Shifting Gear, Traction Systems
233
Tips on driving
fAvoid high engine speeds (max. 2,500 rpm).
fDo not perform manual gear changes when
driving, and try to avoid stopping.
Moving off in the water can be difficult due to
the high resistance and the loose surface in-
volved.
fStart the water crossing at a shallow place at
walking speed.
fAfter checking the body of water, take the
shortest path through it.
fNever drive into the water at high speed. The
resulting “bow wave” could damage the engine
and its accessories.
fAdjust your driving style to the unfamiliar sur-
roundings.
fCross the body of water slowly and at a con-
stant speed.
fNever turn around when crossing a body of wa-
ter.
fIf it is not possible to cross the body of water,
the car must be backed out of it in reverse
gear.
The servo pump and alternator can fail if the car is
driven through water for an extended period.
fIf the servo pump fails, substantially more
force will have to be exerted in order to steer. Maintenance note
The car requires a special check after the water
crossing.
fRemove mud from the tire tread.
fBriefly brake the brakes dry after driving
through the water.
HumpsfPlease observe the chapter “GROUND CLEA-
RANCE” on Page 366.
Note on operation
fActivate Low Range and engage differential
locks if necessary.
Tips on driving
fJust before reaching the hump, ease off the ac-
celerator slightly and use the car's momentum
to cross the hump. This will prevent the car
from jumping over the hump and landing on the
following downward slope at an excessive
speed.
fAvoid high engine speeds (max. 2,500 rpm).
Shifting Gear, Traction Systems
237
Loading level
Caution!
Risk of damage to running-gear parts, units
and the vehicle underbody.
If the car is driven off a curb when at loading level,
for example, insufficent ground clearance can
cause it to bottom out.
fAlways switch to normal level before moving off.
This setting makes it easier for you to load the lug-
gage compartment.
The vehicle is lowered by around 2.4 in. (60 mm)
compared to normal level.
The car is automatically raised to normal level at
speeds exceeding around 3 mph (5 km/h).
Setting level manuallyPreconditions
–Ignition on.
– Doors are closed.
Setting
fMove rocker switch in the appropriate direc-
tion.
This sets the next possible height.
Indication of selected level
The corresponding light-emitting diode beside the
rocker switch flashes during the control process.
The light-emitting diode is continuously lit after the
control process.
The level change is also indicated on the multi-pur-
pose display of the instrument panel.
Exceptions
Automatic changes from normal level to low level
and back are not indicated on the multi-purpose
display of the instrument panel.
Note on operation
The level selected last is stored in memory after
the ignition is switched off.Raising the vehicle
1st actuation: Terrain level
2nd actuation: Special terrain level
f f f
238
Shifting Gear, Traction Systems Lowering the vehicle
1st actuation: Low level
2nd actuation: Loading level
Warning messageVarious messages are indicated on the multi-pur-
pose display of the instrument panel if there is a
system fault or if the compressor switches off due
to overload.fPlease observe the chapter “WARNING LIGHTS
AND WARNING MESSAGES” on Page 108.
fAdapt your driving style to the changed condi-
tions.
fConsult an authorized Porsche dealer in order
to remedy a system fault.
fIf the overload-protection function causes the
compressor to switch off, wait for a time until
it has cooled down. The system will function
again as soon as it has cooled sufficiently.
The warning message appears when the control
system is switched off and when the collapsible
spare wheel is being filled. This does not indicate
a fault.
The warning message will go out once these pro-
cedures have been completed.
Raising vehicle with the jackWhenever it is necessary to jack up the vehicle:
fManually set normal level and then switch off
level control.
Switching off level control
1. Switch ignition on.
2. Push rocker switch forward for 5 to
10 seconds.
A message is shown on the multi-purpose
display of the instrument panel.
The vehicle can now be raised.
Switching level control back on
1. Switch ignition on.
2. Push rocker switch forward for 5 to
10 seconds or
3. Drive forward with the vehicle.
Level control switches on automatically.Transporting the vehicles on car trains,
ferries and car transportersfTie the vehicle down only at its wheels.
