220
Shifting Gear, Traction Systems
Porsche Stability Management (PSM)PSM is an active control system for stabilisation of
the vehicle during extreme driving maneuvres. It
operates together with the Porsche Traction
Management (PTM) system.
PSM makes use of both the ABD and TCS sys-
tems, as well as the known functions of the anti-
lock brake system (ABS) and engine drag torque
control system (MSR).
Safety notes!
In spite of the advantages of PSM, it is still the driv-
er’s responsibility to adapt his driving style and
maneuvres in line with road and weather condi-
tions, as well as the traffic situation.
The increased safety that is provided should not in-
duce you to take greater risks with your safety.
The limits set by the physics of driving cannot be
overcome, even with PSM.
Risks of accident due to inappropriate speed
cannot be reduced by PSM.Advantages of PSM
– Best possible traction and lane-holding ability
in all driving situations – even on road surfaces
with varying friction.
– The system compensates for undesired vehi-
cle reactions (Ferraria effect) when the driver
releases the accelerator pedal or brakes on
bends. This compensation functions up to the
maximum lateral acceleration.
– PSM actively stabilises the vehicle in the event
of under and oversteering during dynamic
driving maneuvres (e.g. rapid steering move-
ments, during lane changes or on alternating
bends).
– Improved braking stability on bends and on dif-
ferent or varying road surfaces.Readiness for operation
PSM is switched on automatically every time you
start the engine.
Function
Sensors at the wheels, brakes, steering system
and engine continuously measure:
–Driving speed
– Direction of travel
– Lateral acceleration
– Longitudinal acceleration
– Rate of turn about the vertical axis
PSM uses these values to determine the direction
of travel desired by the driver.
PSM intervenes and corrects the course if the ac-
tual direction of motion deviates from the desired
course (steering-wheel position):
It brakes individual wheels as needed. If neces-
sary, PSM additionally influences the engine power
or the gear-changing characteristic of the Tiptron-
ic in order to stabilise the vehicle.
Shifting Gear, Traction Systems
221
The events below inform the driver of PSM control
operations and warn him to adapt his driving style
to the road conditions:
– The information light in the instrument panel
lights up.
– Hydraulic noises can be heard.
– The vehicle decelerates and steering-wheel
forces are altered as the PSM controls the
brakes.
– Reduced engine power.
– The brake pedal pulsates and its position is
changed during braking.
However, it is possible at any time to achieve
full vehicle deceleration by increasing the foot
pressure slightly.
Examples of PSM control operations
–Vehicle understeers:
If the front wheels of the vehicle drift on a
bend, engine power is reduced and the rear
wheel on the inside of the bend is braked if
necessary.
–Vehicle oversteers:
If the rear of the vehicle swings out on a bend,
the front wheel on the outside of the bend is
braked.Combined use of PSM and PTM/PTM Plus
In order to ensure optimal stabilisation of the
vehicle, the center differential lock (PTM) and
possibly the rear differential lock (PTM Plus) are
also opened when PSM interventions occur.
Tip on driving
When PSM is switched off, wheel-specific brake
interventions and the traction control system
(TCS) are also inactive.
The automatic brake differential (ABD) remains on.Off-road PSM
(PSM in Low Range program)
When Low Range is active, an off-road PSM
specially matched to off-road driving is activated
to enhance traction.
At a speed below 22 mph (35 km/h), the terrain
PSM intervenes later if the vehicle should under-
steer and thereby improves steerability in Low
Range.
If the brakes are highly stressed, the automatic
brake differential (ABD) switches itself off to
protect the brakes. It remains deactivated until the
brake system has cooled sufficiently.
Engine drag torque control
In conditions of excessive slip, the engine drag
torque control system prevents all driven wheels
from locking up when the car is overrunning. This
is also the case for downshifts on a slippery road.
Shifting Gear, Traction Systems
223
ABS
(Anti-lock Brake System)
Safety notes!
In spite of the advantages of ABS, it is still the driv-
er’s responsibility to adapt his driving style and
maneuvres in line with road and weather condi-
tions, as well as the traffic situation.
The increased safety that is provided should not in-
duce you to take greater risks with your safety.
The limits set by the physics of driving cannot be
overcome, even with ABS.
Risks of accident due to inappropriate speed can-
not be reduced by ABS.
ABS ensures:
–Full steering control
The vehicle remains steerable
–Good driving stability
No skidding due to locked wheels
–Optimum braking distance
Shorter stopping distances in most cases
–Lock prevention
No flat spots on the tiresFunction
The decisive advantage of ABS is in the driving
stability and maneuvrability of the vehicle in
hazardous situations, even during heavy braking
while cornering.
ABS prevents locking of the wheels during full
braking, on almost all road surfaces, until shortly
before the vehicle stops.
