Spongy 996 Brakes & ABS Failure: Expert Help Needed

I had a similar issue with my 2008 Porsche Cayman S last year. The symptoms you're describing match exactly what I experienced, spongy brake pedal and ABS light staying on. Turns out it wasn't just the sensor; the brake system was improperly bled after some routine maintenance, and air got trapped in the ABS module. Had to take it to a specialized Porsche shop where they used their diagnostic system to properly activate the ABS pump during the bleeding process. It's a pretty serious issue since it affects your entire braking system's performance and safety features. The regular bleeding procedure doesn't work for these cars because of the complex ABS/DSC system. Definitely don't risk it with a general mechanic. You need someone with proper Porsche diagnostic equipment and experience. The proper bleeding procedure made a huge difference, brake pedal became firm again and all systems went back to normal.

Yeah, I totally get it. Similar thing happened to my 996 a while back, super spongy brakes and ABS going crazy. Your advice about the specialized bleeding process is spot on. They had to use that fancy diagnostic equipment to get it sorted properly. Hey, do you remember roughly how much you ended up paying for the fix? Also, has everything stayed good since then, or have you had any other brake-related issues pop up?

Hey there! Yeah, I took my Cayman S to the Porsche specialist last week and they sorted everything out. It was exactly what I suspected, the brake system wasn't bled properly. The mechanic used their fancy diagnostic system to activate the ABS pump during bleeding, and it worked like a charm. The brake booster pressure sensor warning is now completely gone. The total bill came to 90€, which honestly wasn't too bad considering how much these repairs usually cost on Porsches. Since the fix, everything's been running perfectly, brake pedal is nice and firm, no more ABS light, and the car feels way safer to drive. Haven't had a single issue with the brakes since then. It's such a relief to have it sorted properly. These Porsches really need someone who knows what they're doing when it comes to the brake system. The specialized bleeding procedure makes all the difference!

Thanks for sharing that! I actually just got back from the Porsche specialist yesterday. You were absolutely right about needing someone who really knows these cars. The whole brake bleeding process with their special diagnostic equipment took about two hours, but what a difference! My bill was a bit higher, around €150, but honestly, it was worth every penny. The brake pedal's nice and firm now, that annoying ABS light is finally off, and the car feels so much more confidence-inspiring to drive. The mechanic also gave the whole system a thorough check while he was at it, so that was a bonus. Funny how we both had such similar issues! Really appreciate everyone's help here, saved me from going back to that dodgy mechanic who probably would've made things worse. Nothing beats getting it done right the first time by someone who actually knows what they're doing with these cars! Thanks again for all the advice. Case closed on this one!