2009 PORSCHE PANAMERA low oil pressure

212
Driving and Driving Safety
“Sport” and “Sport Plus” Mode FunctionThe selectable chassis settings mean that the
vehicle can offer various modes for a sportier
overall setup.
When “Sport” or “Sport Plus” mode is selected, all
the vehicle’s control systems are intentionally
shifted towards greater agility and driving
performance:
– PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) is automa tically changed to
“PASM Sport” or “PASM Sport Plus” mode,
resulting in a stiffer suspension setup.
The vehicle switches to Low Level in “PASM
Sport Plus” mode.
f Please see the chapter “PORSCHE ACTIVE
SUSPENSION MANAGEMENT (PASM)” on
page 208.
– Just like PASM, PDCC is switched to the corresponding “Sport” or “Sport Plus” mode,
whereby the rolling movements of the vehicle
are reduced further, depending on the
selected mode.
f Please see the chapter “PORSCHE DYNAMIC
CHASSIS CONTROL (PDCC)” on page 211.
– The PDK transmission switches to a sporty gear-changing map and shortens the gear
shifting times when Sport mode is activated.
Gear changes take place faster. f
Please see the chapter ““SPORT” AND “SPORT
PLUS” MODE” on page 195.
– The electronic accelerator pedal reacts sooner, and the engine is more responsive to
throttle inputs. When Sport mode is switched
on and the vehicle is travelling at a speed of
less than 25 mph (40 km/h), this function is
activated only after the driver has floored the
accelerator pedal or released it briefly.
– The rpm limiter characteristic is “harder”. In other words: the engine is immediately
throttled when the performance limits are
reached (only in manual selection mode on
vehicles with PDK).
– The turbo overboost briefly increases the engine boost pressure in the engine speed
range from 2,500 rpm to approx. 4,000 rpm.
As a result, torque in this speed range is
increased by 70 Nm (52 ftlb.). This
considerably improves acceleration and
flexibility, particularly in the medium engine
speed range. This does not affect the
maximum power. Quickly flooring the
accelerator pedal acti vates turbo overboost
in the engine control system. Overboost has
an effective operating time of approx.
10 seconds. After this time, it can be re-
activated by quickly flooring the accelerator
pedal again. – PSM (Porsche Stability Management) control is
more sporty in “Sport Plus” mode. PSM
interventions are later than in Normal mode.
The driver can maneuver the vehicle with
greater agility at it s performance limits,
without having to dispense with the assistance
of PSM in emergency situations. This helps to
achieve optimal lap times, particularly on race
circuits with a dry road surface.
f Please see the chapter “PORSCHE STABILITY
MANAGEMENT (PSM)” on page 202.
– Adaptive cruise control regulates speed and distance more dynamically.
– The Auto Start Stop function is deactivated.
f Please see the chapter “AUTO START STOP
FUNCTION” on page 169.
– The rear spoiler extends earlier and retracts later (“Sport Plus” mode only).
f Please see the chapter “RETRACTABLE REAR
SPOILER” on page 214.
– The system switches from High Level.
f Please see the chapter “HIGH LEVEL” on
page 209.

254
Maintenance and Car Care
Engine OilIt is important to perform oil changes regularly in
accordance with the intervals specified in your
Maintenance Schedule.Engine oil consumptionIt is normal for your engine to consume oil.
The rate of oil consumption depends on the quality
and viscosity of oil, the speed at which the engine
is operated, the climate, road conditions as well
as the amount of dilution and oxidation of the
lubricant.
If the vehicle is used for repeated short trips, and
consumes a normal amount of oil, the engine oil
measurement may not show any drop in the oil
level at all, even afte r 600 miles (1000 km) or
more. This is because the oil is gradually
becoming diluted with fuel or moisture, making it
appear that the oil level has not changed.
The diluting ingredients evaporate out when the
vehicle is driven at high speeds, as on an
expressway, making it then appear that oil is
excessively consumed after driving at high
speeds.
If the conditions you drive your vehicle in are
dusty, humid, or hot, the frequency of the oil
change intervals should be greater. If the vehicle is driven at a high rate of speed,
climatic conditions are warm, and the load is high,
the oil should be checked more frequently, as
driving conditions will de
termine the rate of oil
consumption.
– The engine in your vehicle depends on oil to lubricate and cool all of its moving parts.
