Confused about PASM
Thread Starter
Track Day
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 18
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Confused about PASM
Hi All,
I'm in the market for a used Cayenne and I thought I understood exactly what PASM was but now I'm not so sure.
First off, does PASM always include the pneumatic ride height adjustment? Secondly, if it does not is the one toggle switch in the center console with icons for mountains at the top and freeway at the bottom the means of adjusting between Normal, Comfort and Sport modes on a car that has PASM but does not have ride height adjustment?
If not what does this switch adjust and is there an adjustment somewhere else for normal, comfort and sport on a car without ride height adjustment?
Thanks,
Tom
I'm in the market for a used Cayenne and I thought I understood exactly what PASM was but now I'm not so sure.
First off, does PASM always include the pneumatic ride height adjustment? Secondly, if it does not is the one toggle switch in the center console with icons for mountains at the top and freeway at the bottom the means of adjusting between Normal, Comfort and Sport modes on a car that has PASM but does not have ride height adjustment?
If not what does this switch adjust and is there an adjustment somewhere else for normal, comfort and sport on a car without ride height adjustment?
Thanks,
Tom
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Joined: Jun 2001
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Likes: 49
Hi Tom,
PASM is exclusively related to air suspension. I believe the acronym is Porsche Air Suspension Management.
If you see a car with one selector switch on the console, it is a steel spring car. The switch on the left controls the differential locking mechanism. All Cayennes have this selector. The icons represent driving terrain (highway or off road)
If you see two selector switches, then it has PASM and it controls ride height. This is the switch on the right. Additionally, it will have a few buttons next to the ride height selector are for suspension response selection (Sport, Normal and Soft).
PASM is exclusively related to air suspension. I believe the acronym is Porsche Air Suspension Management.
If you see a car with one selector switch on the console, it is a steel spring car. The switch on the left controls the differential locking mechanism. All Cayennes have this selector. The icons represent driving terrain (highway or off road)
If you see two selector switches, then it has PASM and it controls ride height. This is the switch on the right. Additionally, it will have a few buttons next to the ride height selector are for suspension response selection (Sport, Normal and Soft).
Racer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 323
Likes: 19
From: Marin, CA
The toggle switch on the left is for engaging low-range and locking the center differential; and locking the rear diff if you are lucky enough to have it. Note: the center diff unlocks itself when you go over15-20 mph. I'm sure the exact speed is in the Manual, but that's about the speed I've notice it unlocks. The manual GTS has the lowest gearing in low-range I have ever experienced.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,248
Likes: 414
From: Coachella Valley
I have PASM on my 06 S and it's awesome. Scott described it correctly. The rocker on the right adjusts ride height and three levels are available for cruising. A low low for loading is also available. The middle three buttons are damping and the choices are sport, normal and comfort. My standard set-up is low height and sport damping. When my wife's in the car, she insists on high level and comfort lol. dave
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From: Mile High
PASM = Porsche Active Suspension Management.
PASM is only the damping control feature of the suspension. Level control is just that, air suspension. Standard on the Cayenne GTS and Cayenne Turbo, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) is an electronic control system that adjusts the suspension system to changing driving styles and road conditions. PASM is also available as an option on the Cayenne and Cayenne S and is combined with air suspension. Now on the 2nd gen 9PA's, 08 and up, "SPORT" mode is standard, by itself when depressed it changes the throttle mapping and also the Tiptronic shift points. Combine "sport" with PASM and PDCC and it makes for a even more dynamic vehicle.
The sports cars are a little different. You can have a 997,987,Cayman etc. equipped with PASM,and PASM with Sport chrono. They have steel springs with PASM shocks. Cayenne you can only have PASM with Air suspension not with steel springs.
PASM is only the damping control feature of the suspension. Level control is just that, air suspension. Standard on the Cayenne GTS and Cayenne Turbo, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) is an electronic control system that adjusts the suspension system to changing driving styles and road conditions. PASM is also available as an option on the Cayenne and Cayenne S and is combined with air suspension. Now on the 2nd gen 9PA's, 08 and up, "SPORT" mode is standard, by itself when depressed it changes the throttle mapping and also the Tiptronic shift points. Combine "sport" with PASM and PDCC and it makes for a even more dynamic vehicle. The sports cars are a little different. You can have a 997,987,Cayman etc. equipped with PASM,and PASM with Sport chrono. They have steel springs with PASM shocks. Cayenne you can only have PASM with Air suspension not with steel springs.
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From: Atlanta, GA USA
Instructor
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 109
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From: Frederick, MD
I have PASM and PDCC on my car, this is what the console controls look like:
IMAG0118.jpg
It's my understanding that cars without PDCC have black controls vs. silver for PDCC.
