2009 PORSCHE PANAMERA instrument panel

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Driving and Driving Safety
Upshift prompt for fuel-economy-optimised
driving
The consumption-oriente
d upshift indicator A in
the tachometer at the ri ght beside the digital
speed display helps you to develop a fuel-saving
driving style.
The upshift indicator lights up - prompting you to
shift up to the next-higher gear - depending on the
selected gear, engine speed and accelerator
pedal position.
The upshift indicator is only active when “Sport” or
“Sport Plus” mode is switched off.
f Change to the next-higher gear when the
upshift indicator lights up. Shifting down –
f
Pull the PDK selector lever or shift button on
the steering wheel back.
You can shift up or down by the corresponding
number of gears by quickly pressing or pulling the
shift buttons or selector lever several times in
succession.
The transmission can be shifted up or down by
several gears in succession by continuously
operating the selector lever or shift buttons.
You can shift up or down at any time depending
on driving speed and engine speed.
Gear changes that would exceed the upper or
lower engine-speed limit are not executed by the
control unit.
There is no automatic upshift at the upper engine-
speed limit in selector-lever position M. Upshift
suppression can be cancelled by kickdown
operation. If, for example, the engine-speed limit
is reached during overtaking and an automatic
upshift does not occur, the transmission shifts up
in this case 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. To shift up automatically
at the upper engine-
speed limit:
f Press the accelerator pedal beyond the full-
throttle point (kickdown).
Failure of the selector lever display on the
instrument panel
The warning “Gearbox emergency operation”
appears in red on the multi-function display.
Effect:
– No selector-lever position is displayed on the instrument panel.
Vehicle can be driven only until it comes to
astop.
Action required:
f It is not possible to continue driving. Stop the
vehicle immediately in a suitable place. Have
the vehicle towed to a qualified specialist
workshop.
f Please see the chapter “TOWING” on
page 316.

Driving and Driving Safety
203
Advantages of PSM
– Best possible traction and lane-holding ability
in all driving situations – even on road surfaces
with varying friction.
– The system compensates for undesired vehicle reactions (Ferraria effect) when the
driver releases the accelerator pedal or brakes
on bends. This compensation functions up to
the maximum lateral acceleration.
– PSM actively stabilises the vehicle if necessary during dynamic driving maneuvers (e.g. rapid
steering movements, during lane changes, or
on alternating bends).
– Improved braking stability on bends and on different or varying road surfaces.
– Improved brake function and shorter stopping distance in the event of emergency braking. Readiness for operation
PSM is switched on automatically every time you
start the engine.
Function
Sensors at the wheels, brakes, steering system
and engine continuously measure:
–Speed
– Direction of travel (steering angle)
– Lateral acceleration
– Axial acceleration
– Rate of turn about the vertical axis
PSM uses these values to determine the direction
of travel desired by the driver.
PSM intervenes and corrects the course if the
actual direction of motion deviates from the
desired course (steering-wheel position):
It brakes individual wheels as required.
If necessary, PSM also influences the engine
power or the gear-changing characteristic of
Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) in order to
stabilise the vehicle. The events below inform the driver of PSM control
operations and warn him to adapt his driving style
to the road conditions:
– PSM warning light on the instrument panel
flashes.
– Hydraulic noises can be heard.
– The vehicle decelerates and steering-wheel forces are altered as 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 engine power is reduced and the
rear wheel on the inside of the bend is braked
if necessary.
– If the rear of the vehicle swings out on a bend, the front wheel on the outside of the bend is
braked.

