Hang on a minute, does not compute, by stopping the air flow to the rear bags it lowers it's self? Do the valves let the air out on one side and block the other? Yesterday I couldn't spell Engineer... Today I are one!
Inventor of the 'Guide-o-Matic automatic wheel alignment tool'
Former long term L322 owner, Up/Down graded to a Classic Tractor!

Yes , they are a vent valve .

When you close the valve it vents the air .

So it locks the rear bags from the system then vents them , so from access mode it lowers them to the stops .

It's like a manually operated self leveling system

Obviously , you could also fit a solenoid to have the same effect .

Unnecessary quote removed

Thanks Ian c2 - I shall look into this, sounds promising. Yes, I think isolating the rear suspension - aka leaving the front high - MIGHT just do the trick for my dog's jumping height. TBH, my initial reaction was identical to miggit. Sounded like courting a suspension inactive message, but evidently not so.

Appreciate your input.

Ian c2

Nice fix, while the air is kept in the system the car thinks that everything is OK and it's just got a leak

I think that venting solenoid valves would be a easier option for ease of use, as you'd just have to flick a switch, more user friendly, but at what cost? Yesterday I couldn't spell Engineer... Today I are one!
Inventor of the 'Guide-o-Matic automatic wheel alignment tool'
Former long term L322 owner, Up/Down graded to a Classic Tractor!

a folding plastic crate becomes a step, or a folding piece of plywood, becomes a ramp.
dog is getting older every day.....
i mean, you will end up having to let the tyres down, when he's all hot and panting one day.

this sounds like a hammer to crack a nut!

There is always steps at http://www.lintonsteps.co.uk/. Mine work a treat.

To help my mum in and out I use the iid tool to lower all 4 corners then, once ready just re- enable EAS to get back to normality. The car appears to be significantly lower when on the bump stops. First time I tried it I vented the air from everything, including the reservoir. Don't do this as it takes ages to pump back up! Previous cars:
S-Max 2007-2013 (only diesel I've had, good car but expensive when diesely bits go wrong, so what's the point?)
Galaxy 2001-2007
Mondeo Estate 1997-2001
Sierra Estate 1993-1997
Uno Turbo 1987 -1993
Fiesta 1984 - 1987
Fiat 127 1982 - 1984