2009 PORSCHE PANAMERA ABS

Driving and Driving Safety
201
Transmission and Chassis Control SystemsYour Porsche features a complex integrated system made up of all control systems acting in power transmission and in the chassis.
All control systems are networked with the aim of combining the best possible driving performance with maximum safety.
The following systems are invo lved, depending on equipment:
System/designation Scope
PTM
Porsche Traction Management – Active all-wheel drive with electronically
regulated map-controlled multiple-disc clutch
PSM
Porsche Stability Management – Driving stability control
– Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
– Brake system prefilling
– Brake booster (Hydraulic Brake Assist)
– Automatic brake differential (ABD)
– Anti-slip control (ASR)
– Engine drag torque control (MSR)
– HOLD function: standstill management
Air suspension
with level control and height adjustment – Full load-bearing air-spring stru
ts with integrated shock absorbers
– Height adjustment with Low Level setting in “S port Plus” mode and High Level setting for
maneuvering
PAS M
Porsche Active Suspension Management – Shock absorber system with adaptive, continuous shock absorber control
PDCC
Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control – Active chassis control system to stabilise
roll tendency of vehicle body when driving
– Controlled rear differential lock

202
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

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.

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

Index
331
Index
AABD (automatic brake differential)
Functional description ........................................ 204
ABS (anti-lock brake system) Functional description ........................................ 207
Warning light on instrume nt panel ........................ 207
AC button Air-conditioning system ......................................... 71
AC MAX button Air-conditioning system ......................................... 72
ACC Adaptive cruise control ....................................... 178
Adaptive cruise control .... ............................................ 178
Display principle ............ .................................... 181
Exceptions ......... ...................................... ......... 186
Functional description ........................................ 178
Interrupting/resuming co ntrol ............................. 185
Operating principle......... .................................... 180
Operating states ................................... ............. 182
Radar sensor ................. .................................... 178
Setting the desired dist ance ............................... 183
Setting/changing desired speed ......................... 182
Switching on/off ............ .................................... 182
Warning messages ............ ................................ 185
Adaptive light system, driving light assistant .................... 92
Adhesive foils, care instru ctions.................................... 274
Adjusting the opening height of the powerlift tailgate ........ 30
Aftermarket Alarms.............. ........................................ 190
Air bag Air bag warning light in th e instrument panel .......... 51
Automatic deactivation of the passenger air bag .... 50
Care instructions ........... .................................... 276
Disposal ............. ...................................... ........... 48
Function ............. ...................................... ........... 49
Functional description .......................................... 47
Installation location .... .......................................... 47
Passenger air bag warning light ............................ 51
Air cleaner, maintenance in structions ............................ 261
Air suspension Overview ............ ...................................... ......... 209
Warning message on the multi-function display ..... 210 Air vents
Adjusting
............................. ................................ 82
Opening/closing............... .................................... 82
Air-conditioning compressor Information on air-conditio ning compressor ............ 75
Air-conditioning system Automatic load switch-off ...................................... 75
Child lock ........ .................................................... 80
Defrosting windshield ... ........................................ 73
Extended ventilation pane l .................................... 81
Front control panel ....... ........................................ 76
Functional description... ........................................ 76
Information on air-conditio ning compressor ............ 75
Rear control panel ........ ........................................ 77
Setting air distribution .. ........................................ 79
Setting air quantity ....... ........................................ 79
Setting automatic air-reci rculation mode ................ 75
Setting temperature ......... .................................... 78
Switching AC MAX mode on /off ............................. 72
Switching AC mode on/o ff .................................... 71
Switching air-conditioning compressor on/off ......... 71
Switching air-recirculation mode on and off ............ 74
Switching automatic mode on/off .......................... 77
Switching MONO mode on /off ............................... 74
Switching REST mode on /off ................................ 71
Temperature sensor ......... .................................... 70
Using engine residual he at .................................... 71
Air-recirculation button Air-conditioning system . ........................................ 74
Alarm button .......... .......................................... ............. 19
Alarm system Avoiding false alarms ... ...................................... 249
Functional description... ...................................... 247
Persons/animals remaining in the locked vehicle .. 247
Switching off.................... .................................. 247
Switching off alarm ...... ...................................... 247
Switching off interior surveillance and
inclination sensor ......... ...................................... 247
Switching off passe nger compartment
monitoring system ........... .................................. 248
Switching on .................... ..................................
247
When disconnecting batter y ................................ 304 Alcantara, care instructio
ns ..........................................276
Alloy wheels Care instructions ............ ....................................274
Inscription...................... ....................................289
All-wheel drive Functional description . ........................................202
Aluminum rims Care instructions ............ ....................................274
Inscription...................... ....................................289
Antifreeze In coolant ...... ....................................................257
In washer fluid............ ........................................260
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) Functional description . ........................................207
Anti-slip control (ASR) Functional description . ........................................204
Armrest Opening front storage tr ay ..................................219
Opening rear storage tr ay ...................................220
Ashtray Front, emptying.............. ....................................224
Front, opening ............... ....................................224
Rear, emptying .............. ....................................224
Rear, opening ................ ....................................224
ASR (Anti-slip control) Functional description . ........................................204
Assistance when driving uphill Functional description . ........................................206
Audio Tips .................. ................................................189
Audio interface, installation position...............................192
AUTO (light switch) ........... ..............................................92
Driving light assistant . ..........................................92
AUTO button Air-conditioning system .........................................77
Auto Start Stop function Display .............. ................................................170
Exceptions......... ................................................169
Operating principle ......... ....................................169
Preconditions........................................ .............
169
Starting engine automati cally ..............................169
Stopping engine automati cally .............................169