Controls, Instruments
45
Airbag SystemsThe airbags in combination with the safety belts
make up a safety system which offers the driver
and the passenger the greatest known protection
from injuries in case of accident.
Your vehicle is equipped with a weight sensing sys-
tem for the front passenger's seat in accordance
with U.S. Federal/Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard 208.
Even if your vehicle is equipped with airbags, the
safety belts must be worn at all times,
because the front airbag system is only deployed
by frontal collisions with an impact of sufficient se-
verity.
Below the deployment threshold of the airbag sys-
tem, and during types of collisions which do not
cause the actuation of the system, the safety belts
provide the primary protection to the occupants
when correctly worn.
Therefore, all persons within the vehicle
must wear safety belts at all times (in many
states, state law requires the use of safety belts).
fPlease observe the chapter “SAFETY BELTS”
on Page 42.
The front airbags are located under the padded
steering wheel panel on the driver’s side and, on
the passenger's side, in the dashboard.
The side airbags for the front seats are installed
on the side in the seat backrests.
The head airbags are installed in the door linings.
Danger!
To provide optimal occupant protection, air-
bags must inflate at very high speed. If you
are not wearing your safety belt or are too
close to the airbag when it is deployed, inflat-
ing airbags can result in serious personal in-
jury or death.
Improper handling of the weight sensing sys-
tem can unintentionally impair switching the
passenger's airbag off and on.
fMake sure there are no people, animals or ob-
jects between the driver or passenger and the
area into which the airbag inflates.
fSit back as far from the dashboard or steering
wheel as is practical, while still maintaining full
vehicle control.
fAlways hold the steering wheel by the outer
rim. Never rest your hands on the airbag panel.
fAlways fasten seat belts because triggering
of the airbag system depends on the force and
angle of impact.
fDo not transport heavy objects on or in front of
the passenger’s seat. These could impair the
function of the airbag, the seat belts, and
weight sensing.
fDo not hang objects (e.g. jackets, coats, coat
hangers) over the backrest.fAlways keep the lid of the door storage com-
partment closed. Objects must not protrude
out of the door storage compartment.
fNo changes may be made to the wiring or
components of the airbag system.
fDo not add any additional coverings or stickers
to the steering wheel or in the area of the pas-
senger’s airbag, side airbags and head air-
bags. Doing so may adversely affect the func-
tioning of the airbag system or cause harm to
the occupants if the airbag system should de-
ploy.
fDo not modify the seat coverings. Do not at-
tach additional cushions, protective coverings,
or pillows to the passenger's seat. Do not affix
things to the passenger's seat or cover it with
other materials. Do not cover the back of the
backrest. Do not make changes to the passen-
ger's seat and to the seat base frame.
fDo not undertake any wiring for electrical ac-
cessory equipment in the vicinity of the airbag
wiring harnesses. Doing so may disable the air-
bag system or cause inadvertent inflation.
fIf the warning light comes on, the airbag sys-
tem should be repaired immediately by your
authorized Porsche dealer.
fAlways keep feet in the footwell while driving.
Do not put feet on the dashboard or the seat
area. Do not lean against the inside of the door
or outside the window while the vehicle is mov-
ing.
Controls, Instruments
59
Signal tones/function
When reverse gear is selected, the parking assist-
ant confirms that it is switched on by issuing a
short signal tone.
A detected obstacle is signalled by an intermit-
tent tone. The intervals decrease as the obstacle
is approached.
A continuous tone sounds when the distance be-
comes less than one foot. This continuous tone
can stop if the obstacle is approached closer than
one foot.
The radio volume should not be so loud as to
drown out the signal tones. Limits of ultrasonic measurement
The parking assistant system cannot detect:
– sound-absorbing obstacles (e.g. powder
snow),
– sound-reflecting obstacles (e.g. glass surfac-
es, flat painted surfaces)
– and very thin obstacles.
– Other ultrasound sources (e.g. pneumatic
brakes of other vehicles, jackhammers) can in-
terfere with detection of obstacles. Fault indication
The parking assistant system indicates a fault in
two ways:
– After reverse gear has been selected, the
short signal tone is followed by a continuous
tone of the same pitch:
This indicates that sensors are soiled or cov-
ered with ice.
– After reverse gear has been selected, the
short signal tone is followed by a continuous
tone with a much lower pitch:
This indicates a general system fault. Please
have the fault remedied at an authorized
Porsche dealer.
154
Controls, Instruments
Fire ExtinguisherIn cars equipped with a fire extinguisher, the extin-
guisher is fitted to the front of the driver’s seat.Taking out fire extinguisher1. Hold fire extinguisher with one hand and press
the PRESS button on the fastening strap with
the other hand (arrow).
2. Remove fire extinguisher from mounting.
Inserting fire extinguisher1. Place fire extinguisher in the mounting.
