
Controls, Instruments
11 Controls, Instruments
Before driving off... ...................................... 12
Break in hints for the first 
2,000 miles/3,000 kilometers ......................  14
Keys ...........................................................  17
Security Wheel Bolts....................................  17
Central Locking in Cars without Alarm System  19
Doors .........................................................  25
Alarm System, 
Passenger Compartment Monitoring .............  26
Power Windows ...........................................  28
Inside mirror ................................................  30
Automatic Anti-Glare Interior Mirror 
and Door Mirrors .........................................  30
Door Mirrors................................................  31
Seat Adjustment ..........................................  34
Seat Memory ...............................................  36
Heated Seats ..............................................  38
Steering Wheel Adjustment ...........................  39
Multi-functional steering wheel.......................  40
Sun Visors...................................................  41
Safety Belts.................................................. 42
Child Restraint Systems................................  45
LATCH System
Child seat bracket on the passenger’s seat ....  49
Airbag Systems ...........................................  50
Clutch Pedal ................................................  56
Parking Brake ..............................................  57
Brakes ........................................................  58
ABS Brake System
(Antilock Brake System) ................................  61
Sport Mode .................................................  63
Porsche Stability Management (PSM).............  64Porsche Active Suspension Management 
(PASM) ........................................................  67
Retractable Spoiler ......................................  68
Parking Aids ................................................  70
Operation, Instruments .................................  72
Ignition/Starter Switch with anti-theft 
Steering Lock ..............................................  74
Starting Procedures .....................................  76
Stopping engine...........................................  77
Instrument Panel USA Models .......................  79
Automatic Speed Control Indicator light .........  82
Instrument Illumination..................................  82
Trip Odometer .............................................  83
Speedometer ..............................................  84
Changing over between
Miles / Kilometers........................................  84
Tachometer ................................................. 85
Turn Signal Indicator Light ............................  85
High Beam ..................................................  85
Cooling System  ........................................... 86
Tiptronic......................................................  87
Fuel ............................................................  88
Clock ..........................................................  89
Outside temperature ....................................  89
Check Engine Warning Light..........................  90
Central warning light ....................................  91
Brake warning light USA ...............................  91
Brake warning light Canada ..........................  91
On-Board Computer (BC) ..............................  92
Light Switch  .............................................. 124
Welcome Home Lighting ............................. 124
Automatic Headlight Beam Adjustment ........  125Turn Signal/ Headlight Dimmer/Parking light / 
Flasher Lever.............................................  125
Windshield Wiper / Washer Lever ................  126
Automatic Speed Control ............................  128
Air conditioning ..........................................  130
Automatic air conditioning system ...............  133
Central and side vents................................  136
Fresh-air intake ..........................................  136
Emergency Flasher Switch ..........................  137
Ashtray .....................................................  138
Cigarette Lighter ........................................  139
Sockets ....................................................  140
Interior lights  ............................................. 141
Storage in the passenger compartment .......  142
Cupholder
(holder for drinks cans and cups) ................  144
Luggage Storage on 
Engine Compartment Lid ............................  146
Fire extinguisher ........................................  147
Trunk Entrapment ......................................  148
Luggage compartment lids .........................  150
Luggage Compartment..............................  152
Rear luggage compartment ........................  153
Porsche Communication Management (PCM)  154
Car Audio Operation/Tips ...........................  155
HomeLink .................................................. 158
Manual Transmission, Clutch .......................  162
Tiptronic S.................................................  163
Convertible Top..........................................  170
Windstop ...................................................  177
Hardtop.....................................................  178 

12
Controls, Instruments
Dear Porsche Owner A lot has gone into the manufacture of your 
Porsche, including advanced engineering, rigid 
quality control and demanding inspections. 
These engineering and safety features will be 
enhanced by you... the safe driver... – who knows his car and all controls, 
– who maintains the vehicle properly, 
– who uses driving skills wisely, and always 
drives within her/his own capabilities and the 
level of familiarity with the vehicle. 
You will find helpful hints in this manual on how to 
perform most of the checks listed on the following 
pages. 
If in doubt, have these checks performed by your 
authorized Porsche dealer. 
Before driving off... Check the following items first fTurn the engine off before you attempt any 
checks or repairs on the vehicle. 
fBe sure the tires are inflated correctly. 
Check tires for damage and tire wear. 
fSee that wheel bolts are properly tightened 
and not loose or missing. 
fCheck engine oil level, add if necessary. 
Make it a habit to have engine oil checked with 
every fuel filling. 
fCheck all fluid levels such as windshield was-
her and brake fluid levels. 
fBe sure the vehicle battery is well charged and 
cranks the engine properly. 
fCheck all doors and lids for proper operation 
and latch them properly. 
fCheck and if necessary replace worn or cra-
cked wiper blades. 
fSee that all windows are clear and unobstruc-
ted. 
fCheck air intake slots and area between front 
lid and windshield are free of snow and ice, so 
the heater and the windshield wipers work pro-
perly. fIf a child will be riding in the vehicle, check 
child seat/child seat restraint system to ensure 
that restraints are properly adjusted. 
fCheck all exterior and interior lights for opera-
tion and that the lenses are clean. 
fCheck the headlights for proper aim, and if ne-
cessary, have them adjusted. 
fCheck under the vehicle for leaks. 
fBe sure all luggage is stowed securely. 
Emergency equipment It is good practice to carry emergency equipment 
in your vehicle. 
Some of the items you should have are: 
window scraper, snow brush, container or bag of 
sand or salt, emergency light, small shovel, first-
aid kit, etc.  

