2009 PORSCHE PANAMERA warning light

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Driving and Driving Safety
Switching Auto Start Stop function off
f
Press button .
The indicator light on the button lights up.
The engine’s Auto Stop function is disabled.
Switching Auto Start Stop function on
f Press button .
The indicator light on the button goes out.
The engine stops automatically when the
vehicle stops.
Auto Start Stop function displayIf the engine was stoppe d automatically by the
Auto Start Stop function and if the driver is
detected in the vehicle (driver’s seat belt fastened
and driver’s door closed), the indicator light on the
multi-function display in the instrument panel will
light up green.
If the Auto Stop function is not available or if no
driver is detected in the vehicle after the engine
has stopped automatically (driver’s seat belt open
or driver’s door open), the indicator light on the
multi-function display in the instrument panel will
light up yellow when the vehicle is stationary.
The Auto Start Stop system has detected that:
– At least one precondition for stopping the engine automatically is not met.
or
– There is at least one exception for the Auto Start Stop function.
For information on preconditions for stopping the
engine automatically:
f Please see the chapter “PRECONDITIONS FOR
STOPPING THE ENGINE” on page 169. For information on exceptions for the Auto Start
Stop function:
f
Please see the chapter “EXCEPTIONS FOR
THE AUTO START STOP FUNCTION” on
page 169.
Note
If the indicator light in the multi-function display
continuously lights up yellow when the vehicle is
stopped and if the engine does not stop regularly
when the vehicle is stoppe d despite the fact that
the preconditions for stopping the engine
automatically are met, this may be an indication
that the battery is weak.
f Have the Auto Start Stop system checked the
next time you visit an authorized Porsche
dealer.
Fault reporting
If there is a fault, the warning message “Start/
Stop mode deactivated” will appear on the
multi-function display in the instrument panel.
f Have the fault corrected at an authorized
Porsche dealer.
Switching Auto Start Stop function on
and off
Stopping the engine automatically
and restart readiness
Engine does not stop or is not ready
to restart

Driving and Driving Safety
171
Electric Parking BrakeThe electric parking brake acts on the rear wheels
and serves to secure the vehicle while parked.Applying the parking brakefPress switch .
The brake warning light on the instrument
panel lights up.
For information on indi cator lights and warning
lights on the instrument panel:
f Please see the chapter “INSTRUMENT PANEL
USA MODELS” on page 107.
Releasing the parking brakeThe electric parking brake can only be released
when the ignition is switched on.
1. Press the brake pedal.
2. Pull switch .
The brake warning light on the instrument
panel goes out.Automatic electric parking brake release
when driver’s intention to drive off is
detectedIf the engine is running, the driver’s door is closed
and the driver’s seat belt is fastened, it is still
possible to drive off even though the parking
brake is on. The electric parking brake detects
the driver’s intention to drive off and releases
automatically. The warning light on the instrument
panel goes out.
If the driver’s door is not closed or the driver’s
seat belt is not fastened, the electric parking
brake will not be released automatically when the
driver attempts to drive off.
The message “Release electric parking brake”
appears on the multi-function display in the
instrument panel. The brake warning light on the
instrument panel and the indicator light on the
switch start to flash.
For information on warning messages on the
multi-function display:
fPlease see the chapter “OVERVIEW OF
WARNING MESSAGES” on page 152.
Emergency braking functionIf the conventional brak e system has failed, the
vehicle can be decelerated quickly and braked to
a stop using the electric parking brake.
f Press switch and keep it pressed.
The brake warning light on the instrument
panel and the indicator light on the switch
start to flash. The messa ge “Emergency brake
function” appears on the multi-function display.
The emergency braking function is deactivated
when you release the switch.
Safety instruction!
Severe braking. Emergency braking takes
place with very high braking power.
f Only use the emergency braking function in an
emergency situation.
f Do not use the emergency braking function to stop the vehicle when driving normally.

