Confirm the front ride-height sensors are connected. The car should rise within a minute or two of startup and should not settle unless there is a leak, which can eventually damage the compressor. Rather than costly dealer air-ride repairs, consider a front-and-rear spring, shock, and strut conversion kit (reported under $400 and about a two-hour install), or source air-suspension parts from a specialist such as Arnott Industries at below-dealer cost.
The owner of a used 1990 Lincoln Mark VII said the front end sits on the tires and asked whether the air-ride system is worth fixing on a small budget. One commenter relayed a dealer estimate of about $1200 for a control module and about $400 per front air spring, and said the front can settle when cold. An experienced reply said the car should rise quickly and should not drop without a leak, advised checking the front ride-height sensors, warned that a leak can burn out the compressor, and recommended a spring conversion kit under $400. Another commenter suggested Arnott Industries for Lincoln air-suspension parts at a fraction of dealer cost.
