
Controls, Instruments
65
Porsche Stability Management
(PSM)PSM is an active control system for stabilization of
the vehicle during extreme driving manoeuvres.
Warning!
The increased control that is provided should
not induce you to take greater risks with your
safety. The limits dictated by the laws of
physics cannot be overcome, even with PSM.
The risk of accidents due to inappropriate
speed cannot be reduced, even by PSM.
The driver bears the responsibility for all
driving maneuvers.
fAdapt your driving style to the prevailing road
and weather conditions.
fObey all traffic laws. Advantages of PSM – Superior traction and lane-holding ability in all
driving situations – even on road surfaces with
varying friction.
– PSM actively stabilizes the vehicle during dy-
namic driving maneuvers (e.g. rapid steering
movements, during lane changes or on alter-
nating curves).
– Improved braking stability in curves and on dif-
ferent or varying road surfaces.
Readiness for operationPSM is switched on automatically every time you
start the engine.FunctionSensors at the wheels, brakes, steering system
and engine continuously measure:
–Speed
–Steering angle
– Lateral acceleration
– Rate of turn about the vertical axis
– Brake pressure
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. In addition,
the engine power may be manipulated in order to
stabilize the vehicle.The events below inform the driver of PSM control
operations and warn him to adapt his driving style
to the road conditions:
– The multi-functional information light on the
instrument panel lights up.
– Hydraulic noises can be heard.
– The vehicle decelerates and steering-wheel
forces are altered as the PSM controls the
brakes.
– Reduced engine power.
– The brake pedal pulsates and its position is
changed during braking.
In order to achieve full vehicle deceleration,
foot pressure must be increased after begin-
ning the brake pedal pulsing.
f f f

66
Controls, Instruments Examples of PSM control operations
– If the front wheels of the vehicle drift on a
bend, the rear wheel on the inside of the bend
is braked and the engine power is reduced if
necessary.
– If the rear of the vehicle swings out on a bend,
the front wheel on the outside of the bend is
braked.
The PSM should always be switched on
during “normal” driving.
However, it may be advantageous to switch off
PSM temporarily in exceptional situations, for
example:
– On a loose surface or in deep snow,
– When “rocking the vehicle free” and
Switching off PSMfPress PSM OFF button.
PSM is switched off after a short delay.
The light-emitting diode in the button is illumi-
nated.
When the PSM is switched off, the multifunc-
tional PSM light on the instrument panel is lit
and a message is shown by the on-board
computer.
An acoustic signal also sounds.The following functions stabilize the vehicle in
emergency situations, even with PSM switched
off:
– When PSM is off, the vehicle is stabilized as
soon as one of the two front wheels enters the
ABS control range.
– When PSM is off and Sport mode is on, the
vehicle is stabilized as soon as both front
wheels enter the ABS control range.
One-sided spinning of the wheels is prevented,
even with PSM switched off.
Switching PSM back onfPress PSM OFF button.
PSM is switched on after a short delay.
The light-emitting diode in the button and the
multifunctional PSM light go out.
The on-board computer shows a message.

Controls, Instruments
67
Sport modeA sportier car set-up is obtained when Sport mode
is switched on. PSM interventions are later than in
Normal mode; the vehicle can be manoeuvred
with greater agility at its performance limits,
without the need to dispense with the assistance
of PSM in emergency situations. This helps to
achieve optimal lap times, particularly on race
circuits and a dry road surface. – The multifunctional light on the instrument
panel lights up for a lamp check when the
ignition is switched on.
– The light indicates a control operation by
flashing, including when PSM is switched off
(brake control in the event of one-sided wheel
spin).
– In conjunction with a message on the on-board
computer, the light indicates that PSM is
switched off.
An acoustic signal also sounds.
– Faults are displayed by the light in conjunction
with a message on the on-board computer.
PSM is out of order.
fPlease consult an authorized Porsche dealer.
fPlease observe the chapter “PUTTING
VEHICLE INTO OPERATION” on Page 239.
fPlease observe the chapter “WARNINGS ON
THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE ON-
BOARD COMPUTER” on Page 105.
TowingfPlease observe the chapter “VEHICLE
TOWING” on Page 259.Checks on test standsWhen carrying out brake tests on roller test
stands a maximum testing speed of 5 mph
(8 km/h) must not be exceeded.
Handbrake checks on the roller brake tester
must be performed only with the ignition switched
off.
Multifunctional PSM light

68
Controls, Instruments The previously selected PASM mode is always ac-
tivated after the engine is started.
There is no automatic return to normal mode after
the ignition is switched off.
PASM makes two running-gear setups available to
the driver: “Normal” and “Sport”.
The selection is made via a button on the center
console.
In Normal mode the running gear is in a sporty and
comfortable setup.
Sport mode offers a markedly sporty shock
absorber tuning (e.g. for driving on the race
circuit).
The variable suspension system selects the appro-
priate damping level for each wheel according to
the situation and conditions of driving.
Example:
If the vehicle is driven in a markedly sporty manner
in Normal mode, PASM automatically adapts the
shock-absorber behavior to the driving situation in
this case as well.
Switching on PASM Sport modefPress PASM button in the center console.
When PASM Sport mode is switched on, the
light-emitting diode in the button is illuminated
and a message is shown by the on-board
computer.
Switching off PASM Sport modefPress PASM button in the center console.
The light-emitting diode in the button goes out
and the on-board computer displays a
message.
Porsche Active Suspension
Management (PASM)

