2006 PORSCHE BOXSTER Lights operation

58
Controls, Instruments
Brakes fMake it a habit to check the operation of your
brakes before driving.
Keep in mind that the braking distance increases
very rapidly as the speed increases. At 60 mph or
100 km/h, for example, it is not twice but four ti-
mes longer than 30 mph or 50 km/h. Tire traction
is also less effective when the roads are wet or
slippery.
fTherefore, always maintain a safe distance
from the car in front of you.
Vehicles without Porsche Ceramic
Composite Brake (PCCB)
Even though the brake discs consist of alloyed
grey cast iron, they will unavoidably start to corro-
de if your car is parked for an extended period.
The brakes will tend to “rub” as a result.
The nature, extent and effects of corrosion de-
pend on the amount of time the vehicle was par-
ked, whether granular or liquid road salt was
spread and whether grease-dissolving agents
were used in car washes.
If the braking comfort is noticeably impaired, we
recommend having the brake system checked by
experts at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Brake system function Your Porsche is equipped with a power assisted
hydraulic dual circuit brake system with disc bra-
kes at the front and rear.
Both circuits function independently. One brake
circuit operates the front and the other operates
the rear.
If one brake circuit has failed, the other will still
operate. However, you will notice an increased pe-
dal travel when you apply the brakes.
Failure of one brake circuit will cause the stopping
distance to increase.
Warning!
Risk of an accident.
In the unlikely event of hydraulic failure of
one brake circuit:
fPush the brake pedal down firmly and hold it in
that position.
A mechanical linkage activates the second cir-
cuit, and you will be able to bring the vehicle to
a stop.
fAfter bringing your vehicle to a complete stop,
avoid driving the vehicle and instead have it to-
wed to the nearest authorized Porsche dealer for repair. If the warning lights in the instrument panel and on-
board computer go on while driving, the brake flu-
id level may be too low, or (if the brake pedal travel
has increased) one of the two brake circuits may
have failed.
A greater braking pressure will be required, stop-
ping distances will be longer and the braking beha-
vior will change, particularly in curves.
With correctly adjusted brakes, and a correctly
working brake system, the pedal travel to the
point of brake actuation should be 1-3/16" to
1-9/16" or 30 to 40 mm.
Whenever the brake pedal travel exceeds this dis-
tance, have the brake system checked.
Brake warning light USA
Brake warning light
Canada

62
Controls, Instruments
Operation of the ABS system A wheel speed sensor is mounted to each of the
four wheels. If wheel lock-up of either of the front
wheels or the rear wheels is sensed during bra-
king, the brake pressure is adjusted automatically
until the wheel no longer slips. The brake pressure
is regulated for each front wheel individually and
for both of the rear wheels together.
On a road surface which is slippery on only one si-
de, the rear wheel which is braking on the slippery
surface determines the brake pressure which will
be applied equally to both rear wheels. This ensu-
res that directional stability is maintained. Howe-
ver, if braking forces approach the wheel lock-up
point for all wheels (panic braking) the ABS system
will intervene to provide a rapid rythmic braking.
The proper operation of ABS is perceived by the
driver as a pulsating brake pedal in conjunction
with audible noise and perhaps some vibration.
fIf you experience these sensations while dri-
ving or a road surface with questionable trac-
tion, reduce vehicle speed appropriate for the
prevailing road conditions.
The functional readiness of all the main electrical
components of the ABS is checked by an electro-
nic monitoring system both before and while you
drive. When the ignition is switched on the ABS warning
light will light up while the system is electronically
interrogated and goes out when the engine is star-
ted if the check is not yet complete.
If the ABS warning lamp fails to go out, this indica-
tes that ABS has been deactivated due to a fault.
If the warning lights in the instrument panel and on-
board computer light up while you are driving, this
indicates that a fault has occurred. In both cases,
normal braking, as in vehicles without ABS, is still
retained.
The ABS system should, however, be examined at
an authorized Porsche dealer immediately to pre-
vent the occurrence of further faults.
fIf the ABS system becomes inoperative, take
your vehicle to your authorized Porsche dealer
immediately.
Warning!
The control unit of the ABS brake system is
set for standard tire size. If non-standard ti-
res are installed, the control unit may misin-
terpret the speed of the vehicle, because of
the variant data it receives from the sensors
on the axles.
fUse only tire makes and types tested by Porsche.
Warning light USA
Warning light Canada

