2009 PORSCHE PANAMERA instrument panel

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Driving and Driving Safety
Selecting High Level1. Switch on ignition.
2. Start the engine.
3. Press button .When High Level is selected, the indicator light
on the button lights up.
The message “High Level selected” appears
on the multi-function display.
Note on operation
The last selected level is stored in the memory
after the ignition is switched off. The level control
system automatically switches from High Level at
a speed of approx. 20 mph (30 km/h).
Switching level control on and offAutomatic level control must be switched off
when driving onto a lifting platform or when
raising one wheel.
For information on ja cking up the vehicle:
f Please see the chapter “RAISING VEHICLES
WITH A LEVEL CONTROL SYSTEM” on
page 290.
Switching off level control
1. Switch on ignition.
2. Press and hold button for approximately 10 seconds.
The message “Control off” appears on the
multi-function display in the instrument panel.
Note
Level control can only be switched off when the
vehicle is stationary.
Switching on level control
1. Lower the vehicle.
2. Switch on ignition.
3. Press and hold button for approximately 10 seconds.
The message “Control on” appears on the
multi-function display in the instrument panel. Notes
Level control is switched on automatically at
a speed of more than approx. 4 mph (7 km/h).
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.
Note
If vehicles with air suspension are left stationary
for several weeks, the ride height can be reduced.
The vehicle automatically re-adjusts to the correct
ride height when you start the engine. This can
take several minutes, depending on the operating
state. Ground clearance is reduced at this time.

Driving and Driving Safety
211
Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control
(PDCC) FunctionThe Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC)
system used on vehicles with air suspension is
a system for roll stabilisation of the vehicle body
when driving.
Driving comfort and driving safety are improved
by active intervention of the anti-roll bars on the
front and rear axles. Ve hicle balance and agility
are optimised.
No separate controls are available for the PDCC
system.
When you select a chassis setup in Porsche Active
Suspension Management (PASM) with air
suspension and level control, the PDCC system
automatically activates the corresponding on-road
driving program.
For information on selecting a chassis setup:
f Please see the chapter “PORSCHE ACTIVE
SUSPENSION MANAGEMENT (PASM) WITH AIR
SUSPENSION AND LEVEL CONTROL” on
page 209.
Warning messageThe warning message “Fault PDCC” or “PDCC
failure” appears on the mult i-function display in the
instrument panel if there is a system fault.
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 fa ult. 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.
Checking hydraulic fluidThe hydraulic fluid is checked and changed
regularly as part of servicing.
For information on maintenance:
f Please see the chapter “EXERCISE EXTREME
CAUTION WHEN WORKING ON YOUR VEHICLE”
on page 252.

Driving and Driving Safety
213
Switching “Sport” mode on and offfPress button .
When “Sport” mode is switched on, the
indicator light on the button lights up.
The word “SPORT” appears on the digital
speedometer.
A sporty gear-changing map is enabled and the
gear shifting times ar e shorter for the PDK
transmission.
A sporty driving style is recognized more quickly
and the gear-changing speeds are adapted to
driving performance.
Braking downshifts are initiated earlier. Downshifts
occur for small decelerations, even at higher revs.
Switching “Sport Plus” mode on and offf Press button .
When “Sport Plus” mode is switched on, the
indicator light on the button lights up.
The words “SPORT PLUS” appear on the digital
speedometer.
In "Sport Plus" mode, the PDK transmission
changes to a shift progra m designed for driving
on race circuits. 7th gear is not selected.
The gear-changing performance is enhanced
significantly again compared with Sport mode.
The turbo overboost function (brief torque
increase at full throttle) is activated on vehicles
with the Sport Chrono Turbo package.
“Sport”/“Sport Plus” and
“PASM Sport”/“PASM Sport Plus” mode Switching “Sport” or “Sport Plus” mode on and off
simultaneously activates and deactivates the
corresponding PASM mode (“PASM Sport” or
“PASM Sport Plus”).
The PASM mode can be sw itched manually if you
want to use the characteristics of “Sport” or
“Sport Plus” mode, but prefer a more comfortable
chassis setup.
f Press button (repeatedly).
The indicator light for the selected chassis
setup on the button lights up.
In addition, the selected chassis setup is
shown on the multi-function display in the
instrument panel for approx. 4 seconds.
For information on PASM:
f Please see the chapter “PORSCHE ACTIVE
SUSPENSION MANAGEMENT (PASM)” on
page 208.

