2006 PORSCHE BOXSTER check engine

Maintenance, Car Care
191
Oil changeThe engine oil has to be changed at the intervals
listed in your Maintenance Schedule.
fPlease observe the chapter “CAPACITIES” on
Page 286.
We recommend that you have the engine oil chan-
ged at your Porsche dealer, who has the required
oils and the necessary filling equipment.
If you suspect an oil leak in the engine have your
dealer check it out immediately.
All current engine oils are compatible with each
other, i. e. when making an oil change it is not ne-
cessary to flush the engine if you wish to use a dif-
ferent brand or grade of oil.
Since, however, each brand of oil has a special
composition, you should, if possible, use the
same oil brand if it becomes necessary to top up
between oil changes.
Porsche engines have long intervals between oil
changes. You can make best use of these long oil
change intervals by using multigrade oils since
these are largely independent of seasonal fluctua-
tions in temperature.If your vehicle is used frequently in stop-and-go
traffic in cold weather, the engine will not always
be properly warmed up.
Condensation from products of combustion may
accumulate in the oil. In this case, it is advisable
to change the oil more frequently so that your en-
gine once again has 100% efficient oil.
Engine oil performance classEngine oil is not only a lubricant, but also serves
to keep the engine clean, to neutralize the dirt
which penetrates into the engine through combus-
tion and to protect the engine against corrosion.
To perform these functions, the oil is provided with
additives which have been specially developed for
these functions.
The efficiency of an oil is expressed, for example,
by the API, ILSAC or ACEA classifications.
ViscosityLike all liquids, engine oil is viscous when cold,
and thin-bodied when warm. The viscosity of an oil
is expressed by its SAE class. For cold viscosity
(mesured at temperatures below 32°F/0°C) the
SAE class is given as a number and the letter ”W“
(as in winter), for hot viscosity (measured at
212°F/100°C) the SAE class is given only as a
number.
The viscosity of an oil is, therefore, always the
same if it has the same number of an SAE class.
Oils with two viscosities are called multigrade oils;
oils with only one viscosity are termed single-gra-
de oils.
Single-grade oils can not be used in your engine.
The viscosity of the engine oil for your Porsche
has to be chosen according to the ambient tempe-
rature given in the engine oil recommendation ta-
ble.

196
Maintenance, Car Care
Fuel
Warning!
Fuel is highly flammable and harmful to
health.
fFire, open flame and smoking are prohibited
when handling fuel.
fAvoid contact with skin or clothing.
fDo not inhale fuel vapors.
To prevent damage to the emission control
system and engine:
fNever drive the tank completely out of fuel.
fAvoid high cornering speeds after the warning lights have come on.
fPlease observe the chapter “FUEL ECONOMY”
on Page 194.
fPlease observe the chapter “EMISSION CONT-
ROL SYSTEM” on Page 200.
fPlease observe the chapter “FUEL” on Page
88.
Check engine warning light
If the warning lights in the instrument panel and on-
board computer come on and remain on while
driving, it suggests:
– an improperly fastened tank cap or
– refuelling with engine running.
Opening the filler flap The filler opening is under the filler flap in the front
right fender.
fWith the vehicle unlocked, press on the front
part of the filler flap (arrow) to open the flap.
The filler flap is centrally locked along with the
other locks. If there is a defect in the automatic unlocking
system:
fOpen the passenger door.
fPull the ring in the right-hand door aperture
(arrow).

Maintenance, Car Care
199
Fuels containing MMT Some North American fuels contain an octane en-
hancing additive called methylcyclopentadienyl
manganese tricarbonyl (MMT).
If such fuels are used, your emission control sys-
tem performance may be negatively affected.
The check engine warning light on your instrument
panel may turn on.
If this occurs, Porsche recommends you stop
using fuels containing MMT.
Portable Fuel Containers
Danger!
Portable fuel containers, full or partially em-
pty, may leak causing an explosion, or result
in fire in case of an accident.
fNever carry additional fuel in portable contai-ners in your vehicle.

