40
Controls, Instruments
Multi-functional steering wheel
Warning!
There is a danger of accident if you set or
operate the on-board computer, radio,
navigation system, telephone or other equip-
ment when driving.
This could distract you from the traffic and
cause you to lose control of the vehicle.
fOperate these 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.
Depending on the equipment in your vehicle, you
can use the function keys of the multi-functional
steering wheel to operate the following Porsche
communication systems:
–PCM,
– Telephone,
– Radio with CD drive,
–CD changer.
Readiness for operation of multi-
functional steering wheelThe multi-functional steering wheel is ready for
operation when the ignition and PCM are switched
on.Operating the function keysfPlease read the separate PCM operating
instructions before operating the function
keys.
fThe rotary knobs at the top left and right of the
steering wheel can also be pressed.
Turn volume control
Upwards – increase volume.
Downwards – decrease volume.
Press volume control
To switch volume/mute on and off.
Turn rotary knob
To select/mark function in the PCM. To do
this, turn the rotary knob upward or
downward.
Press rotary knob
To activate selected function.
Press screen button
To call the stored PCM function.
The button can be assigned the desired
function in the PCM.
Press Back button
To move back in the PCM menu.
Press Handset Pickup button
To accept a telephone call.
Press Handset Hangup button
To end or refuse a telephone call.
Controls, Instruments
49
Airbag Systems The ”Airbags“ in combination with the safety belts
makes up a safety system which offers the driver
and the passenger the greatest known protection
from injuries in case of an accident.
Even if your vehicle is equipped with airbags, the
safety belts are your primary protection and
must be worn at all times.
The airbags can only help protect you where the
impact is of sufficient severity and from a speci-
fied direction.
Therefore, all persons within the vehicle
must always wear safety belts (in many states,
state law requires the use of safety belts).
fPlease observe the chapter “SAFETY BELTS”
on Page 42.
The front airbags are located behind the padded
steering wheel panel on the driver’s side and on
the passenger’s side in the dashboard.
The side airbags are installed in the side of the
seat backrests.
The head airbags are installed in the door linings.
Function Depending on the force and angle of impact, the
corresponding airbags can be triggered.
The inflation process generates the amount of gas
required to fill the airbags at the necessary pres-
sure in fractions of a second. Because of the pos-
sibility of injuries from airbag deployment, airbags
are designed to deploy only when occupants
would receive substantial additional injuries if the
airbags did not deploy.
Airbags protect the face and upper body, while si-
multaneously damping the motion of the driver
and passenger in the impact direction in the event
of a frontal impact or side impact.
Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and
diagnostic module. This module will record the
use of the safety belt restraint system by the driv-
er and front passenger when the side airbags and
head airbags are inflated.
Danger!
To provide optimal occupant protection, air-
bags must inflate at very high speed.
If you are not wearing your safety belt or are
too close to the airbag when its deployed, in-
flating airbags can result in serious personal
injury or death.
fMake sure there are no people, animals or ob-
jects between the driver or passenger and the
area into which the airbag inflates.
fSit back as far from the dashboard or steering
wheel as is practical, while still maintaining full
vehicle control.
fDo not lean against the inside of the doors.
fAlways leave feet in the footwell when driving.
Do not put feet on the dashboard or the seat
cushion.
fAlways hold the steering wheel by the outer
rim.
Never rest your hands on the airbag panel.
fNever transport heavy or sharp objects on or
in front of the passenger seat.
fAlways keep the lid of the door storage com-
partment closed. Objects must not protrude
out of the door storage compartment.
fGive your passenger all of the information in
this chapter.
fNo changes must be made to the wiring or
components of the airbag system.
50
Controls, Instruments fDo not add any additional coverings or stickers
to the steering wheel or in the area of the pas-
senger airbag and side airbags. Doing so may
adversely affect the functioning of the airbag
system or cause harm to the occupants if the
airbag system should deploy.
fDo not undertake any wiring for electrical ac-
cessory equipment in the vicinity of the airbag
wiring harnesses. Doing so may disable the air-
bag system or cause inflation.
fIf the warning light comes on, the airbag sys-
tem should be repaired immediately by your
authorized Porsche dealer.
Note
Airbag components (e.g. steering wheel, door
trim, seats) may be disassembled only by an au-
thorized Porsche dealer.
When disposing of a used airbag unit, our safety
instructions must be followed. These instructions
can be obtained at any authorized Porsche dealer.Faults are indicated by a warning light in the instru-
ment panel and a message on the on-board com-
puter.
fIn the following cases you should immedi-
ately consult an authorized Porsche deal-
er in order to assure the airbag system is
functioning properly:
– If the warning light does not light up when the
ignition is switched on or
– if the warning light does not go out once the
engine is running or
– if the warning light appears while driving.
fPlease observe the chapter “WARNINGS ON
THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE ON-
BOARD COMPUTER” on Page 102.
Warning light “PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF”fPlease observe the chapter “KEY-OPERATED
AIRBAG DEACTIVATION DEVICE” on Page 48.
Airbag maintenanceIn order to ensure long-term functioning, the air-
bag system must be inspected by an authorized
Porsche dealer at the intervals recommended in
your Maintenance booklet.
