52
Controls, Safety, Instruments
Function of the airbag systemThe front airbags are triggered during a frontal col-
lision of sufficient force and direction.
In the event of a side impact of corresponding
force, the side airbag on the impact side is
triggered.
The inflation process generates the amount of gas
required to fill the airbags at the necessary pres-
sure in fractions of a second.
Airbags help to protect the head and upper body,
while simultaneously damping the motion of the
driver and passenger in the impact direction in the
event of a frontal impact or side impact.
Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and
diagnostic module. This module will record the
use of the seat belt restraint system by the driver
and front passenger when the airbags and/or belt
tentioner are triggered.
Precondition for activating the restraint systems:
– Ignition is switched on.Advanced Airbag
Your vehicle is equipped with weight sensing for
the passenger's seat in accordance with U.S. Fed-
eral/Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
208.
Depending on the weight acting on the passen-
ger's seat, the passenger's airbag will automati-
cally be switched on and off.
Depending on the angle and force of impact, the
passenger's airbag which is switched-on will be
triggered during a collision.
Precondition for switching the passenger's airbag
on and off, depending on weight:
– Ignition is switched on.Seat adjustment for the passenger's seat
If the seat is in an extreme position (e.g., the back-
rest is in contact with the rear seat bench), the
backrest can warp. Warping of the backrest can
lead to malfunctions.
fCorrect the seat adjustment.
The seat is not jammed and is self-supporting.
The backrest is in the upright position.
fDo not transport a load and objects in the rear
footwell or under the passenger's seat.
If the load or objects are under the seat, they
can cause malfunctions.
If the weight on the passenger's seat is reduced
significantly, e.g., by supporting weight on the
armrest, the passenger's airbag can be switched
off.
fSelect an upright seat position, and do not sup-
port weight on the armrests or lean out of the
window.
Always keep feet in the footwell while driving.
Do not put feet on the dashboard or the seat
area. Do not lean against the inside of the door
or outside the window while the vehicle is mov-
ing.
If the passenger's seat is warped significantly, a
message is displayed in the multi-purpose display
in the instrument panel:
fCorrect the seat adjustment.
fPlease observe the chapter “WARNING LIGHTS
AND WARNING MESSAGES” on Page 124.
Controls, Safety, Instruments
53
Automatic deactivation of the passenger
airbags
Danger!
The use of a child restraint system in the
front passenger seat can result in serious
personal injury or death to the child from an
airbag deployment.
To reduce risk of injury from an inflating air-
bag in an accident, Porsche strongly recom-
mends:
fUnder all normal circumstances, the child seat
must be placed in the rear.
Do not use a child restraint system in the front passenger seat.
Before transporting a child on the passenger seat:
fPlease observe the chapter “CHILD RES-
TRAINT SYSTEMS” on Page 55.
– When an up to one-year old child is seated
in the child restraint system, the front airbag is
automatically deactivated on the passenger
side.
– 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 in the central con-
sole.
fIf in doubt, fasten the child restraint system on
the rear bench or transport the passenger on
the rear bench.Note
fAfter switching on the ignition, the PASSEN-
GER AIRBAG OFF warning light lights up for a
few seconds as a check.
If there is a change in status in the PASSENGER
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp, a message is dis-
played in the multi-purpose display in the instru-
ment panel:
fPlease observe the chapter “WARNING LIGHTS
AND WARNING MESSAGES” on Page 124.
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp
lights up
– The passenger's airbag is switched off.
54
Controls, Safety, Instruments 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 or mortal injury due to the
passenger airbag triggering unintentionally.
When the ignition is on and the up to one-
year old child is seated in the child restraint
system on the passenger 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:
fFasten the child restraint system on the rear
bench immediately.
fHave the fault remedied at your nearest author-ized Porsche dealer.Faults are indicated by a warning light on the ta-
chometer and a message on the instrument
panel’s multi-purpose display.
fPlease observe the chapter “WARNING LIGHTS
AND WARNING MESSAGES” on Page 124.
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 is switched on 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, as
well as on all airbag components.
For special recommendations on the use of child
restraints:
fPlease observe the chapter “CHILD RES-
TRAINT SYSTEMS” on Page 55.
