52
Controls, Safety, Instruments
Steering WheelTiptronic rocker switchesThe Porsche Tiptronic is a six-speed transmission
and features an “automatic” and a “manual” gear-
shift mode.
You can change temporarily to manual mode using
rocker switches A on the steering wheel.
fPlease observe the chapter “TIPTRONIC S” on
Page 203.
HornfPress button B to operate the horn.Airbag unitAirbag unit C is located behind the padded steer-
ing wheel boss.
In conjunction with the safety belts, the “airbag” is
a safety system designed to provide the driver and
passengers with maximum protection from injury
in an accident.
fPlease observe the chapter “AIRBAG SYS-
TEMS” on Page 49.
Steering Wheel HeatingIf the interior temperature in the vehicle is lower
than +54°F (+12°C)when the ignition is switched
on, the steering wheel heating is switched on au-
tomatically.
When this happens, the steering wheel adjusts to
a temperature of +73°F (+23°C).
If the interior temperature rises above +71°F
(+22°C) when the vehicle is operational, the steer-
ing wheel heating switches off again.
Controls, Safety, Instruments
61
Starting and Stopping the EnginefPlease observe the chapter “IMMOBILIZER” on
Page 19.
fPlease observe the chapter “EMISSION
CONTROL SYSTEM” on Page 263.
Danger!
Risk of poisoning. Exhaust gas contains
colorless and odorless carbon monoxide
(CO), which is toxic even in low concentra-
tion. Carbon monoxide can cause uncon-
sciousness and even death if inhaled.
fNever start or let the engine run in an en-
closed, unventilated area. It is not recommend-
ed to sit in your car for prolonged 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 opera-
tion, they would go unnoticed.
fNever leave the engine idling unattended.
Danger of fire.
fDo not drive or park your car where combus-
tible materials, such as dry grass or leaves,
can come into contact with the hot exhaust
system.
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.
Starting vehicles with manual
transmissionfOperate footbrake.
fFully depress and hold the clutch pedal.
fPut the gearshift lever in neutral.
fDo not press the accelerator pedal. The engine
control module will provide the correct starting
mixture.
fTurn ignition key to ignition lock position 2.
fDo not operate the starter longer than approx.
10 seconds. If necessary, repeat the starting
procedure after a pause of approx.
10 seconds. Turn the ignition key back to
ignition lock position 3 first.
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.fDo not warm up the engine when stationary.
Drive off immediately.
Avoid high revolutions and full throttle until the
engine has reached operating temperature.
fIf battery output is insufficient, jump leads can
be used to start the engine.
fPlease observe the chapter “EMERGENCY
STARTING WITH JUMPER CABLES” on
Page 331.
Note on operation
To ensure a good charge condition for the battery
and thus its ability to start the engine, all electrical
accessories which are not required should be swit-
ched off when the ignition is switched on and when
engine revolutions are low (in stop and go traffic).
Controls, Safety, Instruments
65
The warning lights will go out after the parking
brake is fully released.
The warning lights are not an indicator that the
parking brake is fully applied; it is only intended to
be a warning to release the parking brake before
driving the car.
Caution!
A partially engaged brake will overheat the
rear brakes, reduce their effectiveness and
cause excessive wear.
fRelease the parking brake fully.
fWhen parking your car, press down firmly on
the foot pedal.
fMove the selector lever to “P“ (Tiptronic) or
move the gearshift lever to reverse or first
gear (Manual transmission).
fOn hills also turn the front wheels towards the
curb.
BrakesfMake it a habit to check the operation of your
brakes before driving.
Keep in mind that the braking distance increases
very rapidly as the speed increases. At 60 mph
(100 km/h), for example, it is not twice but four
times longer than 30 mph (50 km/h). Tire traction
is also less effective when the roads are wet or
slippery.
fTherefore, always maintain a safe distance
from the car in front of you.Note
Even though the brake discs consist of alloyed
grey cast iron, they will unavoidably start to cor-
rode if your car is parked for an extended period.
The brakes will tend to “rub“ as a result.
The nature, extent and effects of corrosion de-
pend on the amount of time the vehicle was
parked, whether road salt or grit was spread and
whether grease-dissolving agents were used in
car washes.
If the braking comfort is noticeably impaired, we
recommend having the brake system checked by
experts at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Parking Brake warning
light USA
Parking Brake warning
light Canada
108
Controls, Safety, Instruments
Warning Lights and Warning MessagesIf a warning message appears, always refer to the corresponding chapters in this Owner's Manual.
Instrument
panelMulti-purpose
displayText display Meaning/measures
Steering faulty Steering lock engaged.
Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Ignition lock faulty Do not continue driving.
Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
System fault – Workshop Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Key not recognised in vehicle Make sure that you have the remote control with you.
Turn ignition key to left for
2 secondsEngage the steering lock.
Key: replace battery Replace the remote-control battery.
Move the steering wheel Turn the steering wheel so that the steering wheel lock can
engage/disengage.
Key not found Make sure that you have the remote control with you.
Switch selector lever to position “P”.Tiptronic S: The vehicle could roll away.