Therefore, the engine oil should be checked
regularly and kept at the required level.
– Make it a habit to have the engine oil level checked with every refueling.
– The oil pressure warning light is not an oil level indicator.
The oil pressure warning light indicates serious
engine damage may be occuring when lit, if
engine rpm is above idle speed.
Checking Engine-Oil Levelf Check the oil level on the multi-function display
at regular intervals before refuelling.
f Please see the chapter “OIL LEVEL DISPLAY
AND MEASUREMENT OF THE ENGINE OIL
LEVEL” on page 121.
Warning!
Engine oil is hazardous to your health and
may be fatal if swallowed.
f Keep engine oil out of children's reach.
Used engine oil contains chemicals that have
caused cancer in laboratory animals.
f Always protect your skin by washing thoroughly with soap and water.
Top-up quantity
The difference between the minimum and
maximum marks on the segment display is
approx. 1.06 US quearts (1 liter).
One segment of the display corresponds to
a top-up quantity of approx. 0.26 US quarts
(0.25 liters).
f Never add more engine oil than required to
reach the maximum mark.

270
Maintenance and Car Care
High-pressure cleaning equipment
Warning!
High-pressure cleaning equipment can
damage the following components:
–Tires
– Logos, emblems, decorative foils
– Painted surfaces
– Alternator, valve covers
– ParkAssist sensors
– Radar sensor for adaptive cruise control
– Rearview camera
f Always read the operating instructions
provided by the equipment manufacturer.
f Always cover the lid of the brake fluid reservoir
prior to cleaning. Never point the cleaning jet
directly at the lid.
f When cleaning with a flat-jet nozzle or
a so-called “dirt blaster”. maintain a minimum
distance of 20 in. (50 cm).
f Never use high-pressure cleaning equipment
with a round-jet nozzle.
A high-pressure cleaning device fitted with
a round nozzle will damage your vehicle. The
tires are particularly susceptible to damage.
f Do not point the cleaning jet directly at any of the aforementioned components.
Decorative film
Caution!
Risk of damage due to separation of the
decorative film when using high-pressure
cleaning equipment.
f When cleaning components, the water must
not be hotter than 140 °F (60 °C) and the
pressure no greater than 580 psi (40 bar).
Always observe a minimum distance of 20 in. (50 cm).
Care of door lockfTo prevent the door lock from freezing
during the cold season, cover the lock barrel
with suitable adhesive tape while washing
the vehicle.
If the lock still freezes, use an ordinary de-icer.
In many cases, a well warmed key can help.
Never use excessive force.
Car washingThe best protection for the vehicle from the
damaging effects of the environment is frequent
washing and preservation.
The longer road salt, road dust, industrial dust,
insect remains, bird excrement, and tree sap,
resin, pollen, etc. are allowed to remain on the
bodywork, the more harmful their effect.
Observe the following poi nts in order to ensure
that the vehicle is washed thoroughly without
damaging the paintwork:
f The underside of the vehicle should also be
thoroughly washed at the end of the winter
season at the latest.
f Wash your vehicle only at sites provided for
this purpose to prevent soot, grease, oil and
heavy metals from entering the environment.
f Dark colors are slightly more susceptible
to scratching and require particularly careful
paint care.
Dark paints make even the smallest surface
blemishes (scratches) more conspicuous than
lighter colors.
f Do not wash your Porsche in direct sunlight
or when its body is hot.
f When washing by hand, use a car shampoo,
plenty of water, and a soft sponge or washing
brush.
We recommend Porsche car shampoo.

272
Maintenance and Car Care
Polishing
Only when the original
shine can no longer be
obtained using preservatives should paint polish
be used to clean the paint.
We recommend Porsche paint polish.
Removing spots and stains
f Remove tar spatters, traces of oil, insects etc.
as soon as possible using an insect remover,
as they discolor the paint if left to work on it
over time.
f Wash the treated areas carefully afterwards.
Repairing minor paint damage
f Have minor paint damage (cracks, scratches
or stone damage) repaired immediately
before corrosion begins.
Please contact a qualif ied 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.
If traces of corrosion have already formed, these
must be thoroughly removed. An anti-corrosion
primer must then be applied to these spots,
followed by top-coat paint. Paint data can be found on the vehicle data
carrier.
f
Please see the chapter “VEHICLE DATA BANK”
on page 323.
Cleaning the engine compartment
Caution!
