These instructions apply to the Bentley Continental GT Mk3 (3S) 2018-2022.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
Before you slide a jack or a lift under a Bentley Continental GT (3S, 2018–2022), you need to lock the air suspension first — the car’s jacking mode, which it calls Suspension lock. The Continental GT sits on self-levelling air suspension that constantly manages ride height, so if you start lifting it without locking the system, the suspension keeps adjusting and can fight the jack or set faults. Locking it is a normal owner step, done entirely from the dashboard menu with no tools. This guide walks through setting Suspension lock, how to cancel it afterwards, and what to check if it does not behave as expected.
Why It Matters
The air suspension constantly adjusts ride height. Lifting the car without locking it can stress the air struts and trigger warnings. Always set Suspension lock first.
How Suspension Lock Works on the Continental GT
Air suspension holds the body at a target ride height using air struts that inflate and deflate through a compressor, reacting to load and road. When you raise the car, the ride-height sensors read the change and the system tries to level it back down — exactly the wrong response while it is on a jack. That struggle can over-work and stress the struts, upset the ride-height calibration and log suspension faults. Suspension lock tells the system to hold still and stop levelling, so the car stays where you put it while it is off the ground. It is a built-in function meant to be used every time the car is lifted.
Before You Start
- Park on firm, level ground and make sure the car is fully stationary.
- Turn the ignition on so the multifunction display is live and the menus respond.
- Have your jack, axle stands and the correct lift points ready before you begin, so the car is not left half-raised.
- Keep the key with you and keep passengers out of the car while it is lifted.
- Remember Suspension lock cancels with speed, so do not rely on it once the car is driving.
Activating Jacking Mode (Suspension Lock)
- Turn the ignition on.
- On the multifunction display, select ‘Settings’ > ‘Vehicle’ > ‘Chassis’ > ‘Suspension lock’.
- The suspension is locked — you can safely jack or lift the car.
Turning It Off
- Repeat the menu step (Settings > Vehicle > Chassis > Suspension lock), or
- Simply drive off above about 6 km/h — it cancels and the suspension re-levels.
If It Won’t Lock or the Warning Stays On
- The ignition is not fully on. The menu needs the display live — switch the ignition on properly and try the path again.
- You cannot find the option. Follow the full path each time: Settings, then Vehicle, then Chassis, then Suspension lock.
- It cancelled unexpectedly. Suspension lock drops out once the car moves above the set speed, so check it is still active before going underneath.
- A suspension warning appeared during the lift. Lower the car, let it re-level, and the message will usually clear once a normal ride height is read.
- The car settled on the jack. Confirm Suspension lock is still engaged and the lift points are secure before continuing.
What to Expect Afterwards
With Suspension lock set, the car holds its height and will not try to level itself while raised. After you lower it and drive away above roughly walking-to-crawling pace, the lock releases and the suspension re-levels to its normal ride height within the first short stretch of driving. If a suspension or ride-height message is still showing after a few minutes of normal driving, it is worth looking into rather than ignoring.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I put a Continental GT in jack mode?
Turn the ignition on, then on the multifunction display go to Settings > Vehicle > Chassis > Suspension lock. Once it is set, the air suspension is locked and you can safely jack or lift the car.
Do I need a tool to lock the suspension?
No. Suspension lock is a dashboard-menu setting built into the car, so no scan tool or workshop equipment is needed. You only need your usual jacking gear to lift the car once the suspension is locked.
What happens if I jack it without locking?
The air suspension keeps trying to level the car as you raise it, working against the jack. That can stress the air struts, upset the ride-height calibration and set suspension faults, which is exactly why the lock exists.
How do I turn Suspension lock back off?
Repeat the same menu step — Settings > Vehicle > Chassis > Suspension lock — to switch it off, or simply drive off above about 6 km/h. It cancels with speed and the suspension re-levels to its normal height.
Will it stay locked once I start driving?
No. Suspension lock is designed to release with speed, cancelling once the car moves above roughly 6 km/h. Because of that, always confirm it is still active before you go under the car, and only drive off once it is fully lowered.
Does every Continental GT need this before lifting?
If your car has the self-levelling air suspension, then yes — lock it before every lift. The whole point is to stop the system adjusting ride height while the car is off the ground, so make it a routine first step.
If a suspension fault light appears, decode the code on autodtcs.com.
Independent guide — not affiliated with Bentley. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions. Read our full disclaimer.