12
Controls, Safety, Instruments
Dear Porsche OwnerA 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 firstfTurn 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 wash-
er 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
cracked wiper blades.
fSee that all windows are clear and unobstruct-
ed.
fCheck air intake slots and area between en-
gine compartment lid and windshield are free
of snow and ice, so the heater and the wind-
shield wipers work properly.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
necessary, have them adjusted.
fCheck under the vehicle for leaks.
fBe sure all luggage is stowed securely.
Emergency equipmentIt 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.
122
Controls, Safety, Instruments
Warning Lights and Warning MessagesIf a warning message appears, always refer to the corresponding chapters in this 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
panelMulti-purpose
displayText display Meaning/measures
Steering faulty Steering lock engaged.
Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Ignition lock faulty Do not continue driving.
Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
System fault – Workshop Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Key not recognised in vehicle Make sure that you have the remote control with you.
Turn ignition key to left for
2 secondsEngage the steering lock.
Key: replace battery Replace the remote-control battery.
Move the steering wheel Turn the steering wheel so that the steering wheel lock can
engage/disengage.
Key not found Make sure that you have the remote control with you.
Switch selector lever to position “P”.The vehicle could roll away. The ignition key can be withdrawn
only in selector lever position P.
Apply the brake Apply the brake when starting.
Move selector lever to position
“P” or “N”The vehicle can be started only in position P or N.
Immobiliser active Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
126
Controls, Safety, Instruments
Oil level monitoring – Failure – Workshop Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Checking the oil level
Oil pressure too low Immediately stop in a suitable place and switch engine off.
Do not continue driving.
Check engine oil level. Add oil if necessary.
Do not continue driving if the warning light comes on even when
the oil level is correct. Have the fault remedied at an authorized
Porsche dealer.
Service in 1864 mls (3000 km)Service indicator
Bring the vehicle in for service no later than after the distance
shown has been covered. However, it is the intervals in the
„Maintenance” booklet that are decisive.
Service nowService indicator
Have your vehicle serviced at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Brake pads – Workshop Have the brake pads replaced at an authorized Porsche dealer
without delay.
Warning – Brake circuit division Stop immediately in a suitable place. Do not continue driving.
Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
ABS failure – WorkshopDrive carefully. Have the fault remedied at an authorized
Porsche dealer.
PSM failure – WorkshopDrive carefully. Have the fault remedied at an authorized
Porsche dealer.
Warning – Brake fluid level Stop immediately in a suitable place. Do not continue driving.
Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Parking brake Parking brake not released.
PSM onPorsche Stability Management was switched on.
Instrument
panelMulti-purpose
displayText display Meaning/measures
136
Controls, Safety, Instruments 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 stalk to position 0 and then to
position 1 – switching on is confirmed by one
wipe of the windscreen – or
fOperate windscreen washer system 5 –
switching on is confirmed by three wipes of the
windscreen – or
fChange the sensitivity of the rain sensor with
four-stage switch A.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
windscreen.
fAdjust switch A downwards –
low sensitivity.
2 – Front windscreen wiper – slow
fMove wiper stalk upwards to the second click.
3 – Front windscreen wiper – fast
fMove wiper stalk upwards to the third click.
At speeds of less than approx. ca. 2.5 mph (4 km/
h), rain sensor operation mode is automatically
activated if the windscreen wiper is switched on. If
you exceed a speed of approx. 5 mph (8 km/h),
the system switches to the pre-selected wiper
level.
4 – Front windscreen wiper – one-touch
operation
fMove wiper stalk downwards. The front wind-
screen wipers go through one wiping cycle.5 – Front windscreen wipers and washer
system
fPull wiper stalk 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 wipes
are executed.
Headlight washer:
T h e w a s h e r s p r a ys o n l y w h i l e l o w b e a m o r h i g h
beam is switched on.
To activate the headlight washer system, the
wiper lever must be pulled for a longer period
of time.
The headlight washer can be re-activated at
the earliest after five washing cycles.
The spray duration is limited.
Maintenance note
fIf heavily soiled, repeat wash.
fPersistent dirt (e.g. insect remains) should be
regularly removed.
Please observe the chapter “CAR CARE
INSTRUCTIONS” on Page 273.
The front windscreen washer nozzles are heat-
ed when the ignition is on, as a precaution against
freezing. However, this does not replace the use
of antifreeze.
240
Shifting Gear, Traction Systems
Water crossingfPlease observe the chapter “GROUND CLEA-
RANCE” on Page 375.
Danger!
Danger of drowning if water enters the vehi-
cle. Risk of damage to the engine and acces-
sories if water penetrates.
fBefore driving through water, check the water
depth A, water speed and the condition of the
surface beneath it.
The water must not be deeper than 20 in.
(50 cm). The water must not be deeper than
22 in. (55.5 cm) for vehicles with level control
and height adjustment.
fCheck the door sills and rubber seals before
starting to drive.
fDo not drive through deep or rapidly flowing
water.
Deep or rapidly flowing water, e.g. mountain
streams, can cause the car to deviate from the
intended path.
fAvoid a "bow wave" by driving at an appropriate
speed.
fNever open the doors when driving through wa-
ter.Soiling can impair the braking action.
fCheck and clean the brakes if they have been
soiled.
Danger of steering assistance failing during
a long journey in the water if the drive belt
slips.
fIf the steering assistance fails, more effort will
be required to steer.
Danger of damaging electrical systems
fAvoid driving through salt water.
