Maintenance, Car Care
235
Radiator fansThe radiator and radiator fans are in the front of
the car.
Warning!
Danger of injury. The fans can start running
as a function of temperature, even with the
engine switched off.
fExercise extreme caution when working in the area of the radiator fans.
Engine OilEngine oil consumption
It is normal for your engine to consume oil.
The rate of oil consumption depends on the quality
and viscosity of oil, the speed at which the engine
is operated, the climate, road conditions as well
as the amount of dilution and oxidation of the lubri-
cant.
If the vehicle is used for repeated short trips, and
consumes a normal amount of oil, the engine oil
measurement may not show any drop in the oil lev-
el at all, even after 600 miles (1000 km) or more.
This is because the oil is gradually becoming dilut-
ed with fuel or moisture, making it appear that the
oil level has not changed.
The diluting ingredients evaporate out when the
vehicle is driven at high speeds, as on an express-
way, making it then appear that oil is excessively
consumed after driving at high speeds.
If the conditions you drive your vehicle in are
dusty, humid, or hot, the frequency of the oil
change intervals should be greater.If the vehicle is driven at a high rate of speed, cli-
matic conditions are warm, and the load is high,
the oil should be checked more frequently, as driv-
ing conditions will determine the rate of oil con-
sumption.
– The engine in your vehicle depends on oil to lu-
bricate and cool all of its moving parts. There-
fore, the engine oil should be checked regular-
ly and kept at the required level.
– Make it a habit to have the engine oil level
checked with every fuel filling.
– The oil pressure warning light is not an oil level
indicator.
The oil pressure warning light indicates serious
engine damage may be occuring when lit, if en-
gine rpm is above idle speed.
236
Maintenance, Car Care
Engine Oil LevelfPlease observe the chapter “EXERCISE
EXTREME CAUTION WHEN WORKING ON YOUR
VEHICLE” on Page 234.
fPlease observe the chapter “WARNING LIGHTS
AND WARNING MESSAGES” on Page 106.
fCheck the oil level regularly. It is best to do this
when refuelling and before extended journeys.
Warning!
Engine oil is hazardous to your health and
may be fatal if swallowed.
fKeep engine oil out of children's reach.
Used engine oil contains chemicals that have
caused cancer in laboratory animals.
fAlways protect your skin by washing thorough-ly with soap and water.If the oil level is too low, this is indicated by the oil-
level warning light lighting up on the multi-purpose
display.
fCheck the oil level using the oil dipstick as
soon as possible and add engine oil if neces-
sary.
Note on operation
fIf the engine compartment lid is opened and oil
is not added, the warning message appears
again after approximately 62 miles (100 km).
Checking the oil level
Warning!
Danger of injury. The radiator fans can start
running as a function of temperature, even
with the engine switched off.
Risk of burning from hot parts in engine com-
partment.
fExercise extreme caution when working on the engine compartment.
Conditions for measuring the oil level
correctly
– Vehicle must be level.
– Engine must be switched off and at operating
temperature.
– Before the oil-level measurement, allow the en-
gine oil to flow back into the oil pan for around
3 minutes.
Oil-level warning
242
Maintenance, Car Care
Brake-Fluid LevelfPlease observe the chapter “EXERCISE
EXTREME CAUTION WHEN WORKING ON YOUR
VEHICLE” on Page 234.
fUse only new (unused) Original Porsche brake
fluid.
Warning!
Brake fluid is hazardous to your health, and
may be fatal if swallowed.
Brake fluid also attacks paintwork.
fKeep brake fluid out of children's reach.
fImmediately rinse off spilled brake fluid with
clean water.
fIf brake fluid gets into your eye, immediately
rinse with clean water for a few minutes. Then
see a doctor immediately.
fPlease note all the information on the refill container of the brake fluid.
Checking the brake-fluid levelThe reservoir for the hydraulic braking system is
located in the engine compartment.
1. Rotate the turn-locks 90° counterclockwise
(arrow) with a screwdriver and remove the
cover.
2. Check brake-fluid level at the transparent res-
ervoir.
The fluid level should always lie between the
MIN and MAX marks.A slight decrease in the fluid level due to wear and
automatic readjustment of the disc brakes is
normal.
If, however, the fluid level falls markedly or below
the MIN mark, the braking system may have devel-
oped a leak.
fPlease have the braking system checked im-
mediately at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Maintenance, Car Care
253
Fuels containing MMTSome North American fuels contain an octane en-
hancing additive called methylcyclopentadienyl
manganese tricarbonyl (MMT).
If such fuels are used, your emission control sys-
tem performance may be negatively affected.
The check engine warning light on your instrument
panel may turn on.
If this occurs, Porsche recommends you stop us-
ing fuels containing MMT.
Portable Fuel Containers
Danger!
Portable fuel containers, full or partially
empty, may leak causing an explosion, or re-
sult in fire in case of an accident.
fNever carry additional fuel in portable contain-ers in your vehicle.
Fuel Evaporation ControlFuel tank ventingThe evaporation chamber and the carbon canister
prevent fuel from escaping to the atmosphere at
extreme high outside temperatures, when driving
abruptly around curves and when the car is parked
at an incline or in any other nonlevel position.Vapor control system and storageWhen the fuel tank is filled, vapors are collected in
the evaporation chamber by a vent line leading the
vapors to the carbon canister where they are
stored as long as the engine does not run.Purge systemWhen the engine is running, the fuel vapors from
the canister will be mixed with fresh air from the
ambient air of the canister. This mixture will be di-
rected to the intake air housing by the tank vent
line, mixed with the intake air and burned during
normal combustion.
