
Driving and Driving Safety
185
Switching off PSMfPress PSM OFF button A.
PSM is switched off after a short delay.
The light-emitting diode in the button is lit up.
When the PSM is switched off, the multifunctio-
nal PSM light on the instrument panel is lit and
a message appears in the multi-purpose dis-
play of the instrument panel.During braking, the vehicle is stabilized even
when PSM is switched off.
One-sided spinning of the wheels is prevented,
even with PSM switched off.
PSM should always be switched on during
“normal” driving.
However, it can be of advantage to switch off PSM
temporarily in exceptional situations:
– On a loose surface or in deep snow
– When “rocking the vehicle free”
– When using snow chains.
Vehicles with Tiptronic: When the PSM is
switched off the slip monitoring function is also
deactivated.– The multifunctional light on the instrument pa-
nel lights up for a lamp check when the ignition
is switched on.
– The light indicates a control operation, inclu-
ding when PSM is switched off (brake control
in the event of one-sided wheel spin).
– In conjunction with the multi-purpose display on
the instrument panel, the light indicates that
PSM is switched off.
– Faults are displayed by the light in conjunction
with the multi-purpose display of the instru-
ment panel.
PSM is out of order.
fConsult your authorized Porsche dealer.
Multifunctional PSM light
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186
Driving and Driving Safety Collapsible spare wheel
fNever switch the PSM off when driving with a
collapsible spare wheel.
To w i n g
fFor information on towing:
Please see the chapter “TOWING” on
Page 342.
Tip on driving
When PSM is switched off, wheel-specific brake
interventions and the traction control system
(TCS) are also inactive.
The automatic brake differential (ABD) remains on.
Switching PSM back onfPress PSM OFF button A.
PSM is switched on after a short delay.
The light-emitting diode in the button and the
multi-functional PSM light on the instrument
panel go out. A message is shown on the multi-
purpose display of the instrument panel.
ABS
(Anti-lock Brake System)
Warning!
In spite of the advantages of ABS, it is still the
driver’s responsibility to adapt her/his driving style
and maneuvers in line with road and weather
conditions, as well as the traffic situation.
The increased safety that is provided should not
induce you to take greater risks with your safety.
The limits set by the physics of driving cannot be
overcome, even with ABS.
Risks of accident due to inappropriate speed can-
not be reduced by ABS.
ABS ensures:
–Full steering control
The vehicle remains steerable
–Good driving stability
No skidding due to locked wheels
–Optimum braking distance
Shorter stopping distances in most cases
–Lock prevention
No flat spots on the tiresFunction
The decisive advantage of ABS is in the driving
stability and maneuvrability of the vehicle in
hazardous situations.
ABS prevents locking of the wheels during full
braking, on almost all road surfaces, until shortly
before the vehicle stops.
The ABS begins to control the braking process as
soon as a wheel shows a tendency to lock.
This controlled braking process is comparable to
extremely rapid cadence braking.
The pulsating brake pedal and a “rattling noise”
warn the driver to adapt her/his driving speed to
the road conditions.
fIf full braking should be necessary, press the
brake pedal all the way down throughout the
entire braking procedure, regardless of the
pulsating pedal. Do not ease up on pressure
applied to the pedal.
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Driving and Driving Safety
187
Warning light
If the ABS warning lights light up in the instrument
panel and on the multi-purpose display of the
instrument panel while the engine is running, the
ABS has switched off because of a fault.
In this event, the braking system will operate with-
out lock prevention,as in cars without ABS.
fAdapt your driving style to the changed
braking behavior.
fThe ABS must be checked immediately at an
authorized Porsche dealer. This is necessary
in order to prevent the occurrence of further
faults whose effects cannot be defined.
The ABS control unit is adjusted for the approved
tire dimensions.
The use of tires with non-approved dimensions can
lead to different wheel speeds, causing the ABS to
switch off.
Off-road ABS
(ABS in Low Range program)
When Low Range is active, an ABS specially
matched to off-road driving is activated automati-
cally.In the event of braking on loose ground, the per-
missible slip values for ABS braking are increased
so that the off-road braking distance is reduced
(wheels dig into the surface).
If the driver needs to steer, this off-road driving
program is automatically switched off to maintain
steerability.
Hillholder -
moving-off assistant on vehicles with
Tiptronic SIn Tiptronic selector lever positions D and M, the
hillholder function makes it easier to move off
from a standstill on an upward slope when the
engine is running. The driver does not have to
apply the brake.
The hillholder thus makes moving off on slopes
easier.
Danger!
Risk of accident, resulting in serious perso-
nal injury or death.
The vehicle can roll backwards if the Hillhol-
der is switched off.
fAlways apply the footbrake on slopes.Hillholder is not active:
– In Tiptronic selector lever positions N and R
– In the limp-home mode and
– If not all of the wheels are touching the ground
(on difficult terrain, for example).
Warning!
In spite of the advantages of the hillholder func-
tion, it is still the driver’s responsibility to adapt
her/his driving style and maneuvers in line with
situational conditions.
