Controls, Instruments
13 Controls, Instruments
Before driving off ......................................... 14
Break in hints for the first
2,000 miles/3,000 kilometers ...................... 16
Keys ........................................................... 19
Security Wheel Bolts.................................... 19
Doors ......................................................... 21
Central Locking ........................................... 22
Alarm System,
Passenger Compartment Monitoring ............. 26
Power Windows ........................................... 28
Inside mirror ................................................ 30
Door Mirrors................................................ 30
Rear Window Defogger,
Door Mirror Heating ..................................... 33
Seat Adjustment .......................................... 34
Seat Memory ............................................... 36
Heated Seats .............................................. 38
Rear Seat Backrests.................................... 39
Steering Wheel Adjustment ........................... 39
Multi-Functional Steering Wheel ..................... 40
Sun Visors................................................... 41
Safety Belts................................................. 42
Airbag Systems ........................................... 45
Child Restraint Systems ............................... 51
LATCH System
Child seat bracket on the passenger’s seat .... 55
Child Restraint Anchorages ........................... 56
Rollover Protection System........................... 57
Parking Aids ................................................ 58
Four-Wheel Drive .......................................... 61
Retractable Rear Spoiler............................... 63
Clutch Pedal ................................................ 65Parking Brake .............................................. 65
Brakes ........................................................ 66
ABS Brake System
(Antilock Brake System)................................ 69
Sport Mode ................................................. 71
Porsche Stability Management (PSM)............. 72
Porsche Active Suspension
Management (PASM) .................................... 75
Interior Lights .............................................. 76
Operation, Instruments ................................. 78
Ignition/Starter Switch with anti-theft
Steering Lock .............................................. 80
Starting Procedures ..................................... 82
Stopping Engine .......................................... 83
Instrument Panel USA Models ....................... 84
Instrument Panel Canada Models................... 86
Engine oil temperature ................................. 88
Automatic Speed Control Indicator light ......... 88
Instrument Illumination.................................. 88
Trip Odometer ............................................. 89
Speedometer .............................................. 90
Changing over between
Miles / Kilometers........................................ 90
Tachometer................................................. 91
Turn Signal Indicator Light ............................ 91
High Beam .................................................. 91
Cooling System ........................................... 92
Tiptronic ...................................................... 93
Fuel ............................................................ 94
Clock .......................................................... 95
Outside temperature .................................... 95
Engine Oil Pressure ...................................... 96Check Engine
Warning Light .............................................. 97
On-Board Computer (BC).............................. 98
Emergency Flasher Switch .......................... 130
Light Switch .............................................. 131
Welcome Home Lighting............................. 131
Automatic Headlight Beam Adjustment......... 132
Turn Signal / Headlight Dimmer /
Parking light / Flasher Lever ....................... 132
Windshield Wiper / Washer Lever ................ 133
Automatic Speed Control ............................ 136
Automatic Air Conditioning System .............. 138
Central and Side Vents ............................... 141
Fresh-air Intake .......................................... 141
Ashtray ..................................................... 142
Cigarette Lighter ........................................ 143
Cupholder ................................................. 144
Storage in the Passenger Compartment ...... 146
Luggage Compartment Lid and Engine
Compartment Lid ....................................... 148
Luggage Compartment
(911 Carrera, 911 Carrera S) ..................... 150
Luggage Compartment
(911 Carrera 4, 911 Carrera 4S) ................ 151
Trunk Entrapment ...................................... 152
Fire Extinguisher ........................................ 154
HomeLink .................................................. 155
Porsche Communication
Management (PCM) .................................... 158
Car Telephone and
Aftermarket Alarms .................................... 161
14
Controls, Instruments
Dear Porsche Owner A lot has gone into the manufacture of your
Porsche, including advanced engineering, rigid
quality control and demanding inspections.
These engineering and safety features will be
enhanced by you... the safe driver... – who knows his car and all controls,
– who maintains the vehicle properly,
– who uses driving skills wisely and always
drives within her/his own capabilities and the
level of familiarity with the vehicle.
You will find helpful hints in this manual on how to
perform most of the checks listed on the following
pages.
If in doubt, have these checks performed by your
authorized Porsche dealer.
Before driving off... Check the following items first fTurn the engine off before you attempt any
checks or repairs on the vehicle.
fBe sure the tires are inflated correctly.
Check tires for damage and tire wear.
fSee that wheel bolts are properly tightened
and not loose or missing.
fCheck engine oil level, add if necessary.
Make it a habit to have engine oil checked with
every fuel filling.
fCheck all fluid levels such as windshield
washer and brake fluid levels.
fBe sure the vehicle battery is well charged and
cranks the engine properly.
fCheck all doors and lids for proper operation
and latch them properly.
fCheck, and if necessary replace worn or
cracked wiper blades.
fSee that all windows are clear and unob-
structed.
fCheck air intake slots and area between lug-
gage compartment lid and windshield are free
of snow and ice, so the heater and the wind-
shield wipers work properly. fIf a child will be riding in the vehicle, check
child seat/child seat restraint system to ensure
that restraints are properly adjusted.
fCheck all exterior and interior lights for opera-
tion and that the lenses are clean.
fCheck the headlights for proper aim, and if
necessary, have them adjusted.
fCheck under the vehicle for leaks.
fBe sure all luggage is stowed securely.
