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Practical Tips, Minor Repairs
Exercise Extreme Caution when
Working on your Vehicle
Danger!
Ignoring the following instructions may
cause serious personal injury or death.
fThe engine compartment of any motor vehicle
is a potentially hazardous area. If you are not
fully familiar with proper repair procedures, do
not attempt the adjustments described on the
following pages.
This caution applies to the entire vehicle.
fO n l y w o r k o n y o u r v e h i c l e o u t d o o r s o r i n a w e l l
ventilated area.
fEnsure that there are no open flames in the
area of your vehicle at any time when fuel
fumes might be present. Be especially cau-
tious of such devices such as hot water heat-
ers which ignite a flame intermittently.
fBefore working on any part in the engine com-
partment, turn the engine off and let it cool
down sufficiently. Hot engine compartment
components can burn skin on contact.
fBe alert and cautious around engine at all
times while the engine is running.
If you have to work on the engine while it is run-
ning, always put the handbrake on and put the
gearshift lever in neutral or the selector lever
in position P.fIn particular, be very careful to ensure that
items of clothing (ties, shirt, sleeves etc.), jew-
elry, long hair, hand or fingers cannot get
caught in the engine-compartment blower, fan,
belts or other moving parts.
The radiator and radiator fans are in the front
of the car.
The fans can start or continue running as a
function of temperature, even with the engine
switched off.
Carry out work in these areas only with the
engine off and exercise extreme caution.
fYour Porsche is equipped with an electronic
ignition system. When the ignition is on, high
voltage is present in all wires connected with
the ignition system; therefore, exercise
extreme caution when working on any part of
the engine while the ignition is on or the engine
is running.
fAlways support your car with safety stands if it
is necessary to work under the car. The jack
supplied with the car is not adequate for this
purpose.
fWhen working under the car without safety
stands but with the wheels on the ground,
make sure the car is on level ground, the
wheels are blocked, and that the engine can-
not be started.
Remove the ignition key.fDo not smoke or allow an open flame around
the battery or fuel.
Keep a fire extinguisher in close reach.
fIncomplete or improper servicing may cause
problems in the operation of the car. If in doubt
about any servicing, have it done by your
authorized Porsche dealer.
Improper maintenance during the warranty
period may affect your Porsche warranty cov-
erage.
fSupplies of fluids, e.g. engine oil, brake fluid or
coolant, are hazardous to your health. Keep
these fluids out of children's reach and dispose
of them in accordance with the appropriate
regulations.
fSome countries require additional tools and
special spare parts to be carried.
Please make enquiries before driving abroad.
Notes on Minor RepairsTool kitThe tool kit is accommodated in the spare-wheel
well under the cover of the loadspace floor.
Practical Tips, Minor Repairs
309
Closing spare wheel bracket
Warning!
Danger of injury and risk of accident if the
spare wheel bracket is operated improperly.
fOperate the spare wheel bracket only using
buttonB.
fIf the vehicle is tilted to the side, more effort
will be required to swing the spare wheel
bracket.
fMake sure that no persons or animals are
within the range of movement of the spare wheel bracket.
1. Check whether additional lock C is engaged. If
necessary, slide additional lock C to the right.
2. Swing spare wheel bracket closed with force.
3. Check lock and observe indication on the multi-
purpose display of the instrument panel.
The indicator light must go out when the spare
wheel bracket is locked.
Automatic locking
fPlease observe the chapter “TAILGATE” on
Page 104.
D- Towing lug cover (left)
E- Emergency release cableEmergency release for the spare wheel
bracketIf the battery is flat, the only way to open the spare
wheel bracket is by using the mechanical emer-
gency release.
Warning!
Danger of injury and risk of accident if the
spare wheel bracket is operated improperly.
fPerform emergency unlocking of the spare
wheel bracket only when the vehicle is on a level surface.
1. Remove cover of left towing lug D.
2. Pull emergency release cable E in the direction
of the arrow.
The spare wheel bracket is now unlocked and
can be operated.
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Practical Tips, Minor Repairs
Electrical SystemIn order to avoid damage and faults in electrical or
electronic systems, electrical accessories should
be installed at your authorized Porsche dealer.
fUse only accessories authorized by Porsche.
Warning!
Risk of short circuit and fire.
Replacing fuses or relays with engine running
or the ignition on could cause electrical
shock.
fDisconnect the battery during all work on the electrical system.
RelaysRelays should be checked or changed only by an
authorized workshop.Alarm system, central lockingThe status of the central locking and alarm system
is not changed by disconnecting the battery.
When the battery is disconnected, the alarm
system ceases to function.