Controls, Instruments
13
In the driver’s seat... fCheck operation of the horn. 
fPosition seat for easy reach of foot pedals and 
controls.
To reduce the possibility of injury from the air-
bag deployment, you should always sit back as 
far from the steering wheel as is practical, 
while still maintaining full vehicle control. 
fAdjust the inside and outside rear view mirrors. 
fBuckle your safety belts. 
fCheck operation of the foot and parking brake. 
fCheck all warning and indicator lights with 
ignition on and engine not running. 
fStart engine and check all warning displays for 
warning symbols. 
fNever leave an idling car unattended. 
fLock doors from inside, especially with child-
ren in the car to prevent inadvertent opening of 
doors from inside or outside.
Drive with doors locked. 
On the road... fNever drive after you have consumed alcohol 
or drugs. 
fAlways have your safety belt fastened. 
fAlways drive defensively. 
Expect the unexpected. 
fUse signals to indicate turns and lane changes. 
fTurn on headlights at dusk or when the driving 
conditions warrant it. 
fAlways keep a safe distance from the vehicle in 
front of you, depending on traffic, road and 
weather conditions. 
fReduce speed at night and during inclement 
weather.
Driving in wet weather requires caution and re-
duced speeds, particularly on roads with stan-
ding water, as the handling characteristics of 
the vehicle may be impaired due to hydropla-
ning of the tires. 
fAlways observe speed limits and obey road 
signs and traffic laws. 
fWhen tired, get well off the road, stop and take 
a rest. Turn the engine off. Do not sit in the ve-
hicle with engine idling. 
fPlease observe the chapter “ENGINE EX-
HAUST” on Page 8.fWhen parked, always set the parking brake. 
Move the Tiptronic selector lever to ”P“ or the 
gearshift lever to reverse or first gear. 
On hills also turn the front wheels toward the 
curb. 
fWhen emergency repairs become necessary, 
move the vehicle well off the road. Turn on the 
emergency flasher and use other warning de-
vices to alert other motorists. Do not park or 
operate the vehicle in areas where the hot ex-
haust system may come in contact with dry 
grass, brush, fuel spill or other flammable ma-
terial. 
fMake it a habit to have the engine oil checked 
with every fuel filling. 
 Danger!
Danger of fire in engine compartment due to 
burning cigars or cigarettes. 
fDo not throw any lit cigars or cigarettes out of 
the vehicle.
They can be blown into the air inlets by the air 
flow and cause a fire in the engine compart-
ment.
fPlease observe the chapter “ASHTRAY” on Page 138. 

30
Controls, Instruments
Inside mirror When the mirror is being adjusted, the anti-glare le-
ver A must point forward. 
Basic position: lever forward
Anti-glare position: lever back 
A - Sensor
B - Switch for automatic anti-glare operation
C - Light-emitting diode Automatic Anti-Glare Interior 
Mirror and Door Mirrors Sensors on the front and rear sides of the interior 
mirror measure the incident light.
The mirrors automatically change to anti-glare po-
sition or revert to their normal state, depending on 
the light intensity. 
When reverse gear is selected, automatic anti-gla-
re operation is switched off. Note 
The incident light in the area of the sensors must 
not be restricted, e.g. by stickers on the wind-
shield. 
Switching off the automatic anti-glare 
operation 
fPress switch B.
Light-emitting diode C goes out. 
Switching on the automatic anti-glare 
operation 
fPress switch B.
Light-emitting diode C lights up. 
 Warning!
Risk of injury. Electrolyte fluid can emerge 
from a broken mirror glass. 
This fluid irritates the skin and eyes. 
fIf the electrolyte fluid should come into contact 
with the eyes or skin, immediately rinse it off 
with clean water.
See a doctor if necessary. 
Risk of damage to the paintwork, leather and 
plastic parts. Electrolyte fluid can be remo-
ved only while it is still wet. 
fClean the affected parts with water.  

Controls, Instruments
33
The heated rear window/door mirror heater is rea-
dy for operation when the ignition is on. Switching on 
fPress button.
The light-emitting diode in the button lights up.
After approx. 15 minutes, the heater switches off 
automatically.
The heater can be switched back on by pressing 
the button again. 
Switching off 
fPress button.
The light-emitting diode in the button goes out.
Heated rear window/
Door mirror heating  

38
Controls, Instruments
A- Seat heating, left
B- Seat heating, rightHeated SeatsTwo-stage seat heating is ready for operation 
when the ignition is on.
Switching onHigh heating power
fPress button.
Both light-emitting diodes in the button light up.
Low heating power
fPress the rocker-switch symbol again.
One light-emitting diode in the button lights up.Switching offfPress button.
Light-emitting diodes go out.  

