PSM/ABS failure warning message
Stock airbox, lowered with Bilstein sports suspension, factory wheels and tires.
Symptom: PSM/ABS failure drive to workshop. Appears consistently accelerating rapidly up to highway speeds with boost at 0.6-0.7 bar (non WOT-condition). Light resets whenever the ignition is switched off and back on.
Searching the forums the possible causes for the ABS/PSM failure mode, drive to work shop appear to be:
1) Failing alternator
2) MAF sensor
3) Intake air leaks
4) ABS sensor
5) Pinched wiring harness from a lowered vehicle
6) Steering angle sensor giving incorrect readings after lowering
I think I can rule out 4-6 since it does not appear when braking or cornering but only under brisk acceleration.
I know I have a weak alternator that puts out just above 12 volts. My car is getting the alternator replaced on Monday. I will have the dealer read the trouble codes at this time. Car also seems to bog at low speeds and have slow throttle response and rough cold idle, so I am thinking the MAF is triggering the faults rather than the weak alternator, since I am still getting above 12 volts.
Questions:
1) Is it worthwhile to replace the MAF sensor with 996.606.125.01 before getting the codes read at the dealer? It's a simple DIY procedure which I can do on my own.
2) Is this the right sensor to use? I know some of the earlier turbo cars came with the 996.606.124.01 which is more prone to failure from dust and dirt. There has been some suggestion that the ECU needs to be reprogrammed for the newer "125" sensor.
3) Should I get the techs to check for boost leaks? The turbos peak at 1 Bar, and it seems to be able to hold 0.6-0.7 bar under load, so I feel like I can rule out boost leaks.
Last edited by jury_ca; Oct 5, 2010 at 03:23 AM.
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Installing a NA MAF will NOT work!
Are you running a stock filter?
Replace the Alternator and have the techs check the idler pulleys.
Replacing your MAF with the correct turbo MAF is always a good thing!
The MAF controls your fueling and boost...
Installing a NA MAF will NOT work!
Are you running a stock filter?
Replace the Alternator and have the techs check the idler pulleys.
Replacing your MAF with the correct turbo MAF is always a good thing!
The MAF controls your fueling and boost...
http://www.vividracing.com/catalog/p...e-p-45758.html
I have seen some posts claiming that the ECU has to be reprogrammed for this newer MAF but I'm not sure that this is true.
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Purchase the 996.606.124.00
I have them on the shelf and can save you a few bucks over the dealer.
Trending Topics
http://www.6speedonline.com/forums/9...hts-again.html
I know my alternator is not putting out enough juice and was due for a replacement in 5 days anyway but the dealer is going to diagnose the stalling issue also. I was really leaning toward the MAF being the problem because of the bogging issue at low speed and the fact that my alternator voltage is still consistently above 12V (might be an amperage issue though).
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It's like asking your dealer to change the oil but you "think" that your oil filter element is good..
In the small scope of things, its a cheap tune up.
Have you relaced your plugs and with Bosch FR6LDC? New 997TT coil packs?
1) The stalling issue was caused by a failed fuel pump / venturi tubes. Replaced both and my car now starts and runs fine.
2) Replaced MAF sensor - Car no longer hesitates or surges before boost kicks in
3) Replaced alternator - Voltage gauge now reads at 13V rather than just above 12V.
4) Did a full service and replaced the plugs and belt
5) The shop I took my car to for the other work stated that the computer registered a fault code for a boost problem but they did not have time to diagnose and fix.
I think this is the cause of my PASM/ABS failure lights when I accelerate on the highway and achieve sustained boost for longer than 3 seconds. Any idea what could be failing? Bad diverter valves? Intake air leak?
1) The stalling issue was caused by a failed fuel pump / venturi tubes. Replaced both and my car now starts and runs fine.
2) Replaced MAF sensor - Car no longer hesitates or surges before boost kicks in
3) Replaced alternator - Voltage gauge now reads at 13V rather than just above 12V.
4) Did a full service and replaced the plugs and belt
5) The shop I took my car to for the other work stated that the computer registered a fault code for a boost problem but they did not have time to diagnose and fix.
I think this is the cause of my PASM/ABS failure lights when I accelerate on the highway and achieve sustained boost for longer than 3 seconds. Any idea what could be failing? Bad diverter valves? Intake air leak?

Thx for posting the resolution. Your 'shortly after starting issue' made me think fuel/fuel filter, BTW
A
The engine would run rough and would even stall at low speeds, it also seemed to have lost lots of power and had lots of lag.
Changing my MAF didn't help and I was getting frustrated in trying to sort out this issue since there seemed to be a million things that could cause the ABS / PSM lights to come on.
One day my alternator suddenly dies and while the car was at the shop for a new one, the mechanic discovers that one of the intake hoses was missing a clip and had an incorrect seal ring. After the new alternator, seal ring and metal clip, the car now runs perfectly.
Though I'm not sure which (the alternator, seal ring or metal clip) solved the problem, this bit of info might be useful.
I find it annoying that so many different issues could cause the same warning lighs to come on, makes trouble shooting confusing and difficult.
I have done a search but this does not seem to be a common failure, although I suspect the fact that the P/N has been superceded indicates that the part has been redesigned for greater reliability.
Anyone know what this part does and whether this could be the cause of my engine occasionally stumbling at idle to the point that it sometimes stalls, PASM/ABS lights under boost for a couple of seconds?