Shifting Gear, Traction Systems
239
Porsche Active Suspension
Management (PASM)Various messages are shown on the multi-purpose
display of the instrument panel.
fPlease observe the chapter “WARNING LIGHTS
AND WARNING MESSAGES” on Page 108.
Three different running-gear setups can be select-
ed with the push of a button:
–Comfort
–Normal
–Sport
If the running-gear setups “comfort” or “normal”
have been selected, the system automatically
changes the setup to “sport” when the car is driv-
en in a sporty manner.
Indication of the selected running-gear
setupThe light-emitting diode in the button of the select-
ed running-gear setup is lit.
In addition, the selected running-gear setup is indi-
cated on the multi-purpose display of the instru-
ment panel for around 12 seconds.
The warning light in the instrument panel comes
on if there is a system fault. A warning message is
shown on the multi-purpose display of the instru-
ment panel.
fAdapt your driving style to the changed condi-
tions.
fTo remedy the fault, consult an authorized
Porsche dealer.
Selecting the running-gear setup1. Switch ignition on.
2. Press the appropriate button.
Note on operation
The running-gear setup selected last is stored in
memory after the ignition is switched off.
Warning lights and warning
messages
Maintenance, Car Care
243
Radiator fansThe radiator and radiator fans are in the front of
the car.
Warning!
Danger of injury. The fans can start running
as a function of temperature, even with the
engine switched off.
fExercise extreme caution when working in the area of the radiator fans.
Engine OilEngine oil consumption
It is normal for your engine to consume oil.
The rate of oil consumption depends on the quality
and viscosity of oil, the speed at which the engine
is operated, the climate, road conditions as well
as the amount of dilution and oxidation of the lubri-
cant.
If the vehicle is used for repeated short trips, and
consumes a normal amount of oil, the engine oil
measurement may not show any drop in the oil lev-
el at all, even after 600 miles (1000 km) or more.
This is because the oil is gradually becoming dilut-
ed with fuel or moisture, making it appear that the
oil level has not changed.
The diluting ingredients evaporate out when the
vehicle is driven at high speeds, as on an express-
way, making it then appear that oil is excessively
consumed after driving at high speeds.
If the conditions you drive your vehicle in are
dusty, humid, or hot, the frequency of the oil
change intervals should be greater.If the vehicle is driven at a high rate of speed, cli-
matic conditions are warm, and the load is high,
the oil should be checked more frequently, as driv-
ing conditions will determine the rate of oil con-
sumption.
– The engine in your vehicle depends on oil to lu-
bricate and cool all of its moving parts. There-
fore, the engine oil should be checked regular-
ly and kept at the required level.
– Make it a habit to have the engine oil level
checked with every fuel filling.
– The oil pressure warning light is not an oil level
indicator.
The oil pressure warning light indicates serious
engine damage may be occuring when lit, if en-
gine rpm is above idle speed.
244
Maintenance, Car Care
Engine Oil LevelfPlease observe the chapter “EXERCISE
EXTREME CAUTION WHEN WORKING ON YOUR
VEHICLE” on Page 242.
fPlease observe the chapter “WARNING LIGHTS
AND WARNING MESSAGES” on Page 108.
fCheck the oil level regularly. It is best to do this
when refuelling and before extended journeys.
Warning!
Engine oil is hazardous to your health and
may be fatal if swallowed.
fKeep engine oil out of children's reach.
Used engine oil contains chemicals that have
caused cancer in laboratory animals.
fAlways protect your skin by washing thorough-ly with soap and water.If the oil level is too low, this is indicated by the oil-
level warning light lighting up on the multi-purpose
display.
fCheck the oil level using the oil dipstick as
soon as possible and add engine oil if neces-
sary.
Note on operation
fIf the engine compartment lid is opened and oil
is not added, the warning message appears
again after approximately 100 km.
