Height Sensor Repair & Replacement

Don't Let a Faulty Height Sensor Compromise Your Safety

Is your vehicle's suspension warning light on Experiencing uneven ride height or poor handling Your height sensor might be the culprit.

Industry-leading24-month/24,000-mile warranty
ASE-certified mechanics with specialized expertise
All makes and models serviced
Same-day service available

Height Sensor Repair Cost Estimates

Ultrasonic Height Sensors
Typical repair time: 1-2 hours
Estimated cost: $125-$250
Common issues include sensor cleaning, wiring repairs, and calibration adjustments.

Laser Height Sensors
Typical repair time: 2-3 hours
Estimated cost: $250-$375
Service includes optical cleaning, alignment correction, and electronic diagnostics.

Mechanical Height Sensors
Typical repair time: 1-1.5 hours
Estimated cost: $125-$187.50
Repairs typically involve replacing worn components and lubricating moving parts.

Capacitive Height Sensors
Typical repair time: 1.5-2 hours
Estimated cost: $187.50-$250
Service includes cleaning sensor plates, calibration, and electronic testing.

Note: These are estimated costs based on typical repair scenarios. Actual costs may vary depending on the specific issue and replacement parts required. All repairs include thorough testing and calibration to ensure proper functionality.

Additional Costs:

  • Replacement parts (if needed) are billed separately
  • Emergency service calls may incur additional fees
  • Travel charges may apply for on-site service

Height Sensor Repair Procedures by Type

Ultrasonic Height Sensors

Common Issues:Signal interference, damaged transducer, wiring problems, contamination

Repair Steps:

  1. Clean sensor face thoroughly to remove dirt and debris
  2. Check wiring connections and harness for damage
  3. Test voltage input/output signals
  4. Verify mounting bracket stability
  5. Replace transducer if damaged
  6. Recalibrate sensor using manufacturer software

Mechanical/Linkage Height Sensors

Common Issues:Worn linkage, seized bearings, broken return spring

Repair Steps:

  1. Inspect linkage arm for wear or damage
  2. Check bearing movement and lubricate if necessary
  3. Test return spring tension
  4. Verify potentiometer readings
  5. Replace worn components
  6. Adjust sensor arm position
  7. Calibrate through vehicle diagnostic system

Optical Height Sensors

Common Issues:Lens contamination, misalignment, internal failure

Repair Steps:

  1. Clean optical lens carefully
  2. Check sensor alignment with reflector/target
  3. Inspect wiring and connections
  4. Test power supply and ground
  5. Replace sensor if internal failure confirmed
  6. Perform system calibration

Hall Effect Height Sensors

Common Issues:Magnetic interference, gap issues, electrical problems

Repair Steps:

  1. Check sensor-to-target air gap
  2. Inspect for magnetic debris
  3. Test voltage output
  4. Verify proper grounding
  5. Adjust mounting position if needed
  6. Replace sensor if faulty
  7. Perform system relearn procedure

Important Notes:

  • Always refer to manufacturer-specific repair procedures
  • Use appropriate diagnostic tools
  • Ensure proper calibration after repair
  • Test vehicle operation before returning to service

Note: These are general repair procedures. Specific vehicles may require additional or different steps based on manufacturer requirements.

Types of Height Sensors

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Ultrasonic Height Sensors

What it is:An ultrasonic height sensor is a non-contact measurement device that uses sound waves to determine distance or height.

What it does:The sensor emits high-frequency sound pulses and measures the time it takes for the echo to return after bouncing off an object. This time is then converted into a distance measurement. These sensors are commonly used in automotive suspension systems, industrial automation, and level monitoring.

Laser Height Sensors

What it is:A laser height sensor is a precision measurement device that uses laser technology to measure distance and height.

What it does:It projects a laser beam onto a target surface and analyzes the reflected light to calculate precise distance measurements. Laser sensors offer exceptional accuracy and are ideal for applications requiring high precision, such as manufacturing quality control and structural monitoring.

