Porsche Brake and ABS System
Dashboard Warning Messages Explained

Understanding Porsche Brake and ABS System Dashboard Warning Messages

If you see a message or warning light on your Porsche dashboard related to brakes, ABS or a brake related system, it’s important to take the appropriate action. This section covers what to do when messages associated with the brakes on your Porsche appear on your dashboard.

Common Porsche Brake and ABS Warning Messages

Correctly functioning brakes are paramount given the number of mad situations we face daily on our roads. If you have a brake warning message do not ignore it. Check our guide below to see how to react and what to do when you see these common brake system warning messages.

If the brake warning message also contains a PSM message, see our dedicated PSM message page.

Seek the expert help of one of our recommended Porsche specialists. And, if you see a message we have not covered please contact us and share it with us. If we helped you, please help us.

Brake Distribution Message

Brake force bias between front and rear of the car is critical to stopping safely – you know this from just trying to stop with only front brakes on a bike!

This message indicates that the braking system cannot control the spread of braking force between the wheels.

Here’s what to do – Do not ignore this message and address the problem immediately with a Porsche specialist. Driving the car is dangerous under these circumstances.

Electrical Parking Brake Error

This message indicates that the parking brake did not activate or deactivate correctly. The message will likely go away while driving.

Here’s what to do – If the message returns, it is important to scan the system and understand which component is experiencing an issue. Parking brake repairs can be expensive, so the quicker you identify the problem the less cost will likely be involved.

Porsche has updates for this system that potentially address this issue.

Fault Electric Parking Brake

This message relates to the ability for the electrical system to operate the parking brake. The parking brake is applied via electric motors.

Here’s what to do – Hopefully at this stage the parking brake is off. Do not attempt to operate it. If the parking brake is stuck on, then a painfully expensive tow charge will likely apply!

Head to a Porsche specialist and scan the car to identify the failed component. In this case, the component is typically a position sensor.

Fault Parking Brake

The parking brake on later vehicles is controlled by electric motors for application and deactivation.

This fault usually occurs before the parking brake is activated and typically indicates an electrical fault with the operation of the motors.

Here’s what to do – You can drive the car but do not attempt to use the parking brake. Have the system scanned at a Porsche specialist and identify the repairs needed. Parking brake faults can be expensive.

Power Brake Error Service Required

This message indicates a problem with the vacuum assist on the brake booster. It is most commonly seen on start up.

Here’s what to do – in some cases this error has been resolved through a software update and modification to the vacuum supply line to the brake booster. It is often erroneous.

However, do not ignore this message and have the fault investigated through a diagnostic scan of the system as soon as possible.

Wear Limit Change Brake Pads

Brake pads wear through normal driving and are a normal service item. This message indicates it’s time to replace at least one set of pads as they have reached their minimum safe wear level.

Here’s what to do – When this message comes on you have a very limited amount of time to continue to drive before you need to get the brakes replaced. Contact a Porsche specialist and determine which brakes need to be replaced asap.

ABS Failure

The ABS system on a Porsche is critical to safe braking, especially in an emergency situation. This message defines a fault in the ABS system.

Here’s what to do – Do not ignore this message and if possible avoid driving the car. This is a critical safety system. Get the car to a Porsche specialist as soon as possible to determine the precise cause of the failure.

ABS Warning Light

This warning light is associated with a failure in the ABS system on older cars. A minor fault in the system can cause this light to be illuminated.

Here’s what to do – Do not ignore this light. This is a critical safety system and is designed to help you in an emergency situation. Have the car scanned by a Porsche specialist to determine the exact cause of the warning light.

In many cases this can be as simple as a wheel speed sensor.

ABS / PSM Failure – Drive with Caution

This message usually indicates a failure in the traction control and vehicle stability management system. While it mentions ABS, it may not affect braking under normal circumstances.

Here’s what to do – this is a critical safety system and while you can drive the car “with caution” we would recommend getting the car to a Porsche specialist as soon as possible for a system scan.