
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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200
Driving and Driving Safety Soiling can impair the braking action.
fCheck and clean the brakes if they have been 
soiled.
Danger of steering assistance failing during 
a long journey in the water if the drive belt 
slips.
fIf the steering assistance fails, more effort will 
be required to steer.
Danger of damaging electrical systems
fAvoid driving through salt water.
Notes on operation
fActivate the Low Range program.
fSwitch the air conditioner off.
fSwitch the headlights off.Tips on driving
fAvoid high engine speeds (max. 2,500 rpm).
fDo not perform manual gear changes when 
driving, and try to avoid stopping.
Moving off in the water can be difficult due to 
the high resistance and the loose surface 
involved.
fStart the water crossing at a shallow place at 
walking speed.
fAfter checking the body of water, take the 
shortest path through it.
fNever drive into the water at high speed. The 
resulting “bow wave” could damage the engine 
and its accessories.
fAdjust your driving style to the unfamiliar sur-
roundings.
fCross the body of water slowly and at a con-
stant speed.
fNever turn around when crossing a body of 
water.
fIf it is not possible to cross the body of water, 
the car must be backed out of it in reverse 
gear.
The servo pump and alternator can fail if the car is 
driven through water for an extended period.
fIf the servo pump fails, substantially more 
force will have to be exerted in order to steer. Maintenance Note
The car requires a special check after the water 
crossing. 
fRemove mud from the tire tread.
fBriefly apply the brakes in order to dry them 
after driving through the water.10_Cayenne_21_KW17.book  Seite 200  Donnerstag, 9. April 2009  3:33 15 

Luggage Compartment, Loadspace and Storage
217
Off-road roof-mounted Headlights
Cayenne S TranssyberiafPlease read the separate instructions for fitting 
and operating the off-road roof-mounted 
headlights.DisclaimerThe off-road roof-mounted headlights provided 
with your Cayenne S Transsyberia have been 
designed and manufactured solely for off-road 
use. The use of these lights while on a public road 
in your country may not be legal or may be legal 
only under specified conditions. Check your 
national, state/provincial and local laws or 
regulations regarding any restrictions and/or 
limitations for public highway use prior to 
installation. It is common in many countries, for 
example, that such roof-mounted headlights must 
be hooded or covered while you are on a public 
road.
Under no circumstances should the electrical 
circuits for these lights be connected to the 
circuits for the other lights provided with your 
vehicle.
 Safety Notes!
fCompletely remove the off-road roof-mounted 
headlights before using an automatic car wash 
– risk of damage to the vehicle!
fBefore every trip, and at regular intervals 
during long trips, check that the off-road 
roof-mounted headlights are secured to the 
vehicle properly.
fWith the off-road roof-mounted headlights 
fitted, do not exceed a maximum speed of 
110 mph (180 km/h).
Nevertheless, Porsche recommends that you 
do not exceed the posted speed limit.
fDriving, braking and steering behaviour 
change due to the higher center of gravity and 
the greater wind-resistant area. You should 
adapt your driving style appropriately.
fSince fuel consumption and noise are 
increased when the off-road roof-mounted 
headlights are fitted, they should not remain on the vehicle when not in use.
Note on operation
If the engine is not running and the off-road 
roof-mounted headlights are switched on, the 
vehicle battery will be discharged.
Switching the off-road roof-mounted 
headlights on/offThe off-road roof-mounted headlights are ready for 
operation when the side lights are switched on.
fSwitch the off-road roof-mounted headlights on 
and off using the button in the roof console.
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Luggage Compartment, Loadspace and Storage
219
Compact disc player
 Caution!
To avoid damage to compact disc player and 
discs.
fUse only compact discs labeled as shown, 
having no dirt, damage or warpage.
fNever attempt to disassemble or oil any part 
of the player unit. Do not insert any object 
other than a disc into the slot.Remember there 
are no user-serviceable parts inside the 
compact disc player.
fDo not allow the disc to sustain any finger-
prints, scrapes or stickers on the surfaces. 
This may cause poor sound quality.
Hold the disc only on the edge or center hole.
fWhen not in use, take the disc out of the player, 
put the disc back into its case and store it 
away from dust, heat, damp and direct sun-
light.
Leaving the disc on the dashboard in the sun 
can damage the disc.fIf the disc gets dirty, clean the disc by wiping 
the surfaces from the center to the outside in 
a radial direction with a soft cloth. 
Do not use a conventional record cleaner or 
anti-static record preservative. 
Disc cleaners are available in audio stores. 
Car Telephone and Aftermarket Alarms Important legal and safety information 
regarding the use of cellular telephones
Some states may prohibit the use of cellular tele-
phones while driving a vehicle. Check the laws and 
regulations on the use of cellular telephones in the 
areas where you drive.