42
Controls, Instruments
Safety Belts 
 Warning!
Always make sure your and your passenger’s 
safety belts are properly fastened while the 
vehicle is in motion.
Failure to follow safety belt warnings may re-
sult in serious personal injury or death. 
fFor your and your passenger’s protection, use 
safety belts at all times while the vehicle is in 
motion. 
fUse appropriate child restraint systems for all 
small children. 
Proper wearing of safety belts 
fS a f e t y  b e l t s  m u s t  b e  p o s i t i o n e d  o n  t h e  b o d y  a s  
to restrain the upper body and lap from sliding 
forward. Improperly positioned safety belts 
can cause serious personal injury or death in 
case of an accident. 
fThe shoulder belt should always rest on your 
upper body. The shoulder belt should never be 
worn behind your back or under your arm. 
fFor maximum effectiveness, the lap belt 
should be worn low across the hips. 
fPregnant women should position the belt as 
low as possible across the pelvis. Make sure it 
is not pressing against the abdomen. fBelts should not be worn twisted. 
fDo not wear belts over rigid or breakable ob-
jects in or on your clothing, such as eye glas-
ses, pens, keys, etc. as these may cause inju-
ry. 
fSeveral layers of heavy clothing may interfere 
with proper positioning of belts. 
fBelts must not rub against sharp objects or da-
mage may occur to the belt. 
fTwo occupants should never share the same 
belt at the same time. 
Care and maintenance 
fKeep belt buckles free of any obstruction that 
may prevent a secure locking. 
fBelts that have been subjected to excesssive 
stretch forces in an accident must be inspec-
ted or replaced to ensure their continued effec-
tiveness in restraining you.
The same applies to belt tensioner systems 
which have been triggered.
In addition, the anchor points of the belts 
should be checked. 
fIf safety belts do not work properly, see your 
authorized Porsche dealer immediately. 
fI f  t h e  b e l t s  s h o w  d a m a g e  t o  w e b b i n g ,  b i n d i n g s ,  
buckles or retractors, they should be replaced 
to ensure safe operation. 
fDo not modify or disassemble the safety belts 
in your vehicle. fThe belts must be kept clean or the retractors 
may not work properly. 
Please observe the chapter “CAR CARE IN-
STRUCTIONS” on Page 209. 
fNever bleach or dye safety belts. 
fDo not allow safety belts to retract until they 
are completely dry after cleaning or this may 
cause damage to the belt. 
Belt tensioner Depending on the force of an impact, fastened 
safety belts are tightened in an accident. 
The belt tensioners are triggered by: 
– Front, side and rear impacts of sufficient 
severity.
– Vehicle rollover.
Note 
The belt tensioner system can be triggered only 
once; the system must be replaced afterward. 
If there is a fault in the belt-tensioner system, the 
airbag warning light lights up.
Work may be performed on the belt-tensioner sys-
tem only by an authorized Porsche dealer.
Smoke is released when the belt tensioners are 
triggered. This does not indicate a fire in the 
vehicle.  

48
Controls, Instruments Automatic deactivation of the passenger’s 
airbags Danger!
The use of a child restraint system in the 
passenger seat can result in serious 
personal injury or death to the child from an 
airbag deployment.
fPlease observe the chapter “PASSENGER 
AIRBAG OFF INDICATOR LAMP DOES NOT 
LIGHT UP” on Page 49.
fBefore transporting a child on the passenger’s 
seat:
Please observe the chapter “CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEMS” on Page 51.
– When an up to one-year old child is seated 
in the child restraint system, the front airbag is 
automatically deactivated on the passenger si-
de.
– When an adult is seated in the front seat the 
front airbag remains active on the passenger‘s 
side.
A- PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF indicator lampNote on operation
Although not desired, it can occur in the case of 
heavier children that the passenger airbags re-
main active or, in the case of very light adults or 
young persons, that the passenger airbag is deac-
tivated.The condition of the passenger airbag system is 
shown by the indicator lamp A.
If in doubt:
fPlease observe the chapter “PASSENGER AIR-
BAG OFF INDICATOR LAMP DOES NOT LIGHT 
UP” on Page 49.
fPlease observe the chapter “KEY-OPERATED 
AIRBAG DEACTIVATION DEVICE” on Page 50.
fPlease observe the chapter “CHILD RES-
TRAINT SYSTEMS” on Page 51.
fPlease observe the chapter “LATCH SYSTEM 
CHILD SEAT BRACKET ON THE PASSENGER’S 
SEAT” on Page 55.
Note
fAfter inserting the ignition key, the PASSEN-
GER AIRBAG OFF warning light lights up for a 
few seconds as a bulb check. 
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp 
lights up
– The passenger's airbag is switched off.