Maintenance, Car Care
207
Power Steering
Warning!
Risk of accident.
When the engine is stopped (e.g. when on
tow) or the power steering has failed there is
no steering assistance.
Therefore, substantially more force will have
to be exerted in order to steer.
fExercise great care when being towed.
fHave the fault remedied at your nearest autho-rized Porsche dealer. Note
The flow noise heard at full steering lock is design-
related and does not indicate a defect in the stee-
ring system.
Checking hydraulic fluid fPlease observe the chapter “EXERCISE EXTRE-
ME CAUTION WHEN WORKING ON YOUR VE-
HICLE” on Page 184.
The hydraulic fluid reservoir is located in the engi-
ne compartment.
fOnly use hydraulic fluid authorized by Porsche.
fPlease observe the chapter “CAPACITIES” on
Page 286.
fCheck the fluid level with the engine stopped
and cold (approximately 68°F/20°C).
1. Open the engine compartment lid.
Please observe the chapter “OPENING ENGINE
COMPARTMENT LID” on Page 203.
2. Open the reservoir cap.
3. Wipe measuring rod.
Close lid and reopen. The fluid level should lie
in the area below the ”Cold“ marking.
Add hydraulic fluid if necessary.
4. Close cap carefully.
Close engine compartment lid.
Noticeable loss of fluid indicates leakage in the
system.
The cause should be remedied immediately at an
authorized Porsche dealer.

208
Maintenance, Car Care
Air Filter The air filter is on the left-hand side of the engine
compartment.
A dirty air filter not only reduces engine perfor-
mance, but can lead to premature engine wear.
Regular filter replacement is part of the routine
maintenance service.
fIn dusty conditions, check the filter element
more frequently and replace if necessary. Combination filterThe fresh air passing through the combination
filter into the passenger compartment is virtually
free of dust, pollen, and unpleasant odours.
fIf the outside air is polluted by exhaust fumes,
press the circulating-air button.
A dirty filter can be the cause of reduced air
throughput:
fHave the filter replaced by an authorized
Porsche dealer.
Regular filter replacement is part of servicing.
Automatic Transmission Fluid The torque converter and the transmission are lu-
bricated with Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF).
The final drive requires transmission oil.
fPlease observe the chapter “CAPACITIES” on
Page 286.
Do not tow the car or run the engine without ATF
in the transmission. The automatic transmission
may be damaged by even a tiny speck of dirt, only
a clean funnel or spout must be used when adding
AT F.
The ATF and transmission oil has to be checked
and changed at the intervals listed in your Mainte-
nance Schedule.
We recommend that you have the ATF and trans-
mission oil changed at your Porsche dealer, who
has the required lubricants and the necessary fil-
ling equipment.
If you suspect an oil leak in the transmission, have
your authorized Porsche dealer check it out imme-
diately.
Manual Transmission Oil The transmission oil has to be checked and chan-
ged at the intervals listed in your Maintenance
Schedule.
fPlease observe the chapter “CAPACITIES” on
Page 286.
We recommend that you have the transmission oil
changed at your Porsche dealer, who has the re-
quired lubricants and the necessary filling equip-
ment.
If you suspect an oil leak in the transmission, have
your authorized Porsche dealer check it out imme-
diately.

218
Maintenance, Car Care
Storing your Porsche If you intend to store your Porsche for a prolonged
period, please consult your authorized Porsche
dealer. The staff will be glad to advise you on the
most suitable and necessary methods.
fClean your vehicle thoroughly inside and out-
side.
Clean the engine compartment.
The under carriage and chassis components
should be free of dirt and salt deposits.
fFill up the fuel tank.
fChange the oil and oil filter, and run the engine
for several minutes.
fIncrease the tire pressure to 58 psi (4 bar).
It is not recommended to lift the vehicle, due to
the possibility of corrosion on shock absorber
piston shafts.
The vehicle should be moved slightly, approxi-
mately every four weeks, to prevent flat spot
on the tires. Climate control
The air conditioning system should be in good wor-
king condition and fully charged.
Windshield/Headlight washer
fCheck and correct antifreeze/cleaning solution
level as necessary.
Electrical system
fRemove the battery from the vehicle and store
it in a cool dry place, not on a cement floor.
When the battery is disconnected, the
alarm system is deactivated.
fRecharge the battery every 3 months. If the
battery remains in the vehicle with the cables
connected, it is necessary to check, remove
and recharge the battery every 2-3 weeks.
Do not fast charge the battery.
fPlease observe the chapter “BULB CHART” on
Page 259. Vehicle interior
The interior must be dry, especially in the area of
the floor carpets. The use of drying agents (Silica-
Gel) is recommended in vehicles with leather inte-
rior and in areas with high humidity. The recom-
mended amount is 3 fabric bags of 1.1 lbs. (500
grams) each placed on the floor carpets.
Windows, doors, lids and top must be closed. The
air vents should be opened.

