The Firestone WR17602930 Air Command System is a sophisticated air suspension solution designed to enhance vehicle stability, ride quality, and load-carrying capacity. This guide provides a detailed overview of the installation process, based on the official Firestone installation manual. The manual emphasizes safety precautions, correct mounting procedures, and best practices for securing wiring and air tubing to ensure long-term performance and reliability.
This article is written for U.S. consumers, DIY enthusiasts, and IT professionals seeking accurate, actionable information for installing the Firestone WR17602930 system. The guide draws exclusively from the provided Firestone manual and avoids speculative or extrapolated information.
Key Components of the Firestone WR17602930 Kit
The Firestone WR17602930 Air Command System is a comprehensive air suspension solution, composed of several key components:
- PT # 9523
- PT # 9961
- PT # 9965
- PT # 9415
- PT # 9962
- A24-760-2644 Compressor and ECU Mounting Kit
- Kit # 2644 Dual Path Mounting Kit
These components include the air compressor, electrical control unit (ECU), air springs, air tubing, and mounting hardware. Each part plays a specific role in the system’s functionality, from compressing and delivering air to the suspension to controlling the air pressure through the ECU.
The manual recommends using the supplied mounting kits for secure installation. However, if the mounting kit is not used, the manual provides alternative mounting instructions using fasteners and nylon ties. The manual also includes guidelines for routing air tubing and wiring safely, protecting the components from damage due to vibration, heat, or exposure to the elements.
Safety Precautions for Installation
The Firestone manual strongly emphasizes safety throughout the installation process. It is essential to follow these guidelines to prevent injury or damage to the vehicle:
- Never rely solely on a hydraulic jack to support the vehicle. If a jack is used, secure the vehicle with jack stands and chock the wheels that remain on the ground.
- Wear safety glasses or goggles to protect the eyes from debris.
- Disconnect the negative battery cable to avoid electrical hazards.
- Never exceed the vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The GVWR is specified in the vehicle’s owner’s manual or on the data plate located on the driver’s side door. Consult the manufacturer or a local dealer for additional GVWR information.
These precautions are not optional but are critical to the safe and successful installation of the system.
Mounting the Air Compressor and ECU
Mounting the air compressor and ECU is a crucial step in the installation process. The manual provides detailed instructions for securing these components:
- Mounting Location: Select a solid, secure location on the vehicle’s body or frame, away from moving parts, electrical lines, or other obstructions. The mounting location should allow for proper routing of air tubing and wiring without sharp bends or interference.
- Mounting Hardware: Use the supplied fasteners to mount the air compressor and ECU to the provided Mounting Kit. If the mounting kit is not used, the manual provides alternative instructions for drilling holes in the frame and using fasteners or nylon ties.
- Grounding: Ensure the ground wire ring terminal makes solid contact with bare metal. Apply silicone to the contact area if possible to improve conductivity. The wire harness must also be grounded to the vehicle’s negative battery terminal.
The manual specifically warns against over-tightening the mounting bolts and nuts. Excessive torque can damage the brass inserts and rubber isolators, leading to system failure.
Installing Air Tubing and Fittings
Proper installation of air tubing is essential for the system’s performance. The manual provides several key guidelines:
- Routing Air Tubing: Use the supplied nylon ties to secure the air tubing to the vehicle. Avoid sharp bends or kinks in the tubing. Route the air tubing in a way that minimizes exposure to sharp metal edges and heat sources.
- Exhaust Tubing: Install an exhaust air fitting to reduce noise and prevent dirt from clogging the port. The exhaust tubing should not exceed 16 inches in length, and the end should be secured so it points downward to allow water or debris to drain away from the compressor.
- Air Filter Installation: The air filter should be fully secured to the air tubing from the air compressor kit. A loop should be created in the air tubing to prevent water or debris from entering the compressor. The filter should be inspected regularly, and replaced when it becomes dirty. A new filter should be obtained from an authorized Firestone dealer.
