
30
Controls, Instruments
Inside mirror When the mirror is being adjusted, the anti-glare le-
ver A must point forward. 
Basic position: lever forward
Anti-glare position: lever back 
A - Sensor
B - Switch for automatic anti-glare operation
C - Light-emitting diode Automatic Anti-Glare Interior 
Mirror and Door Mirrors Sensors on the front and rear sides of the interior 
mirror measure the incident light.
The mirrors automatically change to anti-glare po-
sition or revert to their normal state, depending on 
the light intensity. 
When reverse gear is selected, automatic anti-gla-
re operation is switched off. Note 
The incident light in the area of the sensors must 
not be restricted, e.g. by stickers on the wind-
shield. 
Switching off the automatic anti-glare 
operation 
fPress switch B.
Light-emitting diode C goes out. 
Switching on the automatic anti-glare 
operation 
fPress switch B.
Light-emitting diode C lights up. 
 Warning!
Risk of injury. Electrolyte fluid can emerge 
from a broken mirror glass. 
This fluid irritates the skin and eyes. 
fIf the electrolyte fluid should come into contact 
with the eyes or skin, immediately rinse it off 
with clean water.
See a doctor if necessary. 
Risk of damage to the paintwork, leather and 
plastic parts. Electrolyte fluid can be remo-
ved only while it is still wet. 
fClean the affected parts with water.  

56
Controls, Instruments
Operation of the ABS system A wheel speed sensor is mounted to each of the 
four wheels. If wheel lock-up of either of the front 
wheels or the rear wheels is sensed during bra-
king, the brake pressure is adjusted automatically 
until the wheel no longer slips. The brake pressure 
is regulated for each front wheel individually and 
for both of the rear wheels together. 
On a road surface which is slippery on only one si-
de, the rear wheel which is braking on the slippery 
surface determines the brake pressure which will 
be applied equally to both rear wheels. This ensu-
res that directional stability is maintained. Howe-
ver, if braking forces approach the wheel lock-up 
point for all wheels (panic braking) the ABS system 
will intervene to provide a rapid rythmic braking. 
The proper operation of ABS is perceived by the 
driver as a pulsating brake pedal in conjunction 
with audible noise and perhaps some vibration. 
fIf you experience these sensations while dri-
ving or a road surface with questionable trac-
tion, reduce vehicle speed appropriate for the 
prevailing road conditions. 
The functional readiness of all the main electrical 
components of the ABS is checked by an electro-
nic monitoring system both before and while you 
drive. When the ignition is switched on the ABS warning 
light will light up while the system is electronically 
interrogated and goes out when the engine is star-
ted if the check is not yet complete. 
If the ABS warning lamp fails to go out, this indica-
tes that ABS has been deactivated due to a fault. 
If the warning lights in the instrument panel and on-
board computer light up while you are driving, this 
indicates that a fault has occurred. In both cases, 
normal braking, as in vehicles without ABS, is still 
retained. 
The ABS system should, however, be examined at 
an authorized Porsche dealer immediately to pre-
vent the occurrence of further faults. 
fIf the ABS system becomes inoperative, take 
your vehicle to your authorized Porsche dealer 
immediately. 
 Warning!
The control unit of the ABS brake system is 
set for standard tire size. If non-standard ti-
res are installed, the control unit may misin-
terpret the speed of the vehicle, because of 
the variant data it receives from the sensors 
on the axles. 
fUse only tire makes and types tested by Porsche. 
Warning light USA
Warning light Canada 

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.  

64
Controls, Instruments
Parking Aids Parking Assistant (ParkAssistant) When the driver backs up, the parking assistant 
system indicates the distance between the car 
and a large obstacle behind it, by means of signal 
tones. 
 Danger!
Risk of serious personal injury or death. 
ParkAssistant cannot detect small objects 
such as children and pets. 
Despite use of the parking assistant system, 
the driver is still responsible for taking due 
care and assessing obstacles when backing 
up. 
fMake sure that no persons, especially small 
children, animals or obstacles are within the maneuvring area. 
The parking assistant system is activated auto-
matically when reverse gear is selected and the ig-
nition is on. 
Note 
Be aware that the parking assistant system is not 
switched on if the car rolls backward without re-
verse gear being engaged. 
Ultrasound sensors Sensors 
Four ultrasound sensors in the rear bumper 
measure the distance to the closest obstacle. 
– Range middle sensors around 60 in./150 cm 
– Range outer sensors around 24 in./60 cm 
Obstacles cannot be detected in the “blind” sen-
sor area (e.g. near the ground). 
Note 
The sensors must always be kept free of dust, ice 
and snow in order to ensure that they are fully 
functional. 
 Caution!
To avoid damaging the sensors: 
fMaintain sufficient distance when cleaning with steam-jet units. 
Signal tones/function 
When reverse gear is selected, the parking assis-
tant confirms that it is switched on by issuing a 
short signal tone.
A detected obstacle is signalled by an intermit-
tent tone. The intervals decrease as the obstacle 
is approached.
A continuous tone sounds when the distance be-
comes less than one foot. This continuous tone 
c a n  s t o p  i f  t h e  o b s t a c l e  i s  a p p ro a c h e d  c l o s e r  t h a n  
one foot.
The radio volume should not be so loud as to 
drown out the signal tones.  

Controls, Instruments
65
Limits of ultrasonic measurement 
The parking assistant system cannot detect: 
– sound-absorbing obstacles (e.g. powder 
snow), 
– sound-reflecting obstacles (e.g. glass sur-
faces, flat painted surfaces) 
– and very thin obstacles. 
Other ultrasound sources (e.g. pneumatic brakes 
of other vehicles, jackhammers) can interfere with 
detection of obstacles. 
Fault indication 
The parking assistant system indicates a fault in 
two ways: 
– After reverse gear has been selected, the 
short signal tone is followed by a continuous 
tone of the same pitch:
This indicates that sensors are soiled or cove-
red with ice. 
– After reverse gear has been selected, the 
short signal tone is followed by a continuous 
tone with a much lower pitch:
This indicates a general system fault. Please 
have the fault remedied at an authorized 
Porsche dealer. 
A - Control switch for door mirror adjustment Swivelling down mirror glass on the 
passenger’s side On vehicles with seat memory you can activate an 
additional parking aid.
fPlease observe the chapter “SEAT MEMORY” 
on Page 36.
– When reverse gear is engaged, the mirror 
glass on the passenger’s side swivels down 
slightly to show the curb area. Preconditions
– Vehicle must be equipped with seat memory.
– Set the control switch A to “passenger’s side”.
– Reverse gear must be engaged.
Returning mirror to its original position
fDrive forwards with a speed of over 6 km/h 
(4 mph) or
– Set the control switch A to “driver’s side”. 

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 

70
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.  

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.