Set the Air Suspension to Jack Mode

If you need to change a wheel, fit winter tyres or slide a jack under your Tesla Model S (2012–2021) fitted with air suspension, there is one step you should never skip: putting the car into Jack Mode first. On a car with self-levelling air suspension the ride height is managed automatically, so the moment you start lifting one corner the system reads the change and tries to pump the car back to its target height. Jack Mode is the built-in function that tells the suspension to stand down, and on the Model S you switch it on entirely from the touchscreen — no tools, no crawling under the car. It is a normal owner function, not a sign of a fault.

Why Jack Mode Matters on the Model S

Air suspension replaces conventional steel springs with air struts that inflate and deflate through a compressor, keeping the body at a set height regardless of load. That is great on the road, but it works against you on a jack or a lift. As you raise the car, sensors at the wheels see the ride height climbing and the system responds by trying to level things out — adjusting pressure against the very movement you are creating. That fight can stress the struts, confuse the ride-height calibration and log suspension fault warnings. Jack Mode simply suspends the levelling so the car stays put while it is off the ground. Treat it as a standard part of every lift, not an optional extra.

First, a Few Checks

• Park on firm, level ground and select Park so the car is fully stationary.
• Make sure the touchscreen is awake and the car is on (you do not need to be driving, just powered up).
• Have your jack, axle stands and the correct lift points ready before you begin, so you are not leaving the car half-raised.
• Keep the key card or phone key with you, and keep passengers out of the car while it is lifted.
• Note that you must close every door for the setting to take — an open door will block it.

Activating Jack Mode

1. Close all the doors.
2. On the touchscreen, select ‘Controls’.
3. Select ‘Service’, then ‘Jack mode’.
4. The suspension is set for jacking — you can safely raise the car.

Turning It Off

Lower the car back onto its wheels first, then on the touchscreen go back to Controls > Service > Jack mode to deactivate it. Jack Mode also cancels on its own once you drive away above a set speed, at which point the suspension re-levels to its normal ride height. Either method is fine; the important thing is that the car is back on the ground before it re-levels.

If It Won’t Engage or the Warning Stays On

• A door is open or ajar. Check every door, the frunk and the boot are properly shut, then try the menu again.
• The touchscreen is asleep or slow. Wake it fully and let it finish loading before selecting the menu.
• You have a coil-sprung car. If there is no Jack Mode entry under Service, your Model S may be on standard springs and does not use this function.
• A suspension warning appeared during the lift. Lower the car, let it re-level, and the message will usually clear once the system re-reads a normal ride height.
• The car settled or moved on the jack. Re-check that Jack Mode is still active before going back underneath.

What to Expect Afterwards

With Jack Mode active the car holds its height and will not try to pump itself up while lifted. After you lower it and drive off, expect the suspension to settle back to its normal height within the first short stretch of driving as it re-levels. If a ride-height or suspension message lingers after a few minutes of normal driving, it is worth investigating rather than ignoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I put a Tesla Model S in Jack Mode?

With all the doors closed, tap Controls on the touchscreen, then Service, then Jack mode. The car confirms the suspension is set for jacking, and you can raise it safely from that point.

Do I need any tools to enable it?

No. Jack Mode is purely a touchscreen setting built into the car, so you do not need a scan tool or any workshop equipment. You only need your normal jacking gear to actually lift the car once the mode is active.

What if my Model S has coil springs instead of air suspension?

Jack Mode only applies to cars fitted with air suspension. A coil-sprung Model S does not self-level, so there is nothing to disable before lifting and you may not see a Jack mode option in the Service menu at all.

How do I cancel Jack Mode?

Repeat the same menu path — Controls, Service, Jack mode — to switch it off, or simply drive away. It cancels automatically once the car passes a set speed and the suspension re-levels to normal ride height on its own.

Do I really have to close every door?

Yes. The car will not enter Jack Mode with a door, the frunk or the boot open. This is a safety interlock, so check everything is shut properly if the setting refuses to engage the first time.

Will a warning light come on while it is jacked?

With Jack Mode active you should not get a suspension warning simply from lifting the car. If one does appear, lower the car and let it re-level; the message usually clears once the system reads a normal ride height again.

If a suspension warning stays on afterwards, decode the code on autodtcs.com.