Maintenance, Car Care
239
Oil changeThe engine oil has to be changed at the intervals
listed in your Maintenance Schedule.
fPlease observe the chapter “CAPACITIES” on
Page 351.
We recommend that you have the engine oil
changed at your Porsche dealer, who has the re-
quired oils and the necessary filling equipment.
If you suspect an oil leak in the engine have your
dealer check it out immediately.
All current engine oils are compatible with each
other, i.e. when making an oil change it is not nec-
essary to flush the engine if you wish to use a dif-
ferent brand or grade of oil.
Since, however, each brand of oil has a special
composition, you should, if possible, use the
same oil brand if it becomes necessary to top up
between oil changes.
Porsche engines have long intervals between oil
changes. Only by using oils approved by Porsche
the needed engine oil performance is guaranteed.If your vehicle is used frequently in stop-and-go
traffic in cold weather, the engine will not always
be properly warmed up.
Condensation from products of combustion may
accumulate in the oil. In this case, it is advisable
to change the oil more frequently so that your en-
gine once again has 100% efficient engine oil.
Engine oil performance classEngine oil is not only a lubricant, but also serves
to keep the engine clean, to neutralize the dirt
which penetrates into the engine through combus-
tion and to protect the engine against corrosion.
To perform these functions, the oil is provided with
additives which have been specially developed for
these functions.
The efficiency of an oil is expressed, for example,
by the API, ILSAC or ACEA classifications.
ViscosityLike all liquids, engine oil is viscous when cold,
and thin-bodied when warm. The viscosity of an oil
is expressed by its SAE class. For cold viscosity
the SAE class is given as a number and the letter
“W“ (as in winter), for hot viscosity the SAE class
is given only as a number.
The viscosity of an oil is, therefore, always the
same if it has the same number of an SAE class.
E.g.: A 5 W-40 oil and a 5 W-50 oil have the same
viscosity when cold; when hot the oil with the num-
ber 40 is thinner than the oil with the number 50.
Oils with two viscosities are called multigrade oils;
oils with only one viscosity are termed single-
grade oils.
The viscosity of the engine oil for your Porsche
has to be chosen according to the ambient tem-
perature given in the engine oil recommendation
table.
240
Maintenance, Car Care
Coolant LevelfPlease observe the chapter “EXERCISE
EXTREME CAUTION WHEN WORKING ON YOUR
VEHICLE” on Page 234.
The coolant provides year-round protection from
corrosion and freezing down to -31°F/-35°C
(Nordic countries -40°F/-40°C).
fUse only anti-freeze authorized by Porsche.
fCheck the coolant level regularly.Checking coolant level/adding coolantThe expansion tank for the coolant is located un-
der the engine-compartment cover in the engine
compartment.
When the engine is cold and the car is level, the
coolant level must lie between the minimum and
maximum marks.Checking when engine is cold
1. Remove cover.2. Open cap of the expansion tank carefully and
allow any overpressure to escape.
Then unscrew cap completely.
3. Read the coolant level.
4. Top up with coolant if necessary.
Do not exceed the max. mark.
Only add a mixture of anti-freeze and water in
equal parts.
Antifreeze in coolant:
50% provides anti-freeze protection down to
-31°F/-35°C.
5. Screw the cap closed firmly and put on the
cover.
Maintenance, Car Care
241
Checking the coolant level when a warning
messages is shown on the multi-purpose
display of the instrument panel
Warning!
Danger of serious personal injury from scald-
ing. Coolant is hazardous to your health, and
may be fatal if swallowed.
fDo not open the cap of the expansion tank
while the engine is hot.
fAllow the engine to cool down before opening
the cap and protect your hands, arms and face
from any possible escape of hot coolant.
fKeep coolant out of children's reach.
fAlso, keep coolant away from your pets.They
can be attracted to it should there be a spill, or
to used coolant left in an open container. Cool-ant can be deadly to pets if consumed.1. Remove cover.
2. If the engine is hot, cover the the expansion
tank cap with a cloth.
Open cap carefully and allow any overpressure
to escape.
Then unscrew cap completely.
3. Read the coolant level.
Top up with coolant if necessary.
Only add a mixture of anti-freeze and water in
equal parts.
Antifreeze in coolant:
50% provides anti-freeze protection down to
-31°F/-35°C.
Do not exceed the max. mark.
Note on operation
fIf the coolant level exceeds the max. mark
when the engine is hot, check the coolant level
again when the engine is cold.
4. Screw the cap closed firmly and put on the
cover.
5. Have the cooling system checked by an autho-
rized Porsche dealer.Maintenance note
If in an emergency pure water has been added, the
mixture ratio must be corrected at an authorized
Porsche dealer.
Marked loss of coolant indicates leakage in the
cooling system.
The cause should be remedied at an authorized
Porsche dealer immediately.
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.
244
Maintenance, Car Care
Power Steering
Warning!
Risk of accident. When the engine is station-
ary (e.g. when on tow) or the hydraulic sys-
tem fails, there is no assistance for steering.
Therefore, substantially more force will have
to be exerted.
fExercise great care when on tow.
fHave the fault remedied at your nearest autho-rized Porsche dealer.The flow noise heard at full steering lock is design-
related and does not indicate a defect in the steer-
ing system.
Checking hydraulic fluidfPlease observe the chapter “EXERCISE
EXTREME CAUTION WHEN WORKING ON YOUR
VEHICLE” on Page 234.
fOnly use genuine Porsche hydraulic fluid or a
hydraulic fluid of similar quality which has been
approved according the Porsche specifica-
tions and product requirements.
fCheck the fluid level with the engine stopped
and cold (engine temperature approx. 68° F or
20°C).
1. Remove cover A.
2. Open the reservoir cap.
3. The fluid level should lie between the MIN and
MAX marks on the dipstick.
Add hydraulic fluid if necessary.
4. Close cap carefully.
5. Put on cover A.
6. Close engine compartment lid.
fIf the fluid level drops significantly, please have
the cause remedied immediately by an autho-
rized Porsche dealer.
Maintenance, Car Care
245
Air CleanerfPlease observe the chapter “EXERCISE
EXTREME CAUTION WHEN WORKING ON YOUR
VEHICLE” on Page 234.
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 351.
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.
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.