2009 PORSCHE BOXSTER warning lights

Instruments, On-Board Computer, Warnings
129
Check Engine
(Emission Control)The emission control system detects malfunctions
early that could, for example, cause increased
pollutant emissions or consequential damage.
Faults are indicated by a continuously lit or
flashing instrument panel warning light.
The faults are recorded in the control unit's fault
memory.
The warning light in the instrument panel lights up
when the ignition is switched on as a bulb check
and goes out approx. 4 seconds after the engine
starts. If the warning light does not light up, have
the bulb replaced promptly.
The warning light in the instrument panel flashes to
indicate operating states (e.g. engine misfiring)
which might cause damage to certain parts of the
emission control system.
fIn this case, immediately reduce the engine
load by easing off the accelerator.
f In order to avoid consequential damage to the
engine or emission control system (e.g. cata-
lytic converter), have the fault diagnosed and
rectified immediately at the nearest authorized
Porsche dealer. If the warning light in the
instrument panel lights up
permanently without flashing before and remains
on while driving, it suggests:
– a potential engine control problem and the need for system service or
– an improperly fastened tank cap or
– the vehicle was refueled while the engine was running.
f Stop immediately at a suitable and secure
place and check tank cap for proper fastening.
If tank cap was fastened correctly, see your au-
thorized Porsche dealer for service as soon as
possible.
Caution!
If the check engine warning light in the in-
strument panel is flashing, serious catalytic
converter damage and power loss will soon
occur.
Prolonged driving with the check engine war-
ning light on could cause damage to the
emission control system. It also could affect
fuel economy and driveability.
f Have the fault remedied at the nearest authorized Porsche dealer immediately.
Warning Light

Instruments, On-Board Computer, Warnings
155
Warning!
Your vehicle has also be en equipped with a TPM
malfunction indicator to indicate when the system
is not operating properly.
The TPM malfunction indicator is combined with
the low tire pressure telltale.
When the system detects a malfunction, the tellta-
le will flash for approximately one minute and then
remain continuously illuminated. This sequence
will continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as
long as the malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indi cator is illuminated, the
system may not be able to detect or signal low tire
pressure as intended.
TPM malfuntions may occur for a variety of
reasons, including the installation of replacement
or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that
prevent the TPM from functioning properly.
Always check the TPM malfunction telltale after
replacing one or more tires or wheels on your
vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alter-
nate tires and wheels allow the TPM to continue to
function properly.
The warning light in the speedometer lights up:
– When a loss in pressure has been detected.
– When learning newly mounted wheels/wheel sensors, as long as the vehicle’s own wheels
have not yet been recognized. In the event of a defect in Tire Pressure Monitoring
or a temporary fault, the warning light in the
speedometer flashes for approx. one minute and
then remains continuously illuminated.
The tire pressure warning light in the instrument
panel goes out only when
the cause of the fault
has been rectified.
Partial monitoringMonitoring of the other wheels is continued if there
is a fault in one or two wheel transmitters.
– The tire pressure warning light lights up.
– The message “TPM partial monitoring” is displayed on the on-board computer.
– No tire pressures are displayed on the on- board computer for wheels with faulty wheel
transmitters.
No monitoringIn the event of faults the Tire Pressure Monitoring
cannot monitor the tire pressure.
The warning light in the speedometer flashes for
approx. one minute and then remains continuously
illuminated and a corresponding message
appears on the on-board computer.
Monitoring is not active when:
– the Tire Pressure Monitoring is faulty,
– wheel transmitters for the Tire Pressure Monitoring are missing,
– during the learning phase after the tire settings have been updated,
– after a wheel change without updating the tire settings,
– more than four wheel transmitters are detected,
– there is external interference by other radio sources, e.g. wireless headphones,
– tire temperatures are too high.
f Please see the chapter “WARNINGS ON THE
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE ON-BOARD
COMPUTER” on Page 162.
Warning light

160
Instruments, On-Board Computer, Warnings
Navigation
– Integrated in the BC
(Navigation instructions can be recalled on the
on-board computer display)
– When turning off (Navigation instructions are only shown before
changing direction)
Basic setting
– Restore the basic setting of the on-board com- puter
Language
– Select language version 12/24h mode
Select time mode:
– 12h (small squares on the right side of the time
display for AM/PM),
–24h
Light
USA only:
Switch daytime driving lights on and off. f
Please see the chapter “DAYTIME DRIVING
LIGHTS” on Page 78.
f Please see the chapter “DAYTIME DRIVING
LIGHTS” on Page 80.
General information regarding the
on-board computer functionsRange on remaining fuel
The range on remaining fuel is continuously recal-
culated during the journey based on the fuel level,
current consumption and average consumption.
The more the fuel level falls, the more spontan-
eously the display reacts. For this reason, the
range on remaining fuel is not displayed if less
than 9 miles (15 kilometers).
If the vehicle's inclination changes while driving or
refueling, incorrect range information may tempo-
rarily be given.
Note
If the tank is nearly empty and you top up with only
a small quantity of fuel, an accurate range on re-
maining fuel is impossible.
Daytime driving lights
(daytime driving lights switched off)
Daytime driving lights
(daytime driving lights switched on)

