2006 PORSCHE BOXSTER ECO mode

166
Shifting Gear Shifting gear on the steering wheel
With the toggle switches on the steering wheel,
you can change temporarily from automatic
selection mode D to manual mode M.
Advantages:
– Shifting down before bends and on entering bu-
ilt-up areas.
– Shifting down on downward slopes (engine bra-
king).
– Shifting down for brief spurts of acceleration.
– Selecting 1st gear for moving off.
The manual selection mode remains engaged:
– for cornering (depending on the lateral
acceleration) and overrunning,
– when the vehicle is stationary
(e.g. at a junction).
The system leaves manual selection mode:
– automatically after approx. 8 seconds
(unless cornering or overrunning),
– if you depress the accelerator to kickdown,
– after moving off. Temporary change-down
Conditions:
Speed is higher than approx. 33 mph (54 km/h).
fDepress accelerator quickly.
The Tiptronic changes temporarily to the spor-
tiest gear-changing map, i.e. to the highest
possible gear-changing points. Correspondin-
gly, the transmission shifts down immediately
by one or two gears.
Ending the function:
fRelease the accelerator markedly. Kickdown
The kickdown function is active in selector lever
position D, even if you temporarily change to ma-
nual mode M using the toggle switches on the
steering wheel.
fFor optimum acceleration, e.g. when overta-
king, depress the accelerator pedal beyond
the full-throttle point (kickdown).
The transmission shifts down depending on the
speed of travel and engine speed.
Upward shifts occur at the highest possible engine
speeds.
These gear-changing speeds remain active until
the accelerator is released to approx. 80% of the
wide open throttle position.

Maintenance, Car Care
211
Convertible top
fNever remove snow and ice using a sharp
edged object.
Incorrect care and treatment can damage the con-
vertible top and cause leaks. Any repair work can
be done by your authorized Porsche dealer.
Important note
No folding top is 100% leak proof.
Due to the constant changing of loads and strains
to which a car is subject to when driving on roads,
minor wind noise and seepage at joints between
the top, body and doors on convertible tops can-
not be completely sealed in certain areas. There-
fore small leaks are considered normal for these
models. In addition, your convertible top should
not be washed in a car wash. The top may experi-
ence damage by the brushes or may experience
leaks due to the high pressure water streams di-
rected in areas which would not encounter water
in normal driving conditions. Cleaning
Caution!
Risk of damage due to the cleaning jet of the
high-pressure cleaning equipment or hot wax
treatment.
fDo not clean the convertible top with high-
pressure cleaning equipment.
fDo not use the hot wax treatment.
Do not wash the convertible top each time the car
is washed.
It is usually sufficient to spray or wash it with clean
water.
fBrush dust off the convertible top in the direc-
tion of the weave using a soft brush.
fOnly if there is heavy dirt, wet the convertible
top with lukewarm water and the Porsche
Wash-Shampoo & convertible-top cleaner,
using a sponge or soft brush, and rub gently.
Rinse Wash-Shampoo & convertible-top clea-
ner thoroughly off the convertible top with
clean water.
fAfter washing it, treat the convertible-top cover
at least once a year with the special Porsche
convertible-top care product.
Do not allow the convertible-top care product
to come into contact with paint or windows. If
it does, remove immediately. fIf there is leakage in the convertible-top cover
or at its seams or folds, the special Porsche
convertible-top care product can be used.
fPlease note the information on the container.
fRemove bird droppings immediately since the
acid in them will make the rubber swell and the
convertible top will become leaky.
fOpen convertible top only when it is completely
dry, otherwise damp stains and scrub marks
may occur which cannot be removed.
fTry to remove spots from the convertible-top
cover by rubbing carefully with a soft rubber
sponge.

