PASM warning symbol comes on and the car runs as though it's in super sport mode and suspension is stiff and bouncy.
Dealer says it's a front shock needing replacement.
What puzzles me is the intermittent warning. Car runs fine then the PASM warning comes on and stiffness happens, but if the shock is needing replacement, wouldn't it be a continual problem withe thePASM warning on continually?

 

Failure of the PASM system defaults to full stiff. Check the wires in the front coming off the top of the struts, could be a simple loose connection. Also pull any error codes via an OBDII reader. It should point to which corner is having the problem, perhaps confirming the dealer's diagnosis.

 

Thanks. Loose wires could explain the intermittent warning. But wouldn't a defective shock result in a constant stiff ride?

 

There is an electrical solenoid inside of the shock that opens and closes a valve for oil passage. if for example it overheats and stops working, the shock goes stiff. it cools down and opens up again, shock softens. If solinoid is working fine and its the connection, same thing, when you have a connection it works. when it looses connection it goes stiff. The computer sees it not working, throws error. Next time it scans the system shoick is working, warning goes away.
Im not saying thats exactly whats happening but just as an example.

 

If you turn the car off and then immediately restart, isn't still there? That would help identify root cause being heat or loose wire related.