162
Warnings
Warnings on the instrument panel and the on-board computerIf a warning message appears, always refer to the corresponding chapters in the Owner’s Manual.
Warning messages are issued only if all measurement preconditi ons are met. Therefore, check all fluid levels regularly –
in particular, always check the en gine oil level before refuelling.
Instrument
panel On-board
computerText display on on-board
computer Meaning/measure
Seat belt
Driver and passengers must fasten their seat
belts.
Handbrake Handbrake is still on.
Ignition key
not removed
Replace battery
in ignition key Replace the remote-control battery.
Ignition lock faulty,
please go to workshop Have the fault remedied at an authorized
Porsche dealer.
Ignition lock faulty,
visit workshop now Have the fault remedied at an authorized
Porsche dealer.
Relieve steering Relieve the steering l o c k b y m o v i n g t h e s t e e r i n g
wheel to the left or right.
Steering locked The steering wheel lock remains engaged.
Have the fault remedied at an authorized
Porsche dealer.
Lights on Low beam/side marker lamps on
Parking light on Left/right parking light on

Warnings
163
Check left/right dipped beam (low
beam)
also applies to:
direction indicator, high beam, side in-
dicator light, reversing lightThe reported light is faulty. Check bulb.
Have the fault remedied
at an authorized
Porsche dealer.
Daytime
driving lights off Daytime driving lights switch off when the en-
gine is shut off. Switch
on lights if necessary.
Headlight beam
adjustment faulty Have the fault remedied
at an authorized
Porsche dealer.
Front lid not closed Close front lu ggage compartment lid properly.
Rear lid not closed Close rear luggage compartment lid properly.
Rain sensor faulty Have the faul t remedied at an authorized
Porsche dealer.
Steering wheel heating
ON Steering wheel heating was switched on.
Steering wheel heating
OFF Steering wheel heating was switched off.
Launch
control
active
Drive Off Assistant
failure Have the fault remedied
at an authorized
Porsche dealer.
Refill washer fluid
LIMIT
Cannot be accepted
with vehicle stopped The current speed can only
be accepted for the
acoustic warning signal when the vehicle is in
motion.
Instrument
panel On-board
computerText display on on-board
computer Meaning/measure

172
Shifting Gears
Manual Transmission, ClutchThe positions of the gears are shown on the shift
diagram on the gearshift lever.
Warning!
Risk of accident, resulting in serious person-
al injury or death.
f Do not obstruct the pedal travel with floor mats
or other objects.
Nonskid floor mats of the correct size are
available at your authorized Porsche dealer. To avoid damage to the clutch and transmis-
sion:
f
Always depress the clutch pedal fully when
changing gears. Make sure that the gearshift
lever is completely engaged.
f Only shift into reverse when the car has come
to a complete stop.
f When shifting gears, always ensure that the
clutch pedal is fully depressed and the gear
has fully engaged.
f Select reverse only when vehicle is stationary.
Reverse gear can be enga ged after shifting the
gearshift lever as far as possible to the left.
f Select an appropriately low gear on upward
and downward slopes.
This will ensure optimum use of engine power
and engine braking.
When reverse gear is sele cted and the ignition is
on, the backup lights are illuminated.
Permitted engine speedf You should change into a higher gear before
the needle reaches the red mark on the
tachometer, or ease off the accelerator.
If the red zone is reached during acceleration, fuel
feed is interrupted.
Caution!
Risk of engine damage (overrevving) when
shifting down to a lower gear.
f Take care not to exceed the maximum permitted engine speed when shifting down.

Maintenance, Car Care
203
Changing the brake fluid Brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air over
time. This accumulation of water lowers the boil-
ing point and, under certain operating conditions,
can affect the braking performance.
Therefore have the brake fluid changed in accord-
ance with the change intervals stated in the
brochure “Maintenance”. – The warning lights on the instrument panel and
on the on-board computer indicate an insuffi-
cient brake fluid level.
– If the warning light lights up on the instrument
panel and the warning message appears on
the on-board computer in combination with a
larger pedal travel, a brake circuit may have
failed.
If the warning lights should light up when
driving:
f Stop immediately in a suitable place.
f Do not continue driving.
Consult an authorized Porsche dealer.
Warning light USA
Warning light Canada

Maintenance, Car Care
205
Fuel
Warning!
Fuel is highly flammable and harmful to
health.
f Fire, open flame and smoking are prohibited
when handling fuel.
f Avoid contact with skin or clothing.
f Do not inhale fuel vapors.
To prevent damage to the emission control
system and engine:
f Never drive the tank completely out of fuel.
f Avoid high cornering speeds after the warning lights have come on.
f Please see the chapter “FUEL ECONOMY” on
Page 204.
Please see the chapter “EMISSION CONTROL
SYSTEM” on Page 208.
Please see the chapter “LEVEL GAGE” on
Page 126.
Check engine warning light
If the warning lights in the instrument panel and on-
board computer come on and remain on while
driving, it suggests:
– a potential engine control problem and the need for system service or
– an improperly fastened tank cap or – refueling with engine running.
Opening the filler flapThe filler opening is under th
e filler flap in the front
right fender.
f With the vehicle unlocked, press on the front
part of the filler flap ( arrow) to open the flap.
The filler flap is centrally locked along with the oth-
er locks. If there is a defect in
the automatic unlocking
system:
f Open the passenger door.
f Pull the ring in the right-hand door aperture
(arrow ).