
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

16
Controls, Instruments
Break in hints for the first
2,000 miles/3,000 kilometers The following tips will be helpful in obtaining opti-
mum performance from your new Porsche.
Despite the most modern, high-precision manufac-
turing methods, it cannot be completely avoided
that the moving parts have to wear in with each
other. This wearing-in occurs mainly in the first
2,000 miles/3,000 km. Therefore: fPreferably take longer trips.
fAvoid frequent cold starts with short-distance
driving whenever possible.
fAvoid full throttle starts and abrupt stops.
fDo not exceed maximum engine speed of
4,200 rpm (revolutions per minute).
fDo not run a cold engine at high rpm either in
Neutral or in gear.
fDo not let the engine labor, especially when
driving uphill. Shift to the next lower gear in
time (use the most favorable rpm range).
fNever lug the engine in high gear at low
speeds. This rule applies at all times, not just
during the break-in period.fDo not participate in motor racing events,
sports driving schools, etc. during the first
2,000 miles/3,000 kilometers.
There may be a slight stiffness in the steering,
gear-shifting or other controls during the break-in
period which will gradually disappear.
Break in brake pads and brake discsNew brake pads and discs have to be “broken in”,
and therefore only attain optimal friction when the
car has covered several hundred miles or km.
The slightly reduced braking ability must be com-
pensated for by pressing the brake pedal harder.
This also applies whenever the brake pads and
brake discs are replaced. New tires New tires do not have maximum traction. They
tend to be slippery.
fBreak in new tires by driving at moderate
speeds during the first 60 to 120 miles/100 to
200 km. Longer braking distances must be an-
ticipated.
Engine oil and fuel consumption During the break-in period oil and fuel consump-
tion may be higher than normal.
As always, the rate of oil consumption depends on
the quality and viscosity of oil, the speed at which
the engine is operated, the climate and road con-
ditions, as well as the amount of dilution and oxi-
dation of the lubricant.
fMake a habit of checking engine oil with every
fuel filling, add if necessary.

Controls, Instruments
17
1 Inner door handle
2 Power windows
3 Door mirror control
4 Light switch
5 Ignition/starter switch with steering lock
6 Turn signal/headlight dimmer,
flasher lever
7 Operating lever for on-board computer
8Horn
9 Emergency flasher switch,
central locking switch
10 Switches for rear spoiler,
Porsche Active Suspension Management
(PASM), Sport mode,
Porsche Stability Management (PSM)
11 Cupholder
12 Switch for seat memory
13 Diagnostic socket (OBD)
14 Lid release
15 Seat height adjustment
16 Steering-wheel adjustment
17 Backrest angle adjustment
18 Seat fore and aft adjustment

Controls, Instruments
71
Sport ModeA sportier car set-up is obtained when Sport mode
is switched on. Interventions by the Porsche
control systems are intentionally shifted towards
greater agility and driving performance.
– PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Manage-
ment) is automatically changed to Sport mode,
resulting in a stiffer suspension setup.
– The Tiptronic S switches to a sporty gear-
changing map and shortens the gear shifting
periods. Gear changes take place faster.
– PSM (Porsche Stability Management) control is
sporty. PSM interventions take place later than
in Normal mode. The driver can maneuver the
vehicle with greater agility at its performance
limits, without having to dispense with the
assistance of PSM in emergency situations.
– The electronic accelerator pedal reacts
sooner, and the engine is more responsive to
throttle inputs. When Sport mode is switched
on, this function is activated only after the
driver has floored the accelerator pedal or
released it briefly.
– The rpm limiter characteristic is “harder”, i.e.
the engine is immediately throttled when the
performance limits are reached (only in manual
selection mode for vehicles with Tiptronic S).
fPlease observe the appropriate chapters of
this Manual.
Switching Sport mode on and offfPress SPORT button in the center console.
When Sport mode is switched on, the light-
emitting diode in the SPORT button is lit.When Sport mode is switched on, the logo SPORT
appears next to the digital speedometer.
Switching Sport mode on and off simultaneously
activates and deactivates the Sport mode of the
PA S M .
If the Sport mode of the PASM was activated with
the PASM button, it will remain on.
After the ignition is switched off, Sport mode is
automatically reset to Normal mode.

