor and suspension.

10
69 Camaro Front
58-64 Impala Front
Triangulated 4-Link Rear
Rear Trailing Arm
65-70 Mustang Rear
C-10 Truck Rear
Sensor Mounting Examples

11
LevelPro™ Ride Height Sensor Initial Calibrating Procedures
For systems with height sensors ONLY -
If you do not have LevelPro™ height sensors, skip to page 12 to program the presets.
(If you are not using ride height sensors, you do not need to calibrate the ECU. )
c characteristics of the ride height sensors
c” sensors.
This calibration will only teach the main ECU the minimum / maximum values of the level sensors.
It will not program the presets.
The goal is to“teach” the ECU the highest position AND the correct
direction of travel of the ride height sensors.
Calibrating height sensors for fully raised & lowered positions:
1 Start by raising the vehicle to ride height. (About ½ way up.)
.
The following steps are time sensitive.
2 Press and hold the Air Ride Logo Programming Button for 3 seconds. (Fig.1) This will
illuminate the programming button and will activate the programming sequence.
3Manually raise the suspension to full extension. This can be accomplished via the
ate buttons on the control panel.
NOTE: The ECU must sense an upward movement after pressing the Logo button
and reach full height within 10 seconds.
4Press preset # 3 and release (do not hold). (Fig.2) This will illuminate the #3 button and
the ALL height indicator bars.
5Immediately after the step above, lower the vehicle to its lowest height.
6Press preset # 1 and release (do not hold). This will illuminate the #1 preset button and
one height indicator bar at each corner. (Fig.3)
7.
8Raise and lower the vehicle to ensure each bar graph moves as it should.
Fig.1
Fig.2
Fig.3
T
2
P
!
N
a
!

12
Programming the Presets
Preset #1- This is normally set as the Lowest Height.
Do not program it for 0 psi. Set this preset for the highest pressure that allows the suspension to be fully compressed. This
will decrease the air pressure / time needed to raise the vehicle to ride height.
ate buttons.
2 - Press and hold Preset Button #1 for 6 seconds. (Just like setting a radio station in your car).
successful programming. Flashing will cease once the button is released.
Preset #2- This is normally set as Ride Height.
The ride height of the vehicle should be about mid travel. Refer to the air spring installation instructions to determine the
cations of your suspension.
ate buttons.
2 - Press and hold Preset Button #2 for 6 seconds. (Just like setting a radio station in your car).
successful programming. Flashing will cease once the button is released.
Preset #3- This is normally set at the fully Extended Height.
Driving with the suspension fully extended may damage the system.
Air suspensions are not designed to be driven all the way up, this is only for clearing steep driveways, speed bumps, loading
the car on the trailer, etc.
ate buttons.
2 - Press and hold Preset Button #3 for 6 seconds. (Just like setting a radio station in your car).
successful programming. Flashing will cease once the button is released.
Activating the Presets
After programming the presets they can be activated by pressing either 1,2 or 3 for three seconds.
Be careful not to hold it too long. If you hold it for 6 seconds it will reprogram that preset.
Programming & Features
D
w
!
D
A
th
!

13
Additional Settings & Features
“Ride Height on Start” Feature - Enable or Disable:
ignition is turned ON. With the “Ride Height on Start” feature
ate
buttons will ALL be illuminated. Simply press the Air Ride Logo
programming button to activate or deactivate this feature.
Display View Options:
Press and hold the Air Ride Logo Button
for 3 seconds until the Air Ride Logo
Button is illuminated.
Press preset button #1, 2, or 3 to change display settings.
Normal operation will resume after 10 seconds or by pressing the Air Ride button.
Programing Remotes:
If you have the optional key fob remote controls, you will be able to active the 3 presets from outside the vehicle. The
rst be programmed to
c ECU. Up to 3 remotes can be programmed.
1 - With ignition on, press the Air Ride Logo Button 3 times, the Logo button will illuminate.
1. Numeric
(air pressure)
2. Bar graph
(level sensor)
3. Numeric with bar
graph [both].
2 - Press button #1
rst remote,
the Logo button
momentarily.
3 - After the logo
button lights again,
press button #1
on the second
remote, the Logo
momentarily.
4 - After the logo
button lights again,
press Press button
#1 on the third
remote, the Logo
momentarily.
Normal operation will resume after 10 seconds or by pressing the Air Ride button.
“Ride Height on Start”
feature - ON:
“Ride Height on Start”
feature - OFF:
Programming & Features
The systems can use up to
3 remotes - 2 are included
in the remote kit.

