114
Instrument Panel and Multi-Function Display
Warning!
Risk of accidents and ri sk of engine damage.
A broken drive belt means there is no power
assistance to the steering (more effort is
required to steer) and engine cooling fails.
f Do not continue driving.
f Have the fault corrected.
f 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.
Danger of steering assistance failing during
a long journey in water if the drive belt slips.
f If steering assistance fails, more effort will be required to steer.
Check Engine
(Emission Control)The emission control system detects malfunctions
that could cause increased pollutant emissions or
consequential damage etc. well in advance.
Faults are indicated by the warning light on the
instrument panel which then either lights up
continuously or flashes.
The faults are recorded in the control unit’s
fault memory.
The warning light on the instrument panel lights up
when the ignition is switched on as a lamp check
and goes out approx. 1 second after the engine
starts.
The warning light on the instrument panel flashes
to indicate operating states (e.g. engine misfiring)
which may cause damage to certain parts of the
emission control system.
f In this case, immediately reduce the engine
load by easing off the accelerator pedal.
In order to avoid consequential damage to the
engine or the exhaust-gas cleaning system
(e.g. catalytic converter):
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.
Caution!
Risk of damage. If the warning light on the
instrument panel continues flashing even
when you have eased off the accelerator
pedal, the emission control system may
overheat.
f Stop as soon as possible in a safe place.
Make sure that combustible materials, such as
dry grass or leaves, cannot come into contact
with the hot exhaust system.
f Switch off the engine.
fHave the fault corrected.Acoustic SignalsA speaker in the instrument panel generates
acoustic signals.
If the speaker is faulty, a warning will appear and
the speaker will no longer make an acoustic signal
(i. e. sound).
f Please see the chapter “OVERVIEW OF
WARNING MESSAGES” on page 152.
Warning light
122
Instrument Panel and Multi-Function Display
The maximum permitted en
gine filling capacity
has been exceeded. Exceeding the maximum
capacity may result in blue smoke formation and
cause long-term damage to the catalytic
converters depending on the overfill quantity and
various external influences.
If too much engine oil was added, the message
“Oil level Maximum reached” appears on the
multi-function display.
f Have the oil quantity corrected at the next
opportunity.
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. Measuring the oil level after topping up
engine oil or opening the hood
After opening the hood, the oil level can only
be measured after driving for at least 6 miles
(10 km).
The message “Display after short drive only”
appears on the multi-function display.
Failure
If the oil-level indicator fails, the message
“Failure Oil level measurement” appears on the
multi-function display.
Setting speed limits
If a speed limit is preset and activated on the multi-
function display, a warni
ng message appears if
the speed limit is exceeded.
A speed limit can be used to remind the driver to
keep to the maximum speed permitted for the tire
type fitted to the vehicle, for example.
Setting a speed limit
You can either adopt th e current speed of the
vehicle or specify your own speed limit.
1. Select
> “Vehicle ”
> “Limits ”
and confirm.1. Select
> “Vehicle ”
> “Limits ”
2. “Limit 1: --- ” or
“ Limit 2: --- “
and confirm.
3. Select “Current speed ” or
“ --- ”
and confirm.
262
Maintenance and Car Care
Emission Control SystemIn the interest of clean airPollution of our environment has become a
problem that is of increasing concern to all of us.
We urge you to join us in our efforts for cleaner air
in controlling the pollutants emitted from the
automobile.
Porsche has developed an emission control
system that controls or reduces those parts of the
emission that can be harmful to our environment.
Your Porsche is equipped with such a system.
Porsche warrants the Emission Control System in
your new car under the terms and conditions set
forth in the Warranty Booklet.
You, as the owner of the vehicle, have the
responsibility to provide regular maintenance
service for the vehicle and to keep a record of all
maintenance work performed. To facilitate record
keeping, have the service performed by
authorized Porsche dealers. They have Porsche
trained technicians and special tools to provide
fast and efficient service.To assure efficient operation of the Emission
Control System:
f
Have your vehicle maintained properly and in
accordance with the recommendations
described in your Mai ntenance Booklet. Lack
of proper maintenance, as well as improper
use of the vehicle, will impair the function of
the emission control system and could lead to
damage.
f Do not alter or remove any component of the
emission control system.
f Do not alter or remove any device, such as
heat shields, switches, ignition wires, valves,
etc., which are designed to protect your
vehicle's emission control system. In addition
to serious engine damage, this can result in a
fire if excess raw fuel reaches the exhaust
system.
f Do not continue to operat e your vehicle if you
detect engine misfire or other unusual
operating conditions.
Parking
Danger!
Danger of fire resulting in serious personal
injury or death.
f Do not park or operate the vehicle in areas
where the hot exhaust system may come in
contact with dry grass, brush, fuel spill or
other flammable materials.
f If your car catches on fire for any reason, call
the fire department. Do not endanger your life by attempting to put out the fire.
