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.
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Maintenance and Car Care
257
Brake-Fluid LevelfUse only new (unused) Original Porsche brake
fluid.
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.
Warning!
Brake fluid is hazardous to your health, and
may be fatal if swallowed.
Brake fluid also attacks paintwork.
fKeep brake fluid out of children's reach.
fImmediately rinse off spilled brake fluid with
clean water.
fIf brake fluid gets into your eye, immediately
rinse with clean water for a few minutes. Then
see a doctor immediately.
fPlease note all the information on the refill container of the brake fluid.
Checking the brake-fluid levelThe reservoir for the hydraulic braking system is
located in the engine compartment.
1. Rotate the turn-locks 90° anti-clockwise
(arrow) with a screwdriver and remove the
cover.
2. Check brake-fluid level at the transparent
reservoir.
The fluid level should always lie between the
MIN and MAX marks.A slight decrease in the fluid level due to wear and
automatic readjustment of the disc brakes is
normal.
If, however, the fluid level falls markedly or below
the MIN mark, the braking system may have
developed a leak.
fPlease have the braking system checked
immediately at an authorized Porsche dealer.
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258
Maintenance and Car Care
Changing the brake fluidBrake fluid absorbs moisture from the air over
time. This accumulation of water lowers the boi-
ling point and, under certain operating conditions,
can affect the braking performance.
fTherefore, have the brake fluid changed in
accordance with the change intervals stated in
the “Maintenance” booklet.
The warning light in the instrument panel and the
warning message on the multi-purpose display of
the instrument panel indicate
– indicate the brake level fluid is too low or,
– in conjunction with large pedal travel could
indicate a braking-circuit failure.
Note on operation
If the warning lights should light up while driving:
fStop immediately in a suitable place.
fDo not continue driving.
Please have the fault remedied at your nearest
authorized Porsche dealer.
Washer FluidWarning message on the multi-purpose
displayA message is shown on the multi-purpose display
of the instrument panel if the washer-fluid level is
too low.
In this case, the residual quantity is only around
0.85 quarts (0.8 liter).
fAdd washer fluid at the next opportunity.
The capacity is approx. 7.9 quarts (7.5 liters).
The washer-fluid reservoir for windshield, rear
window and headlights is located in the engine
compartment.fSummer filling with water + window cleaner
concentrate in the mixture ratio specified on
the container.
Winter filling with water + antifreeze +
window cleaner concentrate in the mixture
ratio specified on the container.
Always follow all the instructions on the
containers of the additives used.
fOnly use window cleaner concentrate which
meets the following requirements:
– Dilutability 1:100,
– phosphate-free,
– suitable for plastic headlights.
We recommend window cleaner concentrates
approved by Porsche. Your authorized Porsche
dealer will be pleased to advise you.
fDo not use engine coolant anti-freeze or any
other solution that can damage the car’s paint,
in the washer reservoir.
The washer fluid reservoir for windshield, rear
window and headlights is located in the engine
compartment.
1. Open cap of washer fluid reservoir.
2. Add washer fluid.
3. Close cap carefully.
Brake fluid warning light
USA
Brake fluid warning light
Canada
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Maintenance and Car Care
259
Power Steering
Warning!
Risk of accident resulting in serious personal
injury or death. When the engine is stationary
(e.g. when on tow) or the hydraulic system
fails, there is no assistance for steering.
Therefore, substantially more force will have
to be exerted.
fExercise great care when on tow.
fHave the fault remedied at your nearest authorized Porsche dealer.
The flow noise heard at full steering lock is design-
related and does not indicate a defect in the
steering system.
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.
Checking hydraulic fluidfUse only hydraulic fluid authorized by
Porsche.
fCheck the fluid level with the engine stopped
and cold (engine temperature approx. 68 °F or
20 °C).
1. Remove cover A.2. Open the reservoir cap.
3. The fluid level should lie between the MIN and
MAX marks on the dipstick.
Add hydraulic fluid if necessary.
4. Close cap carefully.
5. Put on cover A.
6. Close engine compartment lid.
Note on operation
fIf the fluid level drops significantly, please have
the cause remedied immediately by an
authorized Porsche dealer.
