Driving and Driving Safety
175
ParkingfGo easy on the accelerator.
fWhen parking or maneuvring in a small space,
control the speed by careful use of the foot-
brake.Driving in winterIn wintry road conditions it is advisable to take
steep inclines in manual mode M. This prevents
the occurrence of gear changes that could cause
wheelspin.
Limp-home modeIf there is a fault in the transmission:
–An X appears instead of the current gear
indicator on the multi-purpose display of the
instrument panel.
The transmission no longer shifts.
fTo remedy the fault, immediately consult an
authorized Porsche dealer.
Warning!
Reverse gear lock monitoring is disabled in
the emergency running program.
Damage to the vehicle may result as well as
loss of control, if the vehicle is moving for-
ward fast enough to cause rear wheel lockup.
fDo not shift into R while the vehicle is moving forward.
Tip on driving
3rd or 5th gear in selector position D and reverse
gear R are now available and will allow you to
reach the nearest authorized Porsche dealer.
fPlease go to your authorized Porsche dealer
as soon as possible.
Selector lever emergency releaseIn the event of an electrical fault, the selector lever
lock in position P can be manually released (for
towing the vehicle, for example).
1. Fold up armrest.
2. Remove key B from the lower storage tray
(underneath the rubber mat) in the center
console.
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180
Driving and Driving Safety Switching Sport mode on and off
Sport mode can be activated when the ignition is
switched on and when the on-road driving program
High Range (without reduction) is selected.
fPress SPORT button E in the center console.
When Sport mode is switched on, the light-
emitting diode F in the SPORT button is lit.
When Sport mode is switched on, the logo SPORT
appears on the multi-purpose display.
After the ignition is switched off, Sport mode is
automatically reset to Normal mode.
Warning messages
A warning appears on the multi-purpose display of
the instrument panel in the event of a fault.
fFor information on warning messages on the
multi-purpose display:
Please see the chapter “OVERVIEW OF
WARNING MESSAGES” on Page 149.Vehicles with air suspension
If you wish to use the characteristics of Sport
mode and the sports exhaust system, but would
like a more comfortable running-gear setup, you
can:
– switch PASM and PDCC separately to Normal
or Comfort mode and/or
– raise the ride height of the vehicle.
fPress the corresponding PASM button in the
center console. The light-emitting diode in the
button of the selected running-gear setup
lights up.
In addition, the selected running-gear setup is
shown on the multi-purpose display of the
instrument panel for approx. 12 seconds.
Please see the chapter “PORSCHE ACTIVE
SUSPENSION MANAGEMENT (PASM)” on
Page 193.
Please see the chapter “PORSCHE DYNAMIC
CHASSIS CONTROL (PDCC)” on Page 194.
Press the rocker switch in the center console for-
ward. The corresponding light-emitting diode next
to the rocker switch lights up continuously after
the adjustment process. The level change is also
indicated on the multi-purpose display of the in-
strument panel.
Please see the chapter “AIR SUSPENSION WITH
LEVEL CONTROL AND HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT” on
Page 190.
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182
Driving and Driving Safety
Warning!
In spite of the advantages of PTM or four-wheel dri-
ve, 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 situ-
ation.
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 PTM or four-wheel drive.
Risks of accident due to inappropriate speed
cannot be reduced by PTM.Porsche Traction Management (PTM)Porsche Traction Management is a full-time all-
wheel control system designed to influence the
longitudinal and lateral dynamics. It is closely
linked with the Porsche Stability Management
(PSM) system:
PTM ensures the best possible power distribution
to the four driven wheels at the front and rear
axles. The system realizes this optimal traction by
intervening in the lock control function of the trans-
fer case and rear differential. PTM is active at all
times and, unlike the PSM, cannot be switched off.Advantages of PTM
– Obvious improvement in traction, driving
stability and steering ability of the car.
– Vehicle is more manageable when driven at its
performance limits.
– Improved straight-ahead tracking and stability.
– The aforementioned features allow for a
sportier setup of the running gear.
– The TCS and ABD provide even better traction
for all wheels.
Full-time all-wheel drive
With the four-wheel drive, the drive power is
variably distributed to the front and rear wheels.
Power distribution and wheel speed compensation
between the front and rear axles is realized with a
transfer box.
Distribution of the drive power depends on the
wheel speed difference between the two axles.
The transfer box always controls power distribu-
tion in such a way that optimal propulsion is achie-
ved, even on an unfavorable road surface.
Full-time four-wheel drive ensures optimal handling
and greater stability.Automatic brake differential (ABD)
The ABD system controls the front and rear axles
separately. If one wheel of an axle starts to spin,
it is braked so that the other wheel on the same
axle can be driven.