Undercoating
Danger!
Danger of fire resulting in serious personal
injury or death.
f Do not apply additional undercoating or rust-
proofing on or near the exhaust manifold,
exhaust pipes, catalytic converters or heat
shields. During driving the substance used for undercoating could overheat and ignite.
Maintenance and Car Care
263
How Emission Control WorksWhen an automobile engine is running, it uses
energy generated through the combustion of a
mixture of air and fuel. Depending on whether a
car is driven fast or slowly or whether the engine
is cold or hot, some of the fuel (hydrocarbons)
may not be burned completely, but may be
discharged into the engine crankcase or exhaust
system. Additonal hydrocarbons may enter the
atmosphere through evaporation of fuel from the
fuel tank. These hydrocarbons (HC), when
released into the air, co ntribute to undesirable
pollution.
In addition, carbon monoxide (CO) and oxides of
nitrogen (NOx) contribute to engine emissions.
They, too, are formed during the combustion
process and discharged into the exhaust system.
To reduce these pollutants, your Porsche is
equipped with a precisely calibrated fuel injection
system to assure a finely balanced air/fuel mixture
under all operating conditions.
Oxygen sensorThe oxygen sensor, installed in the exhaust pipe
continuously senses the oxygen content of the
exhaust and signals the information to an
electronic control unit. The control unit corrects
the air/fuel ratio, so the engine always receives an
accurately metered air/fuel mixture.Crankcase ventilationThrough crankcase ventilation, undesirable
emissions from the engine crankcase are not
permitted to reach the outside atmosphere. These
emissions are recirculated from the crankcase to
the air intake system. From here the emissions
mix with the intake air an d are later burned in the
engine.Catalytic convertersThe catalytic converters are efficient “clean-up”
devices built into the exhaust system of the
vehicle. The catalytic converters burn the
undesirable pollutants in the exhaust gas before it
is released into the atmosphere.
The exclusive use of unleaded fuel is
critically important for the life of the
catalytic converters. Therefore, only
unleaded fuel must be used. The catalytic converters will be damaged by:
– push or tow starting the vehicle
– misfiring of the engine
– turning off the ignition while the vehicle is
moving or
– driving until the fuel tank is completely empty
– by other unusual operating conditions.
f Do not continue to operate your vehicle under
these conditions, since raw fuel might reach
the catalytic converters. This could result in
overheating of the converters. Federal law
prohibits use of leaded fuel in this car.
264
Maintenance and Car Care
Fuel EconomyFuel economy will vary depending on where,
when and how you drive, optional equipment
installed, and the general condition of your
car.
A car tuned to specifications and correctly
maintained, will help you to achieve optimal
fuel economy.
fHave your vehicle tuned to specifications. Air
cleaner should be dirt free to allow proper
engine “breathing”.
Battery should be fully charged.
Wheels should be properly aligned.
Tires should be inflated to the correct
pressure.
f Always monitor your fuel consumption.
f Drive smoothly, avoid abrupt changes in speed
as much as possible.
f Avoid jack rabbit starts and sudden stops.
f Do not drive longer than necessary in the lower
gears. Shifting into a higher gear early without
lugging the engine will help save fuel.
f Prolonged “warm up” idling wastes gas. Start
the vehicle just before you are ready to drive.
Accelerate slowly and smoothly.
f Switch off the engine if stationary for longer
periods.
f Any additional weight carried in the vehicle
reduces fuel economy. Always keep cargo to
a minimum and remove all unnecessary items. f
Organize your trips to take in several errands
in one trip.
f All electrical accessories contribute to
increased fuel consumption.
f Only switch on the air conditioning when
necessary.
f Do not drive with the Ro of Transport System
mounted unless you need it.
The EPA estimated miles per gallon (mpg) is
to be used for comparison purposes, actual
mileage may be different from the estimated
mpg, depending on your driving speed,
weather conditions and trip length. Your
actual highway mileage may be less than the
estimated mpg.
f Please observe all local and national speed
limits.
Operating Your Porsche in other
CountriesGovernment regulations in the United States and
Canada require that automobiles meet specific
emission regulations and safety standards.
Therefore, cars built for the U.S. and Canada differ
from vehicles sold in other countries.
If you plan to take your Porsche outside the
continental limits of the United States or Canada,
there is the possibility that
– unleaded fuel may not be available;
– unleaded fuel may have a considerably lower
octane rating. Excessi ve engine knock and
serious damage to both engine and catalytic
converters could result;
– service may be inadequate due to lack of proper service facilities, tools or diagnostic
equipment;
– replacement parts may not be available or very difficult to get.
Porsche cannot be responsible for the
mechanical damage that could result
because of inadequate fuel, service or parts
availability.
If you purchased your Porsche abroad and want to
bring it back home, be sure to find out about
shipping and forwarding requirements, as well as
current import and customs regulations.
