2009 PORSCHE BOXSTER automatic transmission

176
Shifting Gears
Selector lever positionsP – Parking lockfEngage parking lock only when vehicle is
stationary.
If selector-lever position P is flashing in the
instrument cluster, the parking brake is not
engaged. The vehicle can roll away.
Engage selector-lever position P again by
moving the selector lever out of R.
f Engage parking lock after applying the
handbrake and release it before releasing the
handbrake.
The ignition key can be withdrawn only in
selector lever position P.R – Reverse gearf Select only if car is stationary and the brake is
applied.N – NeutralSelector lever position N must be selected for
towing or in car washes, for example.
f Only select the desired position for driving off
(D, M or R) when the engine is idling and the
brake pedal is depressed.
D - Automatic selection modeSelect position D for “normal” driving. The gears
are shifted automatically according to the acceler-
ator position and speed.
Depending on the way the vehicle is driven
(economical, comfortable or sporty driving style)
and on the resistance (e.g. uphill), the gear-
changing points are shifted towards higher or
lower engine-speed ranges.
The accelerator position, driving speed, engine
speed, longitudinal and lateral acceleration and
the road profile all have an influence on the gear-
changing characteristic.
Unwanted upward shifts, e.g. before bends, are
prevented by swiftly releasing the accelerator
pedal.
Depending on lateral acceleration, upward
changes on bends are not made until the engine-
speed limit is reached.
Under braking, and depending on the amount of
deceleration, the PDK transmission changes down
earlier.
For subsequent cornering, the right gear is
engaged when pressure is applied to the brakes
before the bend. The bend is taken in the right
gear, and when you accelera te out of the bend you
do not have to change down. With a sporty driving style, downshifts are already
initiated when the brake pedal is touched lightly.
This further enhances
a dynamic driving style.
The PDK transmission temporarily changes to the
sportiest gear-changing map, i.e. to the highest
possible gear-changing poin ts, if the accelerator
pedal is pressed quickly. The transmission accord-
ingly shifts down immediately by one or two gears
(temporary change-down).
The transmission no longer selects 7th gear at
high driving speeds.
Sport mode
(“Sport” and “Sport Plus” modes)
“Sport” mode activated:
The PDK transmission switches to a sporty gear-
changing map and shortens the gear shifting
times.
A sporty driving style is recognised more quickly
and the gear-changing speeds are adapted to
driving performance.
Deceleration downshifts are commenced earlier.
Downshifts are already carried out in the case of
slight decelerations, even at higher engine
speeds.

Shifting Gears
177
“Sport Plus” mode activated:
In “Sport Plus” mode, the PDK transmission
changes to a shift program designed for driving
on race circuits. 7th gear is not selected.
The gear-changing performance is enhanced
significantly again compared with “Sport” mode.
fPlease see the chapter “SPORT MODE” on
Page 61.
Driving with Launch Control
Driving with Launch Control allows you to achieve
maximum acceleration from a standing start. It is
intended to provide you with a unique enjoyment of
your vehicle under controlled circumstances and
is not intended to be used in any location where it
could be a nuisance to other persons.
Warning!
There is a risk of endangering other road
users if you use this Control in an improper
location or in a situation where other persons
might need to take evas ive action due to the
rapid acceleration that this technology
permits.
f Launch Control is designed to be used in a
controlled environment on closed circuit
driving courses where no vehicle cross traffic
or pedestrian traffic is present.
f Use Launch Control only if conditions permit it
to be applied in a safe manner. f
Do not use Launch Control if there is a possibi-
lity it could endanger other persons. Such a
possibility exists if you cannot see that you
have a clear road with no possibility of cross
traffic in your intended direction of driving. Caution!
Stress on components increases dramatically
when starting with maximum acceleration in
comparison with normal driving off. Use of
Launch Control will inevitably reduce the life
of the engaged engine and transmission
components.
Preconditions:
– Launch Control should only be used when the engine has reached operating temperature.
– “Sport Plus” mode must be switched on (light- emitting diode in button is on and “SPORT
PLUS” is displayed on the on-board computer).
1. Press the brake with your left foot.
2. Quickly press down the accelerator fully (kickdown activated) and hold.
The engine speed will flatten out at around
6500 rpm.
“Launch Control active” is displayed on the
on-board computer. 3. Release the brake within a few seconds.
Remaining stationary for a long time with
“Launch Control active” can lead to overload-
ing of the transmission.
In order to protect the transmission, the engine
power is then reduced an d the “Launch Control
active” process is cancelled.
Shifting gears on the steering wheel
With the shift buttons on the steering wheel, you
can change temporarily fr om automatic selection
mode D to manual mode M.
For example:
– Shifting down before bends and on entering built-up areas.
– Shifting down on downward slopes (engine braking).
– Shifting down for brief spurts of acceleration.
Manual selection mode remains engaged:
– for cornering (depending on the lateral acceler- ation) and overrunning,
– when the vehicle is stationary (e.g. at a junction).
The system leaves manual selection mode:
– automatically after approx. 8 seconds (unless cornering or overrunning),
– after driving off.