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Driving and Driving Safety
– Brake system prefilling:
The brake system is prepared for possible
subsequent emergency braking if the
accelerator 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 (Hydraulic Brake Assist): In the event of an emergency braking operation
where the pedal force is insufficient, a brake
booster provides the braking pressure
necessary for maximum deceleration at all
4wheels.
Combined operation of PSM and PTM
In order to ensure optimum stabilisation of the
vehicle, torque distribution between the front and
rear wheels is adapted and the rear differential
lock is controlled on vehicles with PDCC.
In the event of a PTM fault, PSM cannot be
switched off.
If PSM is switched off, it is switched on again
automatically. Automatic brake differential (ABD)
The ABD system controls the front and rear axles
separately. If one wheel of an axle starts to spin,
it is braked so that the other wheel on the same
axle can be driven.
ABD recognizes different driving states, and it
features control strategies adapted to these
states. In situations in which little propulsive power
is required, such as when the vehicle moves off on
a level gravel surface, traction control already
becomes active at low engine speeds. If a large
amount of propulsive power is required, e.g. when
driving off on an uph
ill slope or for rapid
acceleration, the ABD system is adapted
accordingly.
Anti-slip control (ASR)
The anti-slip control system prevents the wheels
from spinning by adjusting the engine power,
thereby ensuring good lane-holding ability and
stable handling.
Engine drag torque control (MSR)
In conditions of excessive slip, the engine
drag torque control system prevents all driven
wheels from locking up when the vehicle is
overrunning. This is also the case for downshifts
on a slippery road.
Switching off PSMf Press button for at least 1 second.
PSM is switched off after a short delay.
The indicator light on the button and the
PSM OFF warning light on the instrument
panel light up.
The warning “PSM off” appears on the
multi-function display in the instrument panel.

Driving and Driving Safety
205
When you brake in the ABS control range,
the vehicle is stabilised even when PSM is
switched off.
One-sided spinning of the wheels is prevented,
even with PSM switched off.
PSM should always be switched on during
“normal” driving.
H o w e v e r, i t m a y b e a g o o d i d e a to s w it c h o f f P S M
temporarily in exceptional situations:
– On a loose surface and in deep snow.
– When “rocking the vehicle free”.
– When using snow chains.
Tip on driving
The vehicle retains its enhanced braking readiness
through prefilling of the br ake system even when
PSM is switched off.
When PSM is switched off, wheel-specific brake
interventions and the anti-slip control system (ASR)
are also switched off.
The automatic brake differential (ABD) remains on.
Adaptive cruise control is deactivated when PSM
is switched off.
When PSM is switched off, the slip monitoring
function of Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) is also
deactivated.
Switching PSM back onf Press button .
PSM is active immediately.
The indicator light on the button and the
PSM OFF warning light on the instrument
panel go out.
The message “PSM switched on” appears on
the multi-function disp lay in the instrument
panel.“Sport Plus” modeA sportier setup is obtained when “Sport Plus”
mode is switched on.
PSM interventions occur later than in Normal
mode. The vehicle can be maneuvered with
greater agility at its pe rformance limits, without
having to dispense with th e assistance of PSM in
emergency situations. This helps to achieve
optimal lap times, particular ly on race circuits and
on a dry road surface. – The PSM warning light on the instrument panel
lights up for a lamp check when the ignition is
switched on.
– The light indicates a control operation, even when PSM is switched off, e.g. brake control in
the event of one-sided wheel spin.
– The light - in conjunction with the multi-function display - indicates a fault.
The warning message “PSM failure” appears
on the multi-function display in the instrument
panel.
For information on warning messages on the multi-
function display:
f Please see the chapter “OVERVIEW OF
WARNING MESSAGES” on page 152.
f Adapt your driving style according to the
changed conditions.
f Contact a qualified spec ialist workshop in
order to correct the fault. We recommend that
you have an authorized Porsche dealer to do
this work, as they have the trained workshop
personnel and the necessary parts and tools
for this type of work.
To w i n g
For information on towing:
f Please see the chapter “TOWING” on
page 316.
PSM warning light