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266
Maintenance and Car Care
Operating Your Porsche in other
CountriesGovernment regulations in the United States and
Canada require that automobiles meet specific
emission regulations and safety standards. There-
fore, cars built for the U.S. and Canada differ from
vehicles sold in other countries.
If you plan to take your Porsche outside the conti-
nental limits of the United States or Canada, there
is the possibility that
– unleaded fuel may not be available;
– unleaded fuel may have a considerably lower
octane rating. Excessive engine knock and
serious damage to both engine and catalytic
converters could result;
– service may be inadequate due to lack of
proper service facilities, tools or diagnostic
equipment;
– replacement parts may not be available or very
difficult to get.
Porsche cannot be responsible for the me-
chanical damage that could result because
of inadequate fuel, service or parts availabi-
lity.
If you purchased your Porsche abroad and want to
bring it back home, be sure to find out about ship-
ping and forwarding requirements, as well as
current import and customs regulations.
Fuel
Warning!
Fuel is highly flammable and harmful to
health.
fFire, open flame and smoking are prohibited
when handling fuel.
fAvoid contact with skin or clothing.
fDo not inhale fuel vapours.
To prevent damage to the emission control
system and engine:
fNever drive the tank completely out of fuel.
fAvoid high cornering speeds after the warning lights have come on.
To avoid permanent damage to the functionality of
the catalytic converters and oxygen sensors, use
only unleaded fuel.
The engine is designed to provide optimum
performance and fuel consumption if unleaded
premium fuel with 98 RON/88 MON is used.
If unleaded premium fuels with octane numbers of
at least 95 RON/85 MON are used, the
engine's knock control automatically adapts the
ignition timing.The emission control system can be damaged in
various ways (e.g. fueling incorrectly, shortage of
fuel, tow-starting).
fPlease see the chapter “HOW EMISSION
CONTROL WORKS” on Page 264.
fPlease see the chapter “DISPLAYING STATUS
OF LEVEL CONTROL” on Page 131.
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270
Maintenance and Car Care
Fuel Evaporation ControlFuel tank ventingThe evaporation chamber and the carbon canister
prevent fuel from escaping to the atmosphere at
extreme high outside temperatures, when driving
abruptly around curves and when the car is parked
at an incline or in any other nonlevel position.Vapor control system and storageWhen the fuel tank is filled, vapors are collected in
the evaporation chamber by a vent line leading the
vapors to the carbon canister where they are
stored as long as the engine does not run.Purge systemWhen the engine is running, the fuel vapors from
the canister will be mixed with fresh air from the
ambient air of the canister. This mixture will be
directed to the intake air housing by the tank vent
line, mixed with the intake air and burned during
normal combustion.
Car Care InstructionsfPlease see the chapter “EXERCISE EXTREME
CAUTION WHEN WORKING ON YOUR VEHICLE”
on Page 250.
Regular and correct care helps to maintain
the value of your car and is also a
precondition for the New Vehicle Warranty
and the Anti Corrosion Warranty.
Your authorized Porsche dealer has specially
developed car-care products from the
Porsche program available either singly or
as complete car-care sets. They will be
pleased to help you select suitable products.
Whether you use Porsche products or other
commercially available cleaning agents first
make sure of their correct application.
A Porsche that is well-cared for can look like new
for years. It all depends on the amount of care the
owner is willing to give the car.
Warning!
Risk of serious personal injury or damage to
the vehicle or property.
Cleaning agents may be hazardous to your
health.
Most chemical cleaners are concentrates
which require dilution. High concentrations
might cause problems ranging from irritation
to serious injury as well as damage to your
vehicle.
fKeep cleaning agents out of reach from
children.
fObserve all caution labels.
fAlways read directions on the container before
using any product. These directions may con-
tain information necessary to avoid personal
injury.
fDo not use fuel, kerosene, naphtha, nail polish
remover or other volatile cleaning fluids. They
may be toxic, flammable or hazardous in other
ways. Only use spot removing fluids in a well
vented area.
fDo not clean the underside of chassis,
fenders, wheel covers, etc., without protecting
your hands and arms as you may cut yourself on sharp-edged metal parts.
