RIDE-RITE 2581 Firestone Wireless Air Command Installation Guide

RIDE-RITE 2581 Firestone Wireless Air Command

Product Information:

Product Usage Instructions

Safe Installation:

• Take all safety precautions during installation.
• Secure jack stands in the appropriate locations and chock any tires still touching the ground when using a hydraulic jack.
• Wear safety glasses or goggles to protect your eyes.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable to remove the possibility of any electrical issues.

Vehicle GVWR:
NEVER exceed the maximum load recommended by the vehicle manufacturer (GVWR). The GVWR can be found in your vehicle’s Owner’s Manual or on the data plate on the driver’s side door.

Pressure to Load:
Review the load limits noted in the Air Spring Kit Installation Instructions (sold separately).

Appropriate Air Pressure:
For the best ride, use only enough air pressure in the Air Springs to level the vehicle when viewed from the side (front to rear). The appropriate air pressure will vary depending on the load, location of the load, condition of the existing suspension, and personal preference.

Pressure Requirements:
Once installed successfully, follow the pressure requirements for the Air Springs. For Firestone kits, the general pressure requirements are as follows: 5 30 10 100 5 100 (unit of measurement not specified)

Parts and Tools:
The kit includes the following parts:

The installation requires various tools including a drill bit, wire crimper/stripper, Phillips screwdriver, wrenches, power drill, electrical tape, pliers, utility knife, and center punch or marking tool.

Please refer to the installation manual for detailed step-by-step instructions on how to install and use the product.

IMPORTANT
PLEASE DON’T HURT YOURSELF, THE KIT, OR YOUR VEHICLE. TAKE A MINUTE TO READ THIS IMPORTANT INFORMATION.

SAFE INSTALLATION
Please take all safety precautions during installation. A hydraulic jack can fail, and if that happens, you can be seriously hurt, or worse, if you are relying on it to hold up the vehicle. If you use a hydraulic jack, secure jack stands in the appropriate locations and chock any tires still touching the ground.
Wear safety glasses or goggles. Your eyes may be lower than some parts and pieces, and you don’t want to lose an eye.
Remove the possibility of any electrical issues by disconnecting the negative battery cable.

VEHICLE GVWR
NEVER exceed the maximum load recommended by the vehicle manufacturer (GVWR). The GVWR can be found in your vehicle’s Owner’s Manual or on the data plate on the driver’s side door.

PRESSURE TO LOAD
Be sure to review the load limits noted in the Air Spring Kit Installation Instructions (sold separately).

APPROPRIATE AIR PRESSURE
For best ride, use only enough air pressure in the Air Springs to level the vehicle when viewed from the side (front to rear). This will vary, depending on the load, location of the load, condition of the existing suspension, and personal preference.

ONCE INSTALLED SUCCESSFULLY, FOLLOW THE PRESSURE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AIR SPRINGS.
FOR FIRESTONE, GENERALLY:

PARTS AND TOOLS

Compare the parts below to your kit. Assure you have all pieces, and organize them for an easier installation.

MAIN KIT CONTENTS

A21-760-2581 HARDWARE PACK

TOOLS REQUIRED:

• 3/16″ DRILL BIT
• WIRE CRIMPER/STRIPPER
• PHILLIPS SCREW DRIVER
• 9/16″ WRENCH
• (2) 7/16″ WRENCHES OR SOCKETS
• POWER DRILL
• ELECTRICAL TAPE
• PLIERS
• UTILITY KNIFE
• CENTER PUNCH OR MARKING TOOL

CONTENTS AND OVERVIEW

PLANNING THE INSTALL

THESE PLANNING STEPS WILL HELP YOU SAVE TIME AND WILL MAKE THE INSTALLATION EASIER.
DETERMINE THE MOUNTING LOCATION FOR THE AIR COMPRESSOR

• Provides ample air flow and is protected from airborne debris and moisture.
• Mount close enough to the ECU to allow Wire Harness connections to reach.
• If using the optional Firestone Air Accessory Mounting Kit, consider the guidelines above, and follow the kit’s instructions.