Practical Tips, Emergency Service
229
Tire replacements If in doubt, contact your Porsche dealer.
Use only tire makes and types approved by
Porsche.
If you do not use a Porsche recommended
replacement tire, make sure that you
purchase your new tires from a reputable tire
dealer and that the dealer complies with all
manufacturers warnings for those tires.
Only tires with the same make and with the
same specification code (e.g. “N0”, “N1”...)
can be mounted.
Before mounting new tires, check with your
Porsche dealer about the current release
status.
Use tires with “ZR” quality standards. There
are currently no standards concerning tire
strength at speeds above 150 mph (240 km/h).
Tires should be replaced no less than on one axle
at the time.
Only tires of the same make and type must be
used. Mixed tires are not permissible.
Initially, new tires do not have their full traction.
You should therefore drive at moderate speeds
during the first 60 - 120 miles (100 - 200 km). If new tires are installed only on one axle, a notice-
able change in handling occurs due to the different
tread depth of the other tires.
This happens especially if only rear tires are re-
placed. However, this condition disappears as the
new tires are broken in.
fPlease adjust your driving style accordingly.
Installation of new tires should only be done by a
qualified tire technician.
Valves
Rubber valve stems must be replaced every time
a tire is replaced.
For metal valves, the installation and replacement
instructions must be observed.
fUse only genuine Porsche metal valves.
fProtect the valve inserts against soiling with
valve caps.
Soiled valve inserts can cause a gradual loss
of air.
fUse only plastic valve caps.
Parking at the curb
Warning!
Hard impacts against curbs (or traffic
islands) are dangerous and may cause hid-
den tire damage which is not noticeable until
later. Such damage can result in accidents at
high speeds causing severe personal injury.
Depending on the force of impact, the edge
of the rim can also be damaged.
fIf you are in doubt, have the wheel checked by
an expert, particularly if you suspect damage
on the inside.
fIf you must drive over a curb or other obstacle,
drive slowly and at an obtuse angle. Exercise care when parking along curbs.

Practical Tips, Emergency Service
231
Snow tires For a better grip on snow and ice, use radial M+S
tires with studs.
Check with your local Motor Vehicle Bureau for
possible restrictions.
Danger!
Risk of loss of control and damage to the
vehicle as well as serious personal injury or
death.
The standard tires profile and rubber mixture
are optimized for wet and dry driving condi-
tions, and may not prove favorable for snow
conditions.
fTherefore install M+S tires before driving in such conditions.
Before mounting snow tires, consult with
your Porsche dealer. He has the technical
information necessary to advise you on
wheel and tire compatibility.
Snow tires should have the same load capacity as
original equipment tires and should be mounted on
all four wheels.
Snow tires with studs should be run at moderate
speeds when new in order to give the studs time
to settle.
Danger!
Tires with badly worn treads and studs are
very dangerous and could cause accidents
resulting in serious personal injuries or
death.
fMake sure they are replaced immediately.
fDo not drive a vehicle equipped with snow tires
at prolonged high speed.
Snow tires do not have the same degree of
traction on dry, wet or snowfree roads as a
normal tire.
Furthermore, snow tires wear rapidly under
these conditions. Comply with all state and local laws
governing snow tire and tread depth
requirements.
Danger!
Risk of accident and serious personal injury
or death due to excessive speed.
fAlways check the maximum speed rating on
the tire sidewall on any tire on the vehicle.
fNever exceed the maximum speed rating of the tires.
fFit winter tires to both axles well before the
cold season begins.
Your authorized Porsche dealer will be pleased
to advise you.
Maintenance note
We recommend fitting winter tires on the vehicle at
temperatures below 45°F (7°C ).
Winter tires lose their traction capability when their
tread depth falls below 5/32 in. (4 mm).