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Driving and Driving Safety
Warning messages
The warning message “Sport mode error”
appears on the multi-f
unction display in the
instrument panel in the event of a fault.
For information on warning messages on the
multi-function display:
f Please see the chapter “OVERVIEW OF
WARNING MESSAGES” on page 152.
Note
After the ignition is switched off, Sport mode is
automatically reset to Normal mode.
f Please see the chapter “PORSCHE ACTIVE
SUSPENSION MANAGEMENT (PASM)” on
page 208.
f Please see the chapter “PORSCHE DYNAMIC
CHASSIS CONTROL (PDCC)” on page 211.
Sports Exhaust SystemSwitching on and offThe sports exhaust system can be switched to
a sound-optimised mode when the ignition is
switched on.
fPress button .
When the sports exhaust system is switched
on, the indicator light on the button lights up.
Retractable Rear SpoilerThe rear spoiler improves driving stability at high
speeds and reduces fuel consumption at low
speeds.
Vehicles with a turbo engine have an enhanced
rear spoiler with a larger aerodynamically
effective spoiler surface thanks to additional flaps.Automatic modeAutomatic extension and retraction of the rear
spoiler depends on various conditions.

Maintenance and Car Care
253
Technical ModificationsfModifications may be carried out on your
vehicle only if approved by Porsche.
This ensures that your Porsche will remain
reliable and safe to drive, and that it will not be
damaged as a result of the modifications.
Your authorized Porsche dealer will be pleased
to advise you.
Safety notes!
f Only use genuine Porsche spare parts for your
vehicle or spare parts of similar quality which
have been manufactured according to the
specifications and production requirements of
Porsche. These parts are available from your
authorized Porsche dealer or a qualified
specialist workshop. Safety-related
accessories should only be used if they are
from the Porsche Tequipment range or are
tested and approved by Porsche. Your
authorized Porsche dealer will be pleased to
advise you and answer any questions you may
have.
However, the use of other parts or
accessories may adversel y affect the safety
of your vehicle, and Porsche can take no
responsibility for any loss or damage caused
by their use.
Even if the supplier of other accessories or
parts is a recognized supplier, the safety of
your vehicle may still be affected if such items
are installed.
Due to the large variety of products offered in the accessory market, it is not possible for
Porsche to inspect and approve every one.
f In addition, please note that the use of
replacement parts that are not genuine
Porsche parts or approved parts, or the use of
accessories not approved by Porsche may
also detrimentally affect your vehicle warranty.
f Check your vehicle regularly for signs of
damage. Damaged or missing aerodynamic
components, such as spoilers or underbody
panels, impair vehicle handling and must
therefore be replaced immediately.
Radiator fanFor information on radiator fans:
fPlease see the chapter “RADIATOR FANS” on
page 258.
Warning!
Danger of injury. After the ignition is
switched off, the engine compartment and
coolant temperatures are monitored for
approx. 30 minutes. During this period, and
depending on temperature, the radiator fan
may continue to run or start to run.
f Carry out work in these areas only with the engine off and exercise extreme caution.
Measurements on test standsPerformance test
Performance tests on roller-type test stands are
not approved by Porsche.
Brake tests
Brake tests must be performed only on roller-type
test stands.
The following limit values must not be exceeded
on roller-type test stands:
– Test speed 4.7 mph (7.5 km/h)
– Test duration 20 seconds
Testing the electric parking brake
Electric parking brake tests on the brake test
stand must only be performed with the ignition
switched on and with the manual gearshift lever in
neutral or the Porsche Doppelkupplung selector
lever in position N.
The vehicle switches auto matically to brake test
stand mode, in which the electric parking brake
can be tested.
The message “Electric parking brake in service
mode” appears on the multi-function display in the
instrument panel.
Balancing wheels on the vehicle
During finish balancing of the wheels, the entire
vehicle must be lifted and the wheels must be free
to turn.