Shifting Gears
179
Depending on driving speed and engine speed,
you can shift up or down at any time.
Gear changes which would exceed the upper or
lower engine speed limit are not executed by the
controller.
There is no automatic upshift at the upper engine
speed limit in selector lever position M. Upshift
suppression can be cancelled by kickdown opera-
tion. If, for example, the engine speed limit is
reached during overtaking and the automatic
upshift does not occur, the transmission in this
case shifts up as a result of kickdown operation.
f Select an appropriately low gear on upward
and downward slopes.
This will ensure optimum use of engine power
and engine braking.
In order to shift up au tomatically at the upper
engine speed limit:
f Depress the accelerator pedal beyond the full-
throttle point (kickdown). Failure of the selector lever display on the
instrument cluster
The warning “Transmission emergency run” is
displayed in red on the on-board computer.
–Effect:
No selector lever position is displayed on the
instrument cluster.
Vehicle can be driven only until it comes to a
stop.
Remedy:
It is not possible to continue driving. Immedi-
ately stop the vehicle in a suitable place. Have
the vehicle towed to an authorized Porsche
dealer.
Please see the chapter “TOWING” on
Page 269.
Stoppingf For a brief stop (e.g. at a traffic light), leave the
selector lever in drive position and hold the
vehicle with the brake pedal.
f Do not hold the car on a slope using the
accelerator. Use the brake pedal or the
handbrake instead.
f Before leaving the vehicle, always apply the
handbrake and move the selector lever to
position P.Parkingf Go easy on the accelerator!
f When parking or manoeuvring in a small
space, control the speed by careful use of the
footbrake.Driving in winterIn wintry road conditions it is advisable to take
steep inclines in manual mo de. This prevents gear
changes occurring that could cause wheelspin.Tow-starting, towingf Please see the chapter “TOWING” on
Page 269.