Risk of damage, e.g. to the alternator,
painted surfaces, and the valve covers.
f Never use high-pressure cleaners with
a round-jet nozzle.
f Always observe a minimum distance of 20 in.
(50 cm).
f Always cover the lid of the brake fluid reservoir
prior to cleaning with a high-pressure cleaner.
Never point the cleaning jet directly at the lid.
f Do not point the cleaning jet directly at any of the aforementioned components.
Note on operation
If the vehicle is driven frequently on salted
or gritted roads:
f Have the engine compartment cleaned
regularly.
Cleaning windowsfClean all windows regularly, inside and out,
with window cleaner.
We recommend Porsche window cleaner.
f Do not use the same chamois for painted
surfaces and for drying the windows.
Preservative residues could reduce
transparency.
f Remove insect residues with insect remover.
Note
The front side windows have a water-repellent
(hydrophobic) coating, which prevents soiling
of the windows.
This coating is subject to natural wear and can
be renewed.
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.

274
Maintenance and Car Care
Cleaning headlights, lights, interior and
exterior plastic components, adhesive
foils, radar sensor for adaptive cruise
control and rearview cameraObserve the following points:
fUse only clean water and a little dishwashing
liquid or interior window cleaner to clean
headlights, lights, plastic components
and surfaces.
Use a soft sponge or a soft, lint-free cloth.
Note
An interior window cleane r can also be used to
clean plastic surfaces (always read the cleaning
instructions on the container!).
We recommend Porsche interior window cleaner.
f Gently wipe the surface without applying
too much pressure.
f Do not clean when dry.
f Never use other chemical cleaners
or solvents.
f Rinse cleaned surfaces with clear water.
Alloy wheelsMetal particles (e.g. brass or copper in brake
dust) must not remain too long on alloy wheels.
Contact corrosion can cause pitting.
Note
Cleaners with an oxide-removing effect or
wrong pH value, as are commonly used for
other metals, as well as mechanical tools and
products, will damage the oxide layer and are
therefore unsuitable.
fUse only cleaners for alloy wheels
(pH value 9.5). Products with the wrong
pH value can destroy the protective layer
on the wheels.
We recommend Porsche cleaner for light
alloy rims.
f If possible, wash the wheels every two weeks
with a sponge or washing brush. If the wheels
are exposed to road salt, grit or industrial dust,
weekly cleaning is necessary.
f Every three months, after cleaning, treat the
wheels with car wax or an acid-free grease
(e.g. Vaseline).
Rub the grease in well with a soft cloth.
f Please see the chapter “CLEANING IN CAR
WASHES” on page 271.
Danger!
Danger of accident resulting in serious
personal injury or death if cleaning agents
(e.g. wheel cleaning agents) come into
contact with the brake discs. The resulting
film on the brake discs can impair braking
performance.
f Make sure that no clea ning agent comes into
contact with the brake discs.
f If cleaning agent has come into contact with
the brake discs, clean the brake discs
thoroughly with a strong jet of water.
f Paying attention to any road users behind you, dry the brake discs by applying the brakes.
Stainless steel tailpipesStainless steel tailpipes can discolor due to
soiling, strong heat and combustion residues.
The original shine can be achieved again using
commercially available metal lustre paste or metal
polish.

284
Minor Repairs
Danger!
Driving on worn tires can result in loss of
control of the vehicle and could cause
serious personal injuries or death.
f Do not drive with worn tires or tires showing
cuts or bruises as they may lead to sudden
deflation and loss of control which could cause severe personal injury.
f If you notice that tires are wearing unevenly,
consult your authorized Porsche dealer.
Uneven wear may not alwa ys be due to improper
wheel alignment. It can be the result of individual
driving habits such as cornering at high speeds. If
the tire pressure is no t checked and adjusted
regularly, abnormal tire wear can also occur.
Tire caref Avoid damaging tires and wheel rims.
f I f y o u m u s t d r i v e o v e r a c u r b o r o t h e r o b s t a c l e ,
drive slowly and at an obtuse angle.
f Check tires for uneven wear and damage
before driving off.
f Remove imbedded material.
f Replace worn or damaged tires immediately.
f Keep oil, fuel, brake fluid, etc. away from tires.
f Replace missing valve stem caps.
f Keep tires inflated correctly.
f Wash tires when washing the vehicle. Also
clean inner side of wheels.
f Do not use abrasive cleaners when washing
the wheels.
f Check wheel rims for corrosion.
f Remove road salt, if driving in winter.