 Danger!
Risk of an accident.
Severe personal injury or death can result in 
the event of an accident.
Looking away from the road or turning your 
attention away from your driving can cause 
an accident and lead to serious personal 
injury or death. 
When using your cellular telephone, you should 
always:
fGive full attention to your driving - pull off the 
road and park before making or answering a 
call if traffic conditions so require; andfKeep both hands on the steering wheel - use 
hands-free operation (if available) - pull off the 
road and park before using a hand-held tele-
phone.
It is essential to observe the telephone 
manufacturer's instructions before operating 
the telephone.
Any portable telephone or radio transmitter which 
is used in a Porsche must be properly installed in 
accordance with the technical requirements of 
Porsche.
The transmission power must not exceed 
10 W.
The devices must possess a type approval for 
your vehicle and have an “e” symbol.
If you should require equipment with transmission 
power values greater than 10 W, please consult 
your authorized Porsche dealer for this purpose. 
He is familiar with the technical requirements for 
installing devices of this kind.
The antennas for all radios and telephones with a 
transmitting antenna must be externally mounted. 
The improper installation of radios or telephones 
or use of a radio or telephone with a transmitting 
antenna inside the car may cause the warning 
lights to come on. 
Improper installation of such equipment can 
create a discharged battery or excessive current 
draw from added equipment.
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220
Luggage Compartment, Loadspace and Storage If aftermarket systems are installed by non-dealer-
ship technicians or outside the selling dealer, 
problems may result. Installation of aftermarket 
equipment is not covered under the New Car 
Warranty. 
fConsult your authorized Porsche dealer about 
the installation of non Porsche approved equip-
ment.
Reception quality
The reception quality of your car telephone will 
change constantly when you are driving. Interfe-
rence caused by buildings, landscape and wea-
ther is unavoidable. It may become particularly 
difficult to hear when using the hands-free function 
due to external noise such as engine and wind 
noise.
Automatic car-wash
fUnscrew external antennas before using an au-
tomatic car-wash.
Porsche Communication 
Management (PCM)
 Warning!
There is danger of accident if you set or 
operate the on-board computer, radio, navi-
gation system, telephone or other equipment 
when driving.
This could distract you from traffic and 
cause you to lose control of the vehicle re-
sulting in serious personal injury or death.
fOperate the components while driving only if 
the traffic situation allows you to do so safely.
fCarry out any complicated operating or setting 
procedures only with the vehicle stationary.
fIf it is necessary to operate these components 
while the vehicle is in motion, use the function keys on the multi-functional steering wheel.
fRefer to the separate operating instructions 
before putting the PCM into operation.
When put into operation for the first time, a 
distance of approx. 3 miles (5 km) must be driven 
in order for the navigation system to complete the 
process of fine calibration. The same applies 
when the tires are changed (e.g. summer/winter 
tires) or new tires fitted. Full location accuracy is 
not yet achieved during the fine-calibration 
process.If the vehicle has been transported (e.g. ferry, car 
train), the system may take a few minutes after 
being switched on before it determines the current 
location.
Serious tire slip (e.g. spinning wheels on snow) 
may result in temporarily inaccurate navigation.
When the battery has been disconnected, it may 
take up to 15 minutes before the navigation 
system is operational once more.
Satellite radioYou must have the satellite radio activated before 
you can put it into operation. You will need a 
contract with a provider in order to use this radio.
fRefer to the separate radio operating instruc-
tions before putting into operation.
10_Cayenne_21_KW17.book  Seite 220  Donnerstag, 9. April 2009  3:33 15 

Maintenance and Car Care
249 Maintenance and Car Care
Exercise Extreme Caution 
when Working on your Vehicle ..................... 250
Engine Oil .................................................. 251
Checking Engine Oil Level ........................... 252
Topping up Engine Oil ................................. 253
Coolant Level ............................................. 255
Brake-Fluid Level ........................................ 257
Washer Fluid .............................................. 258
Power Steering .......................................... 259
Changing Air Cleaner.................................. 260
Changing Particle Filter ............................... 260
Automatic Transmission Fluid ...................... 260
Manual Transmission Oil ............................. 260
Wiper Blades ............................................. 261
Emission Control System ............................ 263
How Emission Control Works ...................... 264
Fuel Economy ............................................ 265
Operating Your Porsche in other Countries ... 266
Fuel........................................................... 266
Portable Fuel Containers ............................. 268
Fuel Recommendations............................... 269
Fuel Evaporation Control ............................. 270
Car Care Instructions.................................. 270
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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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272
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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