Maintenance, Car Care
217
Note
Door windows feature a water-repellent (hydro-
phobic) 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 perfect condition are vital
for a clear view.
fPlease see the chapter “WIPER BLADES” on
Page 212.
f Replace the wiper blades twice per year (be-
fore and after the cold season) or whenever
wiper performance deteriorates or the blades
are damaged.
f Periodically 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.
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 wax residues can be removed only by
using window cleaner concentrate.
– The wiper blades may be damaged or worn. – Replace damaged or worn wiper blades imme-
diately.
f Please see the chapter “WASHER FLUID” on
Page 210.
f Please contact your authorized Porsche dealer
for further information.
Undercoating As it is not possible to ex clude 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 interv als – preferably before
the start of winter and again in spring – and the un-
dercoating restored as necessary.
Your authorized Porsche dealer is familiar with the
bodyseal treatment procedures and has the nec-
essary 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 so und-proofing materials ap-
plied at the factory.
Warning!
Danger of fire resulting in serious personal
injury or death.
f Do not apply additional undercoating or rust-
proofing on or near the exhaust manifold, ex-
haust pipes, catalytic converters or heat shields. During driving the substance used for
undercoating could overheat and ignite.
f Before applying fresh underseal, carefully
remove any deposits of dirt and grease. Once
it has dried, the new undercoating compound
forms a tough protective coating which
provides efficient rust-proofing of the floor
panels and components.
f Always apply a fresh coating of suitable pre-
servative to unprotected areas after cleaning
the underside of the body, the transmission,
the engine or carrying out repairs to under-
body, engine or transmission components.
Effective rust-proofing is particularly important
during the cold weather seas on. If your car is driv-
en frequently in areas where salt has been spread
on the roads, the whole engine compartment
should be cleaned thoroughly after the winter to
prevent salt from causing any lasting damage. A
full under-body wash should also be performed at
the same time.
Stainless steel exhaust tailpipesStainless steel exhaust tailpipes can discolor due
to soiling, strong heat, and combustion residues.
The original polish can be achieved again using
commercially available metal polishing paste or
metal polish.

Index
285
AABS (antilock brake system) .......................... 59
Warning light .......... .............................. 60
Adaptive sports seat ..................................... 33
Adjusting Headlights.... ................................ 267
Advanced Airbag......... .................................. 45
Air conditioning ........... ................................ 106
Air conditioning compressor ................ 109, 111
Air conditioning system .................... ........... 109
Air distribution ................ ............ 106, 109, 111
Air filter ...................... ................................ 211
Air intake.................... ................................ 112
Airbag ............................ .............................. 44
Cleaning covers ...... ............................ 219
Function ..................... .......................... 45
Warning light .......... .............................. 48
Air-conditioning compressor ........................ 108
Alarm system ................. ........................ 25, 99
Deactivating passenger compartment
monitoring .............. .............................. 26
Fault indication........ .............................. 26
Function indication ................................ 25
Not active .............. ............................ 246
Alcantara, cleaning . .................................... 219
Antenna ................. ...................... 99, 100, 214
Antifreeze .................................................. 197
Antilock brake system (ABS) .......................... 59
Warning light .......... .............................. 60
Ashtray .......................... .............................. 87
Assembly aids for wheel changes................. 237
Audio operation ...................................... 97, 98
Auto-button, air conditioning ........................ 109
Automatic Air conditioning system ....................... 109 Anti-glare mirrors .......................
...........30
Car washes .............. ..........................214
Door locking ............. ......................18, 24
Garage door ......... ................................76
Headlight adjustment .............................79
Speed control .........................84, 85, 120
Transmission ............ ..........................174
Automatic speed contro l..............................120
Indicator light ........ ..............................120
Average consumption .... ......................131, 161
Average speed ............. ......................131, 161
BBackrest
Adjustment ............... ............................32
Release .................... ............................32
Battery ......................... ..............................249
Care......................... ..........................250
Charge state......... ..............................249
Charging .................. ..........................250
Putting vehicle into operation ...............251
Remote control ..... ..............................254
Removing ................. ..........................252
Replacing ................. ..........................251
Warning light......... ..............................128
Winter operation.... ..............................251
Before driving off ...... ..................................8, 9
Belts ................ ............................................42
Cleaning ................... ..........................219
Tensioner ................. ............................42
Warning light......... ................................43
Blower adjustment ........ ......................106, 112
Blower speed adjustme nt ............................110
Brake Break in ...................
............................ 10
Pads ....................... ............................ 58
Pedal....................... ............................ 57
Wear ....................... ............................ 58
Brake fluid
Changing ................. .......................... 203
Checking level ...... .............................. 202
Level ....................... .......................... 202
Warning light ............ .......................... 203
Brake light .............. ................................... 266
Brake light, addition al ................................. 266
Brakes ........................ .............................. 202
Brake circuit division warning light ....... 203
Brake warning light ............................. 128
Fluid ............................ .............. 202, 281
Fluid warning light. .............................. 203
Function .................. ............................ 56
New brake pads or linings ..................... 58
Pads ....................... ............................ 10
Parking brake....... ................................ 55
Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake
(PCCB) .................................... .............. 4
Test stand ........... ................................ 65
Break in brakes ....... ..................................... 10
Break in hints .......... ..................................... 10
Bulbs
Chart ....................... .......................... 257
Replacing ................ ..........................2

