When I open the driver's door in the morning, my 06 SV8 gives out a long sigh and I don't know if it is just glad to see me or if I have awakened it too early.

Seriously, what is going on when it sighs like that? An air suspension thing? Or something with the alarm system? I can't see it do anything physical - just the sound of a 2 second quiet sigh.

 

Hi Phil,

That is perfectly normal behavior. The air suspension compressor exhaust valve opens to release a little pressure from the system. One purpose is to level the car in preparation for your departure. Some members have also hypothesized that by relieving a little pressure from the system the compressor has an easier time starting.

On our '04 XJR, I normally notice the sigh when I unlock the doors. If you keep your car unlocked in a garage, then the sigh would occur when you open the door.

Cheers,

Don

 

Interesting! Kind of like discretely lifting one cheek to relieve a little pressure (quietly of course). Makes the car seem more human.

My wife hasn't come up with a name yet, but I am leaning toward Marilyn since it (she?) is Platinum over Ivory....Or maybe Norma Jean since my wife is Retha Jean.

 

It's just the big cat purring.

 

You may also have a slight leak.
Mine would hiss when opening the doors to level itself until I replaced the front driver shock.
I thought it sounded cool though. Like my car was saying "Psst, What's up!" LOL