Tire damage, puncturefPlease see the chapter “HIGH-PRESSURE
CLEANING EQUIPMENT” on page 270.
Danger!
Risk of serious personal injury or death.
Driving the vehicle with low tire pressure
increases risk of a tire failure and resulting
loss of control. Furthermore, low tire pres-
sure increases rate of wear of the affected
tires.
f Check tires – including sidewalls – regularly for
foreign bodies, nicks, cuts, cracks and bulges.
f Cross curb edges slowly and at right angles if
possible.
Avoid driving over steep or sharp curbs.
f In cases of doubt, have the wheel (particularly
the inner side) checked by an authorized Porsche dealer.

Minor Repairs
285
In case of tire damage, where it is uncertain
whether there is a break in the ply with all its
consequences or tire damage caused by thermal
or mechanical overloading due to loss of pressure
or any other prior damage, we recommend that
the tire be replaced for safety reasons.
If one faulty tire is replac ed it should be noted that
the difference in tread depth on one axle must not
exceed 30%. Handling inconsistencies may result.
f Perform a visual inspection if necessary.Tire replacementsfUse only tire makes and types tested by
Porsche.
If you do not use a Porsche recommended
replacement tire, make sure that you
purchase your new tires from a reputable tire
dealer and that the dealer complies with all
manufacturers warnings for those tires.
Only tires with the same manufacturer and
with the same specific ation code (e.g. “N0”,
“N1”…) should be mounted on the vehicle.
Before mounting new tires, check with your
Porsche dealer about the current release
status.
Tires should be replaced no less than on one axle
at the time. Only tires of the same make and type
must be used. Mixed tire s are not permissible and
will affect vehicle performance, safety, and can
affect vehicle warranty. Porsche dealers can recommend the most current
replacement tire options for your vehicle.
Initially, new tires do not have their full traction.
You should therefore drive at moderate speeds
during the first 60 - 120 miles (100 - 200 km).
Tires must always remain
on the same side of
the vehicle.
When wheels are removed, the direction of
rotation and position of each wheel should be
marked.
If new tires are installed only on one axle, a
noticeable change in hand ling occurs due to the
different tread depth of the other tires. This
happens especially if only rear tires are replaced.
However, this condition disappears as the new
tires are broken in.
f Please adjust your driving style accordingly.
Installation of new tires should only be done by a
qualified tire technician.
Valves
f Use only plastic valve caps.
f The rubber valves must be replaced whenever
the tires are changed.
f The fitting and replacement specifications
must be observed for metal valves.
f Only use Original Porsche metal valves.
f Protect the valve inserts against soiling with
valve caps. Soiled valve inserts can cause a
gradual loss of air.
Parking at the curb
Danger!
Hard impacts against curbs (or traffic
islands) are dangerous and may cause
hidden tire damage which is not noticeable
until later. Such damage can result in
accidents at high speeds causing serious
personal injury or death. Depending on the
force of impact, the edge of the rim can also
be damaged.
f After such an impact, have the wheel checked
by an expert.
f If you must drive over a curb or other obstacle,
drive slowly and at an obtuse angle. Exercise care when parking along curbs.
Maintenance note
Tire repairs are not permissible under any
circumstances.
Wheel alignment, wheel balancingAs a precaution, have wheels with summer tires
balanced in the spring, and those with mud and
snow tires before winter. Unbalanced wheels may
affect car handling and tire life.
Only the specified weights may be used for wheel
balancing.

