Shifting Gear, Traction Systems
227
Off-Road DrivingPlease read this chapter carefully before driving
off road with your Porsche.
The information provided will familiarise you with
the special advantages of your vehicle, allowing
you to arrive at your destination safely every time.
We recommend practicing on less rugged terrain.
Vehicles with SportDesign package
Warning!
Risk of damage. On vehicles with Sport-
Design package, front, rear, and side
member trim are painted and pulled down
lower. Off-road driving can seriously damage
these trim parts.
fWhen driving off-road, make sure these parts
are not damaged.
fMake sure there is sufficient clearance
between obstacles and the underside of the
vehicle.
fAvoid driving through water.
fDo not use side member trim as a running board.Maintenance note
Please bear in mind that off-road driving subjects
all vehicle components to considerably more wear
than normal use, making professional inspection
and maintenance after each use a vital precondi-
tion for functioning and safety.
Grains of sand, dirt particles and other abrasive
materials entering the brakes can cause exces-
sive wear or unpredictable braking action.
Rules for off-road drivingfEnsure vehicle is equipped with approved all-
terrain tires.
fPlease observe the chapter “GROUND CLEA-
RANCE” on Page 366.
fActivate Low Range.
fStow or fasten luggage and loads securely.
Please observe the chapter “LOADING INFOR-
MATION” on Page 195.
fIf unknown terrain is obscured from view, ex-
amine it on foot first and traverse it with ex-
treme caution.
This way, obstacles are easier to recognise
and damage to the vehicle is avoided.
fAlways drive with the engine running.
Steering assistance is provided only with the
engine running.
fDrive slowly and uniformly.fAlways make sure that the wheels touch the
ground.
fBefore driving through water, check the water
depth, the condition of the surface beneath it
and the speed of the water.
fLook out for obstacles such as boulders,
holes, tree stumps or ruts.
fAlways keep the sliding/lifting roof or
Panorama roof system and the side windows
closed while driving.
fDo not depart from marked routes or paths.
fRespect Nature.
Always obey off-limits signs.
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
258
Maintenance, Car Care
Fuel EconomyFuel economy will vary depending on where,
when and how you drive, optional equipment
installed, and the general condition of your
car.
A car tuned to specifications and correctly
maintained, will help you to achieve optimal
fuel economy.
fHave your vehicle tuned to specifications. Air
cleaner should be dirt free to allow proper en-
gine “breathing“.
Battery should be fully charged.
Wheels should be properly aligned.
Tires should be inflated at correct pressure.
fAlways monitor your fuel consumption.
fDrive smoothly, avoid abrupt changes in speed
as much as possible.
fAvoid jack rabbit starts and sudden stops.
fDo not drive longer than necessary in the lower
gears. Shifting into a higher gear early without
lugging the engine will help save fuel.
fProlonged “warm up“ idling wastes gas. Start
the vehicle just before you are ready to drive.
Accelerate slowly and smoothly.fSwitch off the engine if stationary for longer
periods.
fAny additional weight carried in the vehicle re-
duces fuel economy. Always keep cargo to a
minimum and remove all unnecessary items.
fOrganize your trips to take in several errands
in one trip.
fAll electrical accessories contribute to in-
creased fuel consumption.
fOnly switch on the air conditioning when neces-
sary.
fDo not drive with the Roof Transport System
mounted unless you need it.
The EPA estimated m.p.g. is to be used for
comparison purposes, actual mileage may
be different from the estimated m.p.g., de-
pending on your driving speed, weather con-
ditions and trip length. Your actual highway
mileage will probably be less than the esti-
mated m.p.g.
fPlease observe all local and national speed lim-
its.
Operating Your Porsche in other
CountriesGovernment regulations in the United States and
Canada require that automobiles meet specific
emission regulations and safety standards. There-
fore, cars built for the U.S. and Canada differ from
vehicles sold in other countries.
If you plan to take your Porsche outside the conti-
nental limits of the United States or Canada, there
is the possibility that
– unleaded fuel may not be available;
– unleaded fuel may have a considerably lower
octane rating. Excessive engine knock and se-
rious damage to both engine and catalytic con-
verters could result;
– service may be inadequate due to lack of prop-
er service facilities, tools or diagnostic equip-
ment;
– replacement parts may not be available or very
difficult to get.