2. Engage fastening strap lug A in the tension
jack and close tension jack (arrow).Note
fPay attention to the final control date on the
fire extinguisher.
If the fire extinguisher is used after its expira-
tion date has elapsed, it may not operate
properly.
fFollow the operating instructions on the fire
extinguisher.
fThe functional ability of the fire extinguisher
should be checked by a specialist workshop
every 1-2 years.
fAfter use, have the fire extinguisher refilled.
176
Mobile Roofs
Convertible Top Brief operating instructions can be found on the
back side of the driver’s sun visor.
fPlease observe the chapter “CAR CARE IN-
STRUCTIONS” on Page 218.
Warning!
When opening or closing the convertible top,
serious personal injury may occur if a per-
son’s body parts are near or in the way of the
convertible top mechanism’s moving parts.
fMake absolutely sure that nobody can be in-
jured by the convertible-top mechanism or the convertible-top compartment lid.
Do not operate convertible top:
– At temperatures below 32°F (0°C).
– When one side of the car is on a curb, a hoist
or a jack.
– When items of luggage or other objects hinder
the convertible top movement.
– With the rollbars extended.fAvoid frequent operation of the convertible top
with the engine off; the vehicle battery would
be unintentionally discharged rapidly.
fDrive only with the convertible top fully open or
closed (end positions).
fWhen opening or closing the convertible top,
ensure there is sufficient clearance above the
convertible top (e.g. in the garage).
fTo prevent damp stains and abrasions, only
open the convertible top in a dry, clean state.
fPark your car in the shade whenever possible,
as the fabric, rubber material and color can be
harmed by long exposure to sunlight.
fThe convertible top may only be actuated dur-
ing driving on even surfaces.
fThe convertible top must not be used with
strong counter wind (over approx. 50 mph/
80 km/h).
Door windows and side windows The side windows are lowered automatically when
the convertible top is opened. The door windows
close automatically if convertible top operation is
not interrupted when the convertible top reaches
its final position.
When the door windows are closed, the rear side
windows can also be closed.
When opening the door windows, the rear win-
dows open automatically.
The side windows are lowered automatically when
the convertible top is closed. All windows close
automatically if convertible top operation is not in-
terrupted when the convertible top reaches its fi-
nal position.
Maintenance, Car Care
207
Fuel Economy Fuel 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
engine “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.,
depending on your driving speed, weather
conditions and trip length. Your actual
highway mileage will probably be less than
the estimated m.p.g.
fPlease observe all local and national speed
limits.
Operating Your Porsche in other
Countries Government 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
mechanical damage that could result
because of inadequate fuel, service or parts
availability.
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.
244
Practical Tips, Emergency Service
A-Front jacking pointLifting the Vehicle with a Lifting
Platform or Garage Lift The car must be raised only at the illustrated jack-
ing points.
B-Rear jacking point
Caution!
Serious injury and/or serious damage to the
engine or the vehicle may occur, if you lift
the vehicle improperly.
fNever lift the vehicle at any other place than
the jacking points.
fNever lift the vehicle by the engine, transmis-
sion or axles.
fDo not damage any sensitive components in the vicinity of the jacking points.
Platform lift Before the car is driven on to a lifting platform, it
must be ensured that there is enough space be-
tween the lifting platform and the vehicle. Garage lift A garage lift must be used only at the illustrated
jacking points.
250
Practical Tips, Emergency Service
Changing a wheel
Warning!
Risk of injury. The car may slip off the jack.
fMake sure that no one is in the vehicle when
jacking up and changing a wheel.
fAlways place the car on stable supports if work
has to be carried out under the car.
Risk of damage to the brake discs of the
Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB).
fAlways screw in both assembly aids when changing a wheel.
Note
The tools required for changing a wheel (e.g. jack,
wheel bolt wrench, assembly aids) are not sup-
plied with the car.
Your authorized Porsche dealer will be pleased to
advise you.1. Fully apply the handbrake, engage 1st gear or
select position P and withdraw the ignition key.
2. Secure the car against rolling away, e.g. by
means of wedges under the wheels on the op-
posite side.
This is particularly important on slopes.
3. Slightly slacken the wheel bolts of the wheel to
be changed.
4. Raise the car until the wheel lifts off the
ground.
fPlease observe the chapter “LIFTING THE VE-
HICLE WITH A LIFTING PLATFORM OR GARAGE
LIFT” on Page 244.
Screw in assembly aid for vehicles without Porsche
Ceramic Composite Brake5. Remove 1 or 2 wheel bolts (see respective
illustration). Screw in assembly aids instead of
the wheel bolts.
Remove the remaining wheel bolts.
Note on operation
fTo remove or mount the spacers:
Please observe the chapter “17 MM
SPACERS” on Page 252.
Please observe the chapter “5 MM SPACERS”
on Page 253.