These instructions apply to the Porsche Panamera Mk2 (971) 2017-Present.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
The Porsche Panamera (2017–present) — the 971 — 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. This is routine preparation for a wheel change, a brake job or any job that lifts the car, and knowing where the setting lives turns an intimidating task into a thirty-second step.
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 exactly what you don’t want while a jack is under the car. If the system senses one corner rising as you lift, it can try to compensate by pumping air in or bleeding it out, which shifts the car’s weight on the jack and stresses the suspension components. Jacking mode tells the car it is deliberately being raised, so the levelling holds still instead of fighting you. Activating it first is the difference between a stable lift and a car that settles or lurches while it is off the ground.
Before You Begin
- Park on firm, level ground — a solid surface for both the jack and 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.
- Know your jacking points — use the designated lift points, and place axle stands once the car is up if you’ll be working under it.
- Don’t drive off in jacking mode — it is only for lifting; the car returns to normal levelling once you move.
Activating Jacking Mode
- Park on level ground; the car must be stationary.
- Turn the ignition on and let the air suspension settle to the normal level.
- On the central touchscreen, open ‘Drive’ > ‘Air suspension level’.
- Select the jacking / vehicle-raising mode and confirm — the suspension is now locked for jacking.
- Raise the vehicle at the correct jacking points.
If the Mode Won’t Engage
- The car isn’t fully stationary — the option is only available when the vehicle is stopped and settled; make sure it isn’t still creeping or rocking.
- The suspension hasn’t reached normal level — give it a moment after switching the ignition on so it settles before you select the mode.
- You can’t find the menu — look under the driving/chassis area of the touchscreen; the exact wording of the raising option can vary slightly with software version.
- A suspension fault is present — if the system is already flagging a warning, it may refuse jacking mode until the fault is addressed.
- The ignition dropped out — if the screen powered down, the mode can cancel; keep the ignition on while you set up 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 Panamera?
Yes — the Panamera 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, which keeps the car stable while it is raised and protects the suspension components.
Where is the setting?
On the touchscreen, open Drive, then Air suspension level, and choose the jacking or vehicle-raising option. The exact label can differ slightly by software version, but it lives in the chassis or driving 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 one corner rises, the car attempts to compensate, shifting weight on the jack and putting stress 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 button to switch normal levelling back on; simply lowering the car and moving away restores it.
Can I use the mode to raise the car over a speed bump?
No — jacking mode is only for lifting the stationary car on a jack or lift. If you want extra ground clearance while driving, that is a separate ride-height setting, not the jacking function described here.
Does the ignition need to stay on?
Keep the ignition on while you select the mode and set up the jack. If the screen powers down the setting can cancel, so avoid letting the car go fully to sleep until the vehicle is safely supported.
If an air-suspension fault appears, our sister site autodtcs.com can help you decode it.
Independent guide — not affiliated with Porsche. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions. Read our full disclaimer.