250
Practical Tips, Emergency Service
Charge stateA well-charged battery prevents starting problems
and has a longer useful life.
Traffic density, speed limits, requirements
regarding noise, exhaust gas and fuel consump-
tion reduce the engine speed and, hence, the
generator output.
However, the large number of electrical loads has
markedly increased the demand for electrical
power.
In order to avoid unintended battery
discharge
fSwitch off unnecessary electrical loads in city
traffic, on short trips and in queues.
fAlways withdraw the ignition key when leaving
the vehicle.
fAvoid frequent operation of the convertible top
and operation of the Porsche Communication
Management system when the engine is not
running.
Battery carefKeep battery surface clean and dry.
fEnsure that cell plugs and terminal clamps are
firmly secured.
Checking acid level
The acid level should be more frequently checked
by a qualified specialist workshop during the
summer months and in predominantly warm
countries.
Charging the battery
Your Porsche partner will be pleased to advise you
about a suitable charger.
1. Always observe the instructions of the charger
manufacturer.
Depending on the type of charger, the battery
may have to be disconnected. Extremely
important: disconnect the negative cable first,
and then the positive cable – danger of short
circuit!
Reconnection must be carried out in reverse
order.
2. Before charging, cold batteries must be
warmed up indoors.
3. Frozen batteries must not be charged. They
must be replaced with a new battery.
4. When charging, ensure adequate ventilation. 5. Connect charger to the battery.
Only plug into the mains and switch the
charger on when it has been correctly
connected up.
Warning!
Hydrogen gas generated by the battery
could cause an explosion, resulting in severe
personal injuries.
fCharge battery in a well ventilated area.
fNever charge a frozen battery. It may explode
because of gas trapped in the ice. Allow a fro-
zen battery to thaw out first.
fIf you get electrolyte, which is an acid, in your
eyes or on your skin, immediately rinse with
cold water for several minutes and call a doc-tor.

292
Index
IndexAABS (antilock brake system) .......................... 61
Advanced Airbag........................................... 46
Air conditioning ...................................130
, 133
Air distribution ....................................130, 133
Air filter ...................................................... 208
Airbag .......................................................... 44
Function ............................................... 46
Warning light ........................................ 49
Air-conditioning compressor ................132, 135
Alarm system ............................................. 157
Alcantara ................................................... 217
Antenna .............................................157, 212
Antilock brake system................................... 61
Warning light ........................................ 62
Ashtray ...................................................... 138
Assembly aids for wheel changes................. 242
Assistant ...................................................... 70
Audio operation .......................................... 155
Auto-button air conditioning ......................... 133
Automatic
Anti-glare mirrors .................................. 30
Car washes ........................................ 210
Door locking ......................................... 24
Headlight beam adjustment.................. 125
Speed control ....................................... 82
Automatic air conditioning system ................ 133
Average consumption............................93, 114
Average speed .....................................93, 114
BBackrest
Adjustment ........................................... 34
Release ................................................ 34
Battery....................................................... 249
Care .................................................. 250
Charge state....................................... 250
Putting vehicle into operation ............... 252
Remote control ................................... 255
Removing ........................................... 253
Warning light......................................... 90
Winter driving...................................... 251
Before driving off ....................................12
, 13
Blower adjustment..............................130, 133
Brake light..........................................269, 270
Brakes
Brake pad warning light ......................... 91
Fluid ...........................................192, 286
Fluid warning light.......................109, 192
Pads ..............................................14, 60
Test stand ............................................ 66
Break in hints................................................ 14
Bulbs
Chart ................................................. 259
Replacing ........................................... 259
CCabriolet .................................................... 170
Canholder .................................................. 144
Capacities, overview ................................... 286Car care ..................................................... 184
Car telephone ............................................. 157
Car washes ................................................ 210
Catalytic converters ....................................201
Cautions............................................ 184
, 220
Central locking....................................... 19, 21
Emergency operation ..................... 19, 22
Central vents .............................................. 136
Central warning light..................................... 91
Changing wheels ......................................... 242
Check engine
Warning light......................................... 90
Checking pressure ...................................... 241
Child restraint systems .................................. 51
Chime ........................................................ 124
CHRONO stopwatch ......................................98
Circulating-air button .......................... 130, 133
Clock .................................................. 89, 114
Clutch ........................................................ 162
Clutch pedal ................................................. 56
Combination filter ........................................208
Comfort seat ................................................ 34
Coming Home mode ................................... 124
Compact disc
holder ................................................ 143
Player ................................................ 156
Storage .............................................. 152
Convertible top ........................................... 170
Care................................................... 211
Coolant ....................................... 86
, 186
, 286
Level .................................................. 186
Temperature gauge............................... 86