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Driving and Driving Safety
HOLD function: Drive-Off Assistant and
standstill management The HOLD function assists the driver when
stopping and driving off on upward slopes.
The vehicle is automatically prevented from rolling
back away from the desired direction of travel.
When the HOLD function is active, the function
light on the instrument panel lights up.
When adaptive cruise control is operating
normally, the HOLD function holds the vehicle
following automatic braking until the vehicle is
actively held in a stationary position.
Notes on operation
The HOLD function is no t available if the PDK
selector lever is in position N.
If the PDK selector lever is moved while the
HOLD function is active, the HOLD function is
deactivated.
If the driver’s seat be lt is unbuckled and the
driver’s door is opened wh ile the HOLD function is
active, the electric park ing brake is activated
automatically.
For information on the electric parking brake:
f Please see the chapter “ELECTRIC PARKING
BRAKE” on page 171.
Warning!
In spite of the advantages of the HOLD function, it
is still the driver’s responsibility to adapt his
driving style and maneuvers in line with road and
weather conditions, as well as the traffic situation.
The increased safety that is provided should not
induce you to take greate r risks with your safety.
Caution!
If the vehicle comes to a stop on a steep
uphill gradient without operation of the
footbrake by the driver, this may result in a
certain roll-back before the vehicle is held by
the HOLD function. In this situation, the roll-
back can be reduced by operating the
footbrake.
f Assist holding of the vehi cle by increasing the
brake force with the footbrake.
Brake pedal feels different. When adaptive
cruise control is operating normally or when
the HOLD function is active, the brake pedal
may feel different and you may hear
hydraulic noises.
This behavior is no rmal for the system.
It is not a fault.
Danger!
Risk of accidents. The limits set by physics of
driving cannot be overcome, even with HOLD
function. The responsibi lity for stopping and
driving off on uphill gradients is still the
driver’s, despite the HOLD function.
Assistance by the HOLD function is not
always guaranteed when stopping and
driving off on a slippery surface (e.g. on icy
or loose surfaces). In this case, the vehicle
can slip.
f Always adjust your driving style to the driving
conditions and vehicle load. Use the footbrake
if necessary.
If the Drive-Off Assistant is not functioning,
the driver cannot be assisted when driving
off on hills.
f Hold the vehicle with the footbrake.

Driving and Driving Safety
207
ABS Brake System
(Anti-Lock Brake System)
Warning!
In spite of the advantages of ABS, it is still the
driver’s responsibility to adapt his driving style and
maneuvers in line with road and weather
conditions, as well as the traffic situation.
The increased safety that is provided should not
induce you to take greater risks with your safety.
The limits set by the physic s of driving cannot be
overcome, even with ABS.
Risk of accidents due to inappropriate speed
cannot be reduced by ABS.
ABS ensures
– Full steering control
The vehicle remains steerable
– Good driving stability
No skidding due to locked wheels
– Optimum braking distance
Shorter stopping distance in most cases
– Prevention of wheel locking
No flat spots on the tires Function
The decisive advantage of ABS lies in the driving
stability and maneuverability of the vehicle in
hazardous situations.
ABS prevents locking of
the wheels during full
braking, on almost all road surfaces, until just
before the vehicle stops.
ABS begins to control the braking process as
soon as a wheel shows a tendency to lock.
This controlled braking process is comparable
with extremely rapid cadence braking.
The pulsating brake pedal and a “juddering noise”
warn the driver to adapt his driving speed to the
road conditions.
f If full braking is necessary, press the brake
pedal fully during the whole braking operation,
even though the pedal is pulsating. Do not
reduce brake pressure. If the ABS warning light lig
hts up on the instrument
panel while the engine is running, the ABS has
switched off because of a fault.
The warning message “ABS failure” appears on
the multi-function display in the instrument panel.
For information on warning messages on the
multi-function display:
f Please see the chapter “OVERVIEW OF
WARNING MESSAGES” on page 152.
In this case, the brake system will operate without
lock prevention, as on vehicles without ABS.
f Adapt your driving style to the changed
braking behavior.
The ABS must be checked by your authorized
Porsche dealer in order to prevent the
occurrence of further faults with unpredictable
consequences.
Please contact a qualified specialist workshop.
We recommend that you have an authorized
Porsche dealer to do this work as they have
trained workshop personnel and the necessary
parts and tools.
The ABS control unit is adjusted for the approved
tire dimensions.
The use of tires with no n-approved dimensions can
lead to different wheel speeds, causing ABS to
switch off. Warning light USA
Warning light Canada