The increased safety that is provided should not
induce you to take greater risks with your safety.
The limits set by the physics of driving cannot be
overcome, even with the hillholder function.
Driving at the limits should be avoided, e.g., on icy
slopes or on slippery surfaces. In this and similar
cases, the support of the hillholder function is not
guaranteed.
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Driving and Driving Safety
189
Engine Braking Support
(Assistance when heading downhill)The Porsche Down-Hill Assistant is an assistance
system which helps the driver at slower downhill
driving up to approx. 12 mph (20 km/h), e.g., on
steep slopes or on wintry mountain roads.
As long as the gas pedal is not used when
traveling downhill, the Porsche Down-Hill Assistant
is active and brakes the vehicle.
If road grip is lost on one or more wheels, the
system brakes the wheels which have good road
contact.
The braking ability of the Engine Braking Support
is affected by slippery surfaces (e.g., on icy or
loose surfaces), like all brakes.
Warning!
Risk of accident, resulting in serious perso-
nal injury or death. Reduced braking ability
on a slippery surface.
fAlways adjust your driving style to the driving situation.
Conditions:
– The gas pedal must not be used when
travelling downhill.
– The speed must not exceed 12 mph
(20 km/h).–Vehicles with Tiptronic S:
The Tiptronic selector lever position D, M or R
must be engaged.
–Vehicles with manual transmission:
The reverse gear or any other gear (1. - 6. )
must be engaged. The clutch pedal must not
be used when travelling downhill.
Tip on driving
The Porsche Down-Hill Assistant is active when
driving downhill either forwards or backwards.
Checks on test standsBrake tests
Brake tests must be carried out only in High Range
and on plate-type test stands or roller test stands.
The following limit values must not be exceeded
on roller test stands:
– Testing speed 4.7 mph (7.5 km/h)
– Test duration 20 seconds
Parking brake test
Parking brake tests on the brake tester must be
performed only with the ignition switched off and
the Tiptronic selector lever in position N or the
gearshift lever in neutral.Balancing wheels on the vehicle
During finish balancing of the wheels, the entire
vehicle must be lifted and the wheels must be free
to turn.
Dynamometer testing procedure Some U.S. states and Canadian provinces con-
duct emissions inspection/maintenance testing
involving the use of two-wheel dynamometer.
A two-wheeled dynamometer is a treadmill type
device upon which a single axle of the car, the dri-
ving axle of the vehicle, rotates to simulate vehicle
operation on the road while the vehicle remains
stationary.
Your Porsche Cayenne has a full-time four-wheel
drive system which cannot be disabled. Severe
d a m a g e t o t h e p o w e r t r a i n c a n re s u l t i f t e s t e d o n a
two-wheel dynamometer.
Warning!
To avoid severe powertrain damage and a
possible unexpected movement of the vehic-
le.
fYour Porsche Cayenne vehicle must never be
tested on a two-wheel dynamometer.
fAdvise the emission station of this warning before testing the vehicle.
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192
Driving and Driving Safety Indication of selected level
The selected level is displayed by light-emitting
diodes beside the rocker switch (illustration).
The corresponding light-emitting diode beside the
rocker switch flashes during the control process.
The light-emitting diode is continuously lit after the
control process.
The level change is also indicated on the multi-
purpose display of the instrument panel.
Exceptions
Automatic changes from normal level to low level
and back are not indicated on the multi-purpose
display of the instrument panel.
Warning messageVarious messages are indicated on the multi-pur-
pose display of the instrument panel if there is a
system fault or if the compressor switches off due
to overload.
fFor further information on warning messages
on the multi-purpose display:
Please see the chapter “OVERVIEW OF
WARNING MESSAGES” on Page 149.
fAdapt your driving style to the changed condi-
tions.
fConsult an authorized Porsche dealer in order
to remedy a system fault.
fIf the overload-protection function causes the
compressor to switch off, wait for a time until
it has cooled down. The system will function
again as soon as it has cooled sufficiently.
The warning message appears when the control
system is switched off and when the collapsible
spare wheel is being filled. This does not indicate
a fault.
The warning message will go out once these
procedures have been completed.
Raising vehicle with the jackWhenever it is necessary to jack up the vehicle:
fManually set normal level and then switch off
level control.
Switching off level control
1. Switch ignition on.
2. Push rocker switch forward for 5 to
10 seconds.
A message is shown on the multi-purpose
display of the instrument panel.
The vehicle can now be raised.
Switching level control back on
1. Switch ignition on.
2. Push rocker switch forward for 5 to
10 seconds or
3. Drive forward with the vehicle.
Level control switches on automatically.Transporting the vehicles on car trains,
ferries and car transportersfTie the vehicle down only at its wheels.
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Driving and Driving Safety
195
Off-Road DrivingPlease read this chapter carefully before driving
off road with your Porsche.
The information provided will familiarise you with
the special advantages of your vehicle, allowing
you to arrive at your destination safely every time.
We recommend practicing on less rugged terrain.Vehicles with SportDesign package
Caution!
