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.
126
Controls, Instruments
Windshield Wiper / Washer Lever
Warning!
Danger of injury when the windshield wipers
operate unintentionally.
Risk of damage to the windshield and wiper
system.
fAvoid running the wiper blades over a dry wind-
shield to prevent scratching the glass. Spray
washer fluid on the windshield first.
A scratched windshield will reduce visibility.
fAlways loosen wiper blades from frozen glass
before operating wipers to prevent damage to
the wiper motor or blades. fAlways switch off windshield wipers in car
wash to prevent them wiping unintentionally
(intermittent or sensor operation).
fAlways switch off windshield wipers before
cleaning the windshield to avoid unintentional
operation (intermittent or sensor operation).
fDo not operate the headlight washer in car
washes.
fDo not operate headlight washer when it is
frozen.
Wiper and headlight washer system0 – Windshield wipers off
1 – Rain sensor operation for front
windshield wipers
fMove wiper lever upwards to the first click.
Please observe the chapter “RAIN SENSOR” on
Page 127.
2 – Windshield wipers slow
fMove wiper lever upwards to the second click.
3 – Windshield wipers fast
fMove wiper lever upwards to the third click.
4 – Front windshield wiper – one-touch oper-
ation:
fMove wiper lever downwards. The windshield
wipers wipe once.5 – Windshield wipers and washer system:
fPull wiper lever towards the steering wheel.
The washer system sprays and wipes while the
lever is pulled towards the steering wheel.
When the wiper lever is released, a few drying
wipes are executed.
A - Headlight washer (Vehicles with Bi-Xenon
headlights):
The washer sprays only while low beam or high
beam is switched on.
fBriefly push button A to operate headlight
washer system.
fIf heavily soiled, repeat wash.
The headlight washer system automatically sprays
once for every ten times the front windshield
washer system is operated.
Note
The windshield washer nozzles are heated
when the ignition is on, as a precaution against
freezing.
Controls, Instruments
127
Wipe interval controlOn vehicles without a rain sensor, the wiping
intervals can be adjusted in four steps.
Decreasing intervals
fAdjust switch A upwards.
The setting is confirmed by one wipe of the
windshield.
Increasing intervals
fAdjust switch A downwards.
Rain sensorIn vehicles with a rain sensor the amount of rain or
snow which has settled on the windshield is
measured. Wiper speed is automatically adjusted
accordingly.
Switching on
fMove wiper lever upwards to the first click.
Switching off
fMove wiper lever to position 0.
The rain sensor remains switched off if the wiper
lever is already in position 1 when the ignition is
switched on.
To switch the rain sensor on again:
fMove wiper lever to position 0 and then to
position 1 or
fOperate windshield washer system 5 or
fChange the sensitivity of the rain sensor with
four-stage switch A.
Switch-on is confirmed by one wipe of the wind-
shield.
On vehicles with the Sport Chrono package, fur-
ther rain sensor functions can be selected via the
PCM.
Please observe the chapter “Individual Memory” in
the separate PCM operating instructions.Changing the sensitivity of the rain sensor
Sensitivity can be set with switch A in 4 stages:
fAdjust switch A upwards –
high sensitivity.
The setting is confirmed by one wipe of the
windshield.
fAdjust switch A downwards –
low sensitivity.
Maintenance note
If the wiper blades rub or squeak, this may be as
a result of the following:
– If the vehicle is washed in an automatic car
wash, wax residues may be adhering to the
windshield. These wax residues can only be
removed by using a special cleaning solution.
Please contact your authorized Porsche dealer
for further information.
– The wiper blades may be damaged or worn
out.
fReplace wiper blades as soon as possible.
fPersistent dirt (e.g. insect remains) should be
regularly removed.
fPlease observe the chapter “CAR CARE IN-
STRUCTIONS” on Page 209.
Maintenance, Car Care
183 Maintenance, Car Care
Exercise Extreme Caution when
Working on your Vehicle ............................. 184
Wiper Blades ............................................ 185
Coolant Level ............................................ 186
Engine Oil ................................................. 188
Engine Oil Level ........................................ 189
Engine Oil Recommendation ....................... 190
Brake Fluid Level ....................................... 192
Fuel Economy ........................................... 194
Operating Your Porsche
in other Countries ...................................... 195
Fuel .......................................................... 196
Fuel Recommendations .............................. 198
Portable Fuel Containers ............................ 199
Emission Control System ........................... 200
How Emission Control Works...................... 201
Fuel Evaporation Control ............................ 202
Washer Fluid ............................................. 202
Opening Engine Compartment Lid .............. 203
Power Steering ......................................... 207
Air Filter ................................................... 208
Combination filter ...................................... 208
Automatic Transmission Fluid ..................... 208
Manual Transmission Oil ............................. 208
Car Care Instructions ................................. 209
Maintenance, Car Care
185
Wiper BladesfWhen wiper performance deteriorates, replace
the wipers.
fPlease observe the chapter “CAR CARE IN-
STRUCTIONS” on Page 209.