334
Index
Driving light assistantAdaptive light system .. ......................................... 92
Automatic headlight le velling, functional
description ...... ....................................... ............. 94
Daytime driving lights .. ......................................... 94
Dynamic cornering light ........................................ 94
Low beam ........... ...................................... .......... 93
Static cornering light ... ......................................... 94
Switching on .................. ..................................... 92
Driving off Launch Control ............... ................................... 196
Driving performance, Techni cal data ............................. 329
DVD Installation location ..... ....................................... 191
Navigation ........... ...................................... ........ 191
Player ................. ...................................... ........ 191
Dynamic cornering light ..... ............................................ 94EElectric parking brake
Automatic parking brake release upon
driving off ....... .................................................. 171
Emergency braking functi on ............................... 171
Operating ............ ...................................... ........ 171
Releasing .................................................. ........ 171
Testing on brake test st and ................................ 253
Warning light .................. ................................... 171
Emergency flasher Switching emergency flashe r on/off ...................... 97
Emergency key ..... ........................................................ 20
Emergency operation Of ignition key in igniti on lock.............................. 166
Emergency unlocking Of filler flap ................ ....................................... 267
Of slide/tilt roof .......... ......................................... 89
Of tailgate ...................... ..................................... 35
Emission control (Check Engine)
Functional description . ....................................... 114
Warning light on the tach ometer ......................... 114
Emission Control System ... .......................................... 262
Engine Break in hints ............. ........................................... 6
Checking oil level ........ ....................................... 121
Cooling system.... ...................................... ........ 110
Oil-level gauge ................ ................................... 121 Starting .............
................................................ 167
Starting automatically (Auto Start Stop function) ... 169
Starting manually (Auto Star t Stop function) ......... 169
Stopping .............. ............................................. 168
Stopping automatically (Auto Start Stop
function) ............ ................................................ 169
Technical data .................. ................................. 324
Engine drag torq ue control (MSR)
Functional description.... ..................................... 204
Engine oil ............ ........................................................ 254
Change ................ ............................................. 256
Change quantity ............ .....................................
329
Consumption ........ ............................................. 324
Engine oil pressure ....... ..................................... 152
Filler opening ................ ..................................... 256
General information ....... ..................................... 254
Oil-level warning on the mult i-function display ........ 255
Performance class ............ ................................. 256
Temperature gauge .......... ................................. 110
Topping up ........... ............................................. 255
Viscosity ........... ................................................ 256
Entry & Drive Locking vehicle door with Porsche Entry & Drive .... 24
Switching off interior surveillance with
Porsche Entry & Drive ... ..................................... 248
Unlocking vehicle door with
Porsche Entry & Drive ... ....................................... 23
Entry function ...... .......................................... ................ 95
Error messages Overview of warning mess ages ........................... 152
Exhaust pipes...... ............................................................ 3
Exterior mirror heating Switching on/off ........... ....................................... 84
External audio source, inter face.................................... 192
FFabric linings (care instruct ions) .................................... 276
Fastening points in luggage compartment...................... 227
Faults Emergency operation of ig nition key in ignition
lock ..................... ............................................. 166
Emergency operation of po werlift tailgate .............. 35
Emergency operation of slid e/tilt roof.................... 89
Emergency unlocking of the filler flap .................. 267
Overview of warning mess ages ........................... 152 ParkAssist ..........
.............................................. 241
Power windows ................... ................................ 88
Slide/tilt roof .......................................... ............. 89
When opening and closin g.................................... 35
Filler flap
Emergency unlocking ...... .................................. 267
Filling capacities Coolant .............. .............................................. 329
Engine oil........................ .................................. 329
Fuel........................................ .......................... 329
Overview ............ .............................................. 329
Overview of fluids and fuels ................. ............... 329
Washer fluid .................... .................................. 329
Filter Air cleaner, maintenance instructions .................. 261
Particle filter, maintenance instructions ............... 261
Fire extinguisher, storage lo cation ................................ 321
First aid kit ........ .............................................. ........... 279
Floor mats, care instructio ns ....................................... 275
Fluids and fuels Coolant .............. .............................................. 329
Engine oil........................ .................................. 329
Fuel........................................ .......................... 329
Washer fluid .................... .................................. 329
Footbrake, safety notes..... .......................................... 172
Four-wheel drive Functional description .. ...................................... 202
Front seat Adjusting ............ ................................................ 39
Retrieving settings (mem ory)
................................ 41
Storing settings (memor y) .................................... 41
Front seats ............ .......................................... ............. 38
Front windshield wipers Adjusting the rain sensor sensitivity .................... 103
Switching on rain sensor .................................... 102
Windshield wiping plus wa sher system ................ 102
Windshield, fast wiping..... .................................. 102
Windshield, slow wiping ...................................... 102
Wiping windshield once (one-touch operation) ...... 102
Fuel Economy ............ .............................................. 264
Evaporation control ......... .................................. 269
Fuel can ......... .................................................. 267
Fuel gauge...... .................................................. 111
Fuel reserve warning ... ...................................... 112
Fuels containing ethanol ..................................... 268