Yup, another PSM/ABS thread. This time, with a twist. As soon I turn on the headlights, the PSM and ABS lights come on. Okay, this is strange, perhaps I'll just shut the car off, and restart. Turn the key to the off position, and the car remains on. Only once you touch the brake pedal does the car actually shut off. I have tested this 3-4 times now with the same results.

Couple of questions:

1. Any one have any thoughts, insight, ideas, theories here. Surely I cannot be the only one to have seen this before, however all the thread searching I did yielded me nothing related to headlights.

2. I have the Fidelity Platinum series warranty. Do you think that something like this will be covered? Should I take the car to my local Porsche Performance shop or to the dealership?

 

sounds like low voltage...either weak battery or bad alternator...have it checked

 

Well, I took the car to the dealership. Nice guys over there, even offered to drive me home (they don't have a shuttle service). I explained the problem. They said "Never heard of anything like that before, but I am sure we can fix it." 2 days later, they tell me it was the brake light somethingorother, was shorting, causing the issue. They replaced it under my warranty, I paid $100 deductible, picked up the car, done.

Well when I picked up the car, it was like 4pm, bright and sunny. And I only live across the street. I drove the car home, and never bothered to test. I then proceeded to drive the car all weekend, with no issue, but it was during the day, so I didn't need the lights. Then last night....

I turn the headlights on for the first time since repair. Instantly, ABS, PSM lights go on. I need to drive an hour plus, in the dark, with those on, lovely......I get out on to the highway, and my buddy calls me. He says, "Hey man, you know your brake lights are stuck on". Fantastic. So, the problem is either unchanged, or worse than before.

It will now need to go back to Porsche, which means I will have to deal with the BS of getting the car there, getting home, and then getting back, picking it up, etc...And being without it for however many days it takes for this to be repaired for the 2nd time now.

Do you think I will have to pay the $100 deductible again? I certainly hope not since the repair was not correct the first time.

 

Any resolution on your problem? I have a similar issue and haven't had time to address yet as I have been on vacation. Appreciate any advice.

 

I've heard those lights have been a precursor to an alternator going out.

 

has the car ever had a brake light circuit switch, or aftermarket sound/lighting installed?

 

No aftermarket or mods. Bone stock.

 

Had the exact same issue. Even if I turned the parking lights on it happened. Turned out it was a short in my left rear tail light assembly. My indy fixed it in like half an hour. Still waiting for the replacement wiring harness from Porsche but he wired in a temporary fix.

Good luck.

 

Tx TTDave: How did they dx the problem? Anything I could do on my own?

 

The tech said he 'had a hunch'. I really know nothing about electrical issues but I have to call them and see where my parts are anyway. I will ask exactly what he did and try to relay to you. My car 'ran-on' once, which kinda freaked me out. The lights thing happened every single time.

My email is dpilo@on.aibn.com feel free to send me a note.

Dave Pilo
Oakville Ontario

 

I'm having this exact problem right now. Any updates? Info? Fix?

 

Sounds like you need to pull the rear tail lights and take a look at the wiring. Thats where Id start.....only takes a few min.

 

Problem solved. The car does not like the SMD LED brake light bulbs. Revert to standard bulbs - fixed.