Capacitive Height Sensors

What it is:A capacitive height sensor is a device that measures height or distance by detecting changes in electrical capacitance.

What it does:These sensors create an electrical field and measure changes in capacitance as objects enter this field. They are particularly effective for measuring the height or level of conductive materials and are commonly used in liquid level sensing and material handling applications.

Optical Height Sensors

What it is:An optical height sensor is a device that uses light to measure distance or height.

What it does:It works by emitting light and measuring how it's reflected or interrupted by objects. These sensors can use various technologies including LED, infrared, or structured light. They're commonly used in automated manufacturing, robotics, and quality control systems.

Mechanical Height Sensors

What it is:A mechanical height sensor is a physical contact-based measurement device.

What it does:These sensors use direct physical contact with the measured object, often through a probe or arm, to determine height or distance. They're typically used in applications where physical contact is acceptable and can be particularly reliable in harsh environments where other sensor types might struggle.

LIDAR Height Sensors

What it is:LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) height sensors are advanced optical measurement devices.

What it does:These sensors emit rapid pulses of laser light and measure the reflected signals to create detailed height and distance measurements. They can create precise 3D mappings of areas and are commonly used in surveying, autonomous vehicles, and advanced industrial applications.

Note: The choice of height sensor depends on various factors including required accuracy, environment conditions, measurement range, and budget considerations.

Height Sensor Failure Symptoms and Warning Signs

Height Sensor Failure Signs & Maintenance Guide

Ultrasonic Height Sensors

Signs of Failure:

  • Inconsistent or erratic height readings
  • Complete loss of height measurement
  • Error messages on control panel
  • Physical damage to sensor face
  • Moisture accumulation inside sensor housing

Service Schedule:

  • Clean sensor face monthly to remove dirt and debris
  • Calibration check every 6 months
  • Full inspection annually
  • Replace every 5-7 years depending on usage

Laser Height Sensors

Signs of Failure:

  • Inaccurate measurements
  • Intermittent readings
  • LED indicator malfunction
  • Communication errors with main system
  • Visible damage to lens

Service Schedule:

  • Clean optical lens weekly
  • Verify alignment quarterly
  • Calibration check every 12 months
  • Replace every 8-10 years with normal use

Mechanical Height Sensors

Signs of Failure:

  • Sticking or binding during movement
  • Unusual noise during operation
  • Visible wear on mechanical components
  • Loose or damaged mounting hardware
  • Inconsistent measurements

Service Schedule:

  • Lubricate moving parts monthly
  • Check tension and alignment quarterly
  • Replace worn components as needed
  • Full overhaul every 3-4 years

Capacitive Height Sensors

Signs of Failure:

  • Drift in measurements
  • Sensitivity changes
  • False triggering
  • No response to height changes
  • Corrosion on sensing surface

Service Schedule:

  • Clean sensor surface monthly
  • Check electrical connections quarterly
  • Calibration verification every 6 months
  • Replace every 5-6 years

Note: All maintenance schedules may vary based on environmental conditions and usage intensity. Always consult manufacturer specifications for detailed maintenance requirements.

How It Works

  • Get a quote online or set-up a time to have your vehicle looked at.
  • Pick time slots that work for you, easily, online.
  • We will confirm appointments and send reminders.
  • Our mechanics bring everything that is needed to you.
  • All you have to do is provided a safe area for the work to be performed.

What we need from you

  • A safe place to work on your vehicle
  • No working on the side of busy roads
  • No working on unstable or steep surfaces.
  • We do not perform repairs during severe weather.
  • Authorization from a property owner or management.
  • Repair work done in a parking lot or at your  requires permission.
  • We do not do repairs in areas restricted by law.

Common Questions

Service Area

Our primary service area is greater Grand Rapids and includes Comstock Park, East Grand Rapids, Grandville,  Kentwood, Walker, and Wyoming

Our secondary service area is provided by our Belding location and includes: Belding, Greenville, Ionia and the sorrounding areas.

Contact us if you have any questions about where we provide services.

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