Range Rover Lowers When Parked: Why Does It Happen?

You have parked your Range Rover and suddenly notice that the vehicle automatically lowered itself.

Now, why does Range Rover lower when parked?

Range Rover lowers itself because of a feature called Automatic Access Height. This feature enables easy access for occupants. However, if it lowers too much than usual, there may be a leak in the air suspension. If there’s a leak in the air suspension system, you can repair it by using a tire inflator spray.

In the next sections, we have discussed all there is to know about Range Rover and its air suspension.

Why Does Range Rover Lower When Parked?

Range Rover lowers itself when parked due to a feature called the “Auto Access Height.” It lowers the suspension height automatically once the Range Rover is parked.

This is done to facilitate easier access when entering or exiting the vehicle. For individuals with limited mobility, lowering the suspension height reduces the step-in height. Thus making it easier to enter and exit the vehicle.

The suspension lowers initially when the vehicle is stationary and any of the occupied seatbelts are unbuckled. Or also if the ignition is switched off. For these conditions, it lowers the suspension height to 0.9 inches below the normal height setting.

range rover sport suspension lowers when parked — Source: Desert Oasis Auto Repair

When the door is opened after initial lowering, the suspension is further lowered to 2 inches below normal. This additional lowering is intended to provide even easier access for occupants.

However, bear in mind that the Auto Access Height feature operates only once each time the vehicle is stationary. Using the instrument panel menus, the feature can be disabled and enabled again if further operations are required.

You can also reset the suspension height by driving over 4.4 miles per hour for 3 seconds. Or you can drive over 9.3 miles per hour to do this.

This feature is available in most Land Rovers, like LR4 and LR3.

Range Rover Lowers When Parked: Can This Be A Problem?

Although this is a feature, sometimes the Range Rover can lower itself unevenly or too much. If that happens, maybe you have an air suspension leak. To be sure here are 4 tips to detect an air suspension leak-

Visual Inspection: Look for any signs of sagging or uneven height in the vehicle. There could be a leak in the air suspension system if the rear is noticeably lower than the front. Check underneath the vehicle for any signs of fluid leakage, particularly around the air suspension components.

Check the Vehicle Height: Start the vehicle and let it run for a few minutes to allow the air suspension system to stabilize. If it’s the Auto Access Height feature the height should go back to normal.

Listen for Hissing Sounds: Lean on the vehicle or get close to the air suspension components and listen for a distinct hissing noise. This sound indicates the escape of air from the system, which suggests a leak.

Perform a Soap Test: Mix water and liquid soap in a spray bottle. Spray the soapy solution on the air suspension components, including the rubber bladders, hoses, and connections. If you see bubbles forming, it indicates the presence of a leak. The soap test is particularly useful for identifying small leaks.

This video may help you to perform a soap test-

Also, there may be other Land Rover problems that may be related to this.

How To Fix Air Suspension Leak In A Range Rover

Now that you have found that there is something wrong with your air suspension, you have to fix it. Here are steps for fixing your range rover’s air suspension leak-

Identify the Leak: Identify the potential leak in the air suspension system as described above.

Prepare Fix-A-Flat: Get a can of fix-a-flat which is a temporary tire repair solution. It can also seal small leaks in the air suspension system. Ensure you have the appropriate nozzle or adapter to connect it to the affected area.

Deflate the Suspension: Use an adjustable wrench to remove the valve stem from the air suspension component. This will release any remaining air pressure in the system.

Connect Fix-A-Flat: Attach the fix-a-flat can to the valve stem or the affected area using the appropriate adapter. Follow the instructions provided on the can to inject the fix-a-flat into the system. This will temporarily seal small cracks or holes in the air suspension.
Reinflate and Test: Once the fix-a-flat is injected, reattach the valve stem or secure the connection. Use an air compressor to inflate the suspension to the recommended pressure. Test the system to ensure it holds air and maintains the appropriate ride height.

Fix Air Suspension Leak — Source: YouTube

For better guidelines, you can watch this video-

If this is too tough for you, call a mechanic who can service the air suspension system quickly.

Tips For Maintaining Your Range Rover’s Air Suspension

Maintaining your Range Rover’s air suspension is crucial to ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride. Here are some tips to help you keep your air suspension in good condition:

Regularly inspect your air suspension components: Look for cracks, leaks, or tears in the airbags or air lines in your air suspension components.

Keep your air suspension system clean: Dirt and debris can cause damage to your air suspension components, so it’s important to keep your system clean. Use a soft cloth to wipe down your air suspension components and avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.

Check your air suspension system’s pressure: Make sure your air suspension system is properly pressurized. Check the owner’s manual for recommended pressure levels and use a tire pressure gauge to check the airbag pressure.

Avoid overloading your vehicle: Overloading your vehicle can put extra strain on your air suspension system, causing it to wear out faster. Make sure you are not exceeding your vehicle’s weight capacity.

Address any issues promptly: If you notice any problems with your air suspension system, such as a leak or sagging, address them immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What’s The Cost to Fix The Range Rover Air Suspension?

It can cost $1,500 to $2,000 or more to fix the Range Rover’s air suspension system. The cost typically includes the replacement of components such as air compressors, air springs, valves, or other parts.

Can I Drive With A Leaky Suspension?

No, it’s not recommended to drive with a leaky suspension. A leak in the suspension system can lead to reduced stability, compromised handling, and uneven weight distribution. This can negatively impact your ability to control the vehicle, especially during turns, braking, or emergency maneuvers.

How Long Does Air Suspension Last on Range Rover?

Range Rover air suspension components, such as air springs, typically last 80,000 to 100,000 miles. Over time, the rubber bladder in the air springs can dry out and develop cracks around the bottom piston. This leads to potential leaks.

Conclusion

So, now you know why Range Rover lowers when parked.

Keep an eye out for potential problems in your air suspension system. Regularly inspect the system and the vehicle’s height to notice any problems. While the Automatic Access Height feature is efficient, the problems that arise from it can lead to major issues.