Warning lights and warning
messages
Controls, Safety, Instruments
69
E- Light-emitting diodes (LED)
F- Button for automatic anti-dazzle operation
G- Light sensorsAutomatic Anti-Dazzle MirrorSensors on the front and rear sides of the interior
mirror measure the incident light. The mirrors au-
tomatically change to anti-dazzle position or revert
to their normal state, depending on the light inten-
sity.
Warning!
Danger of injury. Electrolyte fluid can
emerge from broken mirror glass. This fluid
irritates the skin and eyes.
fIf the electrolyte fluid should come into contact
with the skin or eyes, immediately rinse it off
with clean water.
See a doctor if necessary.
Risk of damage to paintwork and leather and
plastic parts, and clothing. Electrolyte fluid
can be removed only while it is still wet.
fClean the affected parts with water.Note on operation
The incident light in the area of light sensors G
must not be restricted (e.g. by stickers on the
windshield).
Switching off automatic anti-dazzle
operation
fPress button F.
Light-emitting diode E goes out.
Note on operation
Anti-dazzle operation switches off automatically,
if:
– Reverse gear is engaged or
– Interior lighting and/or
reading lights in the front are switched on.
Switching on automatic anti-dazzle
operation
fPress button F.
Light-emitting diode E lights up.
Controls, Safety, Instruments
71
Ignition lock position 1Ignition on
fTurn ignition key to position 1.
Ignition is switched on.
Note on operation
All electrical equipment can be switched on.
The warning lights light up for a lamp check.
fPlease observe the chapter “INSTRUMENT PA-
NEL USA MODELS” on Page 82.
If a load is not switched on for 10 minutes after
switching on the ignition, the ignition must be
switched on again.
Turn the ignition key to ignition lock position 3 (ig-
nition off) first.Ignition lock position 2Starting engine
fOperate footbrake.
fFully depress and hold the clutch pedal or on
vehicles with Tiptronic S:
move the selector lever to position P or N.
fDo not press the accelerator pedal.
The engine control module will provide the
correct starting mixture.
fTurn ignition key to ignition lock position 2.fDo not operate the starter longer than approx.
10 seconds.
If necessary, repeat the starting procedure af-
ter a pause of approx. 10 seconds.
Turn the ignition key to ignition lock position 3
(ignition off) first.
fDo not warm up the engine when stationary.
Drive off immediately.
Avoid high revolutions and full throttle until the
engine has reached operating temperature.
fIf battery output is insufficient, jump leads can
be used to start the engine.
Please observe the chapter “EMERGENCY
STARTING WITH JUMPER CABLES” on
Page 355.
Notes on operation
The first operation of the starter is ended
automatically when the engine starts.
If the engine does not start, subsequent starter
operations will not be ended automatically.
When the engine is started, the warning lights
must go out.
Ignition lock position 3Ignition off
fTurn ignition key to ignition lock position 3.
Locking the steering column Vehicles without Porsche Entry & Drive
The steering column is automatically locked
when the ignition key is withdrawn from the
ignition lock.
The steering column is automatically unlocked
when the ignition key is inserted into the ignition
lock.
Vehicles with Porsche Entry & Drive
The steering column is automatically locked
when the ignition is switched off and the vehicle is
locked.
Manually locking the steering column on
vehicles with Porsche Entry & Drive
fDepress the clutch on vehicles with manual
transmission.
fOnce the ignition is switched off, turn the con-
trol unit again to ignition lock position 3 and
hold it there for 2seconds.
The steering column is locked.
The steering column is automatically unlocked
by turning the control unit from ignition lock
position 0.
72
Controls, Safety, Instruments
Starting and Stopping the EnginefPlease observe the chapter “IMMOBILIZER” on
Page 21.
fPlease observe the chapter “EMISSION
CONTROL SYSTEM” on Page 282.
Danger!
Risk of poisoning. Exhaust gas contains
colorless and odorless carbon monoxide
(CO), which is toxic even in low concentra-
tion. Carbon monoxide can cause uncon-
sciousness and even death if inhaled.
fNever start or let the engine run in an en-
closed, unventilated area. It is not recommend-
ed to sit in your car for prolonged periods with
the engine on and the car not moving.