Porsche cannot be responsible for the me-
chanical damage that could result because
of inadequate fuel, service or parts availabil-
ity.
If you purchased your Porsche abroad and want to
bring it back home, be sure to find out about ship-
ping and forwarding requirements, as well as cur-
rent import and customs regulations.
Maintenance, Car Care
267
Automatic car washes
Optional add-on parts or parts which project be-
yond the contours of the vehicle may be damaged
by design features (e.g. brushes) of automatic car
washes.
The following parts are particularly
susceptible to damage:
– Windshield wipers (always switch them off to
prevent them wiping unintentionally in intermit-
tent or sensor operation).
– Door mirrors (always fold in).
– Roof Transport System (always remove com-
pletely).
– Spoiler.
– Wheels (the wider the rim and the lower the tire
height, the greater the risk of damage).
fPlease consult the operator before using
automatic car washes.
fWash and dry by hand all points not reached by
a car wash, such as door and lid seams or
door sills.
Note
Automatic car washes spray water at odd angles
and high pressures, which are not seen in normal
driving. Therefore, water can sometimes find its
way into the passengers compartment during or
shortly after the car wash.
Door lockfTo prevent the door lock from freezing during
the cold season, cover the lock barrel with a
suitable adhesive tape during washing.
fShould the locks freeze, use an ordinary de-ic-
er.
In many cases, a well warmed key can help.
Never use excessive force.
282
Practical Tips, Minor Repairs
Tire traction
Warning!
When driving on wet or slushy roads, a
wedge of water may build up between the
tires and the road. This phenomenon is
known as “hydroplane“ and may cause par-
tial or complete loss of traction, vehicle con-
trol or stopping ability.
fReduce speed on wet surfaces to prevent this.Tire lifeTire life depends on various factors, i.e., road sur-
faces, traffic and weather conditions, driving hab-
its, type of tires and tire care.
fInspect your tires for wear and damage before
driving off. If you notice uneven or substantial
wear, wheels might need alignment or tires
should be balanced or replaced.
Tire wearThe original equipment tires on your Porsche have
built-in tire wear indicators. They are molded into
the bottom of the tread grooves and will appear as
approximately 1/2 in. (12 mm) bands when the
tire tread depth is down to 1/16 of an in (1.6 mm).
When the indicators appear in two or more adja-
cent grooves, it is time to replace the tires. We
recommend, however, that you do not let the tires
wear down to this extent.
Worn tires cannot grip the road surface properly
and are even less effective on wet roads.
In the United States, state laws may govern the
minimum tread depth permissible. Follow all such
laws.
Danger!
Driving on worn tires can result in loss of con-
trol of the vehicle and could cause serious
personal injuries or death.
fDo not drive with worn tires or tires showing
cuts or bruises as they may lead to sudden
deflation and loss of control which could cause
severe personal injury.
fSpecialized high performance tires on high
performance sport utility vehicles exhibit more
wear than those on a family sedan, or even a
high performance sedan.
Therefore, it is important to check your tire
pressure and condition at least every two weeks.
fIf you notice that tires are wearing unevenly,
consult your Porsche dealer.
Uneven wear may not always be due to improper
wheel alignment. It can be the result of individual
driving habits such as cornering at high speeds. If
the tire pressure is not checked and adjusted reg-
ularly, abnormal tire wear can also occur.
Practical Tips, Minor Repairs
289
Example of InscriptionInscription on radial tireATire size
Example: P 255/55R18 109 Y
–P - The tire is designed for Passenger vehicle.
This information is not included on all tires.
–255 - Indication of tire width in mm
–55- Indication of tire height to tire width ratio
in percent
–R- Belt type code letter for radial–18 - Indication of rim diameter in inches
–109 - Load capacity coefficient
–Y - Speed code letter
B TIN (Tire Identification Number)
Example: DOT xx xx xxxx xxxx
–DOT
The DOT symbol indicates that the tires com-
ply with the requirements of the US Depart-
ment of Transportation and provides informa-
tion about:
– first two-digit code means manufacture’s iden-
tification mark.
