
12
Controls, Instruments
Dear Porsche Owner A lot has gone into the manufacture of your 
Porsche, including advanced engineering, rigid 
quality control and demanding inspections. 
These engineering and safety features will be 
enhanced by you... the safe driver... – who knows his car and all controls, 
– who maintains the vehicle properly, 
– who uses driving skills wisely, and always 
drives within her/his own capabilities and the 
level of familiarity with the vehicle. 
You will find helpful hints in this manual on how to 
perform most of the checks listed on the following 
pages. 
If in doubt, have these checks performed by your 
authorized Porsche dealer. 
Before driving off... Check the following items first fTurn the engine off before you attempt any 
checks or repairs on the vehicle. 
fBe sure the tires are inflated correctly. 
Check tires for damage and tire wear. 
fSee that wheel bolts are properly tightened 
and not loose or missing. 
fCheck engine oil level, add if necessary. 
Make it a habit to have engine oil checked with 
every fuel filling. 
fCheck all fluid levels such as windshield was-
her and brake fluid levels. 
fBe sure the vehicle battery is well charged and 
cranks the engine properly. 
fCheck all doors and lids for proper operation 
and latch them properly. 
fCheck and if necessary replace worn or cra-
cked wiper blades. 
fSee that all windows are clear and unobstruc-
ted. 
fCheck air intake slots and area between front 
lid and windshield are free of snow and ice, so 
the heater and the windshield wipers work pro-
perly. fIf a child will be riding in the vehicle, check 
child seat/child seat restraint system to ensure 
that restraints are properly adjusted. 
fCheck all exterior and interior lights for opera-
tion and that the lenses are clean. 
fCheck the headlights for proper aim, and if ne-
cessary, have them adjusted. 
fCheck under the vehicle for leaks. 
fBe sure all luggage is stowed securely. 
Emergency equipment It is good practice to carry emergency equipment 
in your vehicle. 
Some of the items you should have are: 
window scraper, snow brush, container or bag of 
sand or salt, emergency light, small shovel, first-
aid kit, etc.  

110
Controls, Instruments
Windshield Wiper / Washer Lever 
 Warning!
Danger of injury when the windshield wipers 
operate unintentionally. 
Risk of damage to the windshield and wiper 
system. 
fAvoid running the wiper blades over a dry wind-
shield to prevent scratching the glass. Spray 
washer fluid on the windshield first. 
A scratched windshield will reduce visibility. 
fAlways loosen wiper blades from frozen glass 
before operating wipers to prevent damage to 
the wiper motor or blades. fAlways switch off windshield wipers in car 
wash to prevent them wiping unintentionally 
(intermittent or sensor operation). 
fAlways switch off windshield wipers before 
cleaning the windshield to avoid unintentional 
operation (intermittent or sensor operation). 
fDo not operate the headlight washer in car 
washes. 
fDo not operate headlight washer when it is 
frozen. 
Wiper and headlight washer system0  –  Windshield wipers off
1  –  Rain sensor operation for front 
windshield wipers
fMove wiper lever upwards to the first click.
Please observe the chapter “RAIN SENSOR” on 
Page 111.
2  –  Windshield wipers slow
fMove wiper lever upwards to the second click.
3  –  Windshield wipers fast 
fMove wiper lever upwards to the third click.
4    –  Front windshield wiper – one-touch oper-
ation:
fMove wiper lever downwards. The windshield 
wipers wipe once.5  –  Windshield wipers and washer system:
fPull wiper lever towards the steering wheel. 
The washer system sprays and wipes while the 
lever is pulled towards the steering wheel. 
When the wiper lever is released, a few drying 
wipes are executed. 
A - Headlight washer (Vehicles with Bi-Xenon 
headlights):
The washer sprays only while low beam or high 
beam is switched on.
fBriefly push button A to operate headlight 
washer system.
fIf heavily soiled, repeat wash.
The headlight washer system automatically sprays 
once for every ten times the front windshield 
washer system is operated.
Note
The windshield washer nozzles are heated 
when the ignition is on, as a precaution against 
freezing. 