An unattended vehicle with a running engine
is potentially hazardous. If warning lights
should come on to indicate improper opera-
tion, they would go unnoticed.
fNever leave the engine idling unattended.
Danger of fire.
fDo not drive or park your car where combusti-
ble materials, such as dry grass or leaves,
can come into contact with the hot exhaust
system.
fIf your car catches on fire for any reason, call
the fire department. Do not endanger your life by attempting to put out the fire.
Starting vehicles with manual
transmissionfOperate footbrake.
fFully depress and hold the clutch pedal.
fPut the gearshift lever in neutral.
fDo not press the accelerator pedal. The engine
control module will provide the correct starting
mixture.
fTurn ignition key to ignition lock position 2.
fDo not operate the starter longer than approx.
10 seconds. If necessary, repeat the starting
procedure after a pause of approx.
10 seconds. Turn the ignition key back to
ignition lock position 3 first.
The first operation of the starter is ended automat-
ically when the engine starts.
If the engine does not start, subsequent starter
operations will not be ended automatically.fDo not warm up the engine when stationary.
Drive off immediately.
Avoid high revolutions and full throttle until the
engine has reached operating temperature.
fIf battery output is insufficient, jump leads can
be used to start the engine.
fPlease observe the chapter “EMERGENCY
STARTING WITH JUMPER CABLES” on
Page 355.
Note on operation
To ensure a good charge condition for the battery
and thus its ability to start the engine, all electrical
accessories which are not required should be
switched off when the ignition is switched on and
when engine revolutions are low (in stop and go
traffic).
Controls, Safety, Instruments
75
Parking BrakeThe parking brake acts on the rear wheels and
serves to secure the car while parked.
fUse the parking brake only after the vehicle
has come to a full stop.
Applying the parking brakefPress down firmly on the foot pedal.
The warning light in the instrument panel lights
up.
A message will be displayed on the multi-pur-
pose display of the instrument panel if the
parking brake is not released before moving
off.
If the brake is not fully set, the vehicle may roll
without control.
fBefore exiting the vehicle, make sure that the
parking brake is fully applied and the vehicle is
not moving at all.
Danger!
Risk of serious personal injury or death. A
partially engaged parking brake may allow
the vehicle to roll, causing serious personal
injury or death to any person in its path.
fEngage the parking brake fully.
fPlease observe the chapter “WARNING LIGHTS
AND WARNING MESSAGES” on Page 124.fPress on the footbrake and pull handle A of the
parking brake.
The warning light and the message disappear.
Releasing the parking brake
76
Controls, Safety, Instruments The warning lights will go out after the parking
brake is fully released.
The warning lights are not an indicator that the
parking brake is fully applied; it is only intended to
be a warning to release the parking brake before
driving the car. Caution!
A partially engaged brake will overheat the
rear brakes, reduce their effectiveness and
cause excessive wear.
fRelease the parking brake fully.
fWhen parking your car, press down firmly on
the foot pedal.
fMove the selector lever to “P“ (Tiptronic) or
move the gearshift lever to reverse or first
gear (Manual transmission).
fOn hills also turn the front wheels towards the
curb.
BrakesfMake it a habit to check the operation of your
brakes before driving.
Keep in mind that the braking distance increases
very rapidly as the speed increases. At 60 mph
(100 km/h), for example, it is not twice but four
times longer than 30 mph (50 km/h). Tire traction
is also less effective when the roads are wet or
slippery.
fTherefore, always maintain a safe distance
from the car in front of you.Note
Even though the brake discs consist of alloyed
grey cast iron, they will unavoidably start to cor-
rode if your car is parked for an extended period.
The brakes will tend to “rub“ as a result.
The nature, extent and effects of corrosion de-
pend on the amount of time the vehicle was
parked, whether road salt or grit was spread and
whether grease-dissolving agents were used in
car washes.
If the braking comfort is noticeably impaired, we
recommend having the brake system checked by
experts at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Parking Brake warning
light USA
Parking Brake warning
light Canada