Suspension Lifter Issues | FerrariChat

Suspension Lifter Issues

Discussion in '458 Italia/488/F8' started by DiamondDog, Jul 6, 2025 at 11:02 AM.

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  1. DiamondDog

    DiamondDog Formula 3
    Owner

    Aug 29, 2021
    1,455
    Orange County, CA
    I get intermediate suspension lift errors. They frequently clear when I hit the suspension lift button on my dash again.

    One day it wouldn't clear, but I parked diagonally on a steep driveway diagonally, so the car was not level.

    I don't think that the lifter is completely broken (hoping), but wondering if there is something that may need to be adjusted, lubricated, etc.? Dealership will probably want to replace, so will take to an independent. Any suggestions as to what he could look at and evaluate on the lifter?
     
  2. up4speed

    up4speed F1 Rookie
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    Feb 16, 2012
    3,681
    Long Island, NY
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    Chris
    The first thing I would do is to make sure that the fluid is the right level. I would imagine that if it's low, it may cause issues.
    My car was low from new (even though it still worked perfectly). I topped it off, and the level never dropped ever since.
     
  3. DiamondDog

    DiamondDog Formula 3
    Owner

    Aug 29, 2021
    1,455
    Orange County, CA
    Thank you so much. Can you tell me where the refill hole is an what fluid you used?
     
  4. up4speed

    up4speed F1 Rookie
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    On the 488, the reservoir is under the left side engine compartment panel (driver's side). On the 458, it's under the right side engine panel.
    I don't remember the fluid that it takes, but I know that I couldn't find it locally (or even online in small quantities) so I went to the dealer, and they pumped one liter into a plastic container for me (I think it's basically ATF fluid).
    One thing to note is that the reservoir will be stained pink and may look full when you look at it. Look at it carefully, and open the cap to see the actual level. Mine looked full at a glance, and once I opened it, I realized that there was a tiny puddle in the bottom. I got lucky that it didn't suck any air in, because if it did, I would have had to bleed the system, and it looks like it could be a little bit of a pain according to the shop manual. also note that when you lift the front, the fluid level in the tank goes down. So check it with the lift in the down position.
    Since yours is intermittent, I wouldn't be surprised if you told me that the fluid is low, and the system needed bleeding.
     
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  5. bestia_rossa

    bestia_rossa Rookie

    Sep 13, 2020
    42
    Seattle, WA
    Full Name:
    Vsk
    Another reason could be your lift button is being stuck due to sticky buttons.
     
  6. DiamondDog

    DiamondDog Formula 3
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    Aug 29, 2021
    1,455
    Orange County, CA
  7. up4speed

    up4speed F1 Rookie
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    #7 up4speed, Jul 6, 2025 at 10:48 PM
    Last edited: Jul 6, 2025 at 10:55 PM
    Even though it can stand to have a little more fluid in there, since it's over the MIn. it's probably not your issue.
    But then again, you said it happened on a steep driveway, so I would add fluid, then see if it continues.
    I would also make sure your button isn't sticky, like bestia_rossa said.
    I would also use a Launch or Autel tool to check the errors, and clear any errors.
    I wonder if it's some kind of height sensor issue? I don't know much about the lift system, but like you said, it's not a complete failure and there doesn't seem to be any leaks/pressure loss, so I think that's a good sign.
     
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  8. Phelips

    Phelips Rookie

    May 30, 2025
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    Russel Phelips Brown
    Could be a sensor or wiring issue check the suspension height sensors (usually near the wheels) for loose connections or corrosion. Also, the lift mechanism might just need a recalibration. Ask your indie to scan for codes and inspect the sensors/actuators before jumping to replacement. A good clean and lube of moving parts might help too.
     
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