Emergency equipment It is good practice to carry emergency equipment
in your vehicle.
Some of the items you should have are:
window scraper, snow brush, container or bag of
sand or salt, emergency light, small shovel, first-
aid kit, etc.
32
Controls, Instruments
A-Sensor
B- Switch for automatic anti-glare operation
C- Light-emitting diode Automatic Anti-Glare Interior
Mirror and Door Mirror Sensors on the front and rear sides of the interior
mirror measure the incident light.
The mirrors automatically change to anti-glare po-
sition or revert to their normal state, depending on
the light intensity.
When reverse gear is selected, automatic anti-
glare operation is switched off. Note
The incident light in the area of the sensors must
not be restricted, e.g. by stickers on the wind-
shield.
Switching off the automatic anti-glare
operation
fPress switch B.
Light-emitting diode C goes out.
Switching on the automatic anti-glare
operation
fPress switch B.
Light-emitting diode C lights up.
Warning!
Risk of injury. Electrolyte fluid can emerge
from a broken mirror glass.
This fluid irritates the skin and eyes.
fIf the electrolyte fluid should come into contact
with the eyes or skin, immediately rinse it off
with clean water.
See a doctor if necessary.
Risk of damage to the paintwork, leather and
plastic parts. Electrolyte fluid can be re-
moved only while it is still wet.
fClean the affected parts with water.
76
Controls, Instruments
A, C - Switch for reading light on driver/passenger side
B- Switch for interior light and footwell lights
D-Orientation lightInterior LightsfPlease observe the chapter “LOAD SWITCH-
OFF AFTER 2 HOURS OR 7 DAYS” on
Page 255.
For vehicles with automatic anti-dazzle
mirrors
fSwitch off the automatic anti-dazzle operation
of the mirrors before you switch on the interior
light.
Otherwise the mirrors may accidentally swivel
into the anti-dazzle position.
Interior lights, reading lightsSwitching off
fPress left half of switch.
Switching to continuous illumination
fPress right half of switch.
Switching on and off automatically
fMove switch to center position.
The interior and footwell lights are switched
on when a door is unlocked or opened or when
the ignition key is withdrawn from the ignition
lock.
The lights are switched off with a delay of
approx. 2 minutes after the doors are closed.
The light goes out immediately as soon as the
ignition is switched on or the vehicle is locked.
Orientation lightA light-emitting diode at the bottom of the interior
mirror improves orientation in the passenger com-
partment when it is dark.
Note on operation
On vehicles with the Sport Chrono package, the
brightness of the orientation light can be changed
in PCM.
fPlease observe the chapter “Individual
Memory” in the separate PCM operating
instructions.
Controls, Instruments
139
Setting temperaturefPress button H upwards or downwards
respectively.
To suit personal comfort, the interior temperature
can be adjusted between 61°F and 85°F/16 and
29.5°C.
Recommendation: 72°F/22°C.
If “LO” or “HI” appears on the display, the system
is operating at maximum cooling or heating pow-
er.
Automatic control is no longer active.
Note
If the preselected temperature is changed, the
blower speed can increase automatically in auto-
matic mode.
The desired temperature is reached more quickly
this way.
Sensors
To avoid affecting the performance of the air-con-
ditioning system:
fDo not cover the sun sensor on the instrument
panel or the temperature sensor D.fPress button B (switch on or off).
The windshield is defogged or defrosted as
quickly as possible.
Air flows to the windshield only.
The light-emitting diode in the button lights up.
ECO – switching compressor for air-
conditioning system on and offThe air-conditioning compressor switches off
automatically at temperatures below approx.
37°F/3°C and cannot be switched on, even
manually.
Whenever outside temperatures exceed approx.
37°F/3°C, the air-conditioning compressor is
always switched on in automatic mode.
The compressor can be switched off to save fuel,
but control comfort is then limited:
fPress ECO button E.
The compressor is switched off.
The light-emitting diode in the button lights up.
fIf the interior temperature is too high, switch
compressor back on or press AUTO button.
To dry incoming air in damp weather, do not
switch off the air-conditioning compressor.
This prevents fogging of windows.
Defrosting the windshield
fPress button M upwards or downwards
respectively.
The preset blower speed is increased or
decreased.
The speed stages are indicated by a bar display.
If the button is pressed downwards at the lowest
blower stage, the blower and automatic control
are switched off. “OFF” will appear on the display
field.
Pressing the button upwards or pressing the
AUTO button switches the blower and automatic
control back on again.
Warning!