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Driving and Driving Safety
If the electric parking brake could not be applied
fully when the vehicle is stopped, the brake
warning light on the instrument panel starts to
flash.
For information on warning messages on the
multi-function display:
f
Please see the chapter “OVERVIEW OF
WARNING MESSAGES” on page 152.
BrakesfMake it a habit to chec k the operation of your
brakes before driving.
Keep in mind that the braking distance increases
very rapidly as the speed increases. At 60 mph
(100 km/h), for example, it is not twice but four
times longer than 30 mph (50 km/h). Tire traction
is also less effective when the roads are wet or
slippery.
f Therefore, always maintain a safe distance
from the car in front of you.Vehicles without Porsche Ceramic
Composite Brake (PCCB)Even though the brake discs consist of alloyed
grey cast iron, they will unavoidably start to
corrode if your car is parked for an extended
period. The brakes will tend to “rub” as a result.
The nature, extent and effects of corrosion
depend on the amount of time the vehicle was
parked, whether road salt or grit was spread and
whether grease-dissolving agents were used in
car washes.
If the braking comfort is noticeably impaired, we
recommend having the brake system checked by
experts at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Brake system functionYour Porsche is equipped with a power assisted
hydraulic dual circuit brake system with disc
brakes at the front and rear.
Both circuits function independently. One brake
circuit operates the front left and rear right wheel
and the other operates the front right and rear left
wheel.
If one brake circuit has failed, the other will still
operate. However, you will notice an increased
pedal travel when you apply the brakes. Failure of
one brake circuit will cause the stopping distance
to increase.
Warning!
Risk of an accident, resulting in serious
personal injury or death.
In the unlikely event of hydraulic failure of
one brake circuit:
f Push the brake pedal down firmly and hold it in
that position. A mechanical linkage activates
the second circuit, and you will be able to bring
the vehicle to a stop.
f After bringing your vehicle to a complete stop,
avoid driving the vehicle and instead have it
towed to the nearest authorized Porsche dealer for repair.
Brake warning light USA
Brake warning light Canada

Driving and Driving Safety
173
Brake system warning light
You can check the functionality of the brake
system warning light by switching the ignition to
the “On” position (position 1) and verifying that the
warning light illuminates.
The warning light in the instrument panel lights up.
A message will be displayed on the multi-function
display of the instrument panel if the brake fluid
level is too low, or (if the brake pedal travel has
increased) one of the two brake circuits has failed.
A greater braking pressure will be required,
stopping distances will be longer and the braking
behavior will change, particularly in curves.
With correctly adjusted brakes and a correctly
working brake system, the pedal travel to the
point of brake application should be 1-3/16 in. to
1-9/16 in. (30 to 40 mm). Whenever the brake
pedal travel exceeds this value, have the brake
system checked.
Brake pedal
Warning!
Risk of an accident, resulting in serious
personal injury or death.
Any obstruction of the brake pedal could
increase the stopping distance.
f Always check the movement of the brake pedal
before driving and make sure that it is not
obstructed by a floor mat or any other object.
f Secure the floor mat to prevent it from sliding
into positions that could interfere with the safe
operation of your vehicle.
Your Porsche dealer will be glad to offer you
floor mats of the correct size including a securing possibility.
Note
In case one of the two brake circuits fails,
increased pedal travel is required to bring your
vehicle to a full stop.
Warning!
To avoid overheating and premature wear of
the brakes:
f Before descending a steep grade, reduce
speed and shift the tran smission into a lower
gear to control speed.
f Do not “ride the brakes” by resting your foot on
the pedal when not intending to apply brake
pressure.
f Do not hold the pedal down too long or too
often. This could cause the brakes to overheat and not function properly.
Brake warning light USA
Brake warning light Canada