14
Viewing Tank Pressure:
To view the air tank pressure press and hold the Air Ride Logo Button and #2 simultaneously
for 3 seconds. The tank pressure will be displayed in the Left Front corner.
Press the logo button to return to the main screen.
Adjusting system operating pressures and triggers:
To enter sub-programming menu for the 3 program
settings below, start by viewing tank pressure (hold down
Air Ride Logo button and #2 simultaneously for 3 seconds)
then enter sub-programming menu by holding down #1
and #3 simultaneously
Adjusting Compressor Trigger:
Enter sub-programming menu as shown above.
You can change the pressure at which the compressor(s) turn on
- anywhere from 135-150psi. This allows you to decide whether
your compressor(s) should run less often for a longer amount of
time, or if they should run more often for a shorter amount of
rapidly.
NOTE: When using two compressors the secondary pump will
rst pump to lower inrush current
draw on your electrical system.
ate Preset Speed of the system:
Enter sub-programming menu as shown above.
You may increase or decrease the number of pulses required
ve levels with level 1 being the
slowest, but most accurate, and level 5 being the fastest.
ate Feature:
Enter sub-programming menu as shown above.
When enabled this feature will allow the #1 preset to go to full
ating in stages. This will allow for
ate.
Use the right front
ate (+/-)
buttons to adjust the
pressure trigger.
Use the left front
ate (+/-)
buttons to adjust the
ate speed.
ate
(+) button to turn the
ate
(-) button to turn the
.
Programming & Features

15
Adjusting light intensity:
To activate programming sequence for the 2 display
settings below, start by holding down Air Ride Logo
button for 3 seconds then hold down #1 and #3
simultaneously. The display will not change.
Display Intensity:
Activate programming sequence above.
This will alter the brightness of the VFD display. This
can also be dimmed by applying 12 volts to the
green wire in the main power harness.
Button Backlight Intensity:
Activate programming sequence above.
This will alter the brightness of the LED backlights for
the buttons.
Use the right front
ate (+/-)
buttons to adjust the
display intensity.
ate/
ate (+/-) buttons to
adjust the backlight
intensity.
Programming & Features

