Any ideas on what might make the front shocks hard as rock, but back ok?

[Jigsaw100]

Have the AHC system. Previous owner put in an aftermarket radio and a lot of buttons don't work (probably fubard a ground is my guess).

The front suspension will adjust itself when I get into the car. I haven't played with raising or lowering it yet (just added enough fluid to get it to the right level, it was low when i got it, but not empty).

I can't turn off the AHC (or at least no light shows up on the dash when i press the 'off' button).

The front is like having no suspension. Rock hard. Going to drain the suspension fluid soon and see if that helps.

The rear seems ok. Any chance that this could be electrical in nature?

 

[Julian Stead]

Have you checked your pressures?

 

[Jigsaw100]

no. do you have a link on how to do that?

 

[Julian Stead]

Here is a link, you need techstream. Pay particular attention to Paddo's posts.

Definitive list of AHC maintenance items

 

[Mark WV]

Rock hard in the front likely means the front Globes are ruptured or have lost their gas charge internally - the guide they have directed you to were extremely helpful in diagnosing and repairing my AHC system. When it had the same issue as you, the vehicle would still raise and lower but the front felt as if it was rock hard when driven. I ended up replacing all four globes and bleeding the system twice to correct my problems. With techstream I was then able to adjust the torsion bars to bring the AHC pressure into spec.

Make sure to note that all doors + hood and liftgate need to be closed, and the engine running in order to raise or lower the suspension using the switch on the console. Also it won't raise or lower while driving over 15MPH (?) and will revert to the neutral position once that speed is reached if you start driving with it raised or lowered.