174
Driving and Driving Safety
Brake boosterThe brake booster assists braking only when
the engine is running.
When the car is moving while the engine is not
running, or if the brake booster is defective, more
pressure on the brake pedal is required to bring
the car to a stop.
Moisture, road salt or grit on brakes affects
braking.
Brakes will dry after a few cautious brake
applications.
Warning!
Risk of an accident, resulting in serious
personal injury or death.
Driving through water may reduce the
traction. Moisture on brakes from road
water, car wash, or a coating of road salt or
grit may affect braking efficiency.
f Cautiously apply brakes to test brakes after exposure to road water, etc.
Brake wearYour car has excellent brakes, but they are still
subject to wear. The rate at which they wear
depends on how the brakes are used.
f Have the brake system inspected at the
intervals recommended in your Maintenance
Booklet.
Brake system warning light
You can check the functionality of the brake
system warning light by switching the ignition to
the “On” position (position 1) and verifying that the
warning light illuminates.
A warning message will be displayed on the multi-
function display of the instrument panel if the
brake pads are worn, excessively.
f Do not continue to operate the vehicle.
Have your authorized Porsche dealer inspect
or replace the brake pads.
For information on warning messages on the
multi-function display:
f Please see the chapter “OVERVIEW OF
WARNING MESSAGES” on page 152.
Brake pads and brake discsWear on the brake pads and brake discs depends
to a great extent on the driving style and the
conditions of use and therefore cannot be
expressed in actual miles on the road.
The high-performance brake system is designed
for optimal braking effect at all speeds and
temperatures.
Certain speeds, braking forces and ambient
conditions (e.g. temperature and humidity) can
therefore cause the brakes to “squeal”.
New brake pads or linings
New brake pads have to be “broken in”, and
therefore only attain optimal friction when the car
has covered several hundred miles or km.
The slightly reduced braking ability must be
compensated for by pressing the brake pedal
harder. This applies whenever the brake pads
and/or brake discs are replaced.
Brake wear warning message

190
Driving and Driving Safety
Compact disc player
Caution!
To avoid damage to compact disc player and
discs.
f Use only compact discs labeled as shown,
having no dirt, damage or warpage.
f Never attempt to disassemble or oil any part
of the player unit. Do not insert any object
other than a disc into the slot.Remember there
are no user-serviceable parts inside the
compact disc player.
f Do not allow the disc to sustain any
fingerprints, scrapes or stickers on the
surfaces. This may cause poor sound quality.
Hold the disc only on the edge or center hole.
f When not in use, take the disc out of the player,
put the disc back into its case and store it
away from dust, heat, damp and direct
sunlight.
Leaving the disc on the dashboard in the sun
can damage the disc. f
If the disc gets dirty, clean the disc by wiping
the surfaces from the center to the outside in
a radial direction with a soft cloth.
Do not use a conventional record cleaner or
anti-static record preservative.
Disc cleaners are available in audio stores.
Car Telephone and Aftermarket Alarms Important legal and safety information
regarding the use of cellular telephones
Some states may prohibit the use of cellular
telephones while driving a vehicle. Check the laws
and regulations on the use of cellular telephones
in the areas where you drive.
Danger!
Risk of an accident.
Severe personal injury or death can result in
the event of an accident.
Looking away from the road or turning your
attention away from your driving can cause
an accident and lead to serious personal
injury or death.
When using your cellular telephone, you should
always:
f Give full attention to your driving – pull off the
road and park before making or answering a
call if traffic conditions so require, and f
Keep both hands on the steering wheel – use
hands-free operation (if available) – pull off the
road and park before using a hand-held
telephone.
It is essential to observe the telephone
manufacturer’s instructions before operating
the telephone.
Any portable telephone or radio transmitter which
is used in a Porsche must be properly installed in
accordance with the technical requirements of
Porsche.
The transmission power must not exceed
10 W.
The devices must possess a type approval for
your vehicle and have an “e” symbol.
If you should require equipment with transmission
power values greater than 10 W, please consult
your authorized Porsche dealer for this purpose.
They are familiar with the technical requirements
for installing devices of this kind.
The antennas for all radios and telephones with a
transmitting antenna must be externally mounted.
The improper installation of radios or telephones
or use of a radio or tele phone with a transmitting
antenna inside the car may cause the warning
lights to come on.
Improper installation of such equipment can
create a discharged battery or excessive current
draw from added equipment.

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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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.