Risk of damage. On vehicles with Sport-
Design package, front, rear, and side
member trim are painted. Off-road driving
can seriously damage these trim parts.
fWhen driving off-road, make sure these parts
are not damaged.
fMake sure there is sufficient clearance
between obstacles and the underside of the
vehicle.
fAvoid driving through water.
fDo not use side member trims or rear wheel spoilers as a running board.Maintenance Note
Please bear in mind that off-road driving subjects
all vehicle components to considerably more wear
than normal use, making professional inspection
and maintenance after each use a vital precondi-
tion for functioning and safety.
Grains of sand, dirt particles and other abrasive
materials entering the brakes can cause exces-
sive wear or unpredictable braking action.
Rules for off-road drivingfEnsure vehicle is equipped with approved all-
terrain tires.
fPay attention to the ground clearance of the
vehicle.
Please see the chapter “GROUND
CLEARANCE” on Page 357.
fActivate Low Range.
Please see the chapter “SELECTING OFF-
ROAD DRIVING PROGRAM” on Page 178.
fStow or fasten luggage and loads securely.
Please see the chapter “LOADING
INFORMATION” on Page 231.
fIf unknown terrain is obscured from view,
examine it on foot first and traverse it with
extreme caution.
This way, obstacles are easier to recognize
and damage to the vehicle is avoided.fAlways drive with the engine running.
Power steering assistance is provided only
with the engine running.
fDrive slowly and uniformly.
fAlways make sure that the wheels touch the
ground.
fBefore driving through water, check the water
depth, the condition of the surface beneath it
and the speed of the water.
fLook out for obstacles such as boulders,
holes, tree stumps or ruts.
fAlways keep the sliding/lifting roof or
Panorama roof system and the side windows
closed while driving.
fDo not depart from marked routes or paths.
fRespect Nature.
Always obey off-limits signs.
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196
Driving and Driving Safety
Driving systems for off-road drivingSpecially adapted driving programs or power-
transmission and running-gear control systems
are available for off-road driving:
– Off-road program Low Range
–Off-road PSM
–Off-road ABS
– Center differential lock
– Rear differential lock
fPlease see the chapter “POWER-TRANSMISSI-
ON AND RUNNING-GEAR CONTROL SYSTEMS”
on Page 181.Before driving offTires
fCheck tread depth and tire pressure.
fCheck for damage and remove any foreign
objects (e.g. stones) from the tread.
fReplace missing valve caps.
Rims
fReplace dented or damaged rims before
driving off road.
Vehicles with SportDesign package
Caution!
Risk of damage. On vehicles with Sport-
Design package, front, rear, and side
member trim are painted. Off-road driving
can seriously damage these trim parts.
fWhen driving off-road, make sure these parts
are not damaged.
fMake sure there is sufficient clearance
between obstacles and the underside of the
vehicle.
fAvoid driving through water.
fDo not use side member trims or rear wheel spoilers as a running board.
After driving off roadOff-road driving places a greater burden on the
vehicle than does normal driving on roads.
We recommend inspecting the vehicle after off-
road driving. Potential damage poses an accident
risk and impairs driving comfort. Damage on the
car is recognized in good time if the car is
checked.
Caution!
Car damage poses an accident risk for the
vehicle occupants and other road users.
fIn cases of doubt, have your vehicle checked
by your authorized Porsche dealer.
fExamine tires for signs of damage such as
cuts, tears, bulges or foreign objects stuck in
the tread.
Replace a damaged tire if necessary.
fHave any damage to your vehicle repaired by an authorized Porsche dealer without delay.
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Driving and Driving Safety
197
Recommended procedure
fDeactivate the Low Range off-road driving
program.
fClean headlights and tail lights and check them
for signs of damage.
fClean the front and rear lincense plates.
fClean the tire tread with a jet of water and
remove any foreign objects.
fClean wheels, wheel housings and the under-
body with a jet of water.
fCheck whether the car has picked up plant
parts or branches.
These materials increase the risk of fire and
can damage fuel lines, brake hoses, boots of
the axle joints and drive shafts.
fAfter off-road driving, always check the entire
floor assembly, tires, body structure, steering
system, running gear and exhaust system for
signs of damage.fAfter driving for an extended period through
mud, sand, water or substances with a similar
soiling effect, check the brake discs, brake
pads, wheels and axle joints and have them
cleaned.
fIf you experience severe vibrations after
driving off road, check the wheels for foreign
substances.
These substances can produce an imbalance
which might be responsible for the vibrations.
Removing these deposits may remedy the
problem.
Uphill driving
Danger!
Danger of serious personal injury or death
and risk of damage if the vehicle should
overturn.
fDo not turn around when driving uphill.
fIf it is not possible to climb a gradient, the car
must be backed down in reverse gear.
fDo not drive over embankments or slopes at
steep diagonal angles.
fIf the vehicle starts to tilt, immediately steer in
the direction of the tilt (line of slope).
fWhen driving uphill, never let the vehicle roll
backward when in idle or not in gear.
Exclusive use of the footbrake is too risky in such situations.
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