Maintenance and Car Care
257
Checking Coolant Level and
Adding CoolantThe coolant provides year-round protection
from corrosion and freezing down to –31 °F
(–35 °C) (–40 °F (–40 °C) in Nordic countries).
Observe the following points:
fUse only antifreeze authorised by Porsche.
f Check the coolant level regularly.Coolant levelWhen the engine is cold and the vehicle is level,
the red display must be under the arrow between
the minus and plus markings.
f Add coolant if necessary.
The maximum fill level is reached when the red
display is under the plus marking.
f Please see the chapter “OVERVIEW OF
WARNING MESSAGES” on page 152.
f Please see the chapter “EXERCISE EXTREME
CAUTION WHEN WORKING ON YOUR VEHICLE”
on page 252. Checking when engine is cold
1. Open cap on the reservoir carefully and
allow any overpressure to escape.
Then unscrew cap completely.
2. Read off the engine coolant level.
3. Top up with coolant if necessary. Do not top up over the plus marking.
Only add a mixture of antifreeze and water
in equal parts.
Antifreeze in coolant:
50 % provides antifreeze protection
down to –31 °F (–35 °C).
4. Screw the cap on the reservoir closed until it locks securely. Checking the coolant level when a warning
message appears on the multi-function
display in the instrument panel
Warning!
Danger of serious personal injury or death
from scalding. Coolant is hazardous to your
health, and may be fatal if swallowed.
f Do not open the cap of the expansion tank
while the engine is hot.
f Allow the engine to cool down before opening
the cap and protect your hands, arms and face
from any possible escape of hot coolant.
f Keep coolant out of children's reach.
f Also, keep coolant away from your pets. They
can be attracted to it should there be a spill, or
to used coolant left in an open container. Coolant can be deadly to pets if consumed.

Maintenance and Car Care
259
Porsche dealer to do this work as they have
trained workshop personnel and the necessary
parts and tools. Warning!
Brake fluid is hazardous to your health, and
may be fatal if swallowed.
Brake fluid also attacks paintwork.
f Keep brake fluid out of children's reach.
f Immediately rinse off spilled brake fluid with
clean water.
f If brake fluid gets into your eye, immediately
rinse with clean water for a few minutes. Then
see a doctor immediately.
f Please note all the info rmation on the refill container of the brake fluid.
Changing brake fluidBrake fluid absorbs moisture from the air
over time. The absorbed water can impair
braking efficiency.
fIt is important therefore to have the brake fluid
changed in accordance with the change
intervals specified in the “Maintenance”
booklet.
The warning light on the instrument panel and the
warning message on the multi-function display
alert you to the fact that the brake fluid level is
too low and could indicate brake circuit failure
if the pedal travel is greater than normal.
Note on operation
If the warning light and warning message appear
when driving:
f Stop immediately in a suitable place.
f Do not continue driving.
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.
Washer Fluid We recommend window cleaner concentrates
approved by Porsche for either summer or winter,
depending on the season. Your authorized
Porsche dealer will be pleased to advise you.
The washer fluid reservoir for windshield, rear
window and headlights is located at the rear left in
the engine compartment (blue screw cap).
Brake warning light USA
Brake warning light Canada

260
Maintenance and Car Care
The warning light on the instrument panel and
the warning message on the multi-function display
alert you to the fact that the washer fluid level
is too low.
f
Add washer fluid at the next opportunity.
In this case, the remaining quantity is only approx.
1 litre. The maximum filling capacity is approx.
5.8USquarts (5.5liters).
Adding washer fluid
1. Open cap on washer fluid reservoir.
2. Add washer fluid.
3. Close cap carefully.
Power Steering
Warning!
Risk of accidents. When the engine is
stationary (e.g. when on tow) or the hydraulic
system fails, there is no power steering
assistance available.
Therefore, substantially more force will have
to be exerted to steer the vehicle.
f Exercise extreme care when your vehicle is
being towed.
f Have the fault corrected. 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.
Regular checking of hydraulic fluid is part of
servicing.
The flow noise heard at full steering lock is design-
related and does not indicate a defect in the
steering system. Vehicles with Porsche Dynamic Chassis
Control (PDCC)
If the fluid level is too
low, the message “Check
steering oil level” will appe ar on the multi-function
display.
f Have the fluid level checked immediately.
f 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.
Warning light and warning
message