2009 PORSCHE BOXSTER warning light

Operation, Safety
63
Porsche Stability Management
(PSM)PSM is an active control system for stabilization of
the vehicle approaching the performance limits of
driving maneuvers.
Warning!
Risk of an accident, resulting in serious per-
sonal injury or death.
The increased control that is provided should
not induce you to take greater risks with your
safety. The limits dictated by the laws of
physics cannot be overcome, even with PSM.
The risk of accidents due to inappropriate
speed cannot be reduced, even by PSM.
The driver bears the responsibility for all
driving maneuvers.
f Adapt your driving style to the prevailing road
and weather conditions.
fObey all traffic laws.
Sensors at the wheels, brakes, steering system
and engine continuously measure:
–Speed
– Direction of travel (steering angle)
– Lateral acceleration
– Rate of turn about the vertical axis
– Longitudinal acceleration PSM uses these values to determine the direction
of travel indicated by the driver.
PSM intervenes and helps to correct the course if
the actual direction of motion deviates from the
chosen course (steering-wheel position):
It brakes individual wheels as needed. In addition,
the engine power may be manipulated in order to
stabilize the vehicle.
The events below inform the driver of PSM control
operations and warn him/her to adapt his/her
driving style to the road conditions:
– The multifunctional in
formation light on the
instrument panel flashes.
– Hydraulic noises can be heard.
– The vehicle decelerate s and steering-wheel
forces are altered as the PSM controls the
brakes.
– Reduced engine power.
– The brake pedal pulsates and its position is changed during braking.
In order to achieve full vehicle deceleration,
foot pressure must be increased after the
brake pedal has begun vibrating.
Examples of PSM control operations– If the front wheels of the vehicle drift on a
bend, the rear wheel on the inside of the bend
is braked and the engine power is reduced if
necessary.
– If the rear of the vehicle swings out on a bend, the front wheel on the outside of the bend is
braked.Additional braking functions– Pre-filling the brake system:The brake system is prepared for possible
subsequent emergency braking if the acceler-
ator pedal is released suddenly and quickly.
The brake system is prefilled and the brake
pads are already applied gently to the brake
discs.
– Brake booster: In the event of an emergency braking operation
where the pedal force is insufficient, a brake
booster provides the braking pressure neces-
sary for maximum deceleration at all 4 wheels.Advantages of PSM– Best possible traction and lane-holding ability in all driving situations – even on road surfaces
with varying friction.

Operation, Safety
67
Retractable Spoiler The rear spoiler improves driving stability, espe-
cially at higher speeds.
Warning!
Risk of accident, resulting in serious perso-
nal injury or death.
If the spoiler cannot be extended, driving sta-
bility will be adversel y affected by increased
rear axle lift, which could lead to loss of con-
trol.
f Adapt your driving style and speed to the
changed driving conditions.
f Have the fault remedied at an authorized
Porsche dealer.
Risk of injury during manual retraction or
extension of the spoiler with the vehicle
stationary.
f Make sure that no persons or objects are
within the range of movement of the rear
spoiler.
Risk of damage from pushing the vehicle by
the rear spoiler.
f Do not push the vehicle at the rear spoiler.
Automatic control
(automatic mode)The rear spoiler extends at approx. 75 mph
(120 km/h) and retracts again at approx. 50 mph
(80 km/h).
If the automatic control fails, the warning light
lights up.
The warning light in the on-board computer lights
up when the rear spoiler does not extend over
75 mph (120 km/h) or its end position is not
reached.
Manual control
(manual mode)When the ignition is on, the rear spoiler can be
extended and retracted manually using the button
in the center console.
Note
When the rear spoiler is extended manually, the au-
tomatic control does not operate and the rear
spoiler must be manually retracted.
Warning light

