2009 PORSCHE PANAMERA brake light

206
Driving and Driving Safety
HOLD function: Drive-Off Assistant and
standstill management The HOLD function assists the driver when
stopping and driving off on upward slopes.
The vehicle is automatically prevented from rolling
back away from the desired direction of travel.
When the HOLD function is active, the function
light on the instrument panel lights up.
When adaptive cruise control is operating
normally, the HOLD function holds the vehicle
following automatic braking until the vehicle is
actively held in a stationary position.
Notes on operation
The HOLD function is no t available if the PDK
selector lever is in position N.
If the PDK selector lever is moved while the
HOLD function is active, the HOLD function is
deactivated.
If the driver’s seat be lt is unbuckled and the
driver’s door is opened wh ile the HOLD function is
active, the electric park ing brake is activated
automatically.
For information on the electric parking brake:
f Please see the chapter “ELECTRIC PARKING
BRAKE” on page 171.
Warning!
In spite of the advantages of the HOLD function, 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.
Caution!
If the vehicle comes to a stop on a steep
uphill gradient without operation of the
footbrake by the driver, this may result in a
certain roll-back before the vehicle is held by
the HOLD function. In this situation, the roll-
back can be reduced by operating the
footbrake.
f Assist holding of the vehi cle by increasing the
brake force with the footbrake.
Brake pedal feels different. When adaptive
cruise control is operating normally or when
the HOLD function is active, the brake pedal
may feel different and you may hear
hydraulic noises.
This behavior is no rmal for the system.
It is not a fault.
Danger!
Risk of accidents. The limits set by physics of
driving cannot be overcome, even with HOLD
function. The responsibi lity for stopping and
driving off on uphill gradients is still the
driver’s, despite the HOLD function.
Assistance by the HOLD function is not
always guaranteed when stopping and
driving off on a slippery surface (e.g. on icy
or loose surfaces). In this case, the vehicle
can slip.
f Always adjust your driving style to the driving
conditions and vehicle load. Use the footbrake
if necessary.
If the Drive-Off Assistant is not functioning,
the driver cannot be assisted when driving
off on hills.
f Hold the vehicle with the footbrake.

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

248
Alarm System and Theft Protection
Using the car key
f
Quickly press button on the remote control
twice .
The emergency flasher flashes slowly once.
The doors are locked but can be opened from
the inside by pulling on ce on the front door
opener or by pulling twice on the rear door
opener. On vehicles with Porsche Entry & Drive
f
Quickly press button A in the door handle
twice .
The emergency flasher flashes slowly once.
The doors are locked but can be opened from
the inside by pulling once on the front door
opener or by pulling twice on the rear door
opener.
Note on operation
The interior surveillance system and inclination
sensor remain switched off if:
– The interior surveillance system and inclination sensor were switched off when you last locked
the vehicle
and
the vehicle was locked automatically
30 seconds after unlocking because no door
was opened. Using the rocker switch
The rocker switch to switch off the passenger
compartment monitoring sy
stem is located next
to the driver’s seat.
1. Apply the electric parking brake.
2. Remove ignition key. On vehicles with Porsche Entry & Drive:
Switch off the ignition.
3. Open the driver‘s door.
4. Press the rocker switch. The rocker switch symbol lights permanently.
5. Lock the vehicle.

258
Maintenance and Car Care
1. If the engine is hot, cover the reservoir cap
with a cloth.
Open cap carefully and allow any overpressure
to escape.
Then unscrew cap completely.
2. Read off the engine coolant level. Top up with coolant if necessary.
Only add a mixture of antifreeze and water
in equal parts.
Antifreeze in coolant:
50 % provides antifreeze protection
down to –31 °F (–35 °C).
Do not top up over the plus marking.
3. Screw the cap on the reservoir closed until it locks securely.
4. Have the cooling system checked. 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. Maintenance notes
If pure water is added in an emergency, the mixing
ratio will have to be corrected.
A significant loss of coolan
t indicates a leak in the
cooling system.
f The cause must be eliminated without delay.
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.
Radiator fansThe radiators and radiator fans are in the front
of the vehicle.
Warning!
Risk of injury.
The fans can start running when a certain
temperature is reached, even with the
engine switched off.
f Exercise extreme care when working close to
the radiator fans and make sure the engine is switched off.
Brake FluidRegular checking of the brake fluid is part of
servicing.
The fluid level should always be between the
MIN and MAX markings.
A slight decrease in the fluid level due to wear
and automatic readjustment of the disc brakes
is normal.
However, if the fluid level falls significantly or
goes below the MIN marking, the brake system
may have developed a leak.
fHave the brake system checked immediately.
Please contact a qualified specialist workshop.
We recommend that you have an authorized

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

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.

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.

Minor Repairs
291
Changing a wheel
Danger!
Failure to follow these instructions may result
in serious personal inju ry or death to you or
to bystanders.
Before changing the wheel
f If you have a flat tire, move a safe distance off
the road. Turn the emergency flasher on and
use other warning devices to alert other
motorists.
f Do not park your vehicl e where it may contact
dry grass, brush or other flammable materials.
The hot parts of the exhaust system could set
such materials on fire, thereby causing both
property damage and severe or fatal physical
injury.
f Passengers must not be in the vehicle when it
is jacked up.
f Before you change a wheel, be sure the ground
is level and firm. If necessary, use a board
under the jack to ensure that the jack does not
sink into the ground.
f Set the electric parking brake and block the
wheels opposite the flat tire on the other side
of the vehicle.
While operating the jack
f The jack is only to be used for changing a
wheel. Do not use it as a support to work under
the car. f
The car must be jacked up only at the
illustrated jacking points. Lifting at any other
place may damage the vehicle or may result in
personal injury. Never jack the car up by the
body or the bumpers.
f For safety reasons do not use tire inflating
bottles. Do not use co mmercially available
sealant bottles. Use only the tire inflating bottle
located in the luggage compartment.
Note
The tools required for changing a wheel (e.g. jack,
wheel bolt wrench, assembly aids) are not
supplied as standard with the vehicle. Your
authorized Porsche dealer will be pleased to
advise you.
Sequence of operation Warning!
The jack must be used on ly to raise the car
for wheel changing. The jack must never be
used as a support to work underneath the
vehicle. If the jack is accidentally dislodged,
you or bystanders could suffer severe
personal injury.
f Never jack up other ve hicles or other loads
with the jack.
f Always place the car on stable supports if you
have to work under it. When working under the
vehicle, always use safety stands specifically designed for this purpose. f
Please use a suitable knee rest to protect your
clothing against soiling.
1. Activate the electric parking brake and shift into 1st gear or move the PDK selector lever
to position P .
Remove the ignition key or control unit on
vehicles with Porsche Entry & Drive.
2. Switch on the emergency flasher if necessary.
3. Secure the vehicle against rolling away, e.g. by means of wedges at the wheels on the
opposite side.
This is particularly important on slopes.
4. Slightly loosen the wheel bolts on the wheel to be changed.
5. Lift the vehicle only at the specified jacking points.
6. Raise the vehicle until the wheel lifts off the ground.
f Please see the chapter “RAISING THE VEHICLE
WITH A LIFTING PLATFORM, TROLLEY JACK
OR STANDARD JACK” on page 290.
7. Remove 1 or 2 wheel bolts (see corresponding figure).