2006 PORSCHE BOXSTER engine

90
Controls, Instruments If the battery voltage drops abruptly, a warning
m e s s a g e w i l l b e d i s p l a y e d b y t h e o n - b o a rd c o m p u -
ter.
If the warning is displayed by the on-board
computer while the engine is running or while
driving:
fStop the car in a safe place and stop the
engine.
Possible causes
– Defect in the battery charging system.
– Broken drive belt. Warning!
Risk of an accident and risk of engine dam-
age.
A broken drive belt means there is no power
assistance to the steering (more effort is re-
quired to steer) and coolant pump function
will stop.
fDo not continue driving.
fHave the fault remedied at the nearest author-ized Porsche dealer. The warning light in the instrument panel comes
on when the ignition is first turned on and remains
on briefly as a bulb check. If the light does not
come on, have the bulb replaced promptly.
If the warning lights in the instrument panel and on-
board computer come on and remain on while
driving, it suggests:
– a potential engine control problem and the
need for system service or
– an improperly fastened tank cap or
– refuelling with engine running.
Although the vehicle is usually driveable and will
not require towing, see your dealer for service as
soon as possible.
Caution!
If the Check engine light in the instrument
panel is flashing, severe catalytic converter
damage and power loss will soon occur.
Prolonged driving with the Check engine light
on could cause damage to the emission con-
trol system. It also could affect fuel economy
and driveability.
fHave the fault remedied at the nearest author-ized Porsche dealer immediately.
Battery
Check Engine
Warning Light

92
Controls, Instruments
On-Board Computer (BC)Display fieldThe display field is beneath the tachometer.Readiness for operation– With ignition switched on,
– with engine running.
Operation, controlsIt is not possible to describe all details of the on-
board computer functions in this Owner’s Manual.
However, the examples will quickly familiarize you
with the operational principle and help you to
navigate through the menu structure.
You can restore the factory default settings at any
time by using the “SET” menu.
Operating leverThe on-board computer is operated with the lower
left lever on the steering column.
Selecting functions of the on-board
computer
fPush lever up 3 or down 4.
Confirming selection (Enter)
fPush the lever forward 1.
Moving back one or several selection levels
fPull the lever back 2 once or several times or
fSelect the arrow on the on-board computer
display with the operating lever and push the
operating lever forward 1.
Note
You can always return to the basic menu by pulling
the operating lever several times.

Controls, Instruments
111
OIL
Display and measurement of the engine
oil level
Caution!
Risk of engine damage.
fRegularly check the oil level after refuelling.
fDo not allow the oil level to fall below the mini-mum mark.
Conditions for measuring the oil level
1. It is important to ensure that the vehicle is
horizontal for correct oil level measurement
to occur.
2. Engine is off.
3. Ignition on.Oil return time
Before the oil level is measured, the engine oil has
to have flowed back into the oil pan.
The time taken for the engine oil to flow back de-
pends on the engine temperature and how long
the engine has been stopped.
This waiting time is counted down in the on-board
computer display when the ignition is switched on.
The oil level display segments start to “cycle”.
fIt is best to measure the engine oil level before
embarking on a journey (if the vehicle has not
been driven for an extended period) or with the
engine at operating temperature. Shorter wait-
ing times are achieved in this way.Initiating oil level measurement
fSwitch ignition on (do not start the engine).
The engine-oil level measurement display ap-
pears in the on-board computer.
fAllow waiting time to elapse.
fOnce the measurement has been completed,
you can read off the engine oil level on the seg-
ment display.
– If the segments are filled in up to the top line,
the oil level has reached the maximum mark.
fUnder no circumstances add engine oil.

112
Controls, Instruments – If the bottom segment is filled in, the oil level
has reached the minimum mark.
fAdd engine oil immediately.
– If the segment flashes, the oil level has
dropped to below the minimum mark.
fAdd engine oil immediately.
The difference between the minimum and maxi-
mum marks on the segment display is approx.
1.2 liters.
Each segment of the display corresponds to ap-
prox. 0.4 liter.
fAdd engine oil if necessary.
Please observe the chapter “ENGINE OIL LE-
VEL” on Page 189.
Before adding oil, switch ignition off.
fNever add more engine oil than required
to reach the maximum mark.Oil level measurement during refuelling
The oil level is automatically measured during re-
fuelling.
Preconditions
1. Ignition is switched off.
2. If the engine is at operating temperature, at
least 5 minutes must elapse between parking
the vehicle and starting the engine.
3. Refuelling completed within 15 minutes.
When the ignition is switched on, the engine oil lev-
el is shown on the segment display.
Measurement will be stopped if the above require-
ments are not met.
fStart oil level measurement in the “OIL“ menu
or
fStart oil level measurement by switching on
the ignition.
Failure
A failure of the oil level display is indicated by a
warning message in the on-board computer.The oil level measurement can also be
initiated in the “OIL” menu:
Switching on selection field “D”
fPush operating lever forward.
Initiating measurement
fSelect “OIL” with the operating lever.
fPush operating lever forward.
Measurement is started.