Moisture and road salt on brakes may affect
braking efficiency.
Test the brakes after each vehicle washing.
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Maintenance and Car Care
271
High-pressure cleaning equipment, steam
cleaners
Warning!
High-pressure cleaning equipment, steam
cleaners or similar can damage the following
components:
–Tires
– Logos, emblems
– Painted surfaces
– Widened fenders
– Lock and latch of the removable towing attach-
ment
– Seals of the electrically retractable ball hitch
– Alternator, valve covers
– ParkAssist sensors
fPlease see the operating instructions from the
unit manufacturer.
fAlways cover the lid over the brake fluid reser-
voir prior to cleaning. Never point the cleaning
jet directly at the lid.
fWhen cleaning with a flat-jet nozzle or the like,
maintain a minimum distance of 21 in.
(50 cm).fNever use high-pressure cleaning equipment,
steam cleaners, etc. with a round-jet nozzle.
High-pressure cleaning equipment with a round
nozzle will damage your vehicle. The tires are
particularly susceptible to damage.
fDo not point the cleaning jet directly at any of
the aforementioned components.
Decorative foils Caution!
Risk of damage due to separation of the de-
corative foils when using high-pressure clea-
ning equipment, steam cleaners or similar
cleaning equipment.
fDo not use high-pressure cleaning equipment, steam cleaners, etc. to clean decorative foils.
Door lockfTo prevent the door lock from freezing during
the cold season, cover the lock barrel with a
suitable adhesive tape during washing.
Should the locks freeze, use an ordinary de-icer.
In many cases, a well warmed key can help.
Never use excessive force.
WashingThe best protection for the car from the damaging
effects of the environment is frequent washing and
preservation. The underside of the car should also
be thoroughly washed for cinders, salt or sanding
at winter‘s end.
The longer salt, road dust, industrial dust, insect
remains, bird excrement, and tree exudations
(resin, pollen), etc. are allowed to remain on the
bodywork, the more serious is their harmful
effect.
New cars should be washed carefully with plenty
of clear water to protect the new paint work.
Dark paint finishes show up the smallest of sur-
face damage (e.g. scratches) more readily than
lighter colors.
Dark colors are also more susceptible to scrat-
ching because of the composition of their pig-
ments and require particularly careful paint care.
fDo not wash your car in bright sunlight or while
the bodywork is still hot.
fWhen washing by hand, use abundant water, a
soft sponge or wash brush and Porsche car
shampoo.
fBegin by spraying the body thoroughly with
water to rinse away loose dirt.
fAfter washing, rinse the car with plenty of
water and then dry with a chamois leather.
Do not use the same chamois leather for
drying as you use for cleaning the windshield
and windows.
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Maintenance and Car Care
Warning!
Moisture which gets on the brakes during a
car wash can reduce braking efficiency or
make the brake pull unevenly which could
increase the danger of an accident, causing
serious personal injuries or death.
fAfter washing the vehicle, test the brakes and
steering and briefly brake the discs dry.
When doing so, make sure that vehicles travel-ling behind you are not affected.
Automatic car washes
fPlease see the chapter “WIPER BLADES” on
Page 261.
Optional add-on parts or parts which project be-
yond the contours of the vehicle may be damaged
by design features (e.g. brushes) of automatic car
washes.The following parts are particularly
susceptible to damage:
– Windshield wipers and rear wiper (always
switch them off – wiper stalk in position0 – to
prevent them wiping unintentionally in intermit-
tent or sensor operation).
– Door mirrors (always fold in).
– External antennas (always unscrew).
– Roof Transport System (always remove com-
pletely).
– Off-road roof-mounted headlights (always
remove completely).
– Spoiler.
– Wheels (the wider the rim and the lower the tire
height, the greater the risk of damage).
fPlease consult the operator before using
automatic car washes.
fWash and dry by hand all points not reached by
a car wash, such as door and lid seams or
door sills.
Note
Automatic car washes spray water at odd angles
and high pressures, which are not seen in normal
driving. Therefore, water can sometimes find its
way into the passengers compartment during or
shortly after the car wash.
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