2020 Land Rover Discovery 5 - Air Suspension Fault & Not Leveling

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 25, 4:46 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2020 Land Rover Discovery HSE Si6

Hi Land Rover community,

I'm experiencing an issue with the air suspension on my 2020 Land Rover Discovery 5 (Si6 engine, HSE trim). Lately, I've been getting an 'Air Suspension Fault' message on the dash, and the vehicle doesn't seem to be leveling properly, especially after being parked overnight. Sometimes one corner looks lower than the others.

I've tried cycling the ignition, but the problem persists. It feels like the compressor might be running more often than usual, but the car still won't settle at the correct ride height. I'm worried about potential damage or getting stranded.

Has anyone else encountered this with a newer Discovery? What are the common culprits for this type of issue, and is there anything I can check myself before taking it to the dealership?

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

An 'Air Suspension Fault' on your 2020 Discovery 5 is a common concern and can be caused by several factors within the complex air suspension system. Addressing this promptly is important for ride quality and safety.

Common Causes & Diagnostics:

  1. Air Leaks: The most frequent cause. Leaks can occur in:
    • Air Springs (Bags): Over time, the rubber can crack or develop pinholes.
    • Air Lines: Connections to the compressor, valve block, or air springs can degrade or become loose.
    • Valve Block: This component directs air to and from the springs. Internal seals can fail.
  2. Air Suspension Compressor Failure: The compressor is responsible for generating air pressure. If it's weak, noisy, constantly running, or not building pressure, it could be failing. Common OBD-II codes associated with compressor issues include P0200, P0201 (general compressor circuit faults), or specific manufacturer codes related to pressure build-up.
  3. Relay Issues: The compressor relay can stick or fail, preventing the compressor from activating or deactivating correctly.
  4. Height Sensors: Sensors at each wheel measure the vehicle's height. If one fails, the system can get incorrect readings, leading to uneven leveling.
  5. Software Glitch: Less common, but sometimes a hard reset (disconnecting the battery for 15-30 minutes) can resolve temporary faults.

DIY Checks (Limited):

  • Visual Inspection: Look under the vehicle for any obvious signs of damage to the air lines or air springs. Listen for hissing sounds.
  • Soap Test: With the vehicle at a normal height, spray soapy water on air springs, lines, and connections. Bubbles indicate a leak.

When to See a Shop:

  • If the vehicle is consistently sitting very low or on its bump stops, do not drive it, as this can damage the air springs and other components.
  • If you hear excessive noise from the compressor or if it runs constantly without achieving proper height.
  • If the fault persists after basic checks, as specialized diagnostic tools (like JLR SDD/Pathfinder) are needed to read specific fault codes, test components, and recalibrate the system.
  • Any time you're uncomfortable performing checks yourself, or if the issue impacts driving safety.