Troubleshooting Porsche ABS and PSM Problems

The following guide will explain how to diagnose problems with Porsche Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) and Porsche Stability Management (PSM) by using an OBD-II scanner and what triggers the malfunction.

What does Porsche ABS/PSM Light Mean?

The Porsche ABS light may remain on when the Anti-lock Brake System detects a problem with the wheel speed sensors or the ABS module.

Once the Porsche ABS fails, other systems, such as traction control, will be disabled since these systems rely on the ABS to function.

If the Porsche ABS or PSM warning light remains on all the time, drive carefully. The vehicle can take longer to stop and is more likely to skid when braking.

Stop immediately if the ABS and the red BRAKE light remain on with an exclamation mark. Check the brake fluid level and correct it if necessary. Do not continue driving with the BRAKE light on.

Symptoms

When your Porsche ABS or PSM system malfunctions, you may notice:

• ABS light stays on
• PSM warning light or message
• The ABS failure message shows on the dashboard
• The brake light stays on
• The vehicle goes into limp mode.

Causes

Common problems that trigger Porsche ABS and PSM lights to stay on:

• The ABS wheel speed sensor is defective
• PSM module faulty
• Steering angle sensor
• MAF Sensor
• Brake light switch
• Low brake fluid level
• Damaged wire harness
• Low battery voltage
• Corroded battery posts

You should read the fault codes from the ABS menu to find out why your Porsche ABS/PSM lights are on. You can read the codes yourself or have a Porsche mechanic do it.

How to diagnose Porsche ABS / PSM

You will need an OBD-II scanner to read and clear Porsche-specific fault codes to diagnose the ABS and PSM systems. Generic OBD-II scanners cannot access those systems and will not show a fault code.

The YOUCANIC Full System Scanner can read and clear fault codes through every control module of your vehicle.

What you will need

• Porsche Scanner

Procedure

1. Park your Porsche on a level surface and set the parking brakes.
2. Locate the diagnostic port under the dashboard and plugin your OBD-II scanner.
3. Turn on the ignition but do not start the engine.
4. Depending on the scanner, it should turn on automatically. If not, press the power button. From the main menu, select Porsche and then the model. Next, you should see all the modules listed. Select either ABS or PSM. Scroll down to Read Faults.
5. Write down all the fault codes. If the codes are STORED status, go back to the main menu and select Clear fault codes. If you can’t clear the codes, the chances are that the problem that triggered the warning light has not been fixed yet.

Common Problems

Common problems that trigger Porsche ABS and PSM lights to stay on include:

ABS Wheel Speed Sensor

One of the most common issues that triggers Porsche ABS or PSM lights to come on is a faulty ABS wheel speed sensor. Sensors can fail and stop sending wheel speed readings to ABS modules. They can also be damaged by rocks.

If you have an OBD-II scanner that can read faults from the ABS module, you can go to the ABS or PSM control unit. Next, select Live Data. Here, you can see speed values from all the wheels as you carefully drive the vehicle.

Replacing the Porsche ABS wheel speed sensor is a straightforward procedure.

Check the wire harness to see if the ABS/PSM light stays on and if the fault code still indicates a faulty ABS sensor. If the wire harness from the sensor to the ABS module is fine, the ABS module might be at fault.

Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor

It may sound unrelated, but a faulty MAF sensor or vacuum leak can trigger ABS and PSM fault lights to come on, especially if those warning lights come on during hard acceleration.

When you read the codes, you may get DME fault codes such as 5525 – Torque transmission disturbed at times or P0102 – Mass or Circuit Airflow (MAF) Circuit Low Voltage Input.

It is strongly recommended that you install a genuine Porsche MAF sensor made by Bosch, the OEM supplier. Also, avoid using air filters that need frequent oiling.

ABS Module / Pump

The ABS module is the “brains” of ABS and PSM systems. It controls the brake pressure sent to each wheel and adjusts the braking force to those wheels when the PSM system detects that the vehicle has lost traction.

Porsche ABS module can fail for several reasons:

• loose terminals
• Weak joints inside the module, causing intermittent ABS/PSM light
• worn brushes for the ABS motor typical on high-mileage Porsche
• corrosion at the ABS terminals
• Brake fluid leaks on the ABS pump, causing loss of communication with multiple wheel speed sensors.

Bosch makes ABS modules installed on many Porsche vehicles as Porsche doesn’t make their own ABS module.

If your mechanic determines that the ABS module is faulty, it can be replaced with a used unit, which may require coding. A cheaper alternative is to have your existing Porsche ABS Module Repaired by using these companies that offer this service on eBay.

Steering Angle Sensor

The steering angle sensor (SAS) sends data to the PSM module to tell it which way the steering wheel is turned. However, the SAS may be out of calibration and send the wrong information to the PSM module.

The steering angle sensor and clock spring are integrated into one piece and need to be replaced on some models. Before you replace this expensive part, carry out steering angle calibration to fix the ABS and PSM problems often.

The steering angle sensor is located on the steering column. To replace it, you will need to remove the steering wheel. You must also disconnect the battery, or you will trigger the airbag light. Once you return the SAS, you must calibrate the steering angle sensor.

Brake Light Switch

If you are getting ABS failure and PSM failure, drive to the workshop message on the dashboard; when you press the brake pedal or start to drive, the problem may be the brake light switch.

This problem can affect any Porsche, including 911 or Cayman. The brake light switch is mounted above the brake pedal and is very inexpensive, taking only a few minutes to replace.

You can determine if the brake light switch is defective by looking at the brake light bulb. If the bulb is not busted but does not work when depressing the brakes, the brake light switch is already faulty.

To determine why your Porsche ABS and PSM lights come on, you need to diagnose the problem. Start by reading the fault codes from the ABS module. Do not replace parts based on what you read online.

Pay attention when installing a new brake light switch. The switch has a self-adjusting mechanism. After you replace the brake light switch, check the operation of the plunger.

Related fault codes: P0571, P1574 – Brake switch signal implausible. 4340 stop light switch defective, Porsche DME fault code 364.

Wire Harness

If your Porsche ABS light is caused by no signal coming from the wheel speed sensor, inspect, clean, and, if needed, replace the faulty wheel speed sensor.

We hope you find the Troubleshooting Porsche ABS and PSM Problems guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your Porsche.

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