2009 PORSCHE PANAMERA oil level

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.

Maintenance and Car Care
251
Maintenance and Car Care
Exercise Extreme Caution when Working
on your vehicle........
................................... 252
Engine Oil ............... ................................... 254
Checking Engine-Oil Le vel ........................... 254
Topping Up Engine Oil . .............................. 255
Checking Coolant Level and Adding
Coolant ........................................... .......... 257
Brake Fluid .................. .............................. 258
Washer Fluid .......... ................................... 259
Power Steering ...... ................................... 260
Changing Air Cleaner .................................. 261
Changing Particle Filt er ............................... 261
Wiper Blades ............... .............................. 261
Emission Control Syst em ............................ 262
How Emission Control Works ...................... 263
Fuel Economy .............. .............................. 264
Operating Your Porsche in other Countries ... 264
Fuel............................. .............................. 265
Fuel Can ...................... .............................. 267
Fuel Recommendation s............................... 268
Fuel Evaporation Contr ol ............................ 269
Car Care Instructions .................................. 269

252
Maintenance and Car Care
Exercise Extreme Caution when
Working on your vehicle
Danger!
Ignoring the following instructions may
cause serious personal injury or death.
f The engine compartment of any motor vehicle
is a potentially hazardou s area. If you are not
fully familiar with proper repair procedures, do
not attempt the adjustments described on the
following pages.
f O n l y w o r k o n y o u r v e h i c l e o u t d o o r s o r i n a w e l l
ventilated area.
f Ensure that there are no open flames in the
area of your vehicle at any time when fuel
fumes might be present. Be especially
cautious of devices such as hot water heaters
which ignite a flame intermittently.
f Before working on any part in the engine
compartment, turn the engine off and let it cool
down sufficiently. Hot engine compartment
components can burn skin on contact.
f Be alert and cautious around the engine at all
times while it is running. If you have to work on
the engine while it is running, always put the
parking brake on and put the PDK selector
lever in position P or N.
f In particular, be very careful to ensure that
items of clothing (ties, shirt, sleeves etc.),
jewelry, long hair, hand or fingers cannot get caught in the fan, belts or other moving parts.
The radiator and radiator fans are in the front
of the car.
The fans can start or continue running as a
function of temperature,
even with the engine
switched off.
Carry out work in these areas only with the
engine off and exercise extreme caution.
f Your Porsche is equipped with an electronic
ignition system. When the ignition is on, high
voltage is present in all wires connected with
the ignition system; therefore, exercise
extreme caution when working on any part of
the engine while the ignition is on or the engine
is running.
f Always support your car with safety stands if it
is necessary to work under the car. The jack
supplied with the car is not adequate for this
purpose.
Switch off level control of air suspension and
height adjustment.
Please see the chapter “RAISING THE VEHICLE
WITH A LIFTING PLATFORM, TROLLEY JACK
OR STANDARD JACK” on page 290.
f When working under the car without safety
stands but with the wheels on the ground,
make sure the car is on level ground, the
wheels are blocked, and that the engine
cannot be started.
Withdraw ignition keys (switch ignition off in
vehicles that have Porsche Entry & Drive). f
Do not smoke or allow an open flame around
the battery or fuel.
Keep a fire extinguisher close at hand.
f Incomplete or improper servicing may cause
problems in the operation of the car. If in doubt
about any servicing, have it done by your
authorized Porsche dealer.
Improper maintenance during the warranty
period may affect your Porsche warranty
coverage.
f Supplies of fluids, e.g. engine oil, washer fluid,
brake fluid or coolant, are hazardous to your
health.
Keep these fluids out of children's reach and
dispose of them in accordance with the
appropriate regulations.
f Some countries require additional tools and
special spare parts to be carried in your
vehicle. Please make enquiries before driving
abroad.

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.

Maintenance and Car Care
255
If the oil level is too low, this is indicated by the
oil-warning light on the multi-function display.
f Correct the oil level as soon as possible.
f Please see the chapter “OVERVIEW OF
WARNING MESSAGES” on page 152.
Note on operation
If the engine compartment lid is opened and no
oil is added, the warning message appears again
after at least 6 miles (10 km).
Warning!
Risk of injury. The radiator fans can start
running when a certain temperature is
reached, even with the engine switched off.
Risk of burns from hot parts in the engine
compartment.
f Exercise extreme caution when working in the engine compartment.
Topping Up Engine OilPorsche recommends .1) Generally, you can find details on the
manufacturer approvals on the oil containers or as
a notice displayed by the retailer.
The current approval status is also available from
your authorized Porsche dealer.2) SAE viscosity class - Example: SAE 0W - 40
Specification 0W = Viscos ity specification for low
temperatures (winter).
Specification 40 = Viscosity specification for high
temperatures.3) For all temperature ranges.4) For the temperature range over –13 °F
(–25 °C).
Always observe the following points:
– Use engine oils approved by Porsche only. This is a precondition for optimum and
problem-free driving.
– Regular oil changes are part of servicing. It is important that the service intervals,
particularly the oil change intervals, are
observed in accordance with the specifications
in the “Maintenance” booklet. – Oils approved by Pors
che can be mixed with
each other.
– Porsche engines are designed so that no oil additives may be used.
– A label is located in the engine compartment,
which provides you with information on suitable
oil for your engine.
Your authorized Porsche dealer will be pleased to
advise you.
Caution!
Fire hazard if engine oil comes into contact
with hot engine parts.
Risk of damage if engine oil comes into
contact with the drive belt.
f Exercise extreme caution when topping up
engine oil.
f Top up engine oil only with the engine stopped and ignition switched off.
f Please see the chapter “EXERCISE EXTREME
CAUTION WHEN WORKING ON YOUR VEHICLE”
on page 252.
Oil-level warning
Complies with
approval
1)
Viscosity class
2)
Porsche A40 SAE 0W - 40
3)
SAE 5W - 40
4)
SAE 5W - 50
4)