Controls, Instruments
69
A, C - Switch for reading light on driver/passenger side
B- Switch for interior light and footwell lights
D- Orientation lightInterior LightsfPlease observe the chapter “LOAD SWITCH-
OFF AFTER 2 HOURS OR 7 DAYS” on
Page 233.
For vehicles with automatic anti-dazzle
mirrors
fSwitch off the automatic anti-dazzle operation
of the mirrors before you switch on the interior
light.
Otherwise the mirrors may accidentally swivel
into the anti-dazzle position.
Interior lights, reading lightsSwitching off
fPress left half of switch.
Switching to continuous illumination
fPress right half of switch.
Switching on and off automatically
fMove switch to center position.
The interior and footwell lights are switched
on when a door is unlocked or opened or when
the ignition key is withdrawn from the ignition
lock.
The lights are switched off with a delay of
approx. 2 minutes after the doors are closed.
The light goes out immediately as soon as the
ignition is switched on or the vehicle is locked.
Orientation lightA light-emitting diode at the bottom of the interior
mirror improves orientation in the passenger com-
partment when it is dark.
Note on operation
On vehicles with the Sport Chrono package, the
brightness of the orientation light can be changed
in PCM.
Please observe the chapter “Individual Memory” in
the separate PCM operating instructions.

70
Controls, Instruments
Operation, Instruments 1. Ignition lock/steering lock
2. Turn signals/high beam/headlight flasher stalk
3. Hands-free microphone for telephone
4. Horn
5. Wiper/washer stalk, rear window wiper
6. Button for seat heating, left
7. Interior temperature sensor/GPS antenna
8. Stopwatch
9. Emergency flasher switch
10.Central locking button, readiness display for
alarm system
11.Porsche Communication Management (PCM)12.Button for seat heating, right
13.Cupholder
14.Light switch
15.Operating lever for on-board computer
16.Locking lever for steering-wheel adjustment
17.Operating lever for automatic speed control
18.Operating panel for air conditioning
19 Buttons for rear spoiler,
Porsche Active Suspension Management
(PASM),
Sport mode, Porsche Stability Management
(PSM)

74
Controls, Instruments
Starting Procedures fPlease observe the chapter “IMMOBILIZER” on
Page 19.
fPlease observe the chapter “EMISSION CONT-
ROL SYSTEM” on Page 191.
Warning!
Serious injury may result if you are involved
in a collision without having fastened the
safety belts.
fFasten safety belts before driving away. Before starting the engine fApply the footbrake.
fManual transmission:
Move the gearshift lever into neutral.
The clutch pedal must be depressed fully
before the starter will engage.
fTiptronic:
Move the selector lever to P or N.
Temperature sensors on the engine automatically
provide the correct fuel/air mixture required for
starting.
Therefore, it is not necessary to depress the
accelerator pedal while starting a cold or a
warm engine.
Starting the enginefTurn ignition key to ignition lock position 2.
fAs soon as the engine starts, release the igni-
tion key.
The first operation of the starter is ended automat-
ically when the engine starts.
If the engine does not start, subsequent starter
operations will not be ended automatically.
If the engine fails to start after 10 or 15 seconds
of cranking:
fWait about 10 seconds before engaging the
starter again.
fWhen starting the engine, be ready to drive
immediately.
Drive vehicle at moderate speeds and avoid
engine speeds above 4,200 rpm during the
first 5 minutes.
fDo not let the engine idle to warm up.
Danger!
Engine exhaust fumes have many compo-
nents which you can smell. They also contain
carbon monoxide (CO), which is a colorless
and odorless gas.
Carbon monoxide can cause unconscious-
ness and even death if inhaled.
fNever start or let the engine run in an en-
closed, unventilated area.
It is not recommended to sit in your car for pro-
longed periods with the engine on and the car
not moving.
An unattended vehicle with a running engine
is potentially hazardous.
If warning lights should come on to indicate
improper operation, they would go unno-
ticed.
fNever leave the engine idling unattended.
Danger of fire.
fDo not park or operate the vehicle in areas
where the hot exhaust system may come in
contact with dry grass, brush, fuel spill or oth-
er flammable material.
fIf your car catches on fire for any reason, call
the fire department.
Do not endanger your life by attempting to put out the fire.

76
Controls, Instruments
Instrument Panel USA Models Also refer to the corresponding chapters in
the Owner’s Manual.
1. Engine oil temperature gauge
2. Speedometer with analogue display
3. Turn signal indicator light, left
4. Tachometer
5. High beam indicator light
6. Turn signal indicator light, right
7. ABS warning light
8. Cooling system
Temperature gauge, warning light
9. Fuel
Level gauge, warning light
10.Engine oil pressure gauge
11.Adjustment button for instrument illumination
and trip counter
12.Odometer and daily trip mileage display
13.Automatic speed control indicator light14.Light sensor for instrument illumination
15.Airbag warning light
16.Emission control warning light
(Check Engine)
17.Central warning light
18.On-board computer display
19.Porsche Stability Management
Multifunctional PSM light
20.Brake warning light
21.Safety belt warning light
22.Tiptronic indicator
23.Clock and outside temperature display
24 Adjustment button for clockWhen the ignition is switched on, the warning
lights light up for a lamp check.
Note
Warnings that have been given are stored in the
appropriate control unit memory and can be read
out at an authorized Porsche dealer.
This information can help to warn you about situa-
tions which may be hazardous to you or your car.