DETERMINE THE MOUNTING LOCATION FOR THE ECU

• Mount close enough to the Air Compressor to allow Wire Harness connections to reach.
• Allow room for Air Line Tubes to connect to the air fittings on the ECU.
• Allow room for the 14-pin ECU connector to connect to the ECU.
• Allow room for the Air Line Tube to run without sharp curves or bends.
• Using supplied fasteners shown in Step 3 is recommended. If no other mounting option is available, see the sidebar on Step 2 for using the Large Nylon Ties.
• Select a location that is solid and secure on the body or frame of the vehicle, away from any moving parts, electrical or any other lines.

PLAN INSTALLATION ROUTES FOR WIRING AND AIR LINES

• Make sure the Wire Harness and Air Line Tubes are not exposed to sharp metal edges that can damage them.
• Use supplied Thermal Sleeves on Air Line Tubes when routing near heat sources.
• Use supplied Nylon Ties to secure Air Line Tubes and Wire Harness to the vehicle.
• Make a loop in the Air Line Tube where shown. This creates a water/debris trap that protects the Air Compressor.
• Measure twice, cut once!

TAPE ALL ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS

• Use electrical tape to appropriately secure and protect all electrical connections.

USING PUSH-TO-CONNECT FITTINGS FOR AIR LINES
Your kit includes Push-to-Connect fittings to connect the Air Line Tubes to hardware.
Use the instructions below when using the Air Line Tubes.

1. Insert end of Air Line Tube into air fitting.
2. Push Air Line Tube into air fitting as far as possible.
3. Gently pull on the Air Line Tube to check for a secure fit.
4. To remove, push down collar and gently pull Air Line Tube away.

Removal Tip: Use a 1/4”, 5/16”,or 6mm open-ended wrench to push the collar down.

PREPARE THE AIR COMPRESSOR

Note that the Air Compressor can be mounted facing any direction.

1. Install 1/8 NPT Push-to- Connect Straight Fitting on the Check Valve.

DRILL HOLES FOR AIR COMPRESSOR AND ECU

CHECK SURROUNDING AREA AND BACK SIDE OF MOUNTING LOCATION TO AVOID DRILLING INTO EXISTING LINES OR WIRING.

IF YOU ARE USING THE OPTIONAL FIRESTONE AIR ACCESSORY MOUNTING KIT, SKIP THIS STEP AND REFER TO THE MOUNTING KIT’S INSTRUCTIONS.

1. Using the Air Compressor and ECU as templates, mark drill locations as shown with a punch or marking tool.
2. Mark Air Compressor ground wire fastening location within reach of the ground wire ring terminal.
3. Drill 3/16” diameter holes. Remove any burrs and debris from drill holes.

ASSURE THAT YOU INSTALL THE AIR COMPRESSOR AND ECU CLOSE ENOUGH SO THE CONNECTORS ON THE WIRE HARNESS WILL REACH THEM BOTH.

OPTIONAL ECU MOUNTING
If there is no other mounting option, use at least two Large Nylon Ties to secure ECU to the location determined in Planning the Install section.

INSTALL THE AIR COMPRESSOR AND ECU

DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN MOUNTING BOLTS AND NUTS ON THE AIR COMPRESSOR.
TOO MUCH TORQUE CAN CRUSH THE BRASS INSERTS AND RUBBER ISOLATORS.

1. Mount the Air Compressor to the drill hole location using the supplied fasteners. DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN.
2. Mount the ECU to the drill hole location using the supplied fasteners.
3. Mount the black ground wire ring terminal using the supplied fasteners. Assure that the ring terminal makes a solid contact with bare metal for a proper ground.

INSTALL THE WIRE HARNESS

Why ground the Wire Harness to the battery?
The ECU needs a good, clean ground for optimal accuracy. The Air Compressor can ground to the frame, but the ECU cannot.

1. Determine a suitable location to mount the Sealed Relay, assuring it will be within reach of the relay connector on the Wire Harness.

