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62
Controls, Instruments
Retractable Spoiler The spoiler reduces air resistance and, particu-
larly at high speeds, reduces rear axle lift. Automatic controlThe spoiler extends at approx. 75 mph
(120 km/h) and retracts at approx. 50 mph
(80 km/h).
If automatic control fails, the warning light lights
up and the spoiler must be extended manually
before driving.
Warning!
Risk of accident. If the spoiler cannot be
extended, driving stability will be adversely
affected by increased rear axle lift.
fAdapt your driving style and speed to the
changed driving conditions.
fHave the fault remedied as soon as possible.
Please go to a qualified specialist workshop.
We recommend a Porsche dealer for this work
as they have trained workshop personnel and
the necessary parts and tools.
Risk of injury during manual retraction or ex-
tension of the spoiler with the vehicle statio-
nary.
fMake sure that no persons or objects are
within the range of movement of the spoiler.
Risk of damage, if the vehicle is pushed
using the spoiler.
fDo not push the vehicle at the spoiler.The warning light lights up for a lamp check when
the ignition is switched on.
The warning lights in the instrument panel and in
the on-board computer come on if the spoiler
does not extend or does not reach its final position
at more than 75 mph (120 km/h).
Warning light
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Controls, Instruments
63
Manual controlWhen the ignition is on, the spoiler can be
extended and retracted manually using the button.
Extending
fPress button briefly.
The spoiler extends to its final position.
The light-emitting diode in the button lights up.
Running in
fPress and hold button until the spoiler has rea-
ched its final position.
The light-emitting diode in the button goes out.
Fixed rear spoiler
Caution!
Risk of damage to rear spoiler.
fPlease consult the operator before using auto-
matic car washes.
fDo not push the vehicle by the spoiler.
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Controls, Instruments
Starting Procedures fPlease observe the chapter “IMMOBILIZER” on
Page 17.
fPlease observe the chapter “EMISSION CONT-
ROL SYSTEM” on Page 182.
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 handbrake.
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 auto-
matically 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 im-
mediately.
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 compon-
ents 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 enc-
losed, 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 un-
noticed.
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
other 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.
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Controls, Instruments
73
Instrument Panel USA Models Also refer to the corresponding chapter in
the Owner’s Manual.
1 Speedometer with analogue display
2 Turn signal indicator light, left
3 Tachometer
4 High beam indicator light
5 Turn signal indicator light, right
6 ABS warning light
7 Cooling system
Temperature gauge, warning light
8Fuel
Level gauge, warning light
9 Adjusting button for instrument illumination
and trip counter
10 Odometer and daily trip mileage display
11 Automatic speed control indicator light
12 Light sensor for instrument illumination13 Airbag warning light
14 Emission control warning light (Check Engine)
15 Central warning light
16 On-board computer display
17 Porsche Stability Management
Multifunctional PSM light
18 Brake warning light
19 Safety belt warning light
20 Tiptronic indicator
21 Clock and outside temperature display
22 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.
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Controls, Instruments
75
Instrument Panel Canada Models Also refer to the corresponding chapter in
the Owner’s Manual.
1 Speedometer with analogue display
2 Turn signal indicator light, left
3 Tachometer
4 High beam indicator light
5 Turn signal indicator light, right
6 ABS warning light
7 Cooling system
Temperature gauge, warning light
8Fuel
Level gauge, warning light
9 Adjusting button for instrument illumination
and trip counter
10 Odometer and daily trip mileage display
11 Automatic speed control indicator light
12 Light sensor for instrument illumination13 Airbag warning light
14 Emission control warning light (Check Engine)
15 Central warning light
16 On-board computer display
17 Porsche Stability Management
Multifunctional PSM light
18 Brake warning light
19 Safety belt warning light
20 Tiptronic indicator
21 Clock and outside temperature display
22 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.
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Controls, Instruments
A- Adjustment button for instrument illumination and
trip counter Indicates automatic speed control readiness.
Instrument Illumination The illumination is automatically adjusted to the
ambient brightness by the light sensor in the
tachometer.
In addition, when the car lights are switched on,
the instrument and switch symbol brightness can
be manually adjusted.
Warning!
Risk of an accident, personal injury and loss
of control.
fDo not reach through the steering-wheel spokes while driving.
Automatic Speed Control
Indicator light
Dimming instrument illumination
fTurn adjustment button A in the appropriate di-
rection and hold it until the desired brightness
has been reached.
The chosen level of brightness is indicated by
a bar display in the display field of the on-board
computer.
Boxster S
The scales are dimmed depending on the ambient
brightness by the light sensor.
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Controls, Instruments
79
Tachometer The tachometer shows the engine speed in revolu-
tions per minute (rpm).
The beginning of the red marks at the right end of
the scale indicates the maximum permissible en-
gine rpm.
A speed limiter prevents the engine from being
overrevved during acceleration. Before reaching
this area, the next higher gear should be select-
ed.
Shift to the next lower gear when the engine rpm
drops below 1,500 rpm.
Caution!
To avoid severe engine damage.
fAlways observe the engine rpm before down-
shifting to a lower gear, so you do not exceed the maximum engine rpm. Flashes in synchronism with the turn signals.
Left arrow – left turn signals
Right arrow – right turn signals
fIf the frequency of the display becomes notice-
ably faster, check the operation of the turn sig-
nals.
Indicator light Lights when high beam or headlight flasher is
switched on.
The indicator light goes out when the high beams
are switched off.
Turn Signal Indicator Light
High Beam
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Controls, Instruments
Temperature gauge (ignition on) USA: Display in °F
Canada: Display in °C
Pointer to the left – engine cold
fAvoid high engine speeds and heavy engine
loading. Pointer in the middle – normal operating tem-
perature
The pointer may move up to the red area when en-
gine is heavily loaded and outside temperature is
high, but should return to “normal” when engine
load is reduced.
Warning light “A” If the coolant temperature is too high, the warn-
ing light comes on.
Additionally, a warning is displayed in the on-board
computer.
fPull off the road, turn off the engine and allow
to cool.
fCheck radiator and air passages in front end of
car for obstructions.
fCheck coolant level.
If necessary, add coolant and have fault reme-
died at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Please observe the chapter “COOLANT LEVEL”
on Page 170.
Note
To prevent excessive temperatures, the cooling-
air passages must not be restricted by coverings
(e.g. films, “stone guards”). If the coolant level is too low, the warning light
flashes.
Additionally, a warning is displayed in the on-board
computer.
fSwitch engine off and allow to cool.
fAdd coolant.
fHave the cause of the fault remedied at an au-
thorized Porsche dealer.
Please observe the chapter “COOLANT LEVEL”
on Page 170.
Caution!
Risk of engine damage.
fIf the warning lights come on even though cool-
ant level is correct, do not continue driving.
fHave the fault remedied at the nearest authorized Porsche dealer.
Engine compartment blower fan In addition, this warning light flashes to indicate a
fault in the engine compartment blower fan.
fHave the cause of the fault remedied at an
authorized Porsche dealer.
Cooling System