Expert: autohelp - 9/22/2009

Question
I have a 1999 deville,the self-leveling shocks were not working.the dealer put in a new air pump and replaced the sensor twice.now the pump runs whenever it feels like it. sometimes i have to shut the car off to get it to stop. this all happens with only one person in the car. when i do put four people in the car, the pump runs but it does`nt raise the rear end. the dealer keeps telling me the shocks are okay, but i think there must be a leak somewhere. replace shocks? i would appreciate any suggestions. thank you for your time.  jack.

Answer
You can test the system for air leaks in the air tubing from the pump to the shocks by putting 300 lbs of weight in the trunk and the air pump should inflate the shocks to level the vehicle and then the pump will shut OFF and remain OFF. Once the pump stops listen for air leaks at the shocks or in the air lines.