57

290
Index
Sports bucket seat
................. ..............3
4
Sports seat ............ .............................. 33
Standard seat ......... .............................. 33
Ventilation .............. .............................. 38
Seat memory
Operating with the remote control .......... 36
Operation with person buttons ............... 35
Selector lever position ........................ 116, 118
Selector lever position indicator,
PDK transmission ....... ................................ 175
Service ...................................................... 137
SET Basic setting on on-board computer ...... 159
Shift indicator ............. ................................ 123
Shifting gears
Drive-Off Assistant... ............................ 173
Manual transmission............................ 172
Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) ............ 174
Side light, front ........... ................................ 266
Side marker light ........ ............................ 78, 80
Changing bulb......... ............................ 265
Side vents .................. ................................ 112
Snow chains ................... ............ 231, 277, 279
Snow tires.......................................... 230, 278
Socket ....................................................... 245
Spacers ......................... ............................ 243
Spare key ...................... .............................. 15
Spare wheel ............................................... 277
Speed code letter ....... ................................ 232
Speed control....................................... 85, 106
Automatic............... .............................. 84
Indicator light.......... ............................ 120
Speed limit ......................................... 133, 232
Speedometer ................. ............................ 122
Spoiler ......................................................... 67 Fixed ........................
............................ 68
Retractable ................................ ........... 67
Sport Chrono Plus package
CHRONO stopwatch . ........................... 140
Sport mode .............. ............................ 61
Sport mode .................. ................................ 65
PDK transmission .. .............................. 176
Switching on/off.... ................................ 61
Switching PASM on/o ff .......................... 66
Sport plus mode ....... .................................... 61
Sports bucket seat ... .................................... 34
Sports exhaust system ..................................55
Sports seat
................................... ............... 33
Stability management system ........................ 63
Standard seat ........... .................................... 33
Starter switch ........... .................................... 72
Starting ........................ ................................ 73
Starting engine ......... .................................... 75
Steering column Locking .................... ............................ 73
Steering lock ............ .................................... 72
Steering wheel Adjustment ........................................... 38
Function keys........ ................................ 40
Heating .................... ............................ 39
Lock ........................ ............................ 73
Multi functional ........................... ........... 40
PDK shift buttons .. .............................. 174
Stopping engine........ .................................... 76
Stopwatch .................... .............................. 140
Storage options ........ .................................... 89
Storage possibilities .. .................................... 89
Storing your Porsche .................................. 220
Sun visors .................... ................................ 41Suspension management ..............
.................66
TTachometer ................................................123
Tail light .......................... ...........................266
Tank .................. ............................. ...205, 206
Ventilation system .... ...........................207
Technical data ................................. ...........276
TEL Telephone informat ion...........................137
Telephone ....................................... .............99
Temperature setting ......... ...........106, 109, 110
Temperature, outside in dicator.....................127
Test stand, measure ments ............................65
Theft protection ...... ......................................14
Tire Care...................................................227
Damage .............................................227
Designations ............ ...........................231
Pressure plate ......... ...........................225
Replacements .............. .......................228
Traction................... ...........................226
Wear ..................................................226
Tire pressure monitoring Warning light ............ ...........................155
Wheels ........................ .......................229
Tire pressure monitoring (TPM) ....................147
Tires ...................... ..............10, 223, 278, 279
Care...................................................223
Checking pressure ... ...........................238
Inscription................ ...........................232
Loading information . ............................234
New tires ................. .............................10
Pressure...................... ...............224, 280
Pressure monitoring ............................147