Installing an air suspension system in your vehicle can significantly improve its handling and ride quality. However, the process of installing an air suspension system can be daunting, especially when it comes to wiring the air valves. In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about wiring your 12-volt air valves.
What are 12-volt air valves?
12-volt air valves are essential components in an air suspension system. They control the flow of air to and from the air springs, which, in turn, affects the ride height and stiffness of the suspension. 12-volt air valves are controlled by an electric switch or remote, which sends an electronic signal to the valve to open or close.
These valves are often used in lowrider and mini-truck applications, where ride height adjustability is critical. The wiring of 12-volt air valves is crucial to ensure proper functionality and safety of the system.
How to wire 12-volt air valves?
Wiring 12-volt air valves is straightforward, and it does not require any specialized skills. However, it’s crucial to follow the wiring diagram provided by the manufacturer to avoid any issues with the system’s operation.
Most 12-volt air valves come with three wires – ground, power, and signal. The ground wire is usually black, power wire is red, and signal wire is white or green. The signal wire is connected to a switch or remote, which sends the signal to the valve to open or close.
12-volt air valve wiring diagram
The following diagram shows a typical wiring diagram for 12-volt air valves:
| Wire color | Function |
|---|---|
| Black | Ground |
| Red | Power |
| White or green | Signal |
It’s essential to connect the wires correctly to avoid damaging the system or compromising its safety. Before wiring your air valves, make sure you have the right tools and follow these steps:
Step 1: Identify the wires
The first step is to identify the wires coming from the air valves. Most valves come with three wires, as mentioned earlier. The signal wire may be white or green, depending on the manufacturer.
Use a multimeter to identify the wires if you’re unsure about their function. The ground wire should read zero ohms when tested against the chassis ground, while the power wire should read 12 volts when tested against the battery positive terminal.
Step 2: Connect the ground wire
Connect the black ground wire to the chassis ground or battery negative terminal. It’s essential to ensure a good connection to avoid grounding issues, which can cause problems with the system’s operation.
Step 3: Connect the power wire
Connect the red power wire to the battery’s positive terminal or a fused power source. It’s crucial to install a fuse on the power wire to protect the system from short circuits or overloads.
Step 4: Connect the signal wire
Connect the white or green signal wire to the switch or remote control. The switch or remote sends an electronic signal to the valve to open or close, affecting the air flow to and from the air springs.
Step 5: Test the system
Once you have wired the air valves, it’s essential to test the system to ensure proper functionality. Use the switch or remote control to operate the valves and check for any leaks or abnormalities.
FAQ
1. Can I wire 12-volt air valves myself?
Yes. Wiring 12-volt air valves does not require any specialized skills or knowledge. However, it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s wiring diagram and ensure proper connections to avoid any issues with the system’s operation.
2. What is the function of the signal wire?
The signal wire connects the air valves to a switch or remote control, which sends an electronic signal to the valve to open or close. The signal wire affects the air flow to and from the air springs, affecting the suspension’s ride height and stiffness.
3. Do I need to install a fuse on the power wire?
Yes. It’s crucial to install a fuse on the power wire to protect the system from short circuits or overloads. A fuse can prevent damage to the system or compromise its safety.
4. How do I test the system after wiring the air valves?
Use the switch or remote control to operate the valves and check for any leaks or abnormalities. If you notice any issues, check the wiring connections and consult the manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Can I use any switch or remote control to operate the air valves?
No. It’s essential to use the switch or remote control recommended by the manufacturer. Using the wrong switch or remote can affect the system’s operation and compromise its safety.
Wiring 12-volt air valves is a crucial step in installing an air suspension system. Following the manufacturer’s wiring diagram and proper connections can ensure proper functionality and safety of the system. If you have any doubts or issues with wiring your air valves, consult the manufacturer’s instructions or seek professional help.
