Troubleshooting Air Lift Compressor that Kicks On Every Couple Minutes

Updated 05/19/2026 | Published 12/05/2022

Question:

Some answers seem to indicate that the pressure sensors only activate the compressor when below safe pressure vs at the preset pressure. My experience seems to indicate that the compressor is attempting to maintain the preset. Which is correct? Im suspicious that the sensor is bad/too sensitive because if the vehicle is parked for 10 days the compressor only runs for a few seconds, but when parked running the compressor runs for 2 secs every 3-4 minutes. Thanks

asked by: Brian K

Expert Reply:

Sounds like your air bag setup has a slow leak that is causing the compressor system to try and keep up too often. You should take some soapy water and spray on the bag, lines and where it connects to the Air Lift Compressor part # AL74000 to see if you can find where it's leaking and fix as needed. Typically this is an air line that needs to be cut more squarely.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Eric

5/26/2024

On mine, if I crank up the pressure it's no problem. At 20psi it kicks on every 30min. At 5psi it kicks on every min.

Jameson C.

5/27/2024

@Eric Did you try spraying soapy water on the lines and bags to see if you can find where it's bubbling?

Eric

5/28/2024

@JamesonC Yes, Sprayed everything several times. Cranked it to 100psi and then found a leak in the controller box it's self. I'm guessing it was leaking and would timeout on the nigher pressures but would just maintain on the lower ones. Reached out to the shop that installed it and Airlift. Thanks for the reply.

Josh

5/13/2026

@Eric I'm having this issue where at 5psi the compressor kicks on every 10-15 seconds, but at 40 psi its holding. Sprayed everything but couldn't find it. What was leaking on yours?