208
Driving and Driving Safety
Porsche Active Suspension
Management (PASM)The PASM system actively adjusts the shock
absorbers. The adjustable damper system selects
the appropriate damping level for each wheel
according to the driving situation and driving
conditions. Driving safety, agility and comfort are
optimised.
Three different chassis setu ps can be selected at
the push of a button:
– “PASM Comfort”
– “PASM Sport”
– “PASM Sport Plus”
Comfort mode ensures comfortable chassis
tuning.
The “PASM Sport” chassis setup offers very
sporty shock absorber tuning.
“PASM Sport Plus” mode offers particularly
sporty shock absorber tuning (e.g. for driving on
the race circuit).
In addition to manual mode selection, PASM
also adjusts shock absorber tuning for either
sporty or comfort driving, depending on the
driving situation.
Selecting the PASM mode1. Switch on ignition.
2. Press button (repeatedly).
On the button:
– No indicator light comes on when you select “PASM Comfort” (default setting).
– One indicator light come s on when you select
“PASM Sport”.
– Two indicator lights come on when you select “PASM Sport Plus”.
In addition, the selected chassis setup is shown on
the multi-function display in the instrument panel
for approx. 4 seconds. Note on operation
The last selected chassis setup is stored in the
memory after the ignition is switched off.
Warning messageThe system automatically
detects PASM faults and
displays them on the multi-function display in the
instrument panel.
For information on warning messages on the
multi-function display:
f Please see the chapter “OVERVIEW OF
WARNING MESSAGES” on page 152.
f Adapt your driving style according to the
changed conditions.
f Contact a qualified specialist workshop in
order to correct the fault. We recommend that
you have an authorized Porsche dealer to do
this work, as they have the trained workshop
personnel and the necessary parts and tools
for this type of work.

Driving and Driving Safety
209
Porsche Active Suspension
Management (PASM) with Air
Suspension and Level ControlPASM with air suspension is an active shock
absorber adjustment and ride height balancing
system. The adjustable damper system selects
the appropriate damping level for each wheel
according to the driving situation and driving
conditions. The level control system automatically
balances load changes and maintains a constant
ride height. Driving safety , agility and comfort are
optimised.
Three different chassis setups can be selected at
the push of a button:
– “PASM Comfort”
– “PASM Sport”
– “PASM Sport Plus”
Comfort mode ensures comfortable chassis
tuning.
The “PASM Sport” chassis setup offers very
sporty shock absorber tuning.
“PASM Sport Plus” mode offers particularly sporty
shock absorber tuning (e.g. for driving on the race
circuit). The vehicle is also lowered by
approx. 1 in. (25 mm) compared with the normal
level and the spring rate is increased.
In addition to manual mode selection, PASM also
adjusts shock absorber tuning for either sporty
or comfort driving, depending on the driving
situation.
Selecting the PASM mode1. Switch on ignition.
2. Start the engine.
3. Press button (repeatedly).
On the button:
– No indicator light come s on when you select
“PASM Comfort” (default setting).
– One indicator light comes on when you select “PASM Sport”.
– Two indicator lights come on when you select
“PASM Sport Plus”. In addition, the selected chassis setup is shown on
the multi-function display in the instrument panel
for approx. 4 seconds.
Note
The mode cannot be changed if a door or the
tailgate is opened or when the engine is switched
off.
When the vehicle is stopped, the ride height may
be adjusted automatically
in order to balance the
vehicle load.
High LevelThe level control system al lows you to raise the
vehicle in maneuvering mode by approx. 0.8 in.
(20 mm) compared with the normal level in order
to drive over curbs and ramps.
High Level can only be selected manually and at
speeds of less than approx. 20 mph (30 km/h).
Note
High Level must not be us ed on public roads since
the prescribed installation height of the reflectors
can be exceeded in High Level.