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.
268
Maintenance and Car Care
Fuel Recommendations Your Porsche is equipped with catalytic
converters and must use UNLEADED FUEL
ONLY .
Your engine is designed to provide optimum
performance and fuel economy using unleaded
premium fuel with an octane rating of 98 RON
(93 CLC or AKI) . Porsche therefore
recommends the use of these fuels in your
vehicle.
Porsche also recognizes that these fuels may not
always be available. Be assured that your vehicle
will operate properly on unleaded premium fuels
with octane numbers of at least 95 RON
(90 CLC or AKI) , since the engine’s “Electronic
Oktane™ knock control” will adapt the ignition
timing, if necessary.
It is important to observe the regular service
intervals, and particularly the oil change intervals,
specified in the “Maintenance” booklet.
T h e u s e o f U N L E A D E D F U E L O N LY i s c r i t i c a l l y
important to the life of the catalytic
converters. Deposits fr om leaded fuels will
ruin the converters and make them
ineffective as an emis sion control device.
Cars with catalytic converters have a smaller fuel
tank opening, and gas station pumps that
dispense unleaded fuel ha ve smaller nozzles. This
will prevent accidental pumping of leaded fuel into
cars with catalytic converters. Unleaded fuels may not be available outside the
continental U.S. and Canada. Therefore, we
recommend you do not take your car to areas or
countries where unleaded fuel may not be
available.
Octane ratings Octane rating indicates a fuel’s ability to resist
detonation. Therefore, buying the correct octane
gas is important to prevent engine “damage”.
The RON octane rating is based on the research
method. The CLC (U.S.
Cost of Living Council
octane rating) or AKI ( anti knock index) octane
rating usually displayed on U.S. fuel pumps is
calculated as research octane number plus motor
octane number, divided by 2, that is written as:
The CLC or AKI octane rating is usually lower than
the RON rating:
For example: 95 RON equals 90 CLC or AKI.
Fuels containing ethanolDo not use any fuels containing more than 10
percent ethanol by volume.
We recommend, however, to change to a different
fuel or station if any of the following problems
occur with your vehicle:
– Deterioration of driveability and performance.
– Substantially reduced fuel economy.
– Vapor lock and non-start problems, especially at high altitude or at high temperature.
– Engine malfunction or stalling.
RON+MON
2 R+M
2
or
Maintenance and Car Care
273
Care of windshield wiper bladesWindshield wiper blades that are in perfect
condition are vital for a clear view.
fPlease see the chapter “WIPER BLADES” on
page 261.
f Have the wiper blades replaced twice per year
(before and after the cold season) or if wiper
performance deteriorates or the blades are
damaged.
f Clean the wiper blades with window cleaner at
regular intervals, especially after washing the
vehicle in a car wash.
We recommend Porsche window cleaner.
If wiper blades are very dirty (e.g. covered with
insect remains), they can be cleaned with
a sponge or cloth.
If the wiper blades rub or squeak, this may be due
to the following:
– If the vehicle is washed in an automatic car wash, wax residues may adhere to
the windshield. These wax residues can
be removed only by using window
cleaner concentrate.
f Please see the chapter “WASHER FLUID” on
page 259. Contact your authorized Porsche dealer for more
information.
– The wiper blades may be damaged or worn.
f
Have damaged wiper blades replaced
immediately.
UndercoatingThe underside of your car is durably protected
against chemical and mechanical influences.
As it is not possible to ex clude the risk of damage
to this protective coating in day to day driving, it
is advisable to have the underside of the car
inspected at certain intervals - preferably before
the start of winter and again in spring - and the
undercoating restored as necessary.
Your authorized Porsche dealer is familiar with the
bodyseal treatment procedures and has the
necessary equipment for applying factory
approved materials. We recommend that you
entrust them with such work and inspections.
Unlike conventional spray oils, undercoating and
rust-proofing compounds based on bitumen or
wax do not attack the sound-proofing materials
applied at the factory.
Warning!
Danger of fire resulting in serious personal
injury or death.
f Do not apply additional undercoating or rust-
proofing on or near the exhaust manifold,
exhaust pipes, catalytic converters or heat
shields. During driving the substance used for undercoating could overheat and ignite.
f Before applying fresh underseal, carefully
remove deposits or dirt and grease. Once it
has dried, the new undercoating compound
forms a tough protective coating which
provides efficient rust-proofing of the floor
panels and components.
f Always apply a fresh coating of suitable preser-
vative to unprotect areas after cleaning the
underside of the body, the transmission, the
engine or carrying out repairs to under-body,
engine or transmission components.
Effective rust-proofing is particularly important
during the cold weather season. If your car is
driven frequently in areas where salt has been
spread on the roads, the whole engine compart-
ment should be cleane d thoroughly after the
winter to prevent salt from causing any lasting
damage. A full under-body wash should also be
performed at the same time.