Caution!
Risk of damage if the wiper arm accidentally
falls back on to the window.
fAlways hold the wiper arm securely when re-
placing the wiper blade.
Risk of damage if wiper blades that are fro-
zen in place are loosened improperly.
fThaw the wiper blades before loosening them.
Maintenance note
If the wiper blades rub or squeak, this can be as a
result of the following:
– If the vehicle is washed in an automatic car
wash, residues may adhere to the windshield.
These residues can only be removed using a
special cleaning solution.
Please contact your authorized Porsche dealer
for further information.
– The wiper blades may be damaged.
fReplace damaged wiper blades as soon as
possible.
Changing windshield wiper blades
Caution!
Risk of damage.
If a wiper blade is not changed properly, it
can come loose when the car is moving.
fCheck whether the wiper blade is seated
securely.
The wiper blade must engage the wiper arm properly.
1. Apply the handbrake.
2. Switch the wipers off (position 0) and remove
the ignition key.
3. Fold windshield wiper arm away from the
windshield.
A- Passenger’s side, curved wiper blade
B- Driver’s side, wiper blade with spoiler4. Press together the plastic spring of the wiper
blade (right arrow).
Pull wiper blade out of wiper arm.
5. Insert new wiper blade until you feel it engage.
Ensure that the new wiper blade is inserted
into the wiper arm in the same position:
– direction of the spoiler on the driver side,
– curvature on the passenger side.
6. Carefully fold wiper arm back onto the wind-
shield.
214
Maintenance, Car Care
Cleaning and preserving engine
compartment The engine compartment and the surface of the
engine are treated with a corrosion-inhibitor at the
factory.
If degreasing solvents are used to clean the engi-
ne compartment or the engine is washed down,
the process almost invariably removes the corro-
sion-inhibiting coating. It is then absolutely neces-
sary to have a durable preservative applied to all
surfaces, body seams, joints and assemblies in
the engine compartment. This also applies when
corrosion-inhibitor parts are replaced.
Caution!
Risk of damage to the alternator.
fDo not point the cleaning jet directly at the al-ternator, or cover the alternator.
Effective corrosion-proofing is particularly impor-
tant during the cold weather season. If your car is
driven frequently in areas where salt has been
spread on the roads, the whole engine compart-
ment should be cleaned thoroughly after the win-
ter to prevent salt from causing any lasting dama-
ge. A full under-body wash should also be perfor-
med at the same time.
Windows The road dust which settles on the windshield and
windows contains particles of tire rubber and oil
residue. The interior trim and upholstery release
particles, particularly in strong sunlight, which col-
lect on the insides of the windows. These deposits
are augmented by impurities in the air which en-
ters the car through the fresh air vents.
fClean all windows regularly, inside and outside,
with Porsche window cleaner.
fIf you use a chamois leather for the windows,
do not use it for paintwork as it will otherwise
pick up a certain amount of preservative or po-
lish and could smear the windows and thus im-
pair vision.
fRemove dead insects with the Porsche insect
remover.
Note
Door windows feature a water-repellent (hydropho-
bic) coating which prevents soiling of the windows.
This coating is subject to natural wear and can be
renewed.
fConsult an authorized Porsche dealer.
Wiper blades Wiper blades that are in perfekt condition are vital
for a clear view.
fReplace the wiper blades twice per year (be-
fore and after the cold season) or whenever wi-
per performance deteriorates.
fPeriodically clean the wiper blades with
Porsche window cleaner, especially after the
vehicle has been washed in a car wash.
If they are very dirty (e.g. with insect remains),
they can be cleaned with a sponge or cloth. Undercoating The underside of your car is durably protected
against chemical and mechanical influences.
As it is not possible to exclude the risk of damage
to this protective coating in day to day driving, it
is advisable to have the underside of the car in-
spected at certain intervals - preferably before the
start of winter and again in spring - and the under-
coating restored as necessary.
Your authorized Porsche dealer is familiar with the
bodyseal treatment procedures and has the ne-
cessary equipment for applying factory approved
materials. We recommend that you entrust them
with such work and inspections.
Unlike conventional spray oils, undercoating and
rust-proofing compounds based on bitumen or
wax do not attack the sound-proofing materials ap-
plied at the factory.