– second two-digit code means tire size.
– third four-digit code means tire type code.
– fourth four-digit code means date of manufac-
ture.
If, for example, the last four numbers read
1204, the tire was produced in the 12th week
of 2004.
C Tire ply composition and material
The number of layers in the tread and sidewalls
and their material composition.
D Maximum permissible inflation pressure
The maximum permissible cold inflation pressure
to which a tire can be inflated.
fDo not exceed the permissible inflation pres-
sure.
E Maximum Load rating
The maximum load in kilograms and pounds can
be carried by the tire. If you replace tires always
use a tire that has the same maximum load rating
as the factory installed tire.
F Term of tubeless or tube tire
Identification for tubeless tires.
GRadial
The identification indicates if the tire has radial
structure.
Vehicle Identification, Technical Data
363
Weights1)Empty weight includes 165 lbs. (75 kg) driver and baggage share.2)The maximum gross weight must not be exceeded.
Note: If additional equipment is installed, the useful load will be correspondingly less.3)Use only Original Porsche Roof Transport System. Cayenne
manual transmissionCayenne
Tiptronic SCayenne S
manual transmissionCayenne S
Tiptronic SEmpty weightEmpty weight (depending on equipment)per DIN 70020
4860 - 5670 lbs.
(2160 - 2520 Kg)
4784 -5578 lbs.
(2170 - 2530 kg)
5006 - 5850 lbs.
(2225-2600 kg)
4949 - 5776 lbs.
(2245 - 2620 kg)
per 70/156/EEC
1)
5029 - 5839 lbs.
(2235 - 2595 kg)5051 - 5861 lbs.
(2245 - 2605 kg)5175 - 6019 lbs.
(2300 - 2675 kg)5220 - 6064 lbs.
(2320 - 2695 kg)
Maximum axle load, front
2)
3053 lbs. (1385 kg)
3053 lbs. (1385 kg)
3208 lbs. (1455 kg)
3208 lbs. (1455 kg)
Maximum axle load, rear
2)
3637 lbs. (1650 kg) 3637 lbs. (1650 kg) 3704 lbs. (1680 kg) 3704 lbs. (1680 kg)
Maximum gross weight 6492 lbs. (2945 kg) 6492 lbs. (2945 kg) 6790 lbs. (3080 kg) 6790 lbs. (3080 kg)
Trailer operation Canada/USAMaximum gross weight 6713 lbs. (3045 kg) 6713 lbs. (3045 kg) 7155 lbs. (3180 kg) 6790 lbs. (3080 kg)Maximum axle load, front/rear axle
3053/3858 lbs.
(1385/1750 kg)
3053/3858 lbs.
(1385/1750 kg)
3208/3913 lbs.
(1455/1775 kg)
3208/3913 lbs.
(1455/1775 kg)
Roof load
Maximum roof load
3)
when roof rail is fitted
3)
225 lbs. (100 kg)
165 lbs. (75kg)
225 lbs. (100 kg)
165 lbs. (75 kg)
225 lbs. (100 kg)
165 lbs. (75 kg)
225 lbs. (100 kg)
165lbs. (75kg)
Towing capacity/vehicle + trailer weight
Maximum towing capacity, braked
(up to a max. 12% slope)
7716 lbs. (3500 kg)
7716 lbs. (3500 kg)
7716 lbs. (3500 kg)
7716 lbs. (3500 kg)
Maximum towing capacity, unbraked 1654 lbs. (750 kg) 1654 lbs. (750 kg) 1654 lbs. (750 kg) 1654 lbs. (750 kg)
Maximum vehicle + trailer weight
14209 lbs. (6445 kg)
14209 lbs. (6445 kg)
14209 lbs. (6580 kg)
14506 lbs. (6580 kg)
Maximum trailer hich load 308 lbs. (140 kg) 308 lbs. (140 kg) 308 lbs. (140 kg) 308 lbs. (140 kg)