Quick Answer
A 2019 McLaren 720S refused to activate Track mode — displaying "Dynamic Mode Unavailable." The dealer quoted AED 28,000 for hydraulic suspension actuator replacement. Root cause: a contamin
Track mode on a McLaren 720S transforms the car. Suspension drops, damping stiffens, throttle sharpens, transmission holds gears — the car goes from GT cruiser to track weapon at the press of a button.
When "Dynamic Mode Unavailable" appears and Track mode won't engage, the owner has a AED 280,000+ supercar that can only operate in Comfort and Sport. That's like buying a concert grand piano that only plays in one octave.
Vehicle: 2019 McLaren 720S, 18,000 km Symptom: "Dynamic Mode Unavailable" message when selecting Track mode Behaviour:
Owner's frustration: The car was purchased specifically for track days at Dubai Autodrome. Without Track mode, the full potential of the car is inaccessible.
The dealer diagnostic found:
Quote: AED 28,000 (actuator AED 18,000 + reservoir AED 4,000 + labour AED 6,000)
The dealer's reasoning: the hydraulic suspension fault prevented the system from entering Track mode's lowest, stiffest setting.
We connected McLaren's diagnostic system and performed a complete module scan.
Findings:
Key observation: The fault was with the pressure sensor signal, not the actuator. The dealer had jumped from "suspension fault" to "replace the actuator" without distinguishing between the sensor reading and the component itself.
We monitored the PCC system in real time while cycling through modes:
Comfort mode: Hydraulic pressure readings within normal parameters (both sides) Sport mode: Pressure increased as expected — both sides responded correctly Track mode request: System began to increase pressure toward Track mode targets — then aborted. Left-side pressure sensor reading became erratic (jumping between actual pressure and zero) at high pressure levels
Diagnosis narrowing: The hydraulic system was physically capable of reaching Track mode pressures. The sensor was providing corrupted readings at high pressure, causing the control module to abort the mode change as a safety measure.
We inspected the left hydraulic pressure sensor:
Finding: The sensor connector showed signs of brake fluid contamination. The McLaren PCC system uses a hydraulic fluid that is chemically similar to brake fluid. A micro-leak at the sensor seal had allowed fluid to weep onto the connector pins over time.
The contamination created variable resistance on the sensor signal wire — causing accurate readings at low pressure (where the signal is strong relative to the interference) but erratic readings at high pressure (where the interference-to-signal ratio increased).
Root cause: A deteriorated O-ring seal on the hydraulic pressure sensor allowed microscopic fluid weepage onto the connector. Dubai's thermal cycling (hot days, cool A/C-chilled garage nights) accelerated the seal degradation and caused condensation that mixed with the hydraulic fluid residue, creating a conductive film on the connector pins.
Actions:
Total cost: AED 800 (fluid flush + seal + connector treatment + labour)
Post-repair testing:
Owner drove to Dubai Autodrome the following weekend. Track mode performed flawlessly.
| Approach | Cost | Outcome | |----------|------|---------| | Dealer (actuator + reservoir replacement) | AED 28,000 | Would have replaced working components; sensor seal issue would persist | | MotorMec (fluid flush + seal + clean) | AED 800 | Root cause addressed, full functionality restored | | Savings | AED 27,200 | 97.1% reduction |
Q: Is the McLaren 720S hydraulic suspension reliable?
A: The PCC system is mechanically robust but requires maintenance attention — particularly fluid changes and seal inspections. In Dubai conditions, fluid should be changed every 3-4 years or 20,000-25,000 km. With proper maintenance, the system is reliable.
Q: Can other McLaren models have similar issues?
A: All McLaren models with the PCC hydraulic suspension (570S, 600LT, 720S, 765LT, GT, Artura) can experience similar sensor and seal issues. The system architecture is shared across the range.
Q: Do I need the McLaren diagnostic tool for this repair?
A: Yes — the PCC system requires McLaren's dedicated diagnostic tool for mode testing, pressure data reading, and system recalibration after fluid changes. Generic OBD2 scanners cannot access the PCC module.
Q: How do I prevent this issue?
A: PCC fluid change at manufacturer intervals (or Dubai-adjusted shorter intervals), annual inspection of sensor connectors, and application of dielectric grease to hydraulic system connectors during service.
Q: Is Track mode safe to use on Dubai roads?
A: Track mode significantly reduces ride height and stiffens suspension — it's designed for smooth circuits. Dubai road surfaces and speed bumps can damage the lowered bodywork and stress the suspension at Track mode settings. Use Track mode only on circuits (Dubai Autodrome, Yas Marina) or very smooth road surfaces.
A AED 45 O-ring and a clean connector restored AED 280,000 worth of supercar to full capability. The hydraulic actuator was never the problem. The sensor connector was. And the difference between those two diagnoses was AED 27,200.
Equipment. Knowledge. Patience. And the willingness to question the obvious answer.
No Fix, No Fee.
Reviewed by [Supercar Specialist], MotorMec Dubai. Last updated: February 2026
