Ok this is my problem. I drove home and parked in the garage. I got up the next day to go to work and the front of the car was basically sitting on the ground. So I started it up tried to lift and the compressor makes a sound by car does not lift. Rear is normal. I buy scan tool and this is my error listed below...Is this a leak or is it saying I need to replace the air struts? Pardon me if my question is dumb. I've read everything I can on this issue so now I'm figuring next steps. Thanks.


Address 34: Level Control Labels: 4E0-910-553.lbl
Part No SW: 4E0 910 553 H HW: 4E0 907 553 F
Component: LUFTFDR.-CDC H06 4480
Coding: 0015510
Shop #: WSC 02313 785 00200
VCID: 285FFED89B65635EF37-807D

4 Faults Found:
01583 - Leak in System Detected
000 - -
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 11100000
Fault Priority: 3
Fault Frequency: 117
Reset counter: 149
Mileage: 171849 km
Time Indication: 0
Date: 2014.01.11
Time: 12:42:07

01772 - Signal from Level Control Pressure Sensor (G291)
008 - Implausible Signal - Intermittent
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 00101000
Fault Priority: 3
Fault Frequency: 197
Reset counter: 189
Mileage: 169907 km
Time Indication: 0
Date: 2013.12.17
Time: 17:08:16

01400 - Suspension Level Control
002 - Lower Limit Exceeded
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 11100010
Fault Priority: 2
Fault Frequency: 49
Reset counter: 149
Mileage: 172340 km
Time Indication: 0
Date: 2014.01.19
Time: 15:26:45

01577 - Turn-Off due to Over-Temp
001 - Upper Limit Exceeded - Intermittent
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 00100001
Fault Priority: 4
Fault Frequency: 13
Reset counter: 181
Mileage: 172715 km
Time Indication: 0
Date: 2014.01.27
Time: 00:21:27

 

Definitely a leak somewhere based on the fault frequency and over temp.
Likely the valve block as called out by G291 or the compressor is so shot that it needs to be rebuilt or replaced.

There are some proven, and not hugely expensive, rebuild kits and reman air shocks available now.
Start with soapy water to check for a leak.
More info on G291: Audi Portal: Sensors Diagnostic . Audi A8 4E (2002 -). G291

Also search G291 and/or suspension here: A8 / S8 (D3 Platform) Discussion - AudiWorld Forums
Many very recent threads with similar issues.

 

Ok here is my question, how do I test for leaks? I see soapy water referenced but how do I do that?

 

Get a spray bottle with water and add some soap to it and spray the area where you believe the leak is. If there is a leak then you will see bubbles.

 

It's very common for the struts to leak at the top. Open your hood and on top of each shock tower there is a rubber boot that covers the access hole to the strut. Pull it off, it has a cable going through it so you can't move it too far aside. Underneath you will find a second rubber boot, pull it off as well. Underneath there is a cavity with a nut (that's part of the strut now) with a cable going into it. Pour some water in this cavity on both sides and watch for bubbles. IF you do, then the front struts are at least one of your problems, they can be replaced or rebuilt.