JoKoeAutoFan
996 ABS & DSC Failure: Speed Sensor Mystery?
ABS warning light
ABS/DSC system is not working
Warning light in the speedometer of the vehicle
Fault stored
4 comment(s)
Thanks for sharing your experience! That's really helpful. Just curious, do you remember roughly how much the whole thing set you back for the ABS unit replacement? And has everything been running smoothly since, or have you had any other problems pop up? I'm trying to figure out if I should budget for any other potential issues while it's in the shop.
Hey again! Happy to update you! Since I last posted, I actually got the issue fixed. You'll be glad to hear that after taking it to the mechanic, they confirmed it was indeed the ABS control unit that was acting up, just like I suspected. The whole thing set me back 1000€, which included the new unit, programming, and labor. I know it's not cheap, but hey, that's Porsche ownership for you, right? The good news is that they also checked the wheel speed sensor during the repair, and it turned out that was playing up too, but they sorted that while they were in there. Since the fix, my Boxster's been running like a dream, no more Christmas tree dashboard, and all the safety systems are working perfectly. Not a single problem in the past months. Honestly, it was worth every penny just for the peace of mind. These systems aren't something you want to mess around with, and having a properly functioning ABS is crucial. If you need any recommendations for shops in my area, just let me know! Take care!
Thanks so much for the detailed follow-up! Just got back from the mechanic myself, and what a journey it's been. Turned out my 996 had similar issues to yours, the ABS control unit was shot. Got it replaced along with a wheel speed sensor that was on its last legs. The whole thing cost me around 1200€, a bit more than yours but I guess that's the 996 tax for you! The mechanic I found was actually great, really took the time to explain everything and even showed me the old parts. Much better experience than my last mechanic disaster. Been driving it for a few days now and it feels like a different car. No more light show on the dashboard, and everything's working as it should. Such a relief! Really appreciate everyone's help and advice here, saved me from stressing too much about it. Think I've finally found a mechanic I can trust too, so that's a bonus. Sometimes these expensive fixes are just part of the Porsche life, but when the car's running right, it's all worth it! Thanks again for sharing your experience, it really helped me know what to expect!
Best Answer
Hey there! I had a similar issue with my 2004 Porsche Boxster last year. The symptoms were pretty much identical, ABS and stability control warnings, plus wonky speedometer readings. Initially thought it was just a sensor too, but after taking it to my trusted Porsche specialist, it turned out to be a faulty ABS control unit. Had it diagnosed properly with their computer system, and yeah, the control unit needed replacing. It was a pretty serious job since the ABS unit is a critical safety component. The mechanic explained that these units can fail due to age and internal circuit board issues, even with low mileage like yours. The repair took about two days because they had to program and calibrate the new unit to work with the car's systems. After the fix, everything went back to normal, no more warning lights, and all safety systems working as they should. My advice? Find a specialized Porsche workshop with proper diagnostic equipment. This isn't something you want a general mechanic messing with, as these systems are pretty complex in our cars. Hope this helps!