The manual also includes instructions for using push-to-connect fittings to connect the air tubing to the hardware. These fittings must be installed according to the provided guidelines to ensure a secure and leak-free connection.
Electrical Connections and Grounding
The electrical components of the Firestone system must be installed with care to ensure safe and reliable operation. The manual provides the following guidance:
- Wire Harness Installation: Route the wire harness in the most protected manner possible. Secure all electrical connections as shown in the manual. All electrical connections should be taped to prevent short circuits or damage from vibration.
- Grounding the System: The ECU and air compressor must be properly grounded. The ground wire ring terminal should be mounted to bare metal, and coated with silicone if possible. The wire harness must also be grounded to the vehicle’s negative battery terminal.
- ECU Mounting: The ECU should be mounted close to the air compressor to allow the wire harness connections to reach both components. Allow room for the 4-pin ECU connector to connect to the ECU without strain or interference.
Pre-Installation Planning
Before beginning the installation, the manual recommends planning the installation routes for both wiring and air tubing. This includes identifying the best paths for routing the air tubing and wire harness to avoid sharp metal edges, heat sources, and other potential hazards. The manual also emphasizes the importance of measuring twice and cutting once to ensure accurate and secure installation.
- Thermal Protection: Use the supplied thermal sleeves on air tubing when routing near heat sources to prevent heat damage.
- Nylon Ties: Use the supplied nylon ties to secure both air tubing and wire harness to the vehicle. This helps prevent vibration-related damage and ensures that the components remain in place.
Post-Installation Checks
Before driving the vehicle, the manual recommends performing a series of checks to ensure that the system is installed correctly and functioning properly:
- Secure All Air Tubing and Wiring: Ensure that all air tubing and wiring is properly secured and routed to prevent damage or interference.
- Leak Test: The system should pass a leak test and hold air without any noticeable loss. Any leaks should be identified and repaired before proceeding.
- Grounding Check: The air compressor ground ring terminal should be in contact with bare metal and coated with silicone if possible. The wire harness should be grounded to the negative battery terminal. The ECU must have a good, clean, interference-free ground.
- Air Tubing Loop: Ensure that a loop is created in the air tubing as shown in the manual. This helps prevent water or debris from entering the air compressor and damaging it.
If any issues are encountered during the installation, the manual recommends contacting Firestone for assistance. The Firestone support team can be reached via email at [email protected]. When contacting support, include photos, the kit number, and the vehicle’s year, make, and model to help with diagnosis.
Frequently Asked Questions
The manual includes a frequently asked questions (FAQ) section that addresses common concerns about the Firestone WR17602930 Air Command System:
Where Can I Find the Vehicle GVWR Information?
The GVWR is listed in the vehicle’s owner’s manual or on the data plate located on the driver’s side door. Consult the manufacturer or a local dealer for additional specifications.What Is the Recommended Air Pressure for the Air Springs?
For optimal ride quality, use only enough air pressure to level the vehicle when viewed from the side. The recommended pressure may vary based on load, suspension condition, and personal preference.
These answers are designed to help users understand the system’s limitations and proper usage. The manual also notes that the Firestone WR17602930 system is intended for use on pickup trucks and does not increase the vehicle’s maximum load capacity.
Conclusion
The Firestone WR17602930 Air Command System is a high-performance air suspension solution that offers improved vehicle stability, ride quality, and load-carrying capacity. The installation process requires careful planning, attention to safety, and adherence to the manufacturer’s guidelines. The manual provides detailed instructions for mounting the air compressor and ECU, routing air tubing and wiring, and performing post-installation checks to ensure the system functions correctly.
Users must also be aware of the vehicle’s GVWR and avoid exceeding the manufacturer’s recommended load limits. The manual emphasizes the importance of proper grounding, secure mounting, and regular maintenance of the air filter to ensure long-term performance. By following these guidelines, users can install the Firestone WR17602930 system safely and effectively.