2006 PORSCHE BOXSTER lights

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

68
Controls, Instruments
Retractable Spoiler The rear spoiler improves driving stability,
especially at higher speeds.Automatic controlThe spoiler extends at approx. 75 mph
(120 km/h) and retracts at approx. 50 mph
(80 km/h).
If automatic control fails, the warning light lights
up and the spoiler must be extended manually
before driving.
Warning!
Risk of accident. If the spoiler cannot be
extended, driving stability will be adversely
affected by increased rear axle lift.
fAdapt your driving style and speed to the
changed driving conditions.
fHave the fault remedied at an authorized
Porsche dealer.
Risk of injury during manual retraction or ex-
tension of the spoiler with the vehicle statio-
nary.
fMake sure that no persons or objects are
within the range of movement of the spoiler.
Risk of damage, if the vehicle is pushed
using the spoiler.
fDo not push the vehicle at the spoiler.The warning light lights up for a lamp check when
the ignition is switched on.
The warning lights in the instrument panel and in
the on-board computer come on if the spoiler
does not extend or does not reach its final position
at more than 75 mph (120 km/h).
Warning light

Controls, Instruments
69
Manual controlWhen the ignition is on, the spoiler can be
extended and retracted manually using the button.
Extending
fPress button briefly.
The spoiler extends to its final position.
The light-emitting diode in the button lights up.
Running in
fPress and hold button until the spoiler has rea-
ched its final position.
The light-emitting diode in the button goes out.
Fixed rear spoiler
Caution!
Risk of damage to rear spoiler.
fPlease consult the operator before using auto-
matic car washes.
fDo not push the vehicle by the spoiler.

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
79
Instrument Panel USA Models Also refer to the corresponding chapter in
the Owner’s Manual.
1 Speedometer with analogue display
2 Tire pressure warning light
3 Turn signal indicator light left/right
4 Tachometer
5 High beam indicator light
6 ABS warning light
7 Cooling system
Temperature gauge, warning light
8Fuel
Level gauge, warning light
9 Adjusting button for instrument illumination
and trip counter
10 Odometer and daily trip mileage display
11 Automatic speed control indicator light
12 Light sensor for instrument illumination13 Airbag warning light
14 Emission control warning light (Check Engine)
15 Central warning light
16 On-board computer display
17 Porsche Stability Management
Multifunctional PSM light
18 Brake warning light
19 Safety belt warning light
20 Tiptronic indicator
21 Clock and outside temperature display
22 Adjustment button for clockWhen the ignition is switched on, the warning
lights light up for a lamp check.
Note
Warnings that have been given are stored in the
appropriate control unit memory and can be read
out at an authorized Porsche dealer.
This information can help to warn you about situa-
tions which may be hazardous to you or your car.

Controls, Instruments
81
Instrument Panel Canada Models Also refer to the corresponding chapter in
the Owner’s Manual.
1 Speedometer with analogue display
2 Tire pressure warning light
3 Turn signal indicator light left/right
4 Tachometer
5 High beam indicator light
6 ABS warning light
7 Cooling system
Temperature gauge, warning light
8Fuel
Level gauge, warning light
9 Adjusting button for instrument illumination
and trip counter
10 Odometer and daily trip mileage display
11 Automatic speed control indicator light
12 Light sensor for instrument illumination13 Airbag warning light
14 Emission control warning light (Check Engine)
15 Central warning light
16 On-board computer display
17 Porsche Stability Management
Multifunctional PSM light
18 Brake warning light
19 Safety belt warning light
20 Tiptronic indicator
21 Clock and outside temperature display
22 Adjustment button for clockWhen the ignition is switched on, the warning
lights light up for a lamp check.
Note
Warnings that have been given are stored in the
appropriate control unit memory and can be read
out at an authorized Porsche dealer.
This information can help to warn you about situa-
tions which may be hazardous to you or your car.

82
Controls, Instruments
A- Adjustment button for instrument illumination and
trip counter Indicates automatic speed control readiness.
Instrument Illumination The illumination is automatically adjusted to the
ambient brightness by the light sensor in the
tachometer.
In addition, when the car lights are switched on,
the instrument and switch symbol brightness can
be manually adjusted.
Warning!
Risk of an accident, personal injury and loss
of control.
fDo not reach through the steering-wheel spokes while driving.
Automatic Speed Control
Indicator light
Dimming instrument illumination
fTurn adjustment button A in the appropriate di-
rection and hold it until the desired brightness
has been reached.
The chosen level of brightness is indicated by
a bar display in the display field of the on-board
computer.
Note
When the car lights are switched on, the scale
lighting for light dials switches on and off
automatically depending on the ambient
brightness.