256
Maintenance and Car Care
1. Unscrew cap on oil filler opening.
2. Top up engine oil according to the display on
the multi-function display.
One segment of the display corresponds to a
top-up quantity of approx. 0.26 US quarts
(0.25 liters).
3. Carefully close cap of the oil filler opening.
After opening the hood, the oil level can only
be measured after driving for at least 6 miles
(10 km).
Oil changeThe engine oil has to be changed regularly at the
intervals listed in your Maintenance Schedule .
f Please see the chapter “FILLING CAPACITIES”
on page 329.
We recommend that you have the engine oil
changed at your Porsche dealer, who has the
required oils and the necessary filling equipment.
If you suspect an oil leak in the engine have your
dealer check it out immediately.
All current engine oils are compatible with each
other, i.e. when making an oil change it is not
necessary to flush the engi ne if you wish to use a
different brand or grade of oil.
Since, however, each brand of oil has a special
composition, you should, if possible, use the
same oil brand if it beco mes necessary to top up
between oil changes.
Porsche engines have long intervals between oil
changes. You can make best use of these long oil
change intervals by usin g multigrade oils since
these are largely independent of seasonal
fluctuations in temperature.
If your vehicle is used frequently in stop-and-go
traffic in cold weather, the engine will not always
be properly warmed up.
Condensation from products of combustion may
accumulate in the oil. In this case, it is advisable
to change the oil more frequently so that your
engine once again has 100% efficient engine oil.
Engine oil performance class Engine oil is not only a lubricant, but also serves
to keep the engine clean, to neutralize the
contaminants which penetrates into the engine
through combustion and to protect the engine
against corrosion.
To perform these functions, the oil is provided with
additives which have been specially developed for
these functions.
The efficiency of an oil is expressed, for example,
by the API, ILSAC or ACEA classifications. Viscosity Like all liquids, engine oil is viscous when cold,
and thin-bodied when warm. The viscosity of an oil
is expressed by its SAE class. For cold viscosity
(measured at temperatures below 32 °
F/0 °
C) the
SAE class is given as a number and the letter “W”
(as in winter), for hot viscosity (measured at
212 °
F/100 °
C) the SAE class is given only as a
number.
The viscosity of an oil is, therefore, always the
same if it has the same number of an SAE class.
Oils with two viscosities are called multigrade oils;
oils with only one viscosity are termed single-
grade oils.
Single-grade oils can not be used in your engine.
The viscosity of the engine oil for your Porsche
has to be chosen according to the ambient
temperature given in the engine oil
recommendation table.

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

Maintenance and Car Care
265
FuelWhen the ignition is on, the fuel level is displayed
on the instrument panel.
fPlease see the chapter “FUEL GAUGE” on
page 111.
Warning!
Fuel is highly flammable and harmful to
health.
f Fire, open flame and smoking are prohibited
when handling fuel.
f Avoid contact with skin or clothing, since injury
to your skin may occur.
f Do not inhale fuel vapors, since they may make
you ill and possibly cause death if inhalation is
prolonged and occurs in a closed space.
To prevent damage to the emission control
system and engine:
f Never drive the tank dry.
f Avoid high cornering speeds after the warning lights have come on.
f Please see the chapter “FUEL ECONOMY” on
page 264. To avoid permanent damage
to the functionality of
the catalytic converters and oxygen sensors, use
unleaded fuel only.
The engine is designed to provide optimum
performance and fuel consumption if unleaded
premium fuel with 98 RON/88 MON is used.
If unleaded fuels with octane ratings of less than
98 RON/88 MON are used, the engine’s knock
control automatically adapts the ignition timing.
Porsche recommends that you use fuel with
at least 95 RON/85 MON in your vehicle.
The emission control system can be damaged in
various ways (e.g. fueling incorrectly, shortage of
fuel, tow-starting).
f Please see the chapter “HOW EMISSION
CONTROL WORKS” on page 263. Note on operation
Information on the fuel quality can normally
be found on the pump.
If this is not the case, ask a fuel station attendant.
If the recommended fuel
is not available, you
can also use unleaded regular fuel (91 RON/
82.5 MON) in an emergency.
However, this could reduce performance and
increase fuel consumption.
f Avoiding driving at full throttle.
In some countries the available fuel quality may
not meet requirements and can result in coking
around the inlet valve.
In this case, the fuel may be mixed with the
additive sold and recommended by Porsche after
consulting a authorized Porsche dealer.
Porsche part number 000 043 206 89.
f Observe the instructions and mixture ratios
stated on the container.
It is important that the service intervals,
particularly the oil change intervals, are
observed in accordance with the specifications
in the “Maintenance” booklet.