Controls, Safety, Instruments
117
Turn signal/High Beam/Headlight
Flasher StalkTurn signals, low beam and high beam are ready
for operation when the ignition is on.
1 – Turn signal light, left
2 – Turn signal light, right
3 – High beam
4 – Headlight flasher
Lever in center position – low beam
(when the light is switched on)Note on operation
When the high beam is switched on or the head-
light flasher is operated, the blue indicator light on
the speedometer is lit.
Parking lightThe parking light can only be switched on when
the ignition is switched off.
fMove the lever up or down to switch on the
right or left parking light.
Controls, Safety, Instruments
119
Windshield Wiper/Washer Stalk
Warning!
Danger of injury when the windshield wipers
operate unintentionally.
Risk of damage to the engine compartment
lid, windshield and wiper system.
fOnly wipe the windshield when sufficiently wet,
otherwise it could be scratched.
fLoosen frozen wiper blades before driving off.
fDo not operate headlight washer when it is
frozen.
fAlways switch off windshield wipers in car
wash to prevent them wiping unintentionally
(rain sensor operation).
fDo not operate headlight washer in car wash-
es.
fAlways switch off windshield wipers before
cleaning the windshield to avoid unintentional
operation (rain sensor operation).
fAlways hold the wiper arm securely when re-
placing the wiper blade.fAlways switch the windscreen wipers off (posi-
tion 0) before opening the engine compart-
ment lid. If the wiper arms are not in position
0, they will automatically move to this position
when the engine compartment lid is opened.
This will happen even if the ignition is off.
The wiper arms remain in this position until the
lid is closed and the wiper system is switched.
0 – Windshield wipers off
1 – Front windshield wiper – rain sensor op-
eration
fMove wiper stalk upwards to the first click.
Notes on operation
The amount of rain or snow which has settled on
the windshield is measured. Wiper speed is auto-
matically adjusted accordingly.
f f f
120
Controls, Safety, Instruments The rain sensor remains switched off if the wiper
lever is already in position 1 when the ignition is
switched on.
To switch the rain sensor on again:
fMove wiper stalk to position 0 and then to
position1 – switching on is confirmed by one
wipe of the windscreen – or
fOperate windscreen washer system 5–
switching on is confirmed by three wipes of the
windscreen – or
fChange the sensitivity of the rain sensor with
four-stage switch A.Changing the sensitivity of the rain sensor
Sensitivity can be set with switch A in 4 stages:
fAdjust switch A upwards –
high sensitivity.
The setting is confirmed by one wipe of the
windscreen.
fAdjust switch A downwards –
low sensitivity.
2 – Front windscreen wiper – slow
fMove wiper stalk upwards to the second click.
3 – Front windscreen wiper – fast
fMove wiper stalk upwards to the third click.
At speeds of less than approx. ca. 2.5 mph (4 km/
h), rain sensor operation mode is automatically
activated if the windscreen wiper is switched on. If
you exceed a speed of approx. 5 mph (8 km/h),
the system switches to the pre-selected wiper
level.
4 – Front windscreen wiper – one-touch
operation
fMove wiper stalk downwards. The front wind-
screen wipers go through one wiping cycle.5 – Front windscreen wipers and washer
system
fPull wiper stalk towards the steering wheel.
The washer system sprays and wipes while the
lever is pulled towards the steering wheel.
When the wiper lever is released, a few drying
wipes are executed.
Headlight washer (on vehicles with Bi-Xe-
non headlights):
The washer sprays only while low beam or high
beam is switched on.
To activate the headlight washer system, the
wiper lever must be pulled for a longer period
of time.
The spray duration is limited.
Maintenance note
fIf heavily soiled, repeat wash.
fPersistent dirt (e.g. insect remains) should be
regularly removed.
Please observe the chapter “CAR CARE
INSTRUCTIONS” on Page 256.
Thefront windscreen washer nozzles are heat-
ed when the ignition is on, as a precaution against
freezing.
194
Controls, Safety, Instruments
Towing a trailer
Warning!
Driving with a trailer
fAlways observe the permissible towing capac-
ity, vertical coupling load and rear-axle load.
Please observe the chapter “WEIGHTS” on
Page 352.
fWhen connected, the trailer must always be
horizontal behind the towing vehicle. If neces-
sary, use a trailer with an adjustable drawbar.
fWhen the vehicle is driven in the mountains, the
engine output decreases as altitude increases.
The maximum weights stated are the values at
sea level. The total weight of the car-trailer
combination must therefore be reduced by
10% for each increment of 3,280 ft. or
1,000 metres altitude. A fractional increment
counts as the full 1,000 metres. Please take
this into consideration when planning your
route.Distributing the load
fDistribute the load in the trailer so that heavy
objects are as close to the axle as possible.
Always safeguard all objects against slipping
and tie them down securely.
fYou should make the best possible use of the
trailer coupling's rated vertical coupling load
when loading the trailer, but never exceed it.
Tire pressure
fSelect the vehicle tire pressure for full load
when towing a trailer.
fPlease observe the chapter “Tire pressure ta-
bles”.
fCheck the tire pressure of the trailer's wheels
according to the manufacturer's instructions.Door mirrors
fIf the width of the trailer obstructs your view of
the traffic behind the trailer, you must have ad-
ditional door mirrors fitted.
