Suspension problem
1993 Lincoln Continental 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 135000 miles

When I shutdown the engine and get out of the car, I can hear air releasing from the air struts as the car levels. However, after about 30 seconds, the air suspension compressor starts running and won't shut off unitl the front end of the car is raised way up and the front struts are solid. When I get in the car and start driving around, it only takes a few blocks and the vehicle is leveled out normally. But I stop, shut off the engine, get out of the car and about 30 seconds later the compressor starts running and won't quit unilt the front is way jacked up. If I turn off the air ride switch in the trunk, of course, the compressor stops. I can immediately turn the switch back on and the compressor will not run. I replaced the actuators on the front struts but that didn't seem to help. I've had it into a dealershp and they are baffled. They said I might neet new front level sensors but they weren't sure. But that doesn't make sense to me. If the level sensors were not working, it wouldn't level out and ride normally when the vehicle is running, either. This only happens after I shut off the engine, get out of the vehicle and shut the doors.

That is a good one. with key off sounds like the controller is losing power or something to cause it to get possible false readings from the front sensors.They should have the ability to watch it with a scan tool to see what itis doing

I have been struggling with this issue for a year now. I have had the car in to a dealer. They hooked up scanners and couldn't find anything wrong. I also asked a lot of questions but no one seems to be able to figure out this problem. In the mean time, every time I get out of the car I have to open the trunk and shut off the air ride switch then turn it back on when I am going someplace. So I installed a solution that cost $4. Pin number one of the wiring array going into the air ride control module is hot when the ignition is on and off when the ignition is off. Using that to trigger a $4 relay switch, I spliced into one of the wires going to the shut off switch. Now when the ignition is on, the current going to the switch is connected and the system is on. When I turn off the ignition, the relay switch is open and the air ride system is shut off just like I had manually turned the switch off and the compressor doesn't run.

That is an above average fix to an above average problem. Have you tried unplugging the ride sensors on the front or rear to see if it makes a difference?