170
Shifting Gears
Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK)The Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) is a seven-
speed transmission with an “automatic” and a
“manual” selection mode.
In automatic selection mode (selector lever
position D), gear changing is automatic.
You can change temporarily from automatic to
manual mode using the shift buttons on the
steering wheel.
In manual selection mode (selector lever
position M), you change gear using the shift
buttons on the steering wheel or with the PDK
selector lever.
You can change between selector lever position D
and M as you wish while driving.
Note
fTake care not to operate the shift buttons on
the steering wheel inadvertently in either
automatic or manual mode, thereby triggering
undesired gear changes.
Changing the selector lever positionThe selector lever is locked when the ignition is
switched off.
When the ignition is switched on, the selector lever
can be moved from position P and N only when
the release button is pressed, and when the brake
pedal is pressed.
Release button
The release button (arrow) in the selector lever
prevents the gear from being changed unintention-
ally.
The release button must be pressed when shifting
to position R or P.
StartingThe engine can be started only if the brake
pedal is depressed and the selector lever is in
position P or N.Driving offfOnly select the desired position for driving off
(D, M or R) when the engine is idling and the
brake pedal is depressed.
fSince the vehicle creeps when in gear, do not
release the brake until you want to move off.
fAfter selecting a gear, do not accelerate until
you can feel that the gear is engaged.
Driving off on hills
The Drive-Off Assistant assists the driver when
moving off on hills. The vehicle is held on the slope
for a short time during the change from the brake
pedal to the accelerator in order to allow driving
off directly after the brake is released.
fPlease see the chapter “DRIVE-OFF ASSIS-
TANT” on Page 169.
Shifting Gears
173
“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.
fPlease see the chapter “SPORT MODE” on
Page 64.
Driving with Launch Control
Driving with Launch Control allows you to achieve
maximum acceleration from a standing start. It is
intended to provide you with a unique enjoyment of
your vehicle under controlled circumstances and
is not intended to be used in any location where it
could be a nuisance to other persons.
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 evasive action due to the
rapid acceleration that this technology
permits.
fLaunch 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.
fUse Launch Control only if conditions permit it
to be applied in a safe manner. fDo not use Launch Control if there is a possibi-
lity 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 only be used when the
engine has reached operating temperature.
– “Sport Plus” mode must be switched on (light-
emitting diode in button is on and “SPORT
PLUS” is displayed on the on-board computer).
1. Press the brake with your left foot.
2. Quickly press down the accelerator fully
(kickdown activated) and hold.
The engine speed will flatten out at around
6500 rpm.
“Launch Control active” is displayed on the
on-board computer.3. Release the brake within a few seconds.
Remaining stationary for a long time with
“Launch Control active” can lead to overload-
ing of the transmission.
In order to protect the transmission, 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.
Manual selection mode remains engaged:
– for cornering (depending on the lateral acceler-
ation) and overrunning,
– when the vehicle is stationary (e.g. at a
junction).
The system leaves manual selection mode:
– automatically after approx. 8 seconds (unless
cornering or overrunning),
– after driving off.