Headlights, lights
fCheck whether the plug of the trailer is
plugged into the towing vehicle and whether all
lights function.
Shifting Gear, Traction Systems
221
Driving systems for off-road drivingSpecially adapted driving programs or power-
transmission and running-gear control systems
are available for off-road driving:
– Off-road program Low Range
–Off-road PSM
–Off-road ABS
– Center differential lock
– Rear differential lock
fPlease observe the chapter “POWER-TRANS-
MISSION AND RUNNING-GEAR CONTROL SYS-
TEMS” on Page 211.Before driving offTires
fCheck tread depth and tire pressure.
fCheck for damage and remove any foreign ob-
jects (e.g. stones) from the tread.
fReplace missing valve caps.
Rims
fReplace dented or damaged rims before
driving off road.
After driving off roadOff-road driving places a greater burden on the ve-
hicle than does normal driving on roads.
We recommend inspecting the vehicle after off-
road driving. Potential damage poses an accident
risk and impairs driving comfort. Damage on the
car is recognised in good time if the car is
checked.
Warning!
Car damage poses an accident risk for the
vehicle occupants and other road users.
fIn cases of doubt, have your vehicle checked
by your authorized Porsche dealer.
fExamine tires for signs of damage such as
cuts, tears, bulges or foreign objects stuck in
the tread. Replace a damaged tire if necessa-
ry.
fHave any damage to your vehicle repaired by an authorized Porsche dealer without delay.
Recommended procedure
fDeactivate Low Range.
fClean headlights and tail lights and check them
for signs of damage.
fClean the front and rear licence plates.fClean the tire tread with a jet of water and re-
move any foreign objects.
fClean wheels, wheel housings and the under-
body with a jet of water.
fCheck whether the car has picked up plant
parts or branches.
These materials increase the risk of fire and
can damage fuel lines, brake hoses, boots of
the axle joints and drive shafts.
fAfter off-road driving, always check the entire
floor assembly, tires, body structure, steering
system, running gear and exhaust system for
signs of damage.
fAfter driving for an extended period through
mud, sand, water or substances with a similar
soiling effect, check the brake discs, brake
pads, wheels and axle joints and have them
cleaned.
fIf you experience severe vibrations after
driving off road, check the wheels for foreign
substances.
These substances can produce an imbalance
which might be responsible for the vibrations.
Removing these deposits may remedy the
problem.
224
Shifting Gear, Traction Systems
Water crossingfPlease observe the chapter “GROUND CLEA-
RANCE” on Page 355.
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 22 in. or
55.5 cm.
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
intended 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.
Maintenance, Car Care
243
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 “Maintenance”.
The warning light in the instrument panel and the
warning message on the multi-purpose display of
the instrument panel
– indicate the brake level fluid is too low or,
– in conjunction with large pedal travel could
indicate a braking-circuit failure.
Note on operation
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 or 0.8 liters.
fAdd washer fluid at the next opportunity.
Topping off washer fluidThe capacity is approx. 7.9 quarts or 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 authorized 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
262
Maintenance, Car Care
Headlights, lights, interior and exterior
plastic partsfUseonlyclean water and a little dishwashing
detergent to clean headlights, lights, plastic
parts and surfaces.
Do not clean when dry.
Use a soft sponge or a soft, lint-free cloth.
Gently wipe the surface without applying too
much pressure.
The Porsche inside window cleaner is also
suitable for cleaning plastic surfaces.
Follow the cleaning instructions on the
container.
Never use other chemical cleaners or
solvents.
fRinse cleaned surfaces with clear water.
Door, roof, lid and window sealsfWash dirt (e.g. abrasion, dust, road salt or grit)
from all seals regularly using warm soapy wa-
ter. Do not use any chemical cleaning agents
or solvents.
When there is a frost hazard, the outer door seals
and the lid seals can be protected against freezing
into place by a suitable care product.
In order to prevent damage to the anti-fric-
tion coating, the inner door seals must not be
treated with care products.
Light alloy wheelsfPlease observe the chapter “AUTOMATIC CAR
WASHES” on Page 258.
Pitting may occur if metallic particles which cause
contact corrosion (e.g. brass or copper in brake
dust) are allowed to remain on the aluminum too
long.
fIf possible, wash the wheels with a sponge or
wash brush about every two weeks. In areas
where road salt or grit is spread on winter
roads or there is a lot of airborne industrial
dust, it is best to clean the wheels weekly.
The Porsche Light Alloy Wheel Cleaner
(ph-value 9.5) can be used for this pur-
pose.
If the ph-value of the detergent is in-
corect, the protective coating on the
wheels will be destroyed.
Polishes which dissolve oxides, such as those
frequently used for other metals, or abrasive
tools or agents are unsuitable because they
break down the oxide film of the protective
coating and will cause discoloration of the
wheel.
fEvery three months, after cleaning, coat the
wheels with a car wax or non-corrosive grease
(e.g. vaseline).
Using a clean cloth thoroughly rub the grease
into the surface.