16
ARC4000L
ARC4000e2
(shown with LevelPro™
Optional Ride Height Sensors)

17
ARC4100L
ARC4100e2
(shown with LevelPro™
Optional Ride Height Sensors)

18
ARC4700L
ARC4700e2
(shown with LevelPro™
Optional Ride Height Sensors)

19
ARC4800L
ARC4800e2
(shown with LevelPro™
Optional Ride Height Sensors)

20
Ride Height on Start feature
does not work.
1. Low pressure override is
activated and tank pressure is too low.
1. Turn Low Pressure Override
to the OFF position in ECU programming.
.
The compressor continuously
.
1. Tank pressure trigger is set too
high.
1. Set tank pressure trigger to 135.
(see page 11)
Vehicle does not reach presets. Vehicle will raise but misses the
preset.
Vehicle raises but never reaches
the preset.
Vehicle takes a long time to
reach preset (or never reaches preset).
Vehicle raises above the preset,
ates.
1. If one side raises, and one side
does not, the pressure sensors may be plugged-in incorrectly.
2. The system times out before
the preset can be reached. This could be caused by two problems, 1-large heavy vehicle with small bags, or 2-not enough air supply to reach preset destination.
3. Speed of system is too slow. 4. Speed of system is too fast. 5. Vehicle raises and lowers, but
the air pressure reading never changes.
6. In some vehicles the air pressure
only based systems are not accurate enough to attain the desired ride height.
1. Check the air pressure
sensor harness to ensure all connections are correct.
2. Increase the speed of the system.
(see page 9)
3. Increase the air storage capacity
of the system.
4. Reduce system speed as
required. (see page 9)
5. Possible air pressure sensor
failure. Swap two pressure sensor and see if the problem follows the sensor.
6. Upgrade to the Level Pro system,
which utilizes level sensors.
Vehicle does not reach presets. (LevelPro only)
uctuate.
Vehicle will raise but misses the
preset.
1. Height sensor is out of range. 2. If one side raises, and one side
does not, the level sensors may be plugged-in incorrectly.
1. Remount sensor or change
linkage. (see page 6)
2. Check the level sensor harness
to ensure all connections are correct.
3. Re-Learn level sensors
Inaccurate air pressure
reading. Air pressure reads incorrectly on one corner.
.
1. Air Pressure sensors may not be
plugged-in correctly.
2. Faulty air pressure sensor. Normally caused by excessive
water in the compressed air system.
1. Check the air pressure
sensor harness to ensure all connections are correct.
2. Replace sensor.
If you remove the sensor and it is saturated with water, you should position the sensors above the tank.
Air Pressure only based systems are only as accurate as the pressure of the sensor. As the pressure in each
airspring may not be exactly the same each time the vehicle is raised to the same ride height, it is impossible to
make the system extremely precise based only on air pressure. Air pressure only based system should expect to
reach within 1/2-inch of ride height. Air pressure and level sensor based systems should expect within 1/8-inch
repeatability.
Compressor will not turn on. Red wire at compressor shows 12
volts, but compressor does not run.
1. Poor compressor ground. 2. Faulty connection between
battery and compressor.
3. Bad compressor.
1. Make sure there is a clean
connection directly to the frame.
2. Even though there is 12v at
the compressor, there may not
cient amperage. Have
battery checked.
3. Replace the compressor.
Compressor will not turn on.
No power to red wire at
compressor.
Gauge shows above 135 psi. in
the tank.
1. Blown compressor fuse or relay
fuse.
2. Low voltage, bad connection,
faulty relay.
3. ECU improperly programmed. 4. Tank sensor failure
1. Replace fuse. 2. Check voltage. Check
Connections. Replace relay.
3. Change the ECU program to turn
the compressor on at 135 psi.
4. Check tank pressure
Vehicle does not stay at height
when parked.
One air spring leaks down over a
period of time.
When one air spring leaks down,
the leak can be located between the air distribution valve and the air spring.
Use soapy water in a spray bottle
You can also switch the delivery
lines at the valve to determine whether the leak is at the valve or at the air spring.
air spring.
tting.
3. Exhaust valve is leaking.
Normally due to debris stuck on the valve seat.
4. Air spring is leaking. (Check the
rst, it is almost always
the cause of the problem)
tting or reseal with
more thread sealant. Replace
2. Remove airline, cut end straight
ush, properly repeat airline.
3. Cycle that valve up and down
numerous times to dislodge the debris. Or use shop air to blow out the valve.
4. Replace air spring.
Vehicle does not stay at height
when parked.
All 4 air springs leak down over a
period of time.
There is a leak in the supply side
of the system. This could be at the compressor, tank, or supply ports on the valve.
Usually the air springs with more
rst.
1. Leak between compressor and
tank.
2. Leak between tank and supply
port on air distribution valves.
tting or reseal with
more thread sealant. Replace
tting, use
more thread sealant, replace
tting, or cut and repeat the
airline as described above.
Problem / Symptom: Possible Causes: Solutions: Problem / Symptom: Possible Causes: Solutions: