
122
Multi-Purpose Display and Instruments fIf the cooling system is in any way faulty, 
consult your authorized Porsche dealer.
Temperature gageUSA: Display in °F
Canada: Display in °C
Pointer to the left – engine cold
fAvoid high engine speeds and heavy engine 
loading.
Pointer in the middle – normal operating 
temperature
The pointer may move up to the red area when 
engine is heavily loaded and outside temperature 
is high, but should return to “normal“ when engine 
load is reduced.Engine coolant temperature warningA warning message will appear on the multi-pur-
pose display of the instrument panel if the engine 
coolant temperature is too high.
fSwitch engine off and let it cool.
fCheck radiator and air passages in front end of 
car for obstructions.fCheck coolant level.
Add coolant if necessary.
fPlease have the fault remedied at an authori-
zed Porsche dealer.
fFor further information on coolant, checking 
the coolant level and topping up coolant:
Please see the chapter “COOLANT LEVEL” on 
Page 255.
Note on operation
To prevent excessive temperatures, the cooling 
air guides must not be restricted by covers 
(e.g. films, “stone guards”).
Engine coolant level warningA warning message will appear on the multi-pur-
pose display of the instrument panel if the engine 
coolant level is too low.
fSwitch engine off and let it cool.
fTop off coolant.
Please have the cause of the fault remedied at 
an authorized Porsche dealer.
fFor further information on coolant, checking 
the coolant level and topping up coolant:
Please see the chapter “COOLANT LEVEL” on 
Page 255.
fFor information on the warning message on 
the multi-purpose display:
Please see the chapter “OVERVIEW OF 
WARNING MESSAGES” on Page 149.
 Caution!
Risk of engine damage.
fDo not continue driving if the warning persists 
even when the engine coolant level is correct.
fHave the fault remedied at your nearest authorized Porsche dealer.
Cooling System
10_Cayenne_21_KW17.book  Seite 122  Donnerstag, 9. April 2009  3:33 15 

Driving and Driving Safety
161
StoppingfWithdraw the ignition key only when the vehicle 
is stationary, otherwise the steering lock 
engages and the vehicle cannot be steered.
fOnly switch the ignition off when the vehicle 
comes to a stop, as there is no steering assis-
tance and brake boost when the engine is 
switched off.
fWhen leaving the vehicle, always remove the 
ignition key and engage the parking brake. 
Engage the parking lock on vehicles with 
Tiptronic S (Tiptronic selector lever position 
P). Engage first gear or reverse gear on vehic-
les with manual transmission.
The control unit always remains in the ignition 
lock in vehicles that have Porsche Entry & 
Drive.
Note on operation
The vehicle battery discharges if the ignition key is 
left inserted.
 Warning!
Danger of injury. Hot engine compartment 
components can burn skin on contact.
fBefore working on any part in the engine 
compartment, turn the engine off and let it cool 
down sufficiently.
Risk of burn injury when standing near or co-
ming into contact with the exhaust pipe.
The exhaust pipe is hot when the vehicle is running 
and remains hot for some time after the vehicle is 
turned off. 
fTo prevent injury, make a point of noting where 
your vehicle’s exhaust pipe is, avoid placing 
your legs near the exhaust pipe when loading 
and unloading cargo in the rear, and closely 
supervise children around the vehicle during 
time when the exhaust pipe could be hot. A hot exhaust pipe can cause serious burns.Radiator fans
The radiator and radiator fans are in the front of 
the car.
 Warning!
Danger of injury. After the ignition is 
switched off, the engine compartment and 
coolant temperatures are monitored for 
approx. 30 minutes. During this period, and 
depending on temperature, the radiator fan 
may continue to run or start to run.
fCarry out work in these areas only with the engine off and exercise extreme caution.
10_Cayenne_21_KW17.book  Seite 161  Donnerstag, 9. April 2009  3:33 15 

250
Maintenance and Car Care
Exercise Extreme Caution when 
Working on your Vehicle
 Danger!
Ignoring the following instructions may cau-
se serious personal injury or death.
fThe engine compartment of any motor vehicle 
is a potentially hazardous area. If you are not 
fully familiar with proper repair procedures, do 
not attempt the adjustments described on the 
following pages. 
This caution applies to the entire vehicle.
fO n l y  w o r k  o n  y o u r  v e h i c l e  o u t d o o r s  o r  i n  a  w e l l  
ventilated area.
fEnsure that there are no open flames in the 
area of your vehicle at any time when fuel 
fumes might be present. Be especially 
cautious of such devices such as hot water 
heaters which ignite a flame intermittently.
fBefore working on any part in the engine 
compartment, turn the engine off and let it cool 
down sufficiently. Hot engine compartment 
components can burn skin on contact.
fBe alert and cautious around engine at all 
times while the engine is running.
If you have to work on the engine while it is 
running, always put the parking brake on and 
put the gearshift lever in neutral or the 
Tiptronic selector lever in position P or N.fIn particular, be very careful to ensure that 
items of clothing (ties, shirt, sleeves etc.), 
jewelry, long hair, hand or fingers cannot get 
caught in the fan, belts or other moving parts.
The radiator and radiator fans are in the front 
of the car.
The fans can start or continue running as a 
function of temperature, even with the engine 
switched off.
Carry out work in these areas only with the 
engine off and exercise extreme caution.
fYour Porsche is equipped with an electronic 
ignition system. When the ignition is on, high 
voltage is present in all wires connected with 
the ignition system; therefore, exercise 
extreme caution when working on any part of 
the engine while the ignition is on or the engine 
is running.
fAlways support your car with safety stands if it 
is necessary to work under the car. The jack 
supplied with the car is not adequate for this 
purpose.
For vehicles with air suspension with level 
control and height adjustment switch off level 
control.
Please see the chapter “RAISING VEHICLE 
WITH THE JACK” on Page 192.fWhen working under the car without safety 
stands but with the wheels on the ground, 
make sure the car is on level ground, the 
wheels are blocked, and that the engine can-
not be started.
Withdraw ignition keys (switch ignition off in 
vehicles that have Porsche Entry & Drive).
fDo not smoke or allow an open flame around 
the battery or fuel.
Keep a fire extinguisher close at hand.
fIncomplete or improper servicing may cause 
problems in the operation of the car. If in doubt 
about any servicing, have it done by your 
authorized Porsche dealer.
Improper maintenance during the warranty 
period may affect your Porsche warranty 
coverage.
fSupplies of fluids, e.g. engine oil, washer fluid, 
brake fluid or coolant, are hazardous to your 
health. 
Keep these fluids out of children's reach and 
dispose of them in accordance with the appro-
priate regulations.
fSome countries require additional tools and 
special spare parts to be carried in your 
vehicle. Please make enquiries before driving 
abroad.
10_Cayenne_21_KW17.book  Seite 250  Donnerstag, 9. April 2009  3:33 15 

Maintenance and Car Care
251
Radiator fansThe radiator and radiator fans are in the front of 
the car.
 Warning!
Danger of injury. The fans can start running 
as a function of temperature, even with the 
engine switched off.
fExercise extreme caution when working in the area of the radiator fans.
Engine OilIt is important to perform oil changes regularly in 
accordance with the intervals specified in your 
Maintenance Schedule.Engine oil consumptionIt is normal for your engine to consume oil. 
The rate of oil consumption depends on the quality 
and viscosity of oil, the speed at which the engine 
is operated, the climate, road conditions as well 
as the amount of dilution and oxidation of the 
lubricant.
If the vehicle is used for repeated short trips, and 
consumes a normal amount of oil, the engine oil 
measurement may not show any drop in the oil le-
vel at all, even after 600 miles (1000 km) or more. 
This is because the oil is gradually becoming 
diluted with fuel or moisture, making it appear that 
the oil level has not changed. 
The diluting ingredients evaporate out when the 
vehicle is driven at high speeds, as on an express-
way, making it then appear that oil is excessively 
consumed after driving at high speeds.
If the conditions you drive your vehicle in are 
dusty, humid, or hot, the frequency of the oil 
change intervals should be greater.If the vehicle is driven at a high rate of speed, 
climatic conditions are warm, and the load is high, 
the oil should be checked more frequently, as 
driving conditions will determine the rate of oil 
consumption.
– The engine in your vehicle depends on oil to lu-
bricate and cool all of its moving parts. There-
fore, the engine oil should be checked regular-
ly and kept at the required level.
– Make it a habit to have the engine oil level 
checked with every refueling.
– The oil pressure warning light is not an oil level 
indicator. 
The oil pressure warning light indicates serious 
engine damage may be occuring when lit, if 
engine rpm is above idle speed.
10_Cayenne_21_KW17.book  Seite 251  Donnerstag, 9. April 2009  3:33 15 

252
Maintenance and Car Care
Checking Engine Oil LevelfCheck the oil level regularly. I t  i s  b e s t  t o  d o  t h i s  
when refueling and before extended journeys.
Further important information concerning “mainte-
nance” can be found in a separate chapter.
fPlease see the chapter “EXERCISE EXTREME 
CAUTION WHEN WORKING ON YOUR VEHICLE” 
on Page 250. 
fPlease see the chapter “OVERVIEW OF 
WARNING MESSAGES” on Page 149.
 Warning!
Engine oil is hazardous to your health and 
may be fatal if swallowed.
fKeep engine oil out of children's reach.
Used engine oil contains chemicals that have 
caused cancer in laboratory animals.
fAlways protect your skin by washing thoroughly with soap and water.
fIf you suspect an oil leak in the engine have 
your authorized Porsche dealer check it out 
immediately.If the oil level is too low, this is indicated by the oil-
level warning light lighting up on the multi-purpose 
display.
fCheck the oil level using the oil dipstick as 
soon as possible and add engine oil if neces-
sary.
Note on operation
fIf the engine compartment lid is opened and oil 
is not added, the warning message appears 
again after approximately 100 km.
Checking the oil level
 Warning!
Danger of injury. The radiator fans can start 
running as a function of temperature, even 
with the engine switched off.
Risk of burning from hot parts in engine com-
partment.
fExercise extreme caution when working on the engine compartment.Conditions for measuring the oil level 
correctly
– Vehicle must be level.
– Engine must be switched off and at operating 
temperature.
– Before the oil-level measurement, allow the 
engine oil to flow back into the oil pan for 
around 3 minutes.
Checking oil level with the oil dipstick
1. Withdraw oil dipstick and wipe it with a clean, 
lint-free cloth.
2. Push oil dipstick fully home, withdraw again 
and read off the oil level.
The oil level must never fall below or 
exceed the “Min.” and “Max.” marks on 
the dipstick.
The difference between the marks is approx. 
1.6 qt. (1.5 liters).
3. Push oil dipstick in as far as the stop.
Oil-level warning
10_Cayenne_21_KW17.book  Seite 252  Donnerstag, 9. April 2009  3:33 15 

256
Maintenance and Car Care Checking the coolant level when a warning 
messages is shown on the multi-purpose 
display of the instrument panel
 Warning!
Danger of serious personal injury or death 
from scalding. Coolant is hazardous to your 
health, and may be fatal if swallowed.
fDo not open the cap of the expansion tank 
while the engine is hot.
fAllow the engine to cool down before opening 
the cap and protect your hands, arms and face 
from any possible escape of hot coolant.
fKeep coolant out of children's reach.
fAlso, keep coolant away from your pets. They 
can be attracted to it should there be a spill, or 
to used coolant left in an open container. Coolant can be deadly to pets if consumed.1. Remove cover.
2. If the engine is hot, cover the the expansion 
tank cap with a cloth.
Open cap carefully and allow any overpressure 
to escape.
Then unscrew cap completely.
3. Read the coolant level.
Top up with coolant if necessary.
Only add a mixture of anti-freeze and water in 
equal parts.
Antifreeze in coolant:
50% provides anti-freeze protection down to 
-31 °F (-35 °C).
Do not exceed the max-mark.
Note on operation
fIf the coolant level exceeds the max-mark 
when the engine is hot, check the coolant level 
again when the engine is cold.
4. Screw the cap closed firmly and put on the 
cover.
5. Have the cooling system checked by an 
authorized Porsche dealer.
Maintenance Notes
If in an emergency pure water has been added, the 
mixture ratio must be corrected at an authorized 
Porsche dealer.
fMarked loss of coolant indicates leakage in the 
cooling system.
The cause should be remedied at an 
authorized Porsche dealer immediately.
Radiator fansThe radiator and radiator fans are in the front of 
the car.
 Warning!
Danger of injury. The fans can start running 
as a function of temperature, even with the 
engine switched off.
fExercise extreme caution when working in the area of the radiator fans.
10_Cayenne_21_KW17.book  Seite 256  Donnerstag, 9. April 2009  3:33 15 

280
Minor Repairs
Exercise Extreme Caution when 
Working on your Vehicle
 Danger!
Ignoring the following instructions may cau-
se serious personal injury or death.
fThe engine compartment of any motor vehicle 
is a potentially hazardous area. If you are not 
fully familiar with proper repair procedures, do 
not attempt the adjustments described on the 
following pages. 
This caution applies to the entire vehicle.
fO n l y  w o r k  o n  y o u r  v e h i c l e  o u t d o o r s  o r  i n  a  w e l l  
ventilated area.
fEnsure that there are no open flames in the 
area of your vehicle at any time when fuel 
fumes might be present. Be especially 
cautious of such devices such as hot water 
heaters which ignite a flame intermittently.
fBefore working on any part in the engine com-
partment, turn the engine off and let it cool 
down sufficiently. Hot engine compartment 
components can burn skin on contact.
fBe alert and cautious around engine at all 
times while the engine is running.
If you have to work on the engine while it is run-
ning, always put the parking brake on and put 
the gearshift lever in neutral or the Tiptronic 
selector lever in position P or N.fIn particular, be very careful to ensure that 
items of clothing (ties, shirt, sleeves etc.), 
jewelry, long hair, hand or fingers cannot get 
caught in the engine-compartment blower, fan, 
belts or other moving parts.
The radiator and radiator fans are in the front 
of the car.
The fans can start or continue running as a 
function of temperature, even with the engine 
switched off.
Carry out work in these areas only with the 
engine off and exercise extreme caution.
fYour Porsche is equipped with an electronic 
ignition system. When the ignition is on, high 
voltage is present in all wires connected with 
the ignition system; therefore, exercise 
extreme caution when working on any part of 
the engine while the ignition is on or the engine 
is running.
fAlways support your car with safety stands if it 
is necessary to work under the car. The jack 
supplied with the car is not adequate for this 
purpose.
For vehicles with air suspension with level 
control and height adjustment:
Please see the chapter “RAISING VEHICLE 
WITH THE JACK” on Page 192.fWhen working under the car without safety 
stands but with the wheels on the ground, 
make sure the car is on level ground, the 
wheels are blocked, and that the engine can-
not be started.
Remove the ignition key.
fDo not smoke or allow an open flame around 
the battery or fuel.
Keep a fire extinguisher close at hand.
fIncomplete or improper servicing may cause 
problems in the operation of the car. If in doubt 
about any servicing, have it done by your 
authorized Porsche dealer.
Improper maintenance during the warranty 
period may affect your Porsche warranty 
coverage.
fSupplies of fluids, e.g. engine oil, brake fluid or 
coolant, are hazardous to your health. Keep 
these fluids out of children's reach and dispose 
of them in accordance with the appropriate 
regulations.
fSome countries require additional tools and 
special spare parts to be carried in your vehi-
cle. 
Please make enquiries before driving abroad.
10_Cayenne_21_KW17.book  Seite 280  Donnerstag, 9. April 2009  3:33 15 

Minor Repairs
315
Fuse assignment – fuse box in left side of dashboardNo. Designation Rating in A No. Designation Rating in A1
Cockpit socket at front centre, centre console sockets 
at rear right and rear left 
20
24
Tire Pressure Monitoring
5
2 Parking heater radio receiver 5 26Engine control unit (engine management, radiator fans, 
airbag, clutch switch, instrument panel)10
3
Socket in passenger footwell
20
30
Off-road roof-mounted headlights
15
4 Parking heater 20 31
Off-road roof-mounted headlights15
5
Sockets in luggage compartment
20
33
Steering column module
15
7 Diagnostic socket, rain sensor 5 34 Passenger compartment monitoring 5
8
Wiper motor for windshield
30
35
Vehicle electrical system control unit (right fog light, 
right additional high beam, interior light)
30
9Vehicle electrical system control unit 
(pump for washer fluid)15 36 Control unit for power seat controls, left 30
10
Power window and central locking, rear left door
30
39
Heated rear window relay (control)
5
14 Power window and central locking, front left door 30 40 Instrument panel, diagnosis 5
15
Tail light, right
15
41
Kessy control unit (steering column lock, ignition lock, 
Porsche Entry & Drive, clutch switch)
15
16 Vehicle electrical system control unit (horn) 20 42Sliding/lifting roof or Panorama roof system 30
17
Vehicle electrical system control unit (left turn signal 
light, right side marker light, left low beam)
30
43
Subwoofer
30
18 Headlight washer system 25 44
Electrical seat adjustment, left30
19
Vehicle electrical system control unit (interior light)
5
45
Seat heating, rear
25
20Vehicle electrical system control unit (instrument 
lighting, fog light left, left additional high beam)30 47 Rear differential lock 10
22
Rear differential lock, automatic rear lid
30
49
Servotronic
5
23 Differential lock 10 51 Air-quality sensor, diagnostic socket, parking brake 5
10_Cayenne_21_KW17.book  Seite 315  Donnerstag, 9. April 2009  3:33 15