The ignition key can be withdrawn only in selector lever
positionP.
Apply the brake Apply the brake when starting.
Move selector lever to position
“P” or “N”Tiptronic S: The vehicle can be started only in position P or N.
Applying the clutch Manual transmission: Apply the clutch when starting.
Immobiliser active Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
112
Controls, Safety, Instruments
Oil pressure too low Immediately stop in a suitable place and switch engine off.
Do not continue driving.
Check engine oil level. Add oil if necessary.
Do not continue driving if the warning light comes on even when
the oil level is correct. Have the fault remedied at an authorized
Porsche dealer.
Service in 1864 mls (3000 km)Service indicator
Bring the vehicle in for service no later than after the distance
shown has been covered.
Service nowService indicator
Have your vehicle serviced at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Brake pads – Workshop Have the brake pads replaced at an authorized Porsche dealer
without delay.
Warning – Brake circuit division Stop immediately in a suitable place. Do not continue driving.
Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
ABS failure – WorkshopDrive carefully. Have the fault remedied at an authorized
Porsche dealer.
PSM failure – WorkshopDrive carefully. Have the fault remedied at an authorized
Porsche dealer.
Warning – Brake fluid level Stop immediately in a suitable place. Do not continue driving.
Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Parking brake Parking brake not released.
PSM onPorsche Stability Management was switched on.
PSM offPorsche Stability Management was switched off.
PHC failureThe Porsche Drive-Off Assistant (manual transmission) and the
Engine Braking Support (downhill assistance) are not available.
Brake booster faulty Greater braking pedal force necessary. Drive carefully to the
nearest authorized Porsche dealer.
Instrument
panelMulti-purpose
displayText display Meaning/measures
Controls, Safety, Instruments
113
Sport shock absorber Current setting of Porsche Active Suspension Management.
Normal shock absorber Current setting of Porsche Active Suspension Management.
Comfort shock absorber Current setting of Porsche Active Suspension Management.
Warning – Air suspension Stop in a suitable place. Do not continue driving.
Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Air suspension faulty – Workshop Drive carefully to the nearest authorized Porsche dealer.
Spare wheel filling Collapsible spare wheel being filled with level-control
compressor. Do not drive off!
Control off Level control has been switched off (to jack up the vehicle).
Not permissible The prerequisites for setting the desired level have not been
met.
Pressure accumulator charging Level control temporarily unavailable.
All-wheel drive system faulty Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Shifting not possible,
Speed too highTiptronic S: When changing between Low Range and High
Range, the limit speed (Low Range program) must not be
exceeded.
Changing only possible
in NeutralTiptronic S: The selector lever must be in position Nwhen
changing between Low Range and High Range.
Possible only in neutral
with brake appliedManual transmission: The vehicle must be stationary,
the brakes must be applied, and the gearshift lever must
be in the Neutral position when changing between Low Range
and High Range.
Warning – Parking lock!
Operate footbrake.Do not continue driving. Apply the parking brake.
Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Instrument
panelMulti-purpose
displayText display Meaning/measures
162
Controls, Safety, Instruments
Parking AidsParkAssistParkAssist provides a visual and acoustic indica-
tion to the driver of the distance between the
vehicle and a large obstacle.
ParkAssist is switched on automatically when the
engine is started and remains active up to a speed
of approx. 9 mph (14 km/h).
ParkAssist is switched off automatically at high
speed. ParkAssist is switched on again auto-
matically when the speed drops below approx.
9mph (14km/h).
The selector lever position determines activation
levels for ParkAssist and the corresponding area
that is monitored.
Selector lever position:
–P – ParkAssist is not activated.
–R, N – ParkAssist is activated for the front and
rear areas.
–D, M – ParkAssist is activated for the front ar-
ea.Gearshift lever position:
–R– ParkAssist is activated for the front and
rear areas.
–In all other gearshift positions – ParkAssist
is activated for the front area.
Note
On vehicles with manual transmission, the parking
assistant is not switched on in the rear area if the
vehicle rolls backward without reverse gear enga-
ged.
Danger!
Risk of serious personal injury or death.
ParkAssist cannot detect small objects such
as children and pets.
Even when using ParkAssist, the driver is still
responsible for taking due care when park-
ing and when assessing obstacles.
fMake sure that no persons especially small
children, animals or obstacles are within the maneuvering area.Switching ParkAssist on and off
fSwitch ParkAssist on and off using button A in
the roof console.
When ParkAssist is switched off, the indicator
light in the button lights up.
Note on operation
It is a good idea to switch off ParkAssist when
driving off-road and on unpaved surfaces.
Shifting Gear, Traction Systems
201 Shifting Gear, Traction Systems
Manual transmission, clutch ........................ 202
Tiptronic S ................................................. 203
Selector Lever Positions ............................. 204
Driving Programs for On-Road and
Off-Road Driving ......................................... 211
Power-Transmission and Running-Gear
Control Systems ........................................ 217
Off-Road Driving ......................................... 227
Air Suspension with Level Control
and Height Adjustment................................ 236
Porsche Active Suspension
Management (PASM) .................................. 239