66
Controls, Instruments
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 go to a qualified specialist workshop.
We recommend a Porsche partner for this
work as they have trained workshop personnel
and the necessary parts and tools.
fPlease observe the chapter “STORING YOUR
PORSCHE” on Page 218.
TowingfPlease observe the chapter “TOWING” on Page
274.Checks on test standsWhen carrying out brake tests on roller test
stands a maximum testing speed of 5 mph
(8 km/h) must not be exceeded.
Handbrake checks on the roller brake tester
must be performed only with the ignition switched
off.
Multifunctional PSM light

76
Controls, Instruments
Starting Procedures fPlease observe the chapter “IMMOBILIZER” on
Page 17.
fPlease observe the chapter “EMISSION CONT-
ROL SYSTEM” on Page 200.
Warning!
Serious injury may result if you are involved
in a collision without having fastened the
safety belts.
fFasten safety belts before driving away. Before starting the engine fApply the handbrake.
fManual transmission:
Move the gearshift lever into neutral.
The clutch pedal must be depressed fully
before the starter will engage.
fTiptronic:
Move the selector lever to P or N.
Temperature sensors on the engine automatically
provide the correct fuel/air mixture required for
starting.
Therefore, it is not necessary to depress the
accelerator pedal while starting a cold or a
warm engine.
Starting the enginefTurn ignition key to ignition lock position 2.
fAs soon as the engine starts, release the igni-
tion key.
The first operation of the starter is ended auto-
matically when the engine starts.
If the engine does not start, subsequent starter
operations will not be ended automatically.
If the engine fails to start after 10 or 15 seconds
of cranking:
fWait about 10 seconds before engaging the
starter again.
fWhen starting the engine, be ready to drive im-
mediately.
Drive vehicle at moderate speeds and avoid
engine speeds above 4,200 rpm during the
first 5 minutes.
fDo not let the engine idle to warm up.
Danger!
Engine exhaust fumes have many compon-
ents which you can smell. They also contain
carbon monoxide (CO), which is a colorless
and odorless gas.
Carbon monoxide can cause unconscious-
ness and even death if inhaled.
fNever start or let the engine run in an enc-
losed, unventilated area.
It is not recommended to sit in your car for pro-
longed periods with the engine on and the car
not moving.
An unattended vehicle with a running engine
is potentially hazardous.
If warning lights should come on to indicate
improper operation, they would go un-
noticed.
fNever leave the engine idling unattended.
Danger of fire.
fDo not park or operate the vehicle in areas
where the hot exhaust system may come in
contact with dry grass, brush, fuel spill or
other flammable material.
fIf your car catches on fire for any reason, call
the fire department.
Do not endanger your life by attempting to put out the fire.

Controls, Instruments
85
Tachometer The tachometer shows the engine speed in revolu-
tions per minute (rpm).
The beginning of the red marks at the right end of
the scale indicates the maximum permissible en-
gine rpm.
A speed limiter prevents the engine from being
overrevved during acceleration. Before reaching
this area, the next higher gear should be select-
ed.
Shift to the next lower gear when the engine rpm
drops below 1,500 rpm.
Caution!
To avoid severe engine damage.
fAlways observe the engine rpm before down-
shifting to a lower gear, so you do not exceed the maximum engine rpm. Flashes in synchronism with the turn signals.
Left arrow – left turn signals
Right arrow – right turn signals
fIf the frequency of the display becomes notice-
ably faster, check the operation of the turn sig-
nals.
Indicator light Lights when high beam or headlight flasher is
switched on.
The indicator light goes out when the high beams
are switched off.
Turn Signal Indicator Light
High Beam

124
Controls, InstrumentsIf the ignition key is withdrawn and the door is
opened while the lights (not the parking light or
Welcome Home lighting) are on, a chime warns of
possible battery discharge.
In some countries, differences are possible
due to provisions of law.
Note on operation
Further individual light functions (e.g. daytime driv-
ing lights) are available in vehicles with the Sport
Chrono package.
Please observe the chapter “Individual Memory” in
the separate PCM operating instructions.
Welcome Home LightingSwitching onfMove light switch to the HOME position.
For improved visibility and security when you get
in and out of the car, the fog lights and the tail
lights remain on for a certain period of time:
–When you get out of the car, the lights are
turned on for approx. 30 seconds after the
door is opened. The off-delay time resumes
when the vehicle is locked.
On vehicles with the Sport Chrono package,
the PCM can be used to set the off-delay time.
This setting also changes the lighting period
for unlocking the vehicle.
Please observe the chapter “Individual
Memory” in the separate PCM operating
instructions.
The lights are turned on for approx. 30 seconds
when the vehicle is unlocked.
The lights go out if the ignition is switched on or
when leaving the Welcome Home lighting
If the ignition key is withdrawn and the door is ope-
ned while the lights (not the parking light left/right)
are on, a gong warns of possible battery dis-
charge.
In some countries, differences are possible
due to provisions of law.
Light SwitchLights switched off
Welcome Home Function
Parking lights, side marker lights,
license plate light, instrument illumination
Low beam, high beam
Only with ignition on
Fog lights in addition to parking lights or
low beam:
Pull switch to first click.
Indicator light on.
The fog lights will go out automatically
when the high beams are switched on.
Rear fog light in addition to the fog
lights:
Pull switch to second click.
Indicator light on.