The ABD recognizes different driving states, and it
features control strategies adapted to these
states. In situations in which little propulsive power
is required, such as when the car moves off on a
level gravel surface, traction control already
becomes active at low engine speeds. If great
propulsive power is required, e.g. when moving off
on an uphill slope or for rapid acceleration, the
ABD is adapted accordingly.
A special off-road program is used in Low Range
mode.
Traction control system (TCS)
The traction control system prevents the wheels
from spinning by adjusting the engine power,
thereby ensuring good lane-holding ability and a
stable driving behavior.10_Cayenne_21_KW17.book Seite 182 Donnerstag, 9. April 2009 3:33 15
Driving and Driving Safety
183
Porsche Stability Management (PSM)PSM is an active control system for stabilization of
the vehicle during extreme driving maneuvers. It
operates together with the Porsche Traction
Management (PTM) system.
PSM makes use of both the ABD and TCS
systems, as well as the known functions of the
anti-lock brake system (ABS) and engine drag
torque control system (MSR).
Warning!
In spite of the advantages of PSM, 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 PSM.
Risks of accident due to inappropriate speed
cannot be reduced by PSM.Advantages of PSM
– Best possible traction and lane-holding ability
in all driving situations – even on road surfaces
with varying friction.
– The system compensates for undesired vehi-
cle reactions (load-alteration effect) when the
driver releases the accelerator pedal or brakes
on bends. This compensation functions up to
the maximum lateral acceleration.
– PSM actively stabilizes the vehicle as required
during dynamic driving maneuvers (e.g. rapid
steering movements, during lane changes or
on alternating bends).
– Improved braking stability on corners and on
different or varying road surfaces.
– Improved brake functioning and reduced
stopping distance in the event of emergency
braking.Readiness for operation
PSM is switched on automatically every time you
start the engine.
Function
Sensors at the wheels, brakes, steering system
and engine continuously measure:
– Driving speed
– Direction of travel (steering angle)
– Lateral acceleration
– Longitudinal acceleration
– Rate of turn about the vertical axis
PSM uses these values to determine the direction
of travel desired by the driver.
PSM intervenes and corrects the course if the
actual direction of motion deviates from the
desired course (steering-wheel position):
It brakes individual wheels as needed. If neces-
sary, PSM additionally influences the engine power
or the gear-changing characteristic of the
Tiptronic in order to stabilize the vehicle.
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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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Driving and Driving Safety
Air Suspension with Level Control
and Height AdjustmentOn vehicles with air suspension, the driver can set
five different level steps manually.
The preselected level is automatically adjusted to
suit the vehicle speed.
The height of the car is automatically kept
constant when the vehicle is loaded.
Tip on driving
It is not permissible to drive on public roads with
the car in the terrain or special terrain setting.Note on operation
Frequent level changes can cause the compressor
to overheat. In this case, the compressor must
cool for several minutes before level adjustment is
fully functional again.
Normal levelThe ground clearance at normal level is around
8.5 in. (215 mm) (Cayenne, Cayenne S,
Cayenne S Transsyberia) or 7.68 in (195 mm)
(Cayenne GTS).Terrain levelThis setting is intended for off-road driving, field
paths and forest paths, etc.
The vehicle is raised by around 1 in. (26 mm)
compared to normal level.
Terrain level can be selected only manually at
speeds below around 50 mph (80 km/h).
The car is automatically lowered to normal level at
speeds exceeding around 50 mph (80 km/h).
The car is automatically raised to terrain level
when Low Range is activated.
Special terrain levelThis setting is intended only for extremely
challenging terrain requiring maximum ground
clearance. The vehicle is raised by around 2.2 in.
(56 mm) compared to normal level.
The warning light in the instrument panel
comes up when the special terrain level has been
reached.
Special terrain level can be selected only at
speeds below around 19 mph (30 km/h).
The car is automatically lowered to terrain level at
speeds exceeding approx. 19 mph (30 km/h).Low levelThis level is intended for high-speed driving. Above
speeds of around 78 mph (125 km/h), the car is
automatically lowered by around 1 in. (24 mm)
(Cayenne, Cayenne S, Cayenne S Transsyberia) or
0.4 in. (9 mm) (Cayenne GTS) compared to
normal level.
When the speed drops to below around 25 mph
(40 km/h), the car is automatically raised to
normal level.
Note
If low level was set manually with the rocker switch
in the center console, low level also remains
active at speeds below around 25 mph (40 km/h).
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