SocketsElectrical accessories can be connected to the
12 V sockets.Note on operation
The sockets and thus the connected electrical ac-
cessories function even if the ignition is swi tched
off or the ignition key is withdrawn.
If the engine is not running and the accessories
are switched on, the vehicle battery will be
discharged.
320
Practical Tips, Minor Repairs
Battery
Danger!
Risk of short circuit and fire.
fObserve all warning notes on the battery.
fDisconnect the battery during all work on the
electrical system.
fDo not lay tools or other metal objects on the
battery as they could cause a short circuit
across the battery terminal.
Hydrogen gas generated by the battery
could cause an explosion, resulting in severe
personal injuries.
fDo not expose the battery to an open flame,
electrical spark or a lit cigarette.
Risk of explosion
fDo not wipe the battery with a dry cloth.
fBefore touching the battery, discharge any
static electricity by touching the vehicle.
Risk of severe personal injury and damage to
the fabric, metal or paint.
fWear eye protection.
fDo not allow battery acid to come in contact
with your skin, eyes, fabric or painted surfac-
es.fIf you get electrolyte, which is an acid, in your
eyes or on your skin, immediately rinse with
cold water for several minutes and call a doc-
tor.
fSpilled electrolyte must be rinsed off at once
with a solution of baking soda and water to
neutralize the acid.
Battery posts, terminals and related acces-
sories contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of California to
cause cancer and reproductive harm.
fAlways protect your skin by washing thorough-
ly with soap and water.
Charge stateA well charged battery will not only prevent start-
ing problems but will also last longer.
In order to avoid unintended battery
discharge
fSwitch off unnecessary electrical loads in city
traffic, on short trips or in a line of traffic.
fAlways remove the ignition key from the igni-
tion switch when leaving the vehicle or
switch ignition off in vehicles with Porsche En-
try & Drive.
fAvoid using the Porsche Communication
Management system and the audio system
when the engine is not running.
Battery carefEnsure that battery is securely mounted.
fKeep terminals and connections clean and
properly tightened. Corrosion can be prevent-
ed by coating the terminals and connections
with petroleum jelly or silicone spray.
fEnsure that vent caps are securely tightened to
prevent spillage.
Checking the electrolyte fluid level
(only on low-maintenance batteries)
Generally, the electrolyte level must be checked
more often in summer than in the winter, and more
often when driving long distances.
fWhen adding water, use only clean containers.
In no case may alcohol (e.g. window cleaner
residues) be permitted to enter the battery.
fUnscrew and open the filler vent caps of each
cell.
With the car on a level surface, the fluid level
should meet the indicator mark in each cell.
fIf necessary, top up with distilled water. Do not
use acid. Only fill up to the mark, otherwise the
electrolyte will overflow when the battery is be-
ing charged and cause damage.
Practical Tips, Minor Repairs
321
Winter operationDuring the winter months, battery capacity tends
to decrease as temperatures drop. Additionally,
more power is consumed while starting, and the
headlights, heater, rear window defogger, etc.,
are used more frequently.
Let your Porsche dealer test the battery's capaci-
ty before winter sets in.Vehicle storageIf the car stands for long periods in the garage or
workshop, the doors and lids should be closed.
fRemove the ignition key and, if necessary, dis-
connect the battery.
Notes on operation
fWhen the battery is disconnected, the alarm
system ceases to function.
If the vehicle was locked before the battery
was disconnected, the alarm will be triggered
when the battery is reconnected.
To deactivate the alarm system:
fLock the vehicle and unlock it again.Maintenance note
Even if you put your vehicle out of operation, the
battery still discharges.
The battery will discharge more quickly if your ve-
hicle is not driven on a daily basis over a distance
of several miles. The more often you drive your ve-
hicle, and the longer the distance driven on each
trip, the more opportunity the vehicle‘s charging
system will have to recharge the batteries.
fTo preserve its efficiency, charge the battery
about every 6 weeks.
fCheck the battery acid level and top off with
distilled water if necessary.
fStore a battery that has been removed in a
dark, cool place, but not subject to freezing.
Putting vehicle into operationAfter the battery is connected or charged, the
PSM warning light lights up on the instrument pan-
el and a message appears on the multi-purpose
display of the instrument panel to indicate a fault.
This fault can be remedied with a few simple
steps:
1. Start the engine.
To do this, turn the ignition key or the control
unit (on vehicles that have Porsche Entry &
Drive) to ignition lock position 2 twice.2. Perform a few steering movements and drive
a short distance in a straight line until the PSM
warning light goes out and the message is
erased from the memory of the multi-purpose
display of the instrument panel.