74
Controls, Instruments The following functions stabilize the vehicle in
emergency situations, even with PSM switched
off:
– When PSM is off, the vehicle is stabilized as
soon as one of the two front wheels enters the
ABS control range.
– When PSM is off and Sport mode is on, the
vehicle is stabilized as soon as both front
wheels enter the ABS control range.
One-sided spinning of the wheels is prevented,
even with PSM switched off.
Switching PSM back onfPress PSM OFF button.
PSM is switched on after a short delay.
The light-emitting diode in the button and the
multifunctional PSM light go out.
The on-board computer shows a message.Sport modeA sportier car set-up is obtained when Sport mode
is switched on. PSM interventions are later than in
Normal mode; the vehicle can be manoeuvred
with greater agility at its performance limits,
without the need to dispense with the assistance
of PSM in emergency situations. This helps to
achieve optimal lap times, particularly on race
circuits and a dry road surface.– The multifunctional light on the instrument
panel lights up for a lamp check when the
ignition is switched on.
– The light indicates a control operation by
flashing, including when PSM is switched off
(brake control in the event of one-sided wheel
spin).
– In conjunction with a message on the on-board
computer, the light indicates that PSM is
switched off.
An acoustic signal also sounds.
– Faults are displayed by the light in conjunction
with a message on the on-board computer.
PSM is out of order.
fPlease consult an authorized Porsche dealer.
fPlease observe the chapter “PUTTING
VEHICLE INTO OPERATION” on Page 261.
fPlease observe the chapter “WARNINGS ON
THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE ON-
BOARD COMPUTER” on Page 122.
TowingfPlease observe the chapter “VEHICLE
TOWING” on Page 281.Checks on test standsBrake tests
Brake tests must be performed only on plate-type
test stands or roller test stands.
The following limit values must not be exceeded
on roller test stands:
– Testing speed 5 mph (8 km/h)
– Test duration 20 seconds
Handbrake tests
Handbrake tests on the roller test stand must be
performed only with the ignition switched off.
Multifunctional PSM light

Controls, Instruments
75
PASM makes two running-gear setups available to
the driver: “Normal” and “Sport”.
The selection is made via a button on the center
console.
In Normal mode the running gear is in a sporty and
comfortable setup.
Sport mode offers a markedly sporty shock
absorber tuning (e.g. for driving on the race
circuit).
The variable suspension system selects the appro-
priate damping level for each wheel according to
the situation and conditions of driving.
Example:
If the vehicle is driven in a markedly sporty manner
in Normal mode, PASM automatically adapts the
shock-absorber behavior to the driving situation in
this case as well.
Switching on PASM Sport modefPress PASM button in the center console.
When PASM Sport mode is switched on, the
light-emitting diode in the button is illuminated
and a message is shown by the on-board
computer.
Switching off PASM Sport modefPress PASM button in the center console.
The light-emitting diode in the button goes out
and the on-board computer displays a
message.
After the ignition is switched off, PASM is automat-
ically reset to Normal mode.
Porsche Active Suspension
Management (PASM)

78
Controls, Instruments
Operation, Instruments 1. Ignition lock/steering lock
2. Turn signals/high beam/headlight flasher stalk
3. Hands-free microphone for telephone
4. Horn
5. Wiper/washer stalk, rear window wiper
6. Button for seat heating, left
7. Interior temperature sensor/GPS antenna
8. Stopwatch
9. Emergency flasher switch
10.Central locking button, readiness display for
alarm system
11.Porsche Communication Management (PCM)12.Button for seat heating, right
13.Cupholder
14.Light switch
15.Operating lever for on-board computer
16.Locking lever for steering-wheel adjustment
17.Operating lever for automatic speed control
18.Operating panel for air conditioning
19 Buttons for rear spoiler,
Porsche Active Suspension Management
(PASM),
Sport mode, Porsche Stability Management
(PSM)

Controls, Instruments
125
Oil temperature gauge faulty Have the fault remedied at an authorized
Porsche dealer.
Indicator faulty Coolant indicator failed.
Have the fault remedied at an authorized
Porsche dealer.
Brake pad wear Have the brake pads changed immediately at an
authorized Porsche dealer.
Warning – Brake fluid level Stop immediately in a suitable place.
Do not continue driving. Have the fault remedied
at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Warning – Brake circuit division Stop immediately in a suitable place.
Do not continue driving. Have the fault remedied
at an authorized Porsche dealer.
ABS failure Have the fault remedied at an authorized
Porsche dealer.
PSM off Porsche Stability Management has been swit-
ched off.
PSM on Porsche Stability Management has been swit-
ched on.
PSM failure Have the fault remedied at an authorized
Porsche dealer.
PASM Normal/Sport Indicator for selected PASM mode
PASM failure Have the fault remedied at an authorized
Porsche dealer.
PASM indicator faulty Have the fault remedied at an authorized
Porsche dealer.
Instrument
panelOn-board
computerText display on on-board
computerMeaning/measure