Risk of accident due to impaired vision.
In recirculating-air setting, the windows may
fog up.
fOnly select recirculating-air setting for short
periods.
fIf the windows fog up, switch recirculating-air
setting off immediately by pressing the
circulating-air button again and select the “Defrost windshield” function.
f f f
Adjusting blower speed
Recirculating-air setting
140
Controls, Instruments Switching recirculating-air setting on or off
fPress button C.
The outside-air supply is interrupted and only
the inside air is circulated.
The light-emitting diode in the button lights up.
Over approx. 37°F/3°C
If the air-conditioning compressor was off, it
switches on automatically. The duration of recircu-
lating-air setting is not limited.
Below approx. 37°F/3°C
The air-conditioning compressor is switched off.
Recirculating-air setting is automatically ended
after approx. 3 minutes.
Air distributionThe individual air distributions can be combined as
desired.
Recommended setting in Summer:
Air distribution to central and side vents.
Recommended setting in Winter:
Air distribution to footwell and windshield.fPress button J.
The air flows to the footwell.
The selection appears on the display panel.
fPress button K.
The air flows from the central and side vents.
Vents must be open.
The selection appears on the display panel.
fPress button L.
The air flows to the windshield.
The selection appears on the display panel.
Note on operation
fOn vehicles with the Sport Chrono package,
individual air conditioning settings can be
stored on your vehicle key.
Please observe the chapter “Individual
Memory” in the separate PCM operating
instructions.
General instructions for air-conditioning
compressor– Can switch off briefly if engine is under an ex-
treme load to ensure sufficient engine cooling.
– Switches off automatically at temperatures be-
low approx. 37°F/3°C and cannot be switched
on, even manually.
– Operates most effectively with windows
closed.
If the car has been in the sun for a long time, it
is a good idea to ventilate the interior briefly
with the windows open.
– Depending on the outside temperature and hu-
midity, condensation can drip from the evapo-
rator and form a pool under the vehicle.
This is normal and not a sign of leakage.
– If uncooled air flows out when the lowest tem-
perature has been set, switch off the air-condi-
tioning compressor and have the fault repaired
at an authorized Porsche dealer. Air distribution to footwell
Air distribution to central and side
vents
Air distribution to windshield
224
Maintenance, Car Care
Light alloy wheels fPlease observe the chapter “WASHING” on
Page 219.
Warning!
Danger of accident if cleaning agents (e.g.
wheel cleaning agents) come into contact
with the brake discs. The resulting film on the
brake discs can impair braking perform-
ance.
fMake sure that no cleaning agent comes into
contact with the brake discs.
fIf cleaning agent has come into contact with
the brake discs, thoroughly clean the brake
discs with a strong jet of water.
fPaying attention to any road users behind you,
dry the brake discs by applying the brakes at short intervals.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 for
too long.
fIf possible, wash the wheels with a sponge or
wash brush about every two weeks. In areas
where salt 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 incor-
rect, 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
(vaseline).
Using a clean cloth thoroughly rub the grease
into the surface.
Door, roof, lid and window seals fWash dirt (e.g. abrasion, dust, road salts) from
all seals regularly using warm soapy water. Do
not use any chemical cleaning agents or sol-
vents.
When there is a frost hazard, the outer door seals
and the front and rear lid seals can be protected
against freezing into place by a suitable care prod-
uct.
In order to prevent damage to the anti-
friction coating, the inner door seals, the
convertible top seals and hardtop seals must
not be treated with care products. Headlights, lights, interior and exterior
plastic parts fUse only clean water and a little dishwashing
detergent to clean light lenses, plastic head-
light lenses, plastic parts and surfaces.
Do not clean when dry.
Use a soft sponge or a soft, lint-free cloth. Gen-
tly wipe the surface without applying too much
pressure.
The Porsche inside window cleaner is also suit-
able for cleaning plastic surfaces. Follow the
cleaning instructions on the container.
Never use other chemical cleaners or
solvents.
fRinse cleaned surfaces with clear water.
Practical Tips, Emergency Service
227 Practical Tips, Emergency Service
Exercise Extreme Caution
when Working on your Vehicle .................... 228
Tires/Wheels ............................................ 229
Loading Information................................... 242
Lifting the Vehicle with a Lifting Platform
or Garage Lift ........................................... 244
Flat Tire .................................................... 245
Wheel Bolts .............................................. 248
Spacers ................................................... 249
Changing a wheel ...................................... 250
Electrical System ...................................... 254
Battery ..................................................... 258
Emergency Starting with Jumper Cables ..... 264
Lights, Replacing Bulbs.............................. 266
Headlights ................................................ 268
Tail Light .................................................. 276
License Plate Light .................................... 277
Luggage Compartment/
Engine Compartment/Footwell Light ........... 277
Door Guard/Curb Light .............................. 277
Interior Light, Reading Lights...................... 278
Adjusting Headlights .................................. 279
Towing ..................................................... 281