What are the reasons for the Prado's chassis lift not responding?
2 Answers
Possible reasons for the Prado's chassis lift not responding include: damaged control switch, poor circuit contact, blown control switch fuse, or air suspension system failure. Activating the chassis lift function: The Prado's chassis lift function buttons are located next to the gear lever, featuring two arrow-marked buttons (up and down). Pressing up raises the chassis, while down lowers it. Prerequisites are having the doors properly closed and the vehicle ignition started. Principle of chassis lift: The chassis lift system primarily operates by adjusting the air pressure in the air suspension's air shock absorbers, thereby altering the length of the air shock absorbers and the vehicle's height. Therefore, the chassis lift system fundamentally relies on the air suspension system, requiring the cooperation of both systems to achieve the purpose of chassis lifting.
My Toyota Prado has been running for several years, and I've encountered the issue of unresponsive height adjustment several times. The problem mostly lies in the air suspension system, with several possible causes: the air compressor might be broken and not producing air, the sensors could be dirty or malfunctioning and failing to detect height changes, hoses might be leaking causing insufficient air pressure, fuses could be blown cutting off power, or the control module might be faulty and not sending signals to the switch. It's quite troublesome when this feature fails during off-roading, as being unable to adjust the height can easily lead to scraping the undercarriage and damaging the vehicle, especially on mountain roads or in deserts, which is very dangerous. Last time I encountered this, it was a leakage issue, and I had to find an experienced mechanic to fix it. For regular checks, after starting the engine, try the height adjustment switch and listen for any sound from the pump; visually inspect the hoses for any breaks; and check the fuse box to ensure none are blown. For prevention, regularly clean the sensors to keep them dust-free and avoid aggressive driving to reduce wear. If you notice any issues, take it to a professional shop as soon as possible to prevent bigger problems.