Controls, Instruments
111
Wipe interval controlOn vehicles without a rain sensor, the wiping 
intervals can be adjusted in four steps.
Decreasing intervals
fAdjust switch A upwards.
The setting is confirmed by one wipe of the 
windshield.
Increasing intervals
fAdjust switch A downwards.
Rain sensorIn vehicles with a rain sensor the amount of rain or 
snow which has settled on the windshield is 
measured. Wiper speed is automatically adjusted 
accordingly.
Switching on
fMove wiper lever upwards to the first click.
Switching off
fMove wiper lever to position 0.
The rain sensor remains switched off if the wiper 
lever is already in position 1 when the ignition is 
switched on.
To switch the rain sensor on again:
fMove wiper lever to position 0 and then to 
position 1 or
fOperate windshield washer system 5 or
fChange the sensitivity of the rain sensor with 
four-stage switch A.
Switch-on is confirmed by one wipe of the wind-
shield.
On vehicles with the Sport Chrono package, fur-
ther rain sensor functions can be selected via the 
PCM.
Please observe the chapter “Individual Memory” in 
the separate PCM operating instructions.Changing the sensitivity of the rain sensor
Sensitivity can be set with switch A in 4 stages:
fAdjust switch A upwards – 
high sensitivity.
The setting is confirmed by one wipe of the 
windshield.
fAdjust switch A downwards – 
low sensitivity.
Maintenance note
If the wiper blades rub or squeak, this may be as 
a result of the following:
– If the vehicle is washed in an automatic car 
wash, wax residues may be adhering to the 
windshield. These wax residues can only be 
removed by using a special cleaning solution. 
Please contact your authorized Porsche dealer 
for further information.
– The wiper blades may be damaged or worn 
out.
fReplace wiper blades as soon as possible.
fPersistent dirt (e.g. insect remains) should be 
regularly removed.
fPlease observe the chapter “CAR CARE IN-
STRUCTIONS” on Page 191. 

Maintenance, Car Care
167 Maintenance, Car Care
Exercise Extreme Caution 
when Working on your Vehicle ....................  168
Wiper Blades ............................................  169
Coolant Level ............................................  170
Engine Oil .................................................  172
Engine Oil Level ........................................  173
Engine Oil Recommendation .......................  174
Brake Fluid Level .......................................  175
Fuel Economy ...........................................  177
Operating Your Porsche in other Countries ..  177
Fuel..........................................................  178
Fuel Recommendations..............................  180
Portable Fuel Containers ............................  181
Emission Control System ...........................  182
How Emission Control Works .....................  183
Fuel Evaporation Control ............................  184
Washer Fluid .............................................  184
Opening Engine Compartment Lid...............  185
Power Steering .........................................  189
Air Filter ...................................................  190
Combination filter ......................................  190
Automatic Transmission Fluid .....................  190
Manual Transmission Oil ............................  190
Car Care Instructions.................................  191 

Maintenance, Car Care
169
Wiper BladesfWhen wiper performance deteriorates, replace 
the wipers. 
fPlease observe the chapter “CAR CARE IN-
STRUCTIONS” on Page 191.
 Caution!
Risk of damage if the wiper arm accidentally 
falls back on to the window. 
fAlways hold the wiper arm securely when re-
placing the wiper blade.
Risk of damage if wiper blades that are fro-
zen in place are loosened improperly. 
fThaw the wiper blades before loosening them. 
Maintenance note
If the wiper blades rub or squeak, this can be as a 
result of the following:
– If the vehicle is washed in an automatic car 
wash, residues may adhere to the windshield. 
These residues can only be removed using a 
special cleaning solution. 
Please contact your authorized Porsche dealer 
for further information.
– The wiper blades may be damaged.
fReplace damaged wiper blades as soon as 
possible.
Changing windshield wiper blades
 Caution!
Risk of damage.
If a wiper blade is not changed properly, it 
can come loose when the car is moving.
fCheck whether the wiper blade is seated 
securely.
The wiper blade must engage the wiper arm properly.
1. Apply the handbrake.
2. Switch the wipers off (position 0) and remove 
the ignition key.
3. Fold windshield wiper arm away from the 
windshield.
A- Passenger’s side, curved wiper blade
B- Driver’s side, wiper blade with spoiler4. Press together the plastic spring of the wiper 
blade (right arrow).
Pull wiper blade out of wiper arm.
5. Insert new wiper blade until you feel it engage.
Ensure that the new wiper blade is inserted 
into the wiper arm in the same position:
– direction of the spoiler on the driver side,
– curvature on the passenger side.
6. Carefully fold wiper arm back onto the wind-
shield. 