2. Securely fasten the Sealed Relay as shown.

3. Route the Wire Harness in the most protected manner possible, and securely make all connections as shown.

TAB CONNECTOR EXAMPLE

INSTALL AIR LINE TUBES

EXHAUST ALL AIR FROM THE SYSTEM PRIOR TO RELEASING AIR TUBES FROM AIR FITTINGS.

1. Route the Air Line Tube from 1/8 NPT Push-to-Connect Straight Fitting on the top of the Air Compressor to the Supply (SUP) air fitting on the ECU, leaving room to secure it safely. Use the guidelines on page 4 for proper Push-to-Connect Straight Fitting install.
2. Repeat Steps 1 to route Air Line Tube from the ECU to the Air Springs. Use the AS-1 and AS-2 air fittings on the ECU.
3. If desired, install Air Line Tube to the Exhaust (EXH) air fitting to reduce exhaust noise and prevent dirt from clogging the port (recommended for off-road or dirty environments). Do not exceed 16″ of Air Line Tube, and secure it so the end turns to the ground.

DO
Make sure the cut is as square as possible.
Use a tube cutter or very sharp utility knife.

DON’T
Fold or kink the Air Line Tube.
Cut the Air Line Tube at an angle.
Use pliers, scissors, snips, saws, or side cutters.

PROPER AND IMPROPER CUTS IN THE AIR LINE TUBE

INSTALL THE AIR FILTER

FILTER LIFE WILL VARY BASED ON ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS. PROTECT THE AIR COMPRESSOR BY CHANGING THE AIR FILTER MORE FREQUENTLY IN DUSTY CONDITIONS.

1. Install the Air Filter by threading it onto the Air Compressor as shown.
2. Periodically check the Air Filter during operation. When the Air Filter is dirty and needs to be replaced, contact an Authorized Firestone dealer to purchase a new one.

CLEAN UP INSTALLATION

1. Clean up the installation using supplied Nylon Ties, and return all factory parts and materials to operative state.

USING SUPPLIED NYLON TIES, SECURE ALL WIRING AND AIR LINE TUBE IN A MANNER THAT DOES NOT OBSTRUCT MOVING PARTS OR IN ANY WAY THAT AFFECTS YOUR ABILITY TO SAFELY OPERATE THE VEHICLE.

ADJUSTING AIR PRESSURE AND UNITS

Use the Wireless Controller to adjust the air pressure in your Air Springs. You can select the Air Springs individually, or both at the same time. Determine sides when in vehicle, facing forward. If desired, use the supplied Velcro Tabs to secure the remote to the vehicle.

1. Select Air Spring(s) for pressure adjustment by pressing the Enter Button once for AS-1 (left side), twice for AS-2 (right side) or three times for both sides.
2. Press the + Button to increase pressure in selected Air Spring(s).
3. Press the – Button to decrease pressure in selected Air Spring(s).
4. Press the Enter Button to activate the system.

WIRELESS CONTROLLER

WAIT, THERE’S BAR!
The Wireless Controller settings default to PSI units, but you can adjust the units by following the steps below.

1. Push any button to power on the Wireless Controller and make sure none of the units on the display are flashing.
2. Hold down the Enter Button for a few seconds.
3. Use either the + or – Button to select PS for PSI or BR for BAR. Press Enter Button to finalize selection.

WIRELESS CONTROLLER MEMORY SETTINGS AND ERROR CODES

You can set up to 2 memory settings for the system for quick adjustment to frequently used Air Spring settings. M1 is preset for 5 PSI and M2 is preset for 20 PSI.

WIRELESS CONTROLLER

1. Complete Step 8 to adjust the Air Spring air pressures to desired settings.
2. Press and hold the M1 Button for 3 seconds to save the displayed Air Pressure settings to the M1 memory.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 with the M2 Button to save an M2 memory setting.
4. To activate a memory setting, push the desired Memory Button, either M1 or M2.
5. Within one second of pressing M1 or M2, press the Enter Button.