246
Practical Tips, Emergency Service
Electrical System In order to avoid damage and faults in electrical or
electronic systems, electrical accessories should
be installed at your authorized Porsche dealer.
fOnly use accessories authorized by Porsche.
Warning!
Risk of short circuit and fire.
Replacing fuses or relays with the engine
running or the ignition on could cause elec-
trical shock.
fDisconnected the battery during all work on
the electrical system.
Please observe the chapter “BATTERY” on Page 249.
Relays Defective relays should be changed only by an
authorized workshop.
Alarm system, central locking The status of the central locking and alarm system
is not changed by disconnecting the battery.
When the battery is disconnected, the alarm sys-
tem ceases to function. Overload protection If the central locking system is operated more
than ten times within a minute, further operation is
blocked for 30 seconds.
Load switch-off after 2 hours or 7 daysIf the ignition key is removed, loads which are
switched on or are in standby mode (such as the
luggage compartment light, interior light and
radio) are automatically switched off after approx.
2hours.
If the vehicle is not started or unlocked with the
remote control within 7days, the remote control
standby function is switched off (to save the
vehicle battery).
1. In this case, unlock the driver's door with the
key at the door lock.
Leave the door closed in order to prevent the
alarm system from being triggered.
2. Press button 1 on the remote control.
The remote control is now activated again.

Index
293
Warning light ........................................ 86
Cooling system .....................................86
, 186
Cruise control ............................................... 82
Cupholder .................................................. 144
DDashboard ................................................... 72
Data bank .................................................. 278
Defrosting windows .............................130
, 133
Diagnostic socket .................................15, 247
Diagrams ................................................... 288
Dimensions ................................................ 287
Dipped beam .............................................. 261
Door ............................................................ 25
Guard lights ........................................ 271
Handles................................................ 25
Locks...........................................25, 212
Mirror heating ....................................... 33
Windows ....................... 25
, 28, 170
, 214
Driving hints ................................................. 12
Driving in winter .......................................... 168
Driving performance ................................... 285
Drop-center rim .......................................... 234
DVD Navigation........................................... 152
EElectrical system ........................................ 246
Emergency flasher ...................................... 137
Emergency operation
Central locking................................19
, 22
Convertible top ................................... 173
Lids ................................................... 248
Tank cap ............................................ 197Emergency program, Tiptronic .....................168
Emergency service......................................220
Emergency starting with jump leads .............256
Emergenzy operation....................................22
Emission control system ........... 7
, 90, 200
, 201
Engine
Checking the oil level ...........................111
Exhaust ..................................................8
Number ..............................................279
Oil consumption ....................................14
Oil level indicator.................................111
Oils ....................................................286
Speeds ................................................14
Starting ................................................74
Switching off.........................................74
Engine compartment
Blower .......................................... 77, 86
Lid ............................................ 151, 203
Lid warning light ..................................150
Environment ...................................................6
FFire extinguisher .........................................147
Flat tire ......................................................238
Floor mats ..................................................217
Fog lights .................................. 124
, 266
, 269
Footwell light ..............................................270
Front lid......................................................151
Fuel ................................................ 4
, 88, 196
Containers ..............................................8
Economy ............................................194
Evaporation ........................................202
Level gauge ..........................................88
Level warning light................................88Portable Containers ............................ 199
Recommendation ....................... 198
, 199
Tank.......................................... 196, 197
Function keys ............................................... 40
Fuses ........................................................ 247
GGarage door opener................................... 158
Garage lift ................................................. 237
Gearchanging ............................................ 161
Glove compartment .................................... 143
Gong .............................. 75
, 76, 94, 123
, 124
Ground clearance ........................................... 8
HHandbrake ................................................... 57
Hardtop ..................................................... 178
Headlights ......................................... 125
, 261
Adjusting ................................... 272, 273
Cleaning system ................. 126
, 202
, 286
Heated rear window...................... 33
, 181
, 182
Heating ............................................. 130, 133
High beam
Indicator light ....................................... 85
Lever......................................... 124, 125
Home mode............................................... 124
HomeLink .................................................. 158
Hoods ............................................... 148, 151
Horn ..................................................... 15, 21