Manual EAS Override: Replumbing the Air Lines
Justin Tiemeyer's "Manual Air Recovery System" (MARS)

Introduction

The infuriating tendency of the Range Rover air suspension system to go into "Fault" condition and sink to the bumpstops whenever any little problem develops has prompted several efforts by owners and vendors to bypass the ECU and allow manual operation. (For more information on these please see the other air suspension pages on this site). This page illustrates the EAS override system designed by Justin Tiemeyer.

After spending over $2,000 in his first month of ownership, Justin was having second thoughts about his EAS system and considering a coil conversion. However, he could not bring himself to compromise the original set up of his Range Rover. Then, he had the two rear air springs (originals) fail in sub-zero temperature, prompting the usual "EAS FAULT" message and locking up the suspension for the ride home on the bump stops. As it happened the dealer could not fit him in for 17 days, so he replaced the failed bladders with the Arnott Industries units. However at this point the system was still locked in the fault condition, so Justin decided to develop his own means of pumping up the suspension with an external air supply. This would provide the ability to keep operating even if the compressor, valve block and all electrical components fail.

System Description

The solution Justin put together (see photos at top right and below) is much like the Black Dog Industries manual pump system, but less expensive. He calls it the Manual Air Recovery System (MARS). It piggybacks on the EAS air plumbing with no cutting or drilling of the lines. The lines to the valve block are unplugged and plumbed via "tees" into the air valves mounted on a plate at the front of the engine compartment. At any time, air can be pumped into any corner.

As long as the lines and the air bladders are in good shape you can use his system to get you out of any jam. As Justin puts it, "Even if the valve block totally gives and leaks like a rusty old bucket, you can route the air around the valve block and use the manual system in a matter of minutes. This will minimize drive time on the axles and all the inconveniences associated with and “EAS FAULT” message. (Don’t forget your significant other yelling “Sell this car!”, they never understand.”

Justin's setup with the four tire valves conveniently positioned for easy access and laid out so it is easy to determine which corresponds to each wheel. Photo at left shows some of the replumbed air lines leading to the pump-up head.		Close-up of MARS valve assembly

You can use the manual pump method all the time if you wish. Air sources to pump up the springs could include any tire pump, onboard compressed air or the air supply at the local service station.

If You Would Like a System Like This...

Justin is putting together an inexpensive, ‘no-frills’ kit that would be easy to install (45 min) with no drilling or cutting of the factory system. Check out his website at CarrollRovers for more information. Justin has kindly offered to help out with sponsoring this Range Rovers site if he gets referrals from us, so if you contact him, please mention you were referred by Rangerovers.net

Page Updated March 12, 2004