Controls, Instruments
125
Automatic Headlight Beam
Adjustment Vehicles with Litronic headlights feature auto-
matic headlight beam adjustment.
When the ignition is switched on, the level of the
headlight beam automatically changes in accor-
dance with the vehicle load.
The level of the headlight beam is automatically
kept constant during acceleration and braking.
Checking operation
1. Switch the low beam on.
2. Switch ignition on.
The light beam first dips all the way down and
is then adapted to the vehicle load.
The level of the low beam rises perceptibly
when the high beam is switched on.
If these test items are not met, the headlight beam
adjustment must be checked by an authorized
Porsche dealer.
Turn Signal/ Headlight Dimmer/
Parking light / Flasher Lever Turn signals, low beam and high beam are ready
for operation when the ignition is on.
1– Turn signal left
2– Turn signal right
3–High beam
4– Headlight flasher
Lever in center position–Low beam
When high beam and headlight flasher are selec-
ted, the blue indicator light in the tachometer is lit.
The turn signal lever turns off automatically when
the steering wheel is straightened out after com-
pleting a turn.
Lane changer fTo indicate your intention when changing lanes
on the freeway, slightly lift or depress the lever
to the resistance point.
The lever will return to the OFF position when
released.
fIf the frequency of the display becomes notice-
able faster, check the operation of the turn si-
gnal bulbs. Headlight flasher (With ignition on or off)
fTo flash the headlights to oncomming moto-
rists, slightly pull the lever toward the steering
wheel and then release it.
The blue indicator light in the tachometer will
go on/off as you pull/release the lever. Parking lightThe parking light can only be switched on when
the ignition is switched off.
fMove the lever up or down to switch on the
right or left parking light.

126
Controls, Instruments
Windshield Wiper / Washer Lever
Warning!
Danger of injury when the windshield wipers
operate unintentionally.
Risk of damage to the windshield and wiper
system.
fAvoid running the wiper blades over a dry wind-
shield to prevent scratching the glass. Spray
washer fluid on the windshield first.
A scratched windshield will reduce visibility.
fAlways loosen wiper blades from frozen glass
before operating wipers to prevent damage to
the wiper motor or blades. fAlways switch off windshield wipers in car
wash to prevent them wiping unintentionally
(intermittent or sensor operation).
fAlways switch off windshield wipers before
cleaning the windshield to avoid unintentional
operation (intermittent or sensor operation).
fDo not operate the headlight washer in car
washes.
fDo not operate headlight washer when it is
frozen.
Wiper and headlight washer system0 – Windshield wipers off
1 – Rain sensor operation for front
windshield wipers
fMove wiper lever upwards to the first click.
Please observe the chapter “RAIN SENSOR” on
Page 127.
2 – Windshield wipers slow
fMove wiper lever upwards to the second click.
3 – Windshield wipers fast
fMove wiper lever upwards to the third click.
4 – Front windshield wiper – one-touch oper-
ation:
fMove wiper lever downwards. The windshield
wipers wipe once.5 – Windshield wipers and washer system:
fPull wiper lever towards the steering wheel.
The washer system sprays and wipes while the
lever is pulled towards the steering wheel.
When the wiper lever is released, a few drying
wipes are executed.
A - Headlight washer (Vehicles with Bi-Xenon
headlights):
The washer sprays only while low beam or high
beam is switched on.
fBriefly push button A to operate headlight
washer system.
fIf heavily soiled, repeat wash.
The headlight washer system automatically sprays
once for every ten times the front windshield
washer system is operated.
Note
The windshield washer nozzles are heated
when the ignition is on, as a precaution against
freezing.