Maintenance, Car Care
265
Storing your PorscheIf you intend to store your Porsche for a prolonged
period, please consult your authorized Porsche
dealer. The staff will be glad to advise you on the
most suitable and necessary methods.
fClean your vehicle thoroughly inside and out-
side. Clean the engine compartment. The un-
der carriage and chassis components should
be free of dirt and salt deposits.
fFill up the fuel tank.
fChange the oil and oil filter, and run the engine
for several minutes.
fIncrease the tire pressure to 58 psi (4 bar).It is
not recommended to lift the vehicle, due to the
possibility of corrosion on shock absorber pis-
ton shafts.The vehicle should be moved slight-
ly, approximately every four weeks, to prevent
flat spot on the tires.Climate control
The air conditioning system should be in good
working condition and fully charged.
Windshield/Headlight washer
fCheck and correct antifreeze/cleaning solution
level as necessary.
Electrical system
fRemove the battery from the vehicle and store
it in a cool dry place, not on a cement floor.
When the battery is disconnected, the alarm
system is deactivated.
fRecharge the battery every 3 months. If the
battery remains in the vehicle with the cables
connected, it is necessary to check, remove
and recharge the battery every 2-3 weeks.
Do not fast charge the battery.
fPlease observe the chapter “CHARGE STATE”
on Page 312.Vehicle interior
The interior must be dry, especially in the area of
the floor carpets. The use of drying agents (Silica-
Gel) is recommended in vehicles with leather inte-
rior and in areas with high humidity. The recom-
mended amount is 3 fabric bags of 1.1 lbs.
(500 grams) each placed on the floor carpets.
Windows, doors, lids and roof must be closed.
The air vents should be opened.
Practical Tips, Minor Repairs
313
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 “TIRE PRESSURE
MONITORING SYSTEM LEARNING PROCESS”
on Page 87.
Practical Tips, Minor Repairs
325
Charging the batteryYour authorized Porsche dealer will be pleased to
advise you about a suitable charger.
1. Always observe the instructions of the charger
manufacturer.
2. When charging the battery, ensure adequate
ventilation.
3. Check the acid level of a low-maintenance bat-
tery.
4. Connect charger to the jump starting points.
Only plug into the mains and switch the charg-
er on when it has been correctly connected up.
5. After charging, disconnect the charger.
6. Check the acid level of a low-maintenance bat-
tery.
After charging the battery After the battery is connected or the completely
discharged battery is charged, the PSM warning
light lights up on the instrument panel and a mes-
sage 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 to the left
and to the right when vehicle is standing 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-pur-
pose 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 “TIRE PRESSURE
MONITORING SYSTEM LEARNING PROCESS”
on Page 87.
Index
359
Brake wear
Warning light ........................................ 66
Brake-fluid level
Checking ............................................ 242
Brakes ................................................ 62
,219
Fluid.......................................... 242,351
Fluid warning light ...................... 110,243
Pads ............................................. 14,67
Test stand .......................................... 219
Warning light ........................................ 63
Wear .................................................. 110
Bulbs
Changing............................................ 336
Chart ................................................. 327
CCapacities .................................................. 351
Car care..................................................... 256
Car Telephone ............................................ 169
Care ............................... 260
,262
,263
,264
Cargo area ................................................. 182
Carpet ....................................................... 263
Catalytic converter...................................... 255
Center differential lock ................................ 208
Central locking system ......................... 21,302
Button .................................................. 22
Button (rear) ......................................... 31
Central vents ..................................... 129,135
Changing wheels................................ 286,293
Check engine ............................................... 76
Checking hydraulic fluid (power steering) ...... 244
Child restraint anchorages ............................. 46
Child restraint systems .................................. 47Child seat .....................................................48
Attachment ...........................................48
Childproof locks
Rear doors ...........................................26
Cigarette lighter ..........................................166
Circulating-air mode ...........................129
,134
Circulating-air mode, automatic ...........129,134
Cleaner
Air......................................................245
Particle...............................................245
Clock ...........................................................99
Collapsible spare wheel ...................... 90
,216
,
...............................................294
,319
,349
Warning light.......................................108
Comfort function
Sliding/lifting roof.......................148,153
Comfort lighting ..........................................146
Coming Home function .......................104,146
Compass....................................................100
Compressor ......................................285,296
Coolant
Checking ............................................240
Cooling system .............................................73
Engine coolant level warning ..................73
Temperature gauge...............................73
Warning ................................................73
Cornering light ............................................115
Crankcase ventilation ..................................255
Crossing obstacles .....................................226
Cruise control
Accelerating .......................................123
Decelerating .......................................123
Interrupting .........................................123
Speed limit .........................................122Storing speed .................................... 122
Switching off ...................................... 124
Switching on ...................................... 122
Cupholder......................................... 172
,176
Closing rear ....................................... 177
Opening front ..................................... 176
opening rear ...................................... 177
Removing insert front ......................... 176
DData bank .................................................. 344
Diagnostic Socket ........................................ 15
Dimensions ................................................ 354
Dimming .................................................... 146
Button ............................................... 144
Door lock
Deicing .............................................. 258
Door locking, automatic ....................... 23
,102
Door mirrors .............................. 55
,146
,194
Automatic anti-dazzle operation ............. 57
Driving with a trailer ............................ 194
Extending ............................................ 56
Folding in ............................................. 56
Heating................................................ 56
Setting ................................................ 56
Swivelling, automatic ............................ 56
Door opening ................................ 19
,20,21,
........................................... 23
,24,26,102
Emergency operation ........................... 18
Door trim panel .......................................... 172
Lighting ............................................. 146
Doors.......................................................... 26
Door-surrounding lighting ............................ 146