Set the Air Suspension to Jack Mode

The Porsche Taycan (2020–present) rides on air suspension, so before you raise it on a jack or lift you must put the suspension into jacking mode. Otherwise the self-levelling keeps trying to level the car as you lift it, which can damage components and make the car move unpredictably on the jack. It’s a touchscreen setting — no tool required. On an electric car this step matters just as much as on any air-sprung model: it is routine preparation for a wheel change, tyre rotation or any job that lifts the car, and once you know where the setting lives it takes only moments.

Why This Matters

Air suspension is not a fixed spring — it constantly adjusts ride height by adding or releasing air at each corner to keep the body level. That is precisely what you don’t want while a jack is under the car. If the system senses one corner rising as you lift, it can respond by pumping air in or bleeding it out, which shifts the car’s weight on the jack and stresses the suspension parts. Jacking mode tells the car it is deliberately being raised, so the levelling holds still rather than fighting the lift. Setting it first is the difference between a stable, predictable lift and a car that settles or lurches once it is off the ground.

First, a Few Checks

• Park on firm, level ground — a solid surface for the jack and for the wheels that stay down.
• Apply the parking brake and chock a wheel that will remain on the ground before lifting.
• Have the car stationary and settled at its normal ride height before you open the menu.
• Use the designated jacking points, and place axle stands once the car is raised if you’ll be working underneath it.
• Don’t drive off in jacking mode — it is for lifting only; normal levelling returns once you move away.

Activating Jacking Mode

1. Park on level ground; the car must be stationary.
2. Turn the ignition on and let the air suspension settle to the normal level.
3. On the central touchscreen, open ‘Settings’ > ‘Vehicle settings’.
4. Select the jacking / vehicle-raising mode and confirm — the suspension is now locked for jacking.
5. Raise the vehicle at the correct jacking points.

If the Mode Won’t Engage

• The car isn’t fully stationary — the option is only offered when the vehicle is stopped and settled, so make sure it isn’t still rolling or rocking.
• The suspension hasn’t reached normal level — give it a moment after switching the ignition on so it settles before you pick the mode.
• You can’t find the menu — look through the vehicle or chassis area of Settings; the exact wording of the raising option can vary slightly with software version.
• A suspension fault is present — if the system is already showing a warning, it may refuse jacking mode until that is resolved.
• The car went to sleep — if the screen powered down, the mode can cancel; keep the car awake with the ignition on while you position the jack.

Afterwards

• Lower the vehicle and let the suspension re-level before driving (it reactivates as you drive off).
• A persistent suspension warning can store a code — look it up on autodtcs.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need jacking mode to lift my Taycan?

Yes — the Taycan has air suspension, so switch the levelling off via the touchscreen before jacking. It stops the system pumping air in or out under the jack, keeping the car stable while raised and protecting the suspension components from stress.

Where is the setting?

On the touchscreen, open Settings, then Vehicle settings, and choose the jacking or vehicle-raising option. The exact label can differ slightly by software version, but it sits within the vehicle area of the menu.

What if I jack it without doing this?

The system may try to re-level under the jack, which is unsafe and can damage the air suspension. As a corner rises, the car attempts to compensate, shifting weight on the jack and putting load on the levelling hardware.

Does it reset itself?

Yes — it reactivates when you drive off, so let the car re-level fully before setting off. There is no separate switch to restore normal levelling; simply lowering the car and moving away brings it back.

Is jacking mode different because the Taycan is electric?

The reason for using it is the same — the air suspension must stop levelling while the car is lifted. Just take the usual care around a high-voltage vehicle, and follow the designated jacking points rather than lifting at random.

Does the car need to stay awake?

Keep the ignition on while you select the mode and set up the jack. If the car powers down the setting can cancel, so avoid letting it go fully to sleep until the vehicle is safely supported on stands.

If an air-suspension fault appears, our sister site autodtcs.com can help you decode it.