232
Shifting Gear, Traction Systems
Water crossingfPlease observe the chapter “GROUND CLEA-
RANCE” on Page 366.
Danger!
Danger of drowning if water enters the vehi-
cle. Risk of damage to the engine and acces-
sories if water penetrates.
fBefore driving through water, check the water
depthA, water speed and the condition of the
surface beneath it.
The water must not be deeper than 20 in./
50 cm (22 in./55.5 cm for vehicles with level
control and height adjustment).
fCheck the door sills and rubber seals before
starting to drive.
fDo not drive through deep or rapidly flowing
water.
Deep or rapidly flowing water, e.g. mountain
streams, can cause the car to deviate from the
desired path.
fAvoid a "bow wave" by driving at an appropriate
speed.
fNever open the doors when driving through wa-
ter.Soiling can impair the braking action.
fCheck and clean the brakes if they have been
soiled.
Danger of steering assistance failing during
a long journey in the water if the drive belt
slips.
fIf the steering assistance fails, more effort will
be required to steer.
Danger of damaging electrical systems
fAvoid driving through salt water.
Notes on operation
fActivate Low Range.
fSwitch the air conditioner off.
fSwitch the headlights off.
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
254
Maintenance, Car Care
Air CleanerfPlease observe the chapter “EXERCISE
EXTREME CAUTION WHEN WORKING ON YOUR
VEHICLE” on Page 242.
Regular replacement of the filter element is part of
servicing.
fIn dusty conditions, clean the filter element
more frequently and replace if necessary.Particle FilterThe fresh air passing through the particle filter into
the passenger compartment is virtually free of
dust and pollen.
fIf the outside air is polluted by exhaust fumes,
press the circulating-air button.
A dirty filter can be the cause of reduced air
throughput.
fHave filter replaced by your authorized
Porsche dealer.
Regular replacement of the filter is part of servic-
ing.
Automatic Transmission Fluid The torque converter and the transmission are lu-
bricated with Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF).
fPlease observe the chapter “CAPACITIES” on
Page 362.
Do not tow the car or run the engine without ATF
in the transmission. The automatic transmission
may be damaged by even a tiny speck of dirt, only
a clean funnel or spout must be used when adding
AT F.
The ATF and transmission oil has to be checked
and changed at the intervals listed in your Mainte-
nance Schedule.
We recommend that you have the ATF and trans-
mission oil changed at your Porsche dealer, who
has the required lubricants and the necessary fill-
ing equipment.
If you suspect an oil leak in the transmission, have
your authorized Porsche dealer check it out imme-
diately.
Manual Transmission OilThe transmission oil has to be checked and
changed at the intervals listed in your Maintenance
Schedule.
fPlease observe the chapter “CAPACITIES” on
Page 362.
We recommend that you have the transmission oil
changed at your Porsche dealer, who has the re-
quired lubricants and the necessary filling equip-
ment.
If you suspect an oil leak in the transmission, have
your authorized Porsche dealer check it out imme-
diately.
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
263
Emission Control SystemIn the interest of clean airPollution of our environment has become a prob-
lem that is of increasing concern to all of us. We
urge you to join us in our efforts for cleaner air in
controlling the pollutants emitted from the auto-
mobile.
Porsche has developed an emission control sys-
tem that controls or reduces those parts of the
emission that can be harmful to our environment.
Your Porsche is equipped with such a system.
Porsche warrants the Emission Control System in
your new car under the terms and conditions set
forth in the Warranty Booklet.
You, as the owner of the vehicle, have the respon-
sibility to provide regular maintenance service for
the vehicle and to keep a record of all mainte-
nance work performed. To facilitate record keep-
ing, have the service performed by authorized
Porsche dealers. They have Porsche trained tech-
nicians and special tools to provide fast and effi-
cient service.To assure efficient operation of the Emission
Control System:
fHave your vehicle maintained properly and in
accordance with the recommendations de-
scribed in your Maintenance Booklet. Lack of
proper maintenance, as well as improper use
of the vehicle, will impair the function of the
emission control system and could lead to
damage.
fDo not alter or remove any component of the
emission control system.
fDo not alter or remove any device, such as
heat shields, switches, ignition wires, valves,
etc., which are designed to protect your vehi-
cle's emission control system. In addition to
serious engine damage, this can result in a fire
if excess raw fuel reaches the exhaust system.
fDo not continue to operate your vehicle if you
detect engine misfire or other unusual operat-
ing conditions.
Parking
Warning!
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 oth-
er 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.
Undercoating
Danger!
Danger of fire and serious personal injuries
or death.
fDo not apply additional undercoating or rust-
proofing on or near the exhaust manifold, ex-
haust pipes, catalytic converters or heat
shields. During driving the substance used for undercoating could overheat and ignite.