3. If the warnings does not go out, then:
Drive carefully to the nearest authorized
Porsche dealer.
Have the fault remedied by an authorized
Porsche dealer.
4. After the warnings disappear:
Stop the vehicle in a suitable place.
5. Perform adaptation of the power windows:
Please observe the chapter “STORING FINAL
POSITION OF THE DOOR WINDOWS” on
Page 31.
6. On vehicles with tire pressure monitoring sys-
tem:
Please observe the chapter “SYSTEM LEAR-
NING PHASE” on Page 89.
f f f
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Practical Tips, Minor Repairs
Replacing the batteryThe service life of the battery is subject to normal
wear; it depends greatly on care, climatic condi-
tions, and driving conditions (distances, loads).
fOnly use an original Porsche battery, with the
correct part number, as a replacement. Only
this battery meets the specific requirements of
the vehicle.
fPlease observe the disposal instructions for
batteries.
Battery chargingAutomotive batteries loose their efficiency when
not in use. The charge available in your battery can
be measured with a battery hydrometer. We rec-
ommend that the battery voltage be tested by
your Porsche dealer who has the appropriate
equipment.
If the car is not driven for prolonged periods, the
battery must be charged at least every 6 weeks.
A discharged battery allows rapid formation of sul-
fates, leading to premature deterioration of the
plates.
Danger!
Hydrogen gas generated by the battery
could cause an explosion, resulting in severe
personal injuries.
fCharge battery in a well ventilated area.
fNever charge a frozen battery. It may explode
because of gas trapped in the ice. Allow a fro-
zen battery to thaw out first.
fIf you get electrolyte, which is an acid, in your
eyes or on your skin, immediately rinse with
cold water for several minutes and call a doc-tor.
Note
Your authorized Porsche dealer will be pleased to
advise you about a suitable charger.Slow battery charging
1. Pay attention to all warnings and follow instruc-
tions that come with your battery charger.
2. When charging, ensure adequate ventilation.
3. Remove battery.
Please observe the chapter “REMOVING AND
INSTALLING BATTERY” on Page 323.
4. All vent caps should be open.The fluid level
should meet the indicator mark in each cell.
5. Ensure that charger is switched off – danger of
short circuit!
6. Connect charger cables.Charger cables must
be connected POSITIVE (+) to POSITIVE (+)
and NEGATIVE (–) to NEGATIVE (–).
7. Switch on charger. Normally, a battery should
be charged at no more than 10 percent of its
rated capacity. Rated capacity of the battery in
your vehicle is listed on the battery housing.
8. After charging, turn off charger and disconnect
charger cables.
9. Tighten the vent caps and reinstall battery.
Please observe the chapter “REMOVING AND
INSTALLING BATTERY” on Page 323.
Practical Tips, Minor Repairs
323
Removing and installing battery
Danger!
Danger of explosion and injury and risk of
short circuit and damage to the alternator
and electronic control units.
fHave the battery removed and installed only by
a qualified professional.
fDo not disconnect battery while the engine is
running.
fDisconnect and connect the battery only with
the greatest care. Danger of short circuit and
explosion.
fDo not tilt the battery when removing it.Risk of caustic burns from escaping acid.
The battery is located in the battery box under the
left front seat.
If the battery is completely discharged, the vehicle
must be provided with external power at the jump-
lead starting points so that you can move the seat.
fPlease observe the chapter “EMERGENCY
STARTING WITH JUMPER CABLES” on
Page 331.Maintenance note
The seat mounting bolts must be replaced each
time they are loosened.
The bolts are micro-encapuslated and keep dust
and water out.
If this is not observed, it might not be possible to
attain the prescribed tightening torque of 37 ftlb
(50 Nm).
Removing battery
1. Switch off all electrical loads and withdraw the
ignition key.
2. Move the left front seat all the way back and
up.
Move the backrest fully upright.
3. Unclip front seat trim A.
f f f
324
Practical Tips, Minor Repairs 4. Fold sections of floor carpet forward.
Unscrew both screws B of the seat mounting.5. Tilt the seat all the way back.
With the seat tilted back, use the fore-and-aft
adjustment to move the seat forward again.6. Open the 4 clamps C of the battery-box lid with
a screwdriver.
7. Remove the battery-box cover with ventilation
duct.
Danger!
Danger of explosion and injury and risk of
short circuit and damage to the alternator
and electronic control units.
fDisconnect the negative cable first, and then the positive cable.
8. Disconnect the negative cable.
9. Disconnect the positive cable.