2009 PORSCHE PANAMERA ignition

Driving and Driving Safety
195
Selector-Lever PositionsP – Parking lockfEngage parking lock only when the vehicle is
stationary.
If selector-lever position P is flashing in the
instrument panel, the parking lock is not
engaged. The vehicle can roll away.
Shift again from selector-lever position R to P.
f Activate the electric parking brake and then
engage the parking lock.
If selector-lever position P is flashing in the
instrument panel, the parking lock is not
engaged. The vehicle can roll away.
Shift again from selector-lever position R to P.
The ignition key can be removed only in selector-
lever position P.R – Reverse gearf Select only if the vehicl e is stationary and the
brake is applied.N – Neutral (idling)Selector-lever position N must be selected for
towing or in car washes, for example.
f Only select the desired position for driving off
(D , M or R) when the engine is idling and the
brake pedal is pressed.
D – Automatic selection modeSelect position D for “normal” driving. The gears
are shifted automatically according to the
accelerator position and speed.
Depending on the way the vehicle is driven
(economical, comfortable or sporty driving style)
and on the resistance (e.g. uphill), the gear-
changing points are shifted towards higher or
lower engine-speed ranges.
The accelerator position, driving speed, engine
speed, longitudinal and lateral acceleration and
the road profile all have an influence on the gear-
changing characteristic.
Unwanted upshifts, e.g. when entering
bends, are prevented by swiftly releasing the
accelerator pedal.
Depending on lateral acceleration, upshifts on
bends are not made until the engine-speed limit
is reached.
When you brake, and depending on the amount of
deceleration, the PDK transmission changes down
earlier.
For subsequent cornering, the right gear is
engaged when pressure is applied to the brakes
before the bend. The bend is taken in the right
gear, and when you accelerate out of the bend you
do not have to change down.
With a sporty driving style, downshifts are already
initiated when the brake pedal is touched lightly.
This further enhances a dynamic driving style. The PDK transmission temporarily changes to the
sportiest gear-changing map, i.e. to the highest
possible gear-changing points, if the accelerator
pedal is pressed quickly. The transmission
accordingly shifts down
immediately by one or
two gears (temporary change-down).
The transmission no longer selects 7th gear
at high driving speeds.
“Sport” and “Sport Plus” Mode “Sport” mode activated:
The PDK transmission switches to a sporty gear-
changing map and shortens the shifting times.
A sporty driving style is recognized more quickly
and the gear-changing speeds are adapted to
driving performance.
Deceleration downshifts are initiated earlier.
Downshifts occur for small decelerations,
even at higher revs.
“Sport Plus” mode activated:
In “Sport Plus” mode, the PDK transmission
changes to a shift program designed for driving
on race circuits. 7th gear is not selected.
The gear-changing performance is enhanced
significantly again compared with “Sport” mode.
f Please see the chapter ““SPORT” AND “SPORT
PLUS” MODE” on page 212.

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

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Driving and Driving Safety
Porsche Active Suspension
Management (PASM)The PASM system actively adjusts the shock
absorbers. The adjustable damper system selects
the appropriate damping level for each wheel
according to the driving situation and driving
conditions. Driving safety, agility and comfort are
optimised.
Three different chassis setu ps can be selected at
the push of a button:
– “PASM Comfort”
– “PASM Sport”
– “PASM Sport Plus”
Comfort mode ensures comfortable chassis
tuning.
The “PASM Sport” chassis setup offers very
sporty shock absorber tuning.
“PASM Sport Plus” mode offers particularly
sporty shock absorber tuning (e.g. for driving on
the race circuit).
In addition to manual mode selection, PASM
also adjusts shock absorber tuning for either
sporty or comfort driving, depending on the
driving situation.
Selecting the PASM mode1. Switch on ignition.
2. Press button (repeatedly).
On the button:
– No indicator light comes on when you select “PASM Comfort” (default setting).
– One indicator light come s on when you select
“PASM Sport”.
– Two indicator lights come on when you select “PASM Sport Plus”.
In addition, the selected chassis setup is shown on
the multi-function display in the instrument panel
for approx. 4 seconds. Note on operation
The last selected chassis setup is stored in the
memory after the ignition is switched off.
Warning messageThe system automatically
detects PASM faults and
displays them 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 specialist 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.

Driving and Driving Safety
209
Porsche Active Suspension
Management (PASM) with Air
Suspension and Level ControlPASM with air suspension is an active shock
absorber adjustment and ride height balancing
system. The adjustable damper system selects
the appropriate damping level for each wheel
according to the driving situation and driving
conditions. The level control system automatically
balances load changes and maintains a constant
ride height. Driving safety , agility and comfort are
optimised.
Three different chassis setups can be selected at
the push of a button:
– “PASM Comfort”
– “PASM Sport”
– “PASM Sport Plus”
Comfort mode ensures comfortable chassis
tuning.
The “PASM Sport” chassis setup offers very
sporty shock absorber tuning.
“PASM Sport Plus” mode offers particularly sporty
shock absorber tuning (e.g. for driving on the race
circuit). The vehicle is also lowered by
approx. 1 in. (25 mm) compared with the normal
level and the spring rate is increased.
In addition to manual mode selection, PASM also
adjusts shock absorber tuning for either sporty
or comfort driving, depending on the driving
situation.
Selecting the PASM mode1. Switch on ignition.
2. Start the engine.
3. Press button (repeatedly).
On the button:
– No indicator light come s on when you select
“PASM Comfort” (default setting).
– One indicator light comes on when you select “PASM Sport”.
– Two indicator lights come on when you select
“PASM Sport Plus”. In addition, the selected chassis setup is shown on
the multi-function display in the instrument panel
for approx. 4 seconds.
Note
The mode cannot be changed if a door or the
tailgate is opened or when the engine is switched
off.
When the vehicle is stopped, the ride height may
be adjusted automatically
in order to balance the
vehicle load.
High LevelThe level control system al lows you to raise the
vehicle in maneuvering mode by approx. 0.8 in.
(20 mm) compared with the normal level in order
to drive over curbs and ramps.
High Level can only be selected manually and at
speeds of less than approx. 20 mph (30 km/h).
Note
High Level must not be us ed on public roads since
the prescribed installation height of the reflectors
can be exceeded in High Level.

