
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.

16
Controls, Instruments
Never invite car theft! An unlocked car with the key in the ignition lock in-
vites car theft.
A steering wheel lock and a gong alarm are stan-
dard equipment in your Porsche.
The gong alarm will sound if you open the driver’s
door while the key is still in the ignition lock. It is
your reminder to pull the key out of the ignition
lock and to lock the doors.
Warning!
Any uncontrolled movement of the vehicle
may result in serious personal injury and pro-
perty damage.
Never leave your vehicle unattended with the
key in the ignition lock, especially if children
and/or pets are left unattended in the vehic-
le. They can operate power windows and
other controls. If the engine is left running,
they may accidentally engage the shift lever.
fAlways remove the ignition key.
fAlways set the parking brake.
fLock the doors with the key or with the remote control.
Warning!
Risk of a serious accident.
The steering column will lock when you re-
move the key while you are driving or as the
car is rolling to a stop. You will not be able to
steer the car.
fNever remove the key from the steering lock while you are driving. To protect your vehicle and your possessions
from theft, you should always proceed as fol-
lows when leaving your vehicle:
fClose windows.
fClose convertible top
(with the convertible top open, the passenger
compartment monitoring system is always
switched off).
fLock glove compartment.
fRemove ignition key.
fClose storage tray between the seats.
fRemove valuables (e.g. car documents, tele-
phone, house keys) from the car.
fLock doors.

36
Controls, Instruments
M - Memory button
1 - Key button
2, 3 - Person buttonsSeat MemoryIndividual seat and door mirror settings can be
stored and recalled for the driver’s position.
Further individual setting options are available in
vehicles with the Sport Chrono package Plus.
Please observe the chapter “Individual Memory” in
the separate PCM operating instructions.
Warning!
Risk of crushing due to uncontrolled recall of
a seat setting.
fCancel automatic adjustment by pressing any
of the seat adjustment buttons.
fDo not leave children in the vehicle unattended.Operation with person buttons 2, 3Storing seat position
1. Switch on ignition.
Reverse gear must not be engaged.
2. Set the desired seat and door-mirror positions.
3. Keep memory button M depressed and
additionally press person button 2 or 3.
The individual setting is now stored under the
desired person button.Recalling seat position
The seat position can only be called up when the
vehicle is stationary.
1. Switch on the ignition or
open the driver’s door.
2. Press person button until the seat has reached
its final position.
The door mirror and the lumbar support
setting will be completed even if the person
button is not kept depressed.
Note
Automatic seat adjustment can be interrupted
immediately by releasing the button.

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.

Controls, Instruments
49
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp
does not light up
– The passenger's airbag is active and ready for
operation.
– If the passenger's seat is not occupied, the
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp will
also not light up, even though the passenger's
airbag is switched off.
Danger!
Risk of serious personal injury or death due
to the passenger airbag triggering uninten-
tionally.
When the ignition is on and the up to one-
year old child is seated in the child restraint
system on the passenger’s seat, the indicator
lamp „PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF“ must be on.
If the “PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF” indicator
lamp does not light up, it could indicate a
fault in the system.
In this case:
fOn vehicles with key-operated airbag deactiva-
tion device: Switch to position OFF.
fOn vehicles without key-operated airbag deac-
tivation device: Do not drive.
fHave the fault remedied at your nearest autho-rized Porsche dealer.Note
The key switch for switching off the passenger’s
airbag in combination with the LATCH attachment
bracket are not installed at the factory. They can
be retrofitted.
fPlease see your authorized Porsche dealer.
Faults are indicated by a warning light in the instru-
ment panel and a message on the on-board com-
puter.
fPlease observe the chapter “WARNINGS ON
THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE ON-
BOARD COMPUTER” on Page 116.
fIn the following cases you should immedi-
ately consult an authorized Porsche
dealer in order to assure the airbag sys-
tem is functioning properly:
– If the warning light does not light up when the
ignition key is inserted or
– If the warning light does not go out once the
engine is running or
– If the warning light appears while driving.
Airbag maintenanceIn order to ensure long-term functioning, the air-
bag system must be inspected by an authorized
Porsche dealer at the intervals recommended in
your Maintenance Booklet.
Important information
If you sell your Porsche, notify the purchaser that
the vehicle is equipped with airbags, and refer
them to the chapter, “Airbag Systems“, in the
Owner's Manual (safety and disposal rules).
Further information on the airbag system can be
found on stickers attached to the sun visors.
For special recommendations on the use of child
restraints:
fPlease observe the chapter “CHILD RES-
TRAINT SYSTEMS” on Page 51.
Warning light and warning
message

50
Controls, Instruments
Key-operated airbag deactivation deviceIf in doubt about the status of the airbag, you can
switch off the passenger’s airbag on the key
switch.
fSwitch off the passenger’s airbag on the key
switch using the vehicle key.
Switch position AUTO – passenger’s airbag
system is active
Switch position OFF – passenger’s airbag
system is switched off
A- PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp
Danger!
Risk of serious personal injury or death for
passenger if passenger’s airbag remains
switched off after the child restraint system
is removed.
fMake sure that the key switch is switched to
AUTO once the child seat has been removed,
in order to provide protection to the adult occupants.Warning light “PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF”
If the airbag on the passenger’s side is switched
off:
– Warning light “PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF” is
continuously lit when the ignition key is
inserted.
Danger!
Risk of serious personal injury or death from
the passenger’s airbag.
If the “PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF” warning
light “A” is not lit when the ignition key is
inserted and the Airbag OFF switch is
switched to the OFF-Position, this could
indicate a fault in the system.
fDo not install a child restraint system on the
passenger’s seat.
fHave the fault remedied immediately. Please see your authorized Porsche dealer.
Note
The key switch for switching off the passenger’s
airbag in combination with the LATCH attachment
bracket are not installed at the factory. They can
be retrofitted.
Please see your authorized Porsche dealer.