Operation, Safety
75
Starting Procedures fPlease see the chapter “IMMOBILIZER” on
Page 15.
f Please see the chapter “EMISSION CONTROL
SYSTEM” on Page 208.
Warning!
Serious injury or death may result if you are
involved in a collision without having fas-
tened the safety belts.
f Fasten safety belts before driving away. Before starting the engine fApply the footbrake.
f Manual transmission:
Fully depress the clutch pedal and put the gear-
shift lever into neutral.
The clutch pedal must be depressed fully
before the starter will engage.
f In vehicles with PDK transmission:
Move PDK selector lever to position P or N.
Temperature sensors on the engine automatically
provide the correct fuel/air mixture required for
starting.
Therefore, it is not necessary to depress the
accelerator pedal while starting a cold or a
warm engine.
Starting the enginef Turn ignition key to ignition lock position 2.
f As soon as the engine st arts, release the igni-
tion key.
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.
If the engine fails to start after 10 or 15 seconds
of cranking:
f Wait about 10 seconds before engaging the
starter again.
f When starting the engine, be ready to drive
immediately.
Drive vehicle at moderate speeds and avoid
engine speeds above 4,200 rpm during the
first 5 minutes.
f Do not let the engine idle to warm up.
Danger!
Engine exhaust fumes have many compo-
nents which you can smell. They also contain
carbon monoxide (CO), which is a colorless
and odorless gas.
Carbon monoxide can cause unconscious-
ness and even death if inhaled.
f Never start or let the engine run in an
enclosed, unventilated area.
It is not recommended 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 shoul d come on to indicate
improper operation, they would go unno-
ticed.
f Never leave the engine idling unattended.
Danger of fire.
f Do not park or operate the vehicle in areas
where the hot exhaust system may come in
contact with dry grass, brush, fuel spill or oth-
er flammable material.
f If your car catches on fire for any reason, call
the fire department.
Do not endanger your life by attempting to put
out the fire.
Risk of burn injury when standing near or coming
into contact with the exhaust pipe.
The exhaust pipe is hot when the vehicle is running
and remains hot for some time after the vehicle is
turned off.
f To prevent injury, make a point of noting where
your vehicle’s exhaust pipe is, avoid placing
your legs near the exhaust pipe, and closely
supervise children around the vehicle when the
exhaust pipe could be hot.
A hot exhaust pipe can cause serious burns.

Operation, Safety
77
Operational readiness of the emergency flasher
does not depend on the ignition lock and turn sig-
nal lever position.
f If your car is disabled or parked under emer-
gency conditions switch on the emergency
flasher in the dashboard.
All turn signals and the indicator light in the
switch flash with the same frequency.
Warning!
Risk of an accident, re sulting in serious per-
sonal injury or death.
f Whenever stalled or stopped for emergency re-
pairs, move the car well off the road. Switch on
the emergency flasher and mark the car with
road flares or other warning devices.
f Do not remain in the car. Someone approach-
ing from the rear may not realize your vehicle
is stopped and cause a collision.
Danger of fire.
f Do not park or operate the vehicle in areas
where the hot exhaust system may come in
contact with dry grass, brush, fuel spill or
other flammable material.
Hot engine compartment components can
burn skin on contact.
f Before working on any part in the engine
compartment, turn the engine off and let it cool down sufficiently.
Emergency Flasher Switch

78
Operation, SafetyWarning chime
If the ignition key is withdrawn and the door is
opened while the lights (not the Welcome Home
lighting) are on, a
chime warns of possible bat-
tery discharge.
In some countries, differences are possible
due to provisions of law.
Daytime driving lightsThe daytime driving lights are integrated in the
front auxiliary headlights. These lights are
switched on only when the engine is running and
with the light switch in the positions OFF or HOME.
Low beam headlights must be switched on when
driving through tunnels or at dusk, for example.
Operation of the daytime driving lights may vary
depending on country-specific regulations.
Canada only:
In addition to the auxiliary headlights the parking
lights are switched on.
USA only:
The daytime driving lights can be deactivated in
the on-board computer.
f Please see the chapter “ON-BOARD
COMPUTER (BC)” on Page 130.
Vehicles with the Sport Chrono Package Plus
Further individual light functions are available in ve-
hicles with the Sport Chrono Package Plus.
f Please observe the chapter “Individual Memo-
ry” in the separate PCM operating instructions.Cornering lightThe dynamic cornering light is activated above
speeds of 6 mph (10 km/h).
Light Switch on Vehicles with
Bi-Xenon HeadlightsLights switched off
Daytime driving lights are switched on
when the engine is running.
Welcome Home Function
Daytime driving lights are switched on
when the engine is running.
Parking lights , side marker lights,
license plate light, instrument illumina-
tion, daytime driving lights switched off
Canada: daytime driving lights switched
on
Low beam, high beam
Only with ignition on,
daytime driving lights switched off
Rear fog light
Pull switch to second click.
Indicator light on.

