Why does my car let air out every time I turn off the car and pull out the key? It's the psssshhhhh sound. I know it's the "airmatic", but I don't have the car on the raised setting or anything when driving. I drive in "normal" mode with regards to the suspension (not raised or lowered) and "comfort" mode vs. sport mode.

 

My CLS and E both doing it , i am used to it, i believe when vehicle parked suspension raising a little so it will be easier for you to get out

 

The car likes to level itself after you park, so it will do that every time.
When you don't hear that sound it is time to get worried....

 

+1

 

Ahh okay. I'm glad this is "normal". Thanks all as usual.

 

Yes, the moving car generates down force that pulls the car down. Because the Airmatic keeps the set riding height it adds air in the springs to raise the car back to the correct level while driving. When you stop the car the down force disappears and the car raises up above the set height. The car does not let air out from the springs immediately after it stops while engine runs as it would be stupid in a stop-and-go traffic to let air out every time you stop for lights etc. and then pump it up again when moving but if you stop for long enough it will let air out though.


When you stop and turn the car off it knows driving is done and lowers itself to the set height.


I used to have a Lincoln Mark VII LSC and it did the exact same thing.

 

^ absolutely correct and this lowering can go on intermitently for a few minutes as it settles out. I can go in my house and come back into the garage minutes later and hear a brief pssh as it continues to settle out.

 

Mine does the same thing. My kids think that is one of the best features!