116
Controls, Instruments
Warnings on the instrument panel and the on-board computerIf a warning message appears, always refer to the corresponding chapters in the Owner’s Manual.
Warning messages are issued only if all measurement preconditions are met. Therefore, check all fluid levels regularly –
in particular, always check the engine oil level after refuelling.
Instrument
panelOn-board
computerText display on on-board
computerMeaning/measure
Seat belt Driver and passengers must fasten their seat
belts.
Handbrake Handbrake is still on.
Ignition key
not removed
Replace battery
in ignition keyReplace the remote-control battery.
Ignition lock faulty,
please go to workshopHave the fault remedied at an authorized
Porsche dealer.
Ignition lock faulty,
visit workshop nowHave the fault remedied at an authorized
Porsche dealer.
Relieve steering Relieve the steering l o c k b y m o v i n g t h e s t e e r i n g
wheel to the left or right.
Steering locked The steering wheel lock remains engaged.
Have the fault remedied at an authorized
Porsche dealer.
Lights on Dipped beam/side light on.
Parking light on Left/right parking light on.

Controls, Instruments
117
Check left/right dipped beam (low
beam)
also applies to:
front side lights, direction indicator,
high beam, fog lights, side indicator
light, brake light, tail light, rear fog
light, reversing light, raised brake
light, side markerThe reported light is faulty. Check bulb.
Have the fault remedied at an authorized
Porsche dealer.
Daytime
driving lights offDaytime driving lights switch off when the engi-
ne is shut off. Switch on lights if necessary.
Headlight beam
adjustment faultyHave the fault remedied at an authorized
Porsche dealer.
Front lid not closed Close luggage compartment lid properly.
Rear lid not closed Close engine compartment lid properly.
Lid opener front
faultyLuggage compartment lid release is faulty.
Have the fault remedied at an authorized
Porsche dealer.
Rain sensor faulty Have the fault remedied at an authorized
Porsche dealer.
Refill washer fluid
LIMIT
Cannot be accepted
with vehicle stoppedThe current speed can only be accepted for the
acoustic warning signal when the vehicle is in
motion.
LIMIT
30Selected speed limit (e.g. 30 mph) for the
acoustic warning signal has been exceeded.
Adjust your speed if necessary.
Fuel gauge war-
ning lightConsider remaining range Refuel at next opportunity.
Instrument
panelOn-board
computerText display on on-board
computerMeaning/measure

118
Controls, Instruments
Check engine oil level Start engine oil level measurement in the
on-board computer.
The vehicle must be horizontal and the ignition
must be switched on.
Engine oil pressure too low Stop immediately at a suitable place, measure
oil level with the on-board computer and, if ne-
cessary, add engine oil.
Warning light
Temperature gau-
geEngine temperature too high Switch engine off and let it cool.
Check coolant level and, if necessary,
add coolant.
Temperature gau-
ge warning light
flashesCheck coolant level Switch engine off and let it cool.
Check coolant level and, if necessary, add
coolant.
Engine diagnostics – workshop Consult your authorized Porsche dealer.
Reduced engine power Consult your authorized Porsche dealer.
Temperature gau-
ge warning light
flashesFailure of
engine compartment blowerConsult your authorized Porsche dealer.
Warning Battery/generator Stop at a safe place and switch the engine off.
Do not continue driving.
Have the fault remedied at an authorized
Porsche dealer.
Oil pressure gauge faulty Have the fault remedied at an authorized
Porsche dealer.
Oil level display faulty Have the fault remedied at an authorized
Porsche dealer.
Oil temperature gauge faulty Have the fault remedied at an authorized
Porsche dealer.
Instrument
panelOn-board
computerText display on on-board
computerMeaning/measure

120
Controls, Instruments
Airbag system fault Airbag is faulty.
Have the fault remedied at an authorized
Porsche dealer.
Check passenger’s seat setting Weight sensing is impaired on the passenger's
seat (Advanced Airbag).
When the backrest is in contact with the engine
compartment wall, the backrest can warp.
Correct the seating position, set the backrest
upright, do not support weight on the armrests,
or lift on the handles.
Failure spoiler control Driving stability is impaired.
Adjust your driving style. Reduce speed.
Have the fault remedied at an authorized
Porsche dealer.
Display of
selector lever posi-
tion flashesSelector lever is not engaged Tiptronic S:
Selector lever can be between two positions.
Engage the selector lever correctly.
Move selector lever to P Tiptronic S:
Move selector lever to position P before with-
drawing key from ignition lock.
Apply brake Tiptronic S:
Apply the brake when starting.
Depress clutch pedal Manual transmission:
Depress clutch pedal when starting.
Move selector lever
to position P or NTiptronic S:
The vehicle can be started only in the selector
lever position P or N.
Display of
selector lever posi-
tion flashesTiptronic emergency run Have the fault remedied at an authorized
Porsche dealer.
Instrument
panelOn-board
computerText display on on-board
computerMeaning/measure