Important information
If you sell your Porsche, notify the purchaser that
the vehicle is equipped with airbags, and refer
them to the chapter, “Airbag Systems”, in the own-
er’s manual (safety and disposal rules).
Further information on the airbag system can be
found on labels on the sun visors, as well as on all
airbag components.
fFor special recommendations on the use of
child restraints:
Please observe the chapter “CHILD RES-
TRAINT SYSTEMS” on Page 45.
Warning light and warning
message
Controls, Instruments
55
ABS Brake System
(Antilock Brake System) The ABS system represents a major contribution
to the enhancement of active safety in your vehic-
le. This system prevents the wheels from locking
in a panic stop on almost all road surfaces. With the ABS system in your vehicle, the fol-
lowing areas are enhanced:
Steering, vehicle remains steerable under all bra-
king forces when ABS is engaged.
Good directional control, no swerving caused
by locking of wheels under braking conditions.
Shorter stopping distance, stopping distances
are usually reduced because controlled braking is
maximized.
Prevention of wheel lock up, no brake- induced
sliding and thus no localized tire wear from emer-
gency braking.
The crucial advantage of the ABS system over a
conventional brake system is in the area of
maintaining directional control and maneuverabili-
ty of the car in emergency situations during nor-
mal driving, including panic braking in turns.
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 phy-
sics cannot be overcome, even with ABS.
The risk of accidents due to inappropriate
speed cannot be reduced, even by the ABS.
The driver bears the responsibility for all dri-
ving maneuvers.
fAdapt your driving style to the prevailing road
and weather conditions.
fObey all traffic laws.
Other vehicles not equipped with the ABS
system may not be able to maintain control,
especially on wet or poor road surfaces and
thus may be more likely to impact you from
behind.
fTo minimize that risk, use your ABS system to
increase your ability to maneuver to avoid dan-
gerous situations and not merely to try to stop in the shortest distance possible.
58
Controls, Instruments
Porsche Stability Management
(PSM)PSM is an active control system for stabilisation 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 phy-
sics 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 dri-
ving 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 dyna-
mic driving maneuvres (e.g. rapid steering mo-
vements, during lane changes or on alterna-
ting 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
– Direction of travel (steering angle)
– Lateral 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. In addition,
the engine power may be manipulated in order to
stabilise 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 flashes.
– 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.
However, it is possible at any time to achieve
full vehicle deceleration by increasing the foot
pressure slightly.
66
Controls, Instruments
Operation, Instruments 1 Light switch
2 Turn signals/
headlight dimmer/flasher lever
3 Ignition Lock/locking the steering column
4 Hands-free microphone for telephone
5Horn
6 Windshield wiper/washer lever
7 Porsche Communication Management/Radio
8 Interior temperature sensor, GPS antenna
9 Emergency flasher switch10 Central locking button,
Readiness display for alarm system
11 Cupholder
12 Operating lever for on-board computer
13 Locking lever for steering-wheel adjustment
14 Operating lever for cruise control
15 Control panel for heating, ventilation and air
conditioning system
16 Buttons for rear spoiler,
Porsche Active Suspension Management
(PASM),
Sport Mode,
Porsche Stability Management (PSM)
17 Seat heating, left/right
68
Controls, Instruments
Ignition/Starter Switch with anti-
theft Steering Lock The ignition lock has a total of four ignition lock po-
sitions.
The vehicle key rebounds to the initial position
from every ignition lock position.
For your safety, fasten safety belts.
fPlease observe the chapter “IMMOBILIZER” on
Page 17.
fPlease observe the chapter “KEY WITH RADIO
REMOTE CONTROL” on Page 18.
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. Switch position 0 Initial position
The ignition key cannot be withdrawn when the
ignition is switched on or when the engine has
been started.
To withdraw the ignition key:
fStop the vehicle.
fOn vehicles with Tiptronic S:
Move selector lever to position P.
fSwitch ignition off.
fRemove ignition key.
Switch position 1 Ignition on
fTurn ignition key to position 1.
Ignition is switched on.
Note on operation
All electrical equipment can be switched on.
fPlease observe the chapter “WARNINGS ON
THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE ON-
BOARD COMPUTER” on Page 102.
Controls, Instruments
69
Switch position 2Start engine
fTurn ignition key to ignition lock position 2.
fPlease observe the chapter “STARTING PRO-
CEDURES” on Page 70.Switch position 3Ignition off
fTurn ignition key to ignition lock position 3.
Locking the steering columnAutomatic locking
The steering column is automatically locked when
the ignition key is withdrawn from the ignition lock.
Warning!
Risk of an accident.
The steering wheel will lock and will cause
loss of steering.
fNever remove key from the ignition lock or turn
the key off while the vehicle is moving.
fAlways withdraw the ignition key when leav-ing the vehicle.Automatic unlocking
The steering column is automatically unlocked
when the ignition key is inserted into the ignition
lock.
Note
To avoid battery run-down, always remove the igni-
tion key from the ignition lock.
Please observe the chapter “BULB CHART” on
Page 239.
Gong If you leave the key in the ignition/steering lock, a
gong will sound when the driver’s door is opened.
This is a reminder to remove the key.