80
Operation, SafetyWarning chime
If the ignition key is withdrawn and the door is
opened while the lights (not the Welcome Home
lighting) are on, a
chime warns of possible bat-
tery discharge.
In some countries, differences are possible
due to provisions of law.
Vehicles with the Sport Chrono Package Plus
Further individual light functions are available in ve-
hicles with the Sport Chrono Package Plus.
f Please observe the chapter “Individual
Memory” in the separate PCM operating
instructions.
Daytime driving lightsUSA only:
The daytime driving lights can be activated/deacti-
vated in the on-board computer.
fPlease see the chapter “ON-BOARD
COMPUTER (BC)” on Page 130.Welcome Home LightingSwitching on
fMove light switch to the HOME position.
For improved visibility and security when you get
in and out of the car, the fog lights and the tail
lights remain on for a certain period of time:
– When you get out of the car , the lights are
turned on for approx. 30 seconds after the
door is opened. The off-delay time resumes
when the vehicle is locked.
On vehicles with the Sport Chrono Package
Plus, the PCM can be used to set the off-delay
time. This setting also changes the lighting
period for unlocking the vehicle.
Please observe the chapter “Individual
Memory” in the separate PCM operating
instructions.
– The lights are turned on for approx. 30 seconds when the vehicle is unlocked .
The lights go out if the ignition is switched on
or when leaving the Welcome Home lighting.
Light Switch on Vehicles with
Halogen HeadlightsLights switched off
Welcome Home Function
Parking lights , side marker lights,
license plate light, instrument illumination
Low beam, high beam
Only with ignition on
Fog light in addition to parking lights or
low beam
Pull switch to first click.
Indicator light on.
Rear fog light in addition to fog lights
Pull switch to second click.
Indicator light on.

82
Operation, Safety
Windshield Wiper/ Washer Lever
Warning!
Danger of injury when the windshield wipers
operate unintentionally, e.g. in intermittent
or rain sensor operation.
Risk of damage to the windshield, wiper sys-
tem and headlight washer.
f Avoid running the wiper blades over a dry
windshield to prevent scratching the glass.
Spray washer fluid on the windshield first.
A scratched windshield will reduce visibility.
f Always loosen wiper blades from frozen glass
before operating wipers to prevent damage to
the wiper motor or blades.
f Always switch off windshield wipers in car
wash to prevent them wiping unintentionally
(intermittent or sensor operation).
f Always switch off windshield wipers before
cleaning the windshield to avoid unintentional
operation (intermittent or sensor operation).
f Do not operate the headlight washer in car
washes.
f Do not operate headlight washer when it is frozen.
Wiper and headlight washer system0 – Windshield wipers off
1 – Intermittent/rain sensor operation for
front windshield wipers
f Move wiper lever upwards to the first click.
Please see the chapter “RAIN SENSOR” on
Page 83.
2 – Windshield wipers slow
f Move wiper lever upwards to the second click.
3 – Windshield wipers fast
f Move wiper lever upwards to the third click. 4 – Windshield wiper – one-touch operation:
f
Move wiper lever downwards. The windshield
wipers wipe once.
5 – Windshield wipers and washer system:
f Pull 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.
f Briefly push button A to operate headlight
washer system.
f If 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.

84
Operation, Safety
A- Automatic speed control readiness off/on
1 -+SPEED/SET (accelerate/store)
2 -–SPEED (decelerate)
3 - OFF (interrupt)
4 -RESUMEAutomatic Speed Control The automatic speed control maintains any
selected speed between 15 mph and 145 mph
(30 km/h and 240 km/h) without you having to
use the accelerator pedal.
The automatic speed control is operated with the
lever on the steering wheel. Vehicles with PDK
Downshifts are carried out to help maintain the
pre-selected speed (especially when driving down-
hill).
Warning!
Risk of an accident resulting in serious per-
sonal injury or death. A constant speed may
not be safe in heavy traf fic, or on winding or
slippery roads.
With the speed control system engaged, the
engine speed will not return to idle when re-
moving the foot from the accelerator pedal.
f Do not use the speed co ntrol when it may be
unsafe to keep the car at a constant speed.
f Observe all local and national speed limits. Switch automatic speed control
readiness onfPress button A on the automatic speed control
lever.
Hold and store speed f Bring the car to the desired speed with the
accelerator.
f Then briefly push the operating lever forward
(position 1).Accelerating (e.g. to overtake) Option 1
f Increase the speed as usual with the
accelerator.
When you ease off the accelerator, the
previously saved value is set again.
Option 2
f Push operating lever forward (position 1) until
the desired speed is reached.
The speed reached is maintained and stored
when the lever is released.
Option 3
f Push lever slightly forwards (position 1 )
(a maximum of 10 times).
The speed is increased by 1 mph (1.6 km/h),
each time the lever is pushed forwards.
Note on operation
Speed control operation is automatically interrupt-
ed if the speed is increased by more than approx.
16 mph (25 km/h ) for lo nger than 20 seconds.
This green indicator light in the
speedometer now indicates readiness