Checking the oil level
Warning!
Danger of injury. The radiator fans can start
running as a function of temperature, even
with the engine switched off.
Risk of burning from hot parts in engine com-
partment.
fExercise extreme caution when working on the engine compartment.Conditions for measuring the oil level
correctly
– Vehicle must be level.
– Engine must be switched off and at operating
temperature.
– Before the oil-level measurement, allow the en-
gine oil to flow back into the oil pan for around
3 minutes.
Checking oil level with the oil dipstick
1. Withdraw oil dipstick and wipe it with a clean,
lint-free cloth.
2. Push oil dipstick fully home, withdraw again
and read off the oil level.
The oil level must never fall below or ex-
ceed the “Min.” and “Max.” marks on the
dipstick.
The difference between the marks is approx.
1.6 qt. (1.5 liters).
3. Push oil dipstick in as far as the stop.
Oil-level warning
Maintenance, Car Care
251
Brake-Fluid LevelfPlease observe the chapter “EXERCISE
EXTREME CAUTION WHEN WORKING ON YOUR
VEHICLE” on Page 242.
fUse only new (unused) Original Porsche brake
fluid.
Warning!
Brake fluid is hazardous to your health, and
may be fatal if swallowed.
Brake fluid also attacks paintwork.
fKeep brake fluid out of children's reach.
fImmediately rinse off spilled brake fluid with
clean water.
fIf brake fluid gets into your eye, immediately
rinse with clean water for a few minutes. Then
see a doctor immediately.
fPlease note all the information on the refill container of the brake fluid.
Checking the brake-fluid levelThe reservoir for the hydraulic braking system is
located in the engine compartment.
1. Rotate the turn-locks 90°anti-clockwise
(arrow) with a screwdriver and remove the
cover.2. Check brake-fluid level at the transparent
reservoir.
The fluid level should always lie between the
MIN and MAX marks.
A slight decrease in the fluid level due to wear and
automatic readjustment of the disc brakes is
normal.
If, however, the fluid level falls markedly or below
the MIN mark, the braking system may have devel-
oped a leak.
fPlease have the braking system checked im-
mediately at an authorized Porsche dealer.
252
Maintenance, Car Care
Changing the brake fluidBrake fluid absorbs moisture from the air over
time. This accumulation of water lowers the boil-
ing point and, under certain operating conditions,
can affect the braking action.
fTherefore, have the brake fluid changed in ac-
cordance with the change intervals stated in
the booklet “Guarantee and Maintenance”.
The warning light in the instrument panel and the
warning message on the multi-purpose display of
the instrument panel indicate
– indicate the brake level fluid is too low or,
– in conjunction with large pedal travel could in-
dicate a braking-circuit failure.
Note on operation
If the warning lights should light up while driving:
fStop immediately in a suitable place.
fDo not continue driving.
Please have the fault remedied at your nearest
authorized Porsche dealer.
Washer FluidThe washer-fluid reservoir for windshield, rear win-
dow and headlights is located in the engine com-
partment.Warning message on the multi-purpose
displayA message is shown on the multi-purpose display
of the instrument panel if the washer-fluid level is
too low.
In this case, the residual quantity is only around
0.85 quarts (0.8 liter).
fAdd washer fluid at the next opportunity.
Topping off washer fluidThe capacity is approx. 7.9 quarts (7.5 liters).
Clean water is generally not enough to clean the
windows and headlights.
It is advantageous to add a winter cleaner giving
antifreeze protection or a suitable summer clean-
er, depending on the season. Follow the instruc-
tions for the mixture ratio.
fUse only cleaner authorised by Porsche.
1. Please note all the information on the refill
container of the cleaning agent.
2. Open cap of the washer-fluid reservoir.
3. Top up washer fluid and close cap properly.
fDo not use engine coolant anti-freeze or any
other solution that can damage the car’s paint,
in the washer reservoir.
Brake fluid warning light
USA
Brake fluid warning light
Canada