Notes on operation
fActivate Low Range.
fSwitch the air conditioner off.
fSwitch the headlights off.
Maintenance, Car Care
249 Maintenance, Car Care
Exercise Extreme Caution when Working on your
Vehicle ...................................................... 250
Engine Oil Level ......................................... 252
Engine Oil Recommendation ........................ 254
Coolant Level ............................................. 256
Brake-Fluid Level ........................................ 258
Washer Fluid .............................................. 259
Power Steering .......................................... 260
Air Cleaner ................................................ 261
Particle Filter ............................................. 261
Automatic Transmission Fluid ...................... 261
Wiper Blades ............................................. 262
Fuel Economy ............................................ 265
Operating Your Porsche in other Countries ... 265
Fuel........................................................... 266
Fuel Recommendations............................... 269
Portable Fuel Containers ............................. 270
Fuel Evaporation Control ............................. 270
Emission Control System ............................ 271
Car Care Instructions.................................. 273
250
Maintenance, Car Care
Exercise Extreme Caution when
Working on your Vehicle
Danger!
Ignoring the following instructions may
cause serious personal injury or death.
fThe engine compartment of any motor vehicle
is a potentially hazardous area. If you are not
fully familiar with proper repair procedures, do
not attempt the adjustments described on the
following pages.
This caution applies to the entire vehicle.
fO n l y w o r k o n y o u r v e h i c l e o u t d o o r s o r i n a w e l l
ventilated area.
fEnsure that there are no open flames in the
area of your vehicle at any time when fuel
fumes might be present. Be especially cau-
tious of such devices such as hot water heat-
ers which ignite a flame intermittently.
fBefore working on any part in the engine com-
partment, turn the engine off and let it cool
down sufficiently. Hot engine compartment
components can burn skin on contact.
fBe alert and cautious around engine at all
times while the engine is running.
If work has to be performed with the engine
running, always set the parking brake, and
make sure the selector lever is in position “P“
or “N“.fIn particular, be very careful to ensure that
items of clothing (ties, shirt, sleeves etc.), jew-
elry, long hair, hand or fingers cannot get
caught in the fan, belts or other moving parts.
The radiator and radiator fans are in the front
of the car.
The fans can start or continue running as a
function of temperature, even with the engine
switched off.
Carry out work in these areas only with the en-
gine off and exercise extreme caution.
fYour Porsche is equipped with an electronic ig-
nition system. When the ignition is on, high volt-
age is present in all wires connected with the
ignition system; therefore, exercise extreme
caution when working on any part of the engine
while the ignition is on or the engine is running.
fAlways support your car with safety stands if it
is necessary to work under the car. The jack
supplied with the car is not adequate for this
purpose. For vehicles with air suspension with
level control and height adjustment switch off
level control. Therefore:
Please observe the chapter “LIFTING THE VE-
HICLE WITH A JACK” on Page 307.
fWhen working under the car without safety
stands but with the wheels on the ground,
make sure the car is on level ground, the
wheels are blocked, and that the engine can-
not be started.
Withdraw ignition keys (switch ignition off in ve-
hicles that have Porsche Entry & Drive).fDo not smoke or allow an open flame around
the battery or fuel.
Keep a fire extinguisher in close reach.
fIncomplete or improper servicing may cause
problems in the operation of the car. If in doubt
about any servicing, have it done by your au-
thorized Porsche dealer.
Improper maintenance during the warranty pe-
riod may affect your Porsche warranty cover-
age.
fSupplies of fluids, e.g. engine oil, washer fluid,
brake fluid or coolant, are hazardous to your
health.
Keep these fluids out of children's reach and
dispose of them in accordance with the appro-
priate regulations.
fSome countries require additional tools and
special spare parts to be carried.
Please make enquiries before driving abroad.
Power measurementsPower measurements on dynamometers are not
approved by Porsche.
Maintenance, Car Care
251
Radiator fansThe radiator and radiator fans are in the front of
the car.
Warning!
Danger of injury. The fans can start running
as a function of temperature, even with the
engine switched off.
fExercise extreme caution when working in the area of the radiator fans.
Engine OilEngine oil consumption
It is normal for your engine to consume oil.
The rate of oil consumption depends on the quality
and viscosity of oil, the speed at which the engine
is operated, the climate, road conditions as well
as the amount of dilution and oxidation of the lubri-
cant.
If the vehicle is used for repeated short trips, and
consumes a normal amount of oil, the engine oil
measurement may not show any drop in the oil lev-
el at all, even after 600 miles (1000 km) or more.
This is because the oil is gradually becoming dilut-
ed with fuel or moisture, making it appear that the
oil level has not changed.
The diluting ingredients evaporate out when the
vehicle is driven at high speeds, as on an express-
way, making it then appear that oil is excessively
consumed after driving at high speeds.
If the conditions you drive your vehicle in are
dusty, humid, or hot, the frequency of the oil
change intervals should be greater.If the vehicle is driven at a high rate of speed, cli-
matic conditions are warm, and the load is high,
the oil should be checked more frequently, as driv-
ing conditions will determine the rate of oil con-
sumption.
– The engine in your vehicle depends on oil to lu-
bricate and cool all of its moving parts. There-
fore, the engine oil should be checked regular-
ly and kept at the required level.
– Make it a habit to have the engine oil level
checked with every fuel filling.
– The oil pressure warning light is not an oil level
indicator.
The oil pressure warning light indicates serious
engine damage may be occuring when lit, if en-
gine rpm is above idle speed.