196
Maintenance, Car Care
Cleaning and preserving engine 
compartment The engine compartment and the surface of the 
engine are treated with a corrosion-inhibitor at the 
factory. 
If degreasing solvents are used to clean the engi-
ne compartment or the engine is washed down, 
the process almost invariably removes the corro-
sion-inhibiting coating. It is then absolutely neces-
sary to have a durable preservative applied to all 
surfaces, body seams, joints and assemblies in 
the engine compartment. This also applies when 
corrosion-inhibitor parts are replaced.
 Caution!
Risk of damage to the alternator. 
fDo not point the cleaning jet directly at the al-ternator, or cover the alternator. 
Effective corrosion-proofing is particularly impor-
tant during the cold weather season. If your car is 
driven frequently in areas where salt has been 
spread on the roads, the whole engine compart-
ment should be cleaned thoroughly after the win-
ter to prevent salt from causing any lasting dama-
ge. A full under-body wash should also be perfor-
med at the same time. 
Windows The road dust which settles on the windshield and 
windows contains particles of tire rubber and oil 
residue. The interior trim and upholstery release 
particles, particularly in strong sunlight, which col-
lect on the insides of the windows. These deposits 
are augmented by impurities in the air which en-
ters the car through the fresh air vents. 
fClean all windows regularly, inside and outside, 
with Porsche window cleaner. 
fIf you use a chamois leather for the windows, 
do not use it for paintwork as it will otherwise 
pick up a certain amount of preservative or po-
lish and could smear the windows and thus im-
pair vision. 
fRemove dead insects with the Porsche insect 
remover. 
Note
Door windows feature a water-repellent (hydropho-
bic) coating which prevents soiling of the windows.
This coating is subject to natural wear and can be 
renewed.
fConsult an authorized Porsche dealer.
Wiper blades Wiper blades that are in perfekt condition are vital 
for a clear view. 
fReplace the wiper blades twice per year (be-
fore and after the cold season) or whenever wi-
per performance deteriorates. 
fPeriodically clean the wiper blades with 
Porsche window cleaner, especially after the 
vehicle has been washed in a car wash.
If they are very dirty (e.g. with insect remains), 
they can be cleaned with a sponge or cloth. Undercoating The underside of your car is durably protected 
against chemical and mechanical influences. 
As it is not possible to exclude the risk of damage 
to this protective coating in day to day driving, it 
is advisable to have the underside of the car in-
spected at certain intervals - preferably before the 
start of winter and again in spring - and the under-
coating restored as necessary. 
Your authorized Porsche dealer is familiar with the 
bodyseal treatment procedures and has the ne-
cessary equipment for applying factory approved 
materials. We recommend that you entrust them 
with such work and inspections. 
Unlike conventional spray oils, undercoating and 
rust-proofing compounds based on bitumen or 
wax do not attack the sound-proofing materials ap-
plied at the factory. 

