Porsche PSM Failure Troubleshooting Guide

Troubleshooting Porsche PSM Failure

In this guide, we look at common problems that cause Porsche PSM failure and how to reset Porsche PSM light yourself. PSM stands for Porsche Stability Management.

What Does PSM Failure Mean on a Porsche?

DIAGNOSE PORSCHE PSM EXPLAINED

Porsche PSM light may come on due to something as simple as low tire pressure, but it can also be on due to a bad ABS wheel speed sensor or come on after you replace the battery.

The problem will need to be diagnosed with a Porshe OBD-II scanner, but if the cause is a bad ABS wheel speed sensor, the ABS light and warning come on as well. In some cases, even the check engine light may come on. 

It is also not uncommon for Porsche PSM failure warning message to pop up during freezing weather or heavy rain conditions. In such cases, restarting the vehicle will typically reset the PSM light.

PSM failure may come on in a Porsche Cayenne and Panamera. 

If the PSM light came on after replacing the battery, drive your Porsche for ten minutes, and the PSM light should reset.

Symptoms

What you may notice when Porsche PSM fails:

  • PSM failure warning message on dashboard
  • Auto-stop/start mode deactivated, flashes.
  • Sport mode disabled
  • ABS failure - See this article.
  • PSM failure consults a garage. Driving permitted warning message.

What Causes PSM Warning on a Porsche

porsche psm failure caused by bad abs module pump

Common problems that cause Porsche PSM failure.

  • Wheel speed sensor faulty
  • PSM software/hardware issue
  • Throttle position sensor
  • Lateral accelerator defective
  • Brake light switch causes intermittent PSM failure. It may need adjustment or replacement even if the brake lights work.
  • Yaw sensor
  • Steering angle position sensor
  • Battery
    • Low voltage
    • Replacement
    • Loose contact
    • Corroded ground
  • MAF failure
  • ABS module
  • Low tire pressure

To find out why your Porsche system has failed, start by reading the ABS / PSM module's trouble codes.

How to Diagnose Porsche PSM problem

Porsche PSM failures can be diagnosed with a diagnostic scanner.

What you will need

Procedure

  1. Park your Porsche and set the parking brake.park porsche
  2. Locate the diagnostic port under the dashboard on the driver's side and plug in your scanner.porsche obd ii port
  3. Turn on the ignition but do not start the engine. If your Porsche has a start/stop button, press it without pressing the brake pedal.porsche psm failure
  4. Turn on the scanner ” select Porsche and then your specific model.reset porsch psm light
  5. Scroll to the ABS / PSM module. Select READ FAULT CODES. Write down all the codes. If the codes are STORED / PAST, they can be cleared. If codes are in PRESENT / CURRENT / ACTIVE status, you won't be able to reset the PSM light until you fix the problem.

Generic OBD-II scanners typically can't read Porsche faults codes in the PSM and ABS modules. You will need a scanner that can read fault codes from the PSM and ABS module.

Conclusion 

Porsche introduced the PSM system back in the late 1990s. Many models come, such as Panamera, Cayman, Boxster, 911, Macan, Carrera has PSM option.

The PSM system on a Porsche assists the driver in keeping the vehicle on the intended track.

Porsche PSM system takes input from various sensors, which means the failure of any of these sensors will trigger a PSM warning message:

  • ABS wheel speed sensors,
  • engine RPM,
  • gas pedal position,
  • steering wheel position,
  • lateral acceleration,
  • current gear,
  • yaw sensor.

PSM uses input from these sensors to determine oversteering, understeering, and loss of traction.

Under acceleration on wet or low-grip road surfaces, PSM improves traction using the automatic brake differential (ABD) and anti-slip regulation (ASR) - Porsche USA

You can turn off Porsche PSM by pressing the PSM Off button located on the center console.

PORSCHE PSM OFF SWITCH

When you press the PSM off switch, the PSM system is not completely disabled. You may notice that the PSM light flashes if you start to push the vehicle too hard. In Sport mode, the PSM system will intervene less.

To find out why you are getting a PSM error warning on your Porsche, read the fault codes using a Porsche OBD-II Scanner.

By  YOUCANIC Automotive Experts

Published on: Friday, August 2, 2019.
Updated on: Thursday, December 31, 2020

 

Vehicle:   Porsche
Difficulty: ⚫⚫⚫⚪⚪
DIY Cost:
Est. Time: 30 min
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