264
Maintenance, Car Care
How Emission Control WorksWhen an automobile engine is running, it uses en-
ergy generated through the combustion of a mix-
ture of air and fuel. Depending on whether a car is
driven fast or slowly or whether the engine is cold
or hot, some of the fuel (hydrocarbons) may not
be burned completely, but may be discharged into
the engine crankcase or exhaust system. Additon-
al hydrocarbons may enter the atmosphere
through evaporation of fuel from the fuel tank.
These hydrocarbons (HC), when released into the
air, contribute to undesirable pollution.
In addition, carbon monoxide (CO) and oxides of
nitrogen (NOx) contribute to engine emissions.
They, too, are formed during the combustion pro-
cess and discharged into the exhaust system.
To reduce these pollutants, your Porsche is
equipped with a precisely calibrated fuel injection
system to assure a finely balanced air/fuel mixture
under all operating conditions.
Oxygen sensorThe oxygen sensor, installed in the exhaust pipe
continuously senses the oxygen content of the ex-
haust and signals the information to an electronic
control unit. The control unit corrects the air/fuel
ratio, so the engine always receives an accurately
metered air/fuel mixture.Crankcase ventilationThrough crankcase ventilation, undesirable emis-
sions from the engine crankcase are not permit-
ted to reach the outside atmosphere. These emis-
sions are recirculated from the crankcase to the
air intake system. From here the emissions mix
with the intake air and are later burned in the en-
gine.Catalytic convertersThe catalytic converters are efficient “clean-up“
devices built into the exhaust system of the vehi-
cle. The catalytic converters burn the undesirable
pollutants in the exhaust gas before it is released
into the atmosphere.
The exclusive use of unleaded fuel is critical-
ly important for the life of the catalytic con-
verters. Therefore, only unleaded fuel must
be used.The catalytic converters will be damaged by:
– push or tow starting the vehicle
– misfiring of the engine
– turning off the ignition while the vehicle is mov-
ing or
– driving until the fuel tank is completely empty
– by other unusual operating conditions.
fDo not continue to operate your vehicle under
these conditions, since raw fuel might reach
the catalytic converters. This could result in
overheating of the converters. Federal law pro-
hibits use of leaded fuel in this car.
268
Maintenance, Car Care
PaintfNever rub a dusty car with a dry cloth since
dust particles are abrasive and could dull and
damage the surface finish.
The paintwork of your car is exposed to all types
of mechanical and chemical conditions, particular-
ly climatic ones such as bright sunlight, rain, frost
and snow. Ultraviolet light, rapid changes in tem-
perature, rain, snow, industrial dust and chemical
deposits constantly attack the paint which is only
able to withstand such exposure in the long term
if it is given regular care and attention.
fDo not treat matt-painted components with
preservatives or polishes, otherwise the matt
effect will be lost.Preservation
The paint surface becomes dull over time due to
weathering. It is therefore necessary to preserve
the paint regularly.
This keeps the paint shiny and elastic. Dirt is pre-
vented from adhering to the paint surface and in-
dustrial dust is prevented from penetrating the
paint.
Provided it is washed and treated with preserva-
tive regularly, the brand new finish of your car will
be retained for years to come.
fSimply apply paint preservative after washing
the car and polish it smooth.
Polishing
fDo not resort to using Porsche polish until it
becomes evident that the normal preservati-
ves no longer produce the desired finish.Removing spots and stains
fRemove tar stains, grease, oil spots and dead
insects etc. as soon as possible with Insect Re-
mover. They can cause discoloration if allowed
to remain on the paintwork.
fWash the affected area immediately after treat-
ing it.
Minor paint damage
fHave minor paint damage, such as scratches,
scores or chips caused by flying stones, re-
paired immediately by your authorized
Porsche dealer before corrosion begins.
However, if there are already traces of corrosion,
they must first be removed carefully and thorough-
ly. Coat the area with a rust-proofing primer and
finish off with a top coat. The paint code and color
number are found on the vehicle’s paint data plate.
fPlease observe the chapter “DATA BANK” on
Page 354.
Maintenance, Car Care
269
Cleaning the engine compartment
Caution!
Risk of damage, e.g. to the alternator, paint-
ed surfaces, and the valve covers.
fNever use high-pressure cleaning units with a
round-jet nozzle.
fAlways maintain a minimum distance of 21 in.
(50 cm).
fAlways cover the lid over the brake fluid reser-
voir prior to cleaning with a high-pressure
cleaner. Never point the cleaning jet directly at
the lid.
fDo not point the cleaning jet directly at any of the aforementioned components.
Note on operation
If the car is driven off-road frequently and after
driving on salted or gritted roads:
fClean the engine compartment regularly.
WindowsThe 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.
fMake sure not to damage the TV antenna in the
side window when cleaning.
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 pol-
ish and could smear the windows and thus im-
pair vision.
fRemove dead insects with insect remover.
Wiper bladesWiper blades that are in perfect condition are vital
for a clear view.
fReplace the wiper blades twice per year (be-
fore and after the cold season) or whenever
wiper performance deteriorates.
fPeriodically clean 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.