OOPS, SOMETHING WENT WRONG!
Reference the Error Codes below to troubleshoot the problem.

E0

• Check power on the ECU (red and yellow wires need +12VDC).
• Check ground for the ECU (black wire should be attached to the negative battery terminal).
• Check your wires for any abrasion or heat damage between the ECU and the battery/fuse box.
• Make sure the Wireless Controller is in range of the
• ECU (25 ft.). Note that range will vary depending on line-of-sight restrictions.

L0 BR

The batteries in your Wireless Controller are low.
Replace both CR2032 coin-cell batteries.

TEST THE SYSTEM

With the Air Command F3 Kit and your Air Springs installed, you are ready to test the system.

1. Reattach the negative battery cable.

2. Turn on your vehicle’s ignition.

3. Use the Wireless Controller to inflate the Air Springs to 70 PSI. See Step 8 for details.3

4. Spray fittings with soap and water mixture or glass cleaner.

5. Observe bubbles.

NO LEAKS?
Congratulations! You’re riding right with the push of a button! Remember to review the Operating Instructions.

LEAK?
Bummer. Continue to Step 11 to fix the leak.

FIX AN AIR LEAK

EXHAUST ALL AIR FROM THE SYSTEM PRIOR TO RELEASING AIR TUBES FROM AIR FITTINGS.

1. Use the Wireless Controller to deflate the Air Springs to 5 PSI. See Step 8 for details.

2. LEAK AT AIR LINE TUBE AND AIR FITTING
   Release Air Line Tube (see page 4). Review proper cuts and procedures in Step

3. Repeat Step 5.

   2. LEAK AT BASE OF AIR FITTING
      Tighten Air Fitting one turn or until leak stops.

STILL HAVE A LEAK?
Refer to the Troubleshooting section of the Instruction Manual. If the leak persists, or if there is an issue with a leaking part, call 1-800-888-0650; Option 1; Option 1 for Tech Support.

BEFORE YOU DRIVE, CONFIRM THE FOLLOWING:
Secure all Air Line Tubes and wiring.

• The system passes the leak test and holds air.
• The Air Compressor ground ring terminal is contacting bare metal, and coated with silicone if possible.
• The Wire Harness is grounded to the negative (-) battery terminal. The ECU needs a good, clean, interference-free ground.
• There is a loop in the Air Line Tubes as shown to prevent water or debris from getting into the Air Compressor head and damaging it.

NEED INSTALLATION HELP? 1-800-888-0650
Select Option 1 for Ride-Rite; Select Option 1 for Technical Support.
Or, email us at rrtech@fsip.com.

If emailing, please include photos to help us better diagnose and understand any problems you may be experiencing.

USING THE IGNITION FUSE TAP

1. Insert the fuse for the Firestone accessory into the top Fuse Tap port, as shown.
2. Use your vehicle’s Owner’s Manual to determine a safe and suitable ignition fuse and remove the fuse, noting its location. This location should register between 11.8 VDC and 15 VDC when testing with a multimeter, as noted below.
3. Insert the removed fuse from your vehicle into the lower Fuse Tap port, as shown.
4. Plug the Fuse Tap into the fuse port on the vehicle, matching the hot and load sides, as shown. DO NOT REVERSE.

Use a multimeter to determine which side of the fuse port on the vehicle is hot. Set the multimeter to test voltage, then use the red probe to test each port. The side that gets a reading between 11.8 VDC and 15 VDC is the hot side. Assure you have a proper ground with the black probe. Do not use a fuse tester for this, as it could light up without the proper range noted above.

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO IDENTIFY THE HOT SIDE OF THE FUSE IN THE FUSE BOX. IT COULD BE ON EITHER SIDE, REGARDLESS OF THE FUSE ORIENTATION. FUSE TAP MUST BE INSERTED AS SHOWN. DO NOT REVERSE.

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References

• Manual-Hub.com - Free PDF manuals!
• Firestone Airide Automotive Aftermarket (Ride-Rite)
• Manual-Hub.com – Free PDF manuals!

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