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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
199
StoppingfFor a brief stop, e.g. at traffic lights, leave the
selector lever in drive position and hold the
vehicle with the brake pedal.
f Do not hold the vehicle on a slope using the
accelerator. Use the brake pedal or the
electric parking brake instead.
f Before leaving the vehicle, always apply the
electric parking brake and move the selector
lever to position P.Parkingf Go easy on the accelerator!
f When parking or maneuvering 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 mode. This prevents gear
changes occurring that could cause wheel spin.Tow-starting, towingfPlease see the chapter “TOWING” on
page 316.
Reduced driving programIf there is a fault in the transmission
– Depending on priority, either the “Gearbox
emergency operation” warning in yellow or red
or the warning “Gearbox temperature too high”
will appear on the multi-function display.
“Gearbox emergency operation” warning in
yellow
Effects:
– Restricted gearshift comfort, reverse gear may not function.
Action required:
f Have the fault corrected immediately.
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. “Gearbox emergency operation” warning in red
Effect:
– 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.
Warning “Gearbox temperature too high”
–Effects: “Warning jerks” can be fe lt when driving off and
the engine power may be restricted.
Action required:
Do not hold the vehicle with the accelerator on
a hill, for example. Hold the vehicle with the
brake. Reduce engine load. Stop the vehicle in
a suitable place if possib le. Allow the engine to
run in selector-lever position P or N until the
warning disappears.
200
Driving and Driving Safety
PDK selector lever emergency releaseIn the event of an electronics failure, the PDK
selector lever can only be moved from selector-
lever position P if an emergency release operation
has already been performed.
Note
If a selector lever emergency release was
performed, the vehicle must not be towed.
f Please see the chapter “TOWING” on
page 316.
f Secure the vehicle to prevent it from
rolling away.
1. Open the ashtray.
2. Remove the ashtray insert.
fSwivel the spring for locking the ashtray
approx. 20° to the left. 3. Close the ashtray lid a
pprox. 45° and hold it
at that position.
4. Insert a screwdriver, for example, in through the opening, which is now visible at the right
next to the spring, and press the release
button for the selector support down.
5. Press the selector lever release button and move the selector lever out of position P.
The vehicle can now be moved.
6. To secure the vehicle, move the selector lever
to position P.
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Driving and Driving Safety
Porsche Traction Management
(PTM)Porsche Traction Management is an active all-
wheel control system designed to influence
longitudinal and lateral dynamics. It is closely
linked with the Porsche Stability Management
(PSM) system.
The permanently driven rear axle enhances the
vehicle’s sporty features. Drive power is
distributed fully variably to the front axle,
depending on the driving situation.
In conjunction with PSM, the PTM system ensures
perfect distribution of power among all four
wheels in every driving situation. This improves
traction and driving stabil ity and ensures the same
high level of agility and dynamic response.
Warning!
In spite of the advantages of PTM and four-wheel
drive, 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.
The limits set by the physics of driving cannot be
overcome, even with PTM or four-wheel drive.
Risk of accidents due to inappropriate speed
cannot be reduced by PTM or four-wheel drive. Advantages of PTM
– Clearly perceptible improvement in traction,
driving stability and steering ability of the
vehicle.
– Vehicle is more manageable when driven at its performance limits.
– Improved straight-ahead tracking and greater stability.
– More sporty vehicle setup while making full use of all the advantages of four-wheel drive.
– ASR and ABD further enhance traction for all wheels.
For information on ASR and ABD:
f Please see the chapter “PORSCHE STABILITY
MANAGEMENT (PSM)” on page 202.
Porsche Stability Management
(PSM)PSM is an active control system for stabilisation of
the vehicle during extreme driving maneuvers.
It operates together with the Porsche Traction
Management (PTM) system provided the vehicle is
fitted with the relevant equipment.
PSM makes use of both the ABD and ASR
systems, as well as the known functions of the
anti-lock brake system (ABS) and engine drag
torque control system (MSR).
Warning!
In spite of the advantages of PSM, 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 physics of driving cannot be
overcome, even with PSM.
Risk of accidents due to inappropriate speed
cannot be reduced by PSM.
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
206
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.