Porsche PSM Failure Troubleshooting Guide

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

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, come on after you replace the battery. Also, it is not uncommon for Porsche PSM failure warning message to pop up during extremely cold weather or heavy rain conditions. in such cases, restarting the vehicle will typically reset the PSM light.

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

Porsche PSM Explained

Porsche introduced the PSM system back in the late 1990s and today 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 such as:

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.

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.

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

Common Causes

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 trouble codes from the ABS / PSM module.

How to diagnose Porsche PSM problem

Porsche PSM failures can be diagnosed with a diagnostic scanner.

What you will need

Porsche Scanner

Procedure

Park your Porsche and set the parking brake.
Locate the diagnostic port under the dashboard on the driver's side and plug in your scanner.
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.
Turn on the scanner ” select Porsche and then your specific model.
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.

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