Driving and Driving Safety
191
If aftermarket systems are installed by non-
dealership technicians or outside the selling
dealer, problems may result. Installation of
aftermarket equipment is not covered under the
New Car Warranty.
fConsult your authorized Porsche dealer about
the installation of non-Porsche approved
equipment.
Reception quality
The reception quality of your car telephone will
change constantly when you are driving.
Interference caused by buildings, landscape and
weather is unavoidable. It may become particu-
larly difficult to hear when using the hands-free
function due to external noise such as engine and
wind noise.
Automatic car-wash
f Unscrew external antennas before using an
automatic car-wash.
Porsche Communication
Management (PCM)
Warning!
There is danger of accident if you set or
operate the on-board computer, radio,
navigation system, telephone or other
equipment when driving.
This could distract you from traffic and
cause you to lose control of the vehicle
resulting in serious personal injury or death.
f Operate the components while driving only if
the traffic situation allows you to do so safely.
f Carry out any complicated operating or setting
procedures only with the vehicle stationary.
f If it is necessary to operate these components
while the vehicle is in motion, use the function keys on the multi-functional steering wheel.
f Refer to the separate operating instructions
before putting the PCM into operation.
When put into operation for the first time, a
distance of approx. 3 miles (5 km) must be driven
in order for the navigation system to complete the
process of fine calibration. The same applies
when the tires are changed (e.g. summer/winter
tires) or new tires fitted. Full location accuracy is
not yet achieved during the fine-calibration
process. If the vehicle has been tr
ansported (e.g. ferry, car
train), the system may ta ke a few minutes after
being switched on before it determines the current
location.
Serious tire slip (e.g. spinning wheels on snow)
may result in temporarily inaccurate navigation.
When the battery has been disconnected, it may
take up to 15 minutes before the navigation
system is operational once more.
Satellite radioYou must have the satellit e radio activated before
you can put it into operation. You will need a
contract with a provider in order to use this radio.
f Refer to the separate radio operating
instructions before putting into operation.
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193
Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK)Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) is a seven-speed
transmission with an “automatic” and a “manual”
selection mode.
In automatic selection mode (selector-lever
position D), gear changing is automatic.
You can change temporarily from automatic to
manual mode using the shift buttons on the
steering wheel.
In manual selection mode (selector-lever
position M ), you change gear using the shift
buttons on the steering wheel or with the PDK
selector lever.
You can change between selector-lever
positions D and M as you wish while driving.
Note
f Take care not to operate the shift buttons on
the steering wheel in advertently in either
automatic or manual mode, thereby triggering
undesired gear changes.
Changing the selector-lever positionThe selector lever is blocked when the ignition is
switched off.
When the ignition is switch ed on, the selector lever
can be moved from position P and N only when
the release button is pressed, and when the brake
pedal is pressed.
Release button
The release button ( arrow) in the selector lever
prevents the gear from being changed
unintentionally.
The release button must be pressed when shifting
to position R or P.
StartingThe engine can only be started using the car key
if the brake pedal is pressed and the selector lever
is in position P or N.Driving offf Only select the desired position for driving off
(D, M or R) when the engine is idling and the
brake pedal is pressed.
f Since the vehicle crawls when in gear,
do not release the brake until you are ready
to drive off.
Driving off on hills
The Drive-Off Assistant assists the driver when
driving off on hills. The vehicle is held on the slope
when the driver changes from the brake pedal to
the accelerator to facilitate driving off immediately
after the brake is released.
f Please see the chapter “HOLD FUNCTION:
DRIVE-OFF ASSISTANT AND STANDSTILL
MANAGEMENT” on page 206.
196
Driving and Driving Safety
Driving off with Launch Control
Launch Control allows you to achieve maximum
acceleration from standstill.
Warning!
There is a risk of endangering other road
users if you use this Control in an improper
location or in a situation where other persons
might need to take evas ive action due to the
rapid acceleration that this technology
permits.
Launch Control is designed to be used in a
controlled environment on closed circuit driving
courses where no vehicle cross traffic or
pedestrian traffic is present.
f Use Launch Control only if conditions permit it
to be applied in a safe manner.
f Do not use Launch Control if there is a
possibility it could endanger other persons.
Such a possibility exists if you cannot see that
you have a clear road with no possibility of
cross traffic in your intended direction of driving.
Caution!
Stress on components increases
dramatically when starting with maximum
acceleration in comparison with “normal”
driving off. Use of Launch Control will
inevitably reduce the life of the engaged
engine and transmission components.
Preconditions:
– Launch Control should on ly be used when the
engine has reached operating temperature.
– “Sport Plus” mode must be switched on (indicator light on the button comes on and
“SPORT PLUS” appears on the multi-function
display).
1. Press the brake with your left foot.
2. Quickly press the accelerator down fully (kickdown activated) and hold it.
The engine speed will level off at
around 5,000 rpm on the Panamera S,
around 5,500 rpm on the Panamera 4S,
around 4,550 rpm on the Panamera Turbo.
“Launch Control active” appears on the
multi-function display.
3. Release the brake within a few seconds. Remaining stationary for a long time with
“Launch Control active” can lead to
overloading of the transmission.
To protect the transmi ssion, the engine power
is then reduced and the “Launch Control
active” process is cancelled. Shifting gears on the steering wheel
With the shift buttons on the steering wheel, you
can change temporarily from automatic selection
mode D to manual mode
M.
For example:
– Shifting down before bends and on entering built-up areas.
– Shifting down on downward slopes (engine braking).
– Shifting down for brief spurts of acceleration.
The manual selection mode remains engaged:
– For cornering (depending on the lateral acceleration) and overrunning.
– When the vehicle is stationary (e.g. at a junction).
The system leaves manual selection mode:
– automatically after around 8 seconds (unless cornering or overrunning),
– after driving off.
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197
Kickdown
The kickdown function is active in selector-lever
positions D and M.
f For optimum acceleration, e.g. when
overtaking, press the accelerator pedal
beyond the full-throttle point (kickdown).
The transmission shifts down depending on
the speed of travel and engine speed.
Upshifts occur at the highest possible engine
speeds.
M – Manual selection modeThe currently engaged gear is retained when you
change from D to M.
If you change from M to D, the gear-changing map
suitable for your current driving style is selected
and the appropriate gear is selected.
The selector lever and the two shift buttons in the
upper steering-wheel spokes let you select the
seven forward gears comfortably and reliably. Shifting up +
f
Press the PDK selector lever or shift button on
the steering wheel forward.
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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.
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.
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