JMon

Sometimes I feel like maybe the PSM actually activates, but the light doesn't come up. (Either that or I'm getting better at catching the car).

In a bigger slide, I can really get into the PSM and it actually lights up. At RR I get this a lot when I actually want the back end to step out just a little.


I just wonder if it ever activates, even a little bit without putting on the light on.

Spiffyjiff

i believe it does. and even when you turn it off, it's still on, just a little more lenient.

cviles

If all the system needs to do is something tiny, then yes I think it can do its work quickly enough that you miss the light. It probably does come on, but you don't notice it because you're busy with you know actually driving. I have had the sensation of the system working but not noticing the light, but only for small events.

The thing about turning it off and it "still being there" is a bit of a misnomer from my understanding. If the system is off, you can spin the car quite easily. Some people have reported that if you get hard into the ABS, then PSM will reactivate. I haven't seen this myself, and at the wet handling exercise as PSDS I spun the car several times and PSM did nothing. If you want a more lenient flavor of PSM, the Sport Chrono pack option includes that.

Luxter

You are correct, PSM will awake with ABS active. Not sure if PSM will stay on from that moment on or deactivate as soon as ABS goes back to sleep.

Mike in CA

+1. From the owner's manual:

The following functions stabilize the vehicle in
emergency situations, even with PSM switched
off:
– When PSM is off, the vehicle is stabilized as
soon as one of the two front wheels enters the
ABS control range.
– When PSM is off and Sport mode is on, the
vehicle is stabilized as soon as both front
wheels enter the ABS control range.
One-sided spinning of the wheels is prevented,
even with PSM switched off.

Minok

Its always active, just much more forgiving. You only turn down the intervention level, but it still comes into play when it feels you exceeding the new lenient safety margins.

mdrums

On a Carrera S/GTS even if you turn PSM off it is still in the background working but very very little especially if you are in Sport or Sport Plus mode. There is no light to tell you when PSM is helping you. PSM works by cutting throttle and/or using the brakes. Some people confuse PSM working when the traction control light flickers or ABS light flickers...although TC and ABS is tied into PSM.

Only in the GT3 models can you disable PSM.....you need a GT3....I need a GT3! LOL

sjfehr

I like it when I can drive to 11/10s and PSM does one-wheel braking and other magic to give 10/10 of performance, but I really really hate it when it retards the throttle. I wish there was a way to manually fine-tune its performance characteristics, when it comes on, etc.

Minok

Its doing that because otherwise you would in all likelihood slide off the road or start spinning.

If you really think you know better than the computer and can pull it off, have the PSM removed or buy a GT3 as some have mentioned.

dan212

The Porsche PSM is pretty benign in sport mode. But it can step in and tweak without the light going off. I noticed this in my old 997 and I've felt it in the right seat on other cars even though the dash did not show anything flashing.

It can step in and tweak without scolding you. Thats been my experience.

I especially noticed this with 997.2 GT3's where its influence is almost magic.

You can think of PSM as having two modes:
1) Some stability help / tweak - no light
2) PSM - Please Save Me - urgent!!! Save the car.

When the ABS comes on the PSM goes back on. I believe this is true on all cars. Might be a DOT requirement.