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Driving and Driving Safety
Selecting High Level1. Switch on ignition.
2. Start the engine.
3. Press button .When High Level is selected, the indicator light
on the button lights up.
The message “High Level selected” appears
on the multi-function display.
Note on operation
The last selected level is stored in the memory
after the ignition is switched off. The level control
system automatically switches from High Level at
a speed of approx. 20 mph (30 km/h).
Switching level control on and offAutomatic level control must be switched off
when driving onto a lifting platform or when
raising one wheel.
For information on ja cking up the vehicle:
f Please see the chapter “RAISING VEHICLES
WITH A LEVEL CONTROL SYSTEM” on
page 290.
Switching off level control
1. Switch on ignition.
2. Press and hold button for approximately 10 seconds.
The message “Control off” appears on the
multi-function display in the instrument panel.
Note
Level control can only be switched off when the
vehicle is stationary.
Switching on level control
1. Lower the vehicle.
2. Switch on ignition.
3. Press and hold button for approximately 10 seconds.
The message “Control on” appears on the
multi-function display in the instrument panel. Notes
Level control is switched on automatically at
a speed of more than approx. 4 mph (7 km/h).
Warning messageThe system automatically
detects PASM faults and
displays them 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 specialist 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.
Note
If vehicles with air suspension are left stationary
for several weeks, the ride height can be reduced.
The vehicle automatically re-adjusts to the correct
ride height when you start the engine. This can
take several minutes, depending on the operating
state. Ground clearance is reduced at this time.

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Driving and Driving Safety
Warning messages
The warning message “Sport mode error”
appears on the multi-f
unction display in the
instrument panel in the event of a fault.
For information on warning messages on the
multi-function display:
f Please see the chapter “OVERVIEW OF
WARNING MESSAGES” on page 152.
Note
After the ignition is switched off, Sport mode is
automatically reset to Normal mode.
f Please see the chapter “PORSCHE ACTIVE
SUSPENSION MANAGEMENT (PASM)” on
page 208.
f Please see the chapter “PORSCHE DYNAMIC
CHASSIS CONTROL (PDCC)” on page 211.
Sports Exhaust SystemSwitching on and offThe sports exhaust system can be switched to
a sound-optimised mode when the ignition is
switched on.
fPress button .
When the sports exhaust system is switched
on, the indicator light on the button lights up.
Retractable Rear SpoilerThe rear spoiler improves driving stability at high
speeds and reduces fuel consumption at low
speeds.
Vehicles with a turbo engine have an enhanced
rear spoiler with a larger aerodynamically
effective spoiler surface thanks to additional flaps.Automatic modeAutomatic extension and retraction of the rear
spoiler depends on various conditions.

Driving and Driving Safety
215
“Sport Plus” mode deactivated
The rear spoiler extends automatically:
– to position A at approx. 55 mph (90 km/h).
– to position B at approx. 130 mph (205 km/h).
The rear spoiler retracts automatically:
–from position B to position A at approx.
110 mph (180 km/h).
–from position A to the end position at
approx. 40 mph (60 km/h).
Additional rear spoiler position on vehicles
without a turbo engine
The rear spoiler also mo ves to an intermediate
position between A and B when extended at
speeds of between appr ox. 100 mph (160 km/h)
and 130 mph (205 km/h) and when retracted at
speeds of between appr ox. 110 mph (180 km/h)
and 90 mph (145 km/h).
“Sport Plus” mode activated
The rear spoiler extends straight to position B at
approx. 55 mph (90 km/h).
The rear spoiler retracts from position B straight
to the end position at approx. 40 mph (60 km/h). If the automatic control system fails, the warning
message “Spoiler failure”
appears on the multi-
function display.
For information on warning messages on the
multi-function display:
f Please see the chapter “OVERVIEW OF
WARNING MESSAGES” on page 152.
Warning!
Risk of accidents if the “Spoiler failure”
warning appears. Driving stability will be
adversely affected if th e rear spoiler retracts
or fails to extend. This is due to increased
rear axle lift at higher speeds. The rear axle
will tend to lift, reducing the road holding
characteristics of the car in higher-speed
turns.
f Adapt your driving style and speed to the
changed driving behavior.
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.
Manual modeWhen the ignition is on, the rear spoiler can be
extended and retracted manually using the button
in the center console.
When the rear spoiler is in manual mode,
the indicator light on the button lights up.
The rear spoiler does not retract fully in
manual mode.

Storage, Luggage Compartment and Roof Transport System
225
Emptying ashtrays in the doors1. Open the ashtray lid and carefully press it up.
The insert pops up slightly.
2. Remove the insert and empty it.
Front cigarette lighterCigarette Lighter
Warning!
Danger of fire and burning. The cigarette
lighter is ready for use regardless of the
ignition lock position
f Do not leave children in the vehicle unattended.
f Never touch the heating element or sides of
the lighter.
fOnly hold the heated lighter by the knob.
Rear cigarette lighterUsing front and rear cigarette lightersf Press briefly on the ashtray lid in the front
center console or slide the ashtray lid in the
rear center console sideways to the left or
right at the handle recess.
3. Press the lighter into the receptacle. When the element is red hot, the lighter will jump back to
its initial position.