Index
275
RRadiator fans .............................................. 171
Radio reception .......................................... 139
Rain sensor ................................................ 110
Range on remaining fuel ........................87
, 100
Rear fog light .....................................108, 249
Rear lid ...................................................... 132
Rear spoiler............................................62, 63
Rear view mirrors ......................................... 31
Rear window defogger.................................. 33
Rear wing
Retractable........................................... 62
Relays ........................................................ 226
Release button ........................................... 147
Remote control ............................................. 18
Replacement key .......................................... 17
Replacing bulbs .......................................... 239
Replacing wiper blades................................ 169
Retractable spoiler........................................ 62
Rims
Diameter ............................................ 215
Rim width ........................................... 215
Running in .................................................... 14
SSafety belts ..........................................42
, 199
Warning light ........................................ 43
Safety compliance sticker ........................... 258
Sealing set ................................................. 220
Seals, care of ............................................. 197
Seat ............................................................ 34
Adjustment ........................................... 34
Heating ................................................ 38Memory................................................36
Selector lever .............................................147
Selector lever position indicator ............ 81
, 149
Shifting gear ...............................................146
Shiftlock .....................................................147
Side lights ..................................................249
Side marker light ............................... 108, 248
Side vents ..................................................120
Snow chains .............................. 213
, 263
, 264
Snow tires ......................................... 212, 262
Sockets .....................................................124
Spare key .....................................................17
Spare wheel ...............................................264
Speed code letter .......................................214
Speed control .............................. 76
, 113
, 114
Speed limit .......................................... 88, 214
Speedometer................................................78
Spoiler .........................................................62
Fixed ....................................................63
Retractable ...........................................62
Sport mode ..................................... 57
, 60, 61
Sports seat ..................................................34
Stability management system (PSM) ...............58
Starting ................................................. 67, 68
Starting and stopping the engine ....................67
Steering wheel
Adjustment ...........................................39
Buttons ................................................40
Lock ................................. 67
, 68, 69, 70
Rocker switches..................................147
Toggle switches ..................................147
Stopwatch ....................................................92
Storage options ..........................................126
Storing your Porsche..................................200
Sun visors ....................................................41Switching passenger’s airbag on and off ........ 48
TTachometer ................................................. 79
Tail light ..................................................... 249
Tank .................................................. 178
, 179
cap ................................................... 179
Ventilation system.............................. 184
Telephone .................................................. 141
Temperature setting........................... 114, 117
Temperature, outside indicator ...................... 83
Test stand, measurements ............................ 60
Theft protection ........................................... 16
Tiptronic .................................................... 147
Indicator .............................................. 81
Tires ................................... 14
, 203
, 262
, 263
Checking pressure............................. 223
Inscription .......................................... 214
Loading information ............................ 216
Pressure................................ 5
, 206
, 263
Pressure plate.................................... 259
Sealant .............................................. 220
Sidewall ............................................. 214
Size .................................................. 214
Tires and tire care ...................................... 203
Tools ......................................................... 136
Towing .............................................. 254, 255
Track ........................................................ 262
Transmission ............................. 145
, 146
, 261
Fluid .......................................... 190, 266
Trunk entrapment ....................................... 132
Turn signals ......................................... 79, 109 

276UUndercoating ............................. 182
, 196
, 197
VValves ........................................................ 210
Vanity mirror................................................. 41
Vehicle
Care .................................................. 191
Identifikation label............................... 258
Identifikation number ........................... 258
Laying up the car................................ 231
Putting into operation .......................... 232
Washing ............................................. 191
Ventilation .................................................. 117
Vents .................................................114
, 117
Viscosity, engine oil.................................... 174
WWarning messages ..................................... 102
Washer fluid .......................................184
, 266
Washer lever .............................................. 110
Washing ..................................................... 191
Weights...................................................... 267
Welcome Home Function............................. 108
Wheel ............................... 198
, 203
, 262
, 263
Bolts ............................................17, 222
Changing............................................ 224
Checking pressure..........................5, 223
Inscription .......................................... 214
Loading information............................ 216
Pressure plate .................................... 259
Sidewall ............................................. 214Size ................................................... 214
Tire pressure ................................. 5
, 206
Tire sealant ........................................ 220
Windows ............................... 25
, 28, 154
, 196
Washer nozzles................................... 110
Washer system .......................... 184, 266
Windshield wipers .............................. 110, 169
Replacing ........................................... 169
Windstop .................................................... 161
Winter driving
Battery ............................................... 230
Jump lead starting.............................. 236
Winter operation
Coolant .............................................. 170
Locks................................................. 193
Seals ................................................. 197
Snow chains ....................................... 213
Tires .................................................. 212
Washer fluid........................................ 184
Wiper blades....................................... 169