The ABS begins to control the braking process as
soon as a wheel shows a tendency to lock.
This controlled braking process is comparable to
extremely rapid cadence braking.
The pulsating brake pedal and a “rattling noise”
warn the driver to adapt his driving speed to the
road conditions.Warning light
If the ABS warning lights light up in the instrument
panel and on the multi-purpose display of the in-
strument panel while the engine is running, the
ABS has switched off because of a fault.
In this event, the braking system will operate with-
out lock prevention,as in cars without ABS.
fAdapt your driving style to the changed brak-
ing behavior.
The ABS must be checked immediately at an
authorized Porsche dealer in order to prevent
the occurrence of further faults the effects of
which cannot be defined.
The ABS control unit is adjusted for the approved
tire dimensions.
The use of tires with non-approved dimensions can
lead to different wheel speeds, causing the ABS to
switch off.
f f f
230
Shifting Gear, Traction Systems
Uphill driving
Danger!
Danger of serious personal injury or death
and risk of damage if the vehicle should
overturn.
fDo not turn around when driving uphill.
fIf it is not possible to climb a gradient, the car
must be backed down in reverse gear.
fDo not drive over embankments or slopes at
an angle to the line of maximum gradient.
fIf the vehicle starts to tilt, immediately steer in
the direction of the tilt (line of slope).
fWhen driving uphill, never let the vehicle roll
backward when in idle or not in gear.
Exclusive use of the footbrake is too risky in such situations.Note on operation
fActivate Low Range before taking extreme up-
ward or downward gradients.
Tips on driving
fDo not perform manual gear changes when
driving, and try to avoid stopping.
fAvoid high engine speeds (max. 2,500 rpm).
Traction on uphill slopesNote on operation
fActivate Low Range and engage differential
locks if necessary.
Tips on driving
fWhen driving uphill, go easy on the accelerator
and make sure that wheels have sufficient trac-
tion (don't spin).
fAvoid high engine speeds (max. 2,500 rpm).
fDrive slowly.
Shifting Gear, Traction Systems
231
Driving downhill
Danger!
There is a danger of serious personal injury
or death and risk of damage if the vehicle
should overturn.
fDo not drive over slopes at an angle to the line
of maximum gradient.
fDrive downhill slowly, with the wheels pointing
straight ahead.
fIf the vehicle starts to tilt, immediately steer in
the direction of the tilt (line of slope).
fWhen driving downhill, never let the vehicle roll
when in idle.
fUse engine braking effect.
If the engine braking effect is not adequate, gently apply the foot brake.Note on operation
fActivate Low Range. The off-road ABS is
switched on automatically.
Tips on driving
The same general principle as for uphill driving ap-
plies to downhill driving.
fDo not perform manual gear changes when
driving, and try to avoid stopping.
fAvoid high engine speeds (max. 2,500 rpm).
A special circuit of the off-road ABS permits con-
trolled brief lock-up of the front wheels so that they
can dig into the loose surface more effectively.
Locked wheels slip and can no longer be steered.
fWhen driving down steep hills on unpaved sur-
faces, brake carefully and do not start to slide.
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.
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.
284
Practical Tips, Minor Repairs
Tire replacementsfUse only tire makes and types tested by
Porsche.
Only tires with the same manufacturer and
with the same specification code (e.g. “N0“,
“N1“...) should be mounted on the vehicle.
Tires should be replaced no less than on one axle
at the time. Only tires of the same make and type
must be used. Mixed tires are not permissible and
will affect vehicle performance, safety, and can
affect vehicle warranty.
Porsche dealers can recommend the most current
replacement tire options for your vehicle.
Initially, new tires do not have their full traction.
You should therefore drive at moderate speeds
during the first 60 - 120 miles (100 - 200 km).If new tires are installed only on one axle, a notice-
able change in handling occurs due to the different
tread depth of the other tires. This happens espe-
cially if only rear tires are replaced. However, this
condition disappears as the new tires are broken
in.
fPlease adjust your driving style accordingly.
Installation of new tires should only be done by a
qualified tire technician.
Valves
fUse only plastic valve caps.
fThe rubber valves must be replaced whenever
the tires are changed.
fThe fitting and replacement specifications
must be observed for metal valves.
fOnly use Original Porsche metal valves.
Parking at the curb
Danger!
Hard impacts against curbs (or traffic
islands) are dangerous and may cause hid-
den tire damage which is not noticeable until
later. Such damage can result in accidents at
high speeds causing severe personal injury.
Depending on the force of impact, the edge
of the rim can also be damaged.
fIf you are in doubt, have the wheel checked by
an expert, particularly if you suspect damage
on the inside.
fIf you must drive over a curb or other obstacle,
drive slowly and at an obtuse angle. Exercise care when parking along curbs.
Maintenance note
Tire repairs are not permissible under any circum-
stances.