Index
295
RRadiator fans .............................................. 187
Radio reception .......................................... 155
Rain sensor ................................................ 126
Range on remaining fuel ........................93
, 114
Rear fog light .....................................124, 269
Rear lid ...................................................... 148
Rear spoiler............................................68, 69
Rear view mirrors ......................................... 31
Rear window defogger.................................. 33
Rear wing
Retractable........................................... 68
Relays ........................................................ 246
Release button ........................................... 163
Remote control ............................................. 18
Replacement key .......................................... 17
Replacing bulbs .......................................... 259
Replacing wiper blades................................ 185
Retractable spoiler........................................ 68
Rims
Diameter ............................................ 234
Rim width ........................................... 234
Running in .................................................... 14
SSafety belts ..........................................42
, 217
Warning light ........................................ 43
Safety compliance sticker ........................... 278
Sealing set ................................................. 239
Seals, care of ............................................. 215
Seat ............................................................ 34
Adjustment ........................................... 34
Heating ................................................ 38Memory................................................36
Selector lever .............................................163
Selector lever position indicator ............ 87
, 165
Shifting gear ...............................................162
Shiftlock .....................................................163
Side lights ..................................................269
Side marker light ............................... 124, 268
Side vents ..................................................136
Snow chains .............................. 232
, 283
, 284
Snow tires ......................................... 231, 282
Sockets .....................................................140
Spacers .....................................................244
Spare key .....................................................17
Spare wheel ...............................................284
Speed code letter .......................................233
Speed control .............................. 82
, 129
, 130
Speed limit .......................................... 94, 233
Speedometer................................................84
Spoiler .........................................................68
Fixed ....................................................69
Retractable ...........................................68
Sport mode ..................................... 63
, 66, 67
Sports seat ..................................................34
Stability management system (PSM) ...............64
Starting ................................................. 74, 75
Starting and stopping the engine ....................74
Steering wheel
Adjustment ...........................................39
Buttons ................................................40
Lock ................................. 74
, 75, 76, 77
Rocker switches..................................163
Toggle switches ..................................163
Stopwatch ....................................................98
Storage options ..........................................142
Storing your Porsche..................................218Sun visors ................................................... 41
TTachometer ................................................. 85
Tail light ..................................................... 269
Tank .................................................. 196
, 197
cap ................................................... 197
Ventilation system.............................. 202
Telephone .................................................. 157
Temperature setting........................... 130, 133
Temperature, outside indicator ...................... 89
Test stand, measurements ............................ 66
Theft protection ........................................... 16
Tiptronic .................................................... 163
Indicator .............................................. 87
Tire pressure monitoring ............................. 103
Tires ................................... 14
, 221
, 282
, 283
Checking pressure............................. 241
Inscription .......................................... 233
Loading information ............................ 235
Pressure................................ 5
, 224
, 283
Pressure plate.................................... 279
Sealant .............................................. 239
Sidewall ............................................. 233
Size .................................................. 233
Tires and tire care ...................................... 221
Tools ......................................................... 152
Towing .............................................. 274, 275
Track ........................................................ 282
Transmission ............................. 161
, 162
, 281
Fluid .......................................... 208, 286
Trunk entrapment ....................................... 148
Turn signals ......................................... 85, 125
296UUndercoating ............................. 200
, 214
, 215
VValves ........................................................ 229
Vanity mirror................................................. 41
Vehicle
Care .................................................. 209
Data bank........................................... 278
Identifikation number ........................... 278
Laying up the car................................ 251
Putting into operation .......................... 252
Washing ............................................. 209
Ventilation .................................................. 133
Vents .................................................130
, 133
Viscosity, engine oil.................................... 190
WWarning messages ..................................... 116
Washer fluid .......................................202
, 286
Washer lever .............................................. 126
Washing ..................................................... 209
Weights...................................................... 287
Welcome Home Function............................. 124
Wheel ............................... 216
, 221
, 282
, 283
Bolts ............................................17, 241
Changing............................................ 242
Checking pressure..........................5, 241
Inscription .......................................... 233
Loading information............................ 235
Pressure plate .................................... 279
Sidewall ............................................. 233Size ................................................... 233
Tire pressure ................................. 5
, 224
Tire sealant ........................................ 239
Windows ............................... 25
, 28, 170
, 214
Washer nozzles................................... 126
Washer system .......................... 202, 286
Windshield wipers .............................. 126, 185
Replacing ........................................... 185
Windstop .................................................... 177
Winter driving
Battery ............................................... 250
Jump lead starting.............................. 256
Winter operation
Coolant .............................................. 186
Seals ................................................. 215
Snow chains ....................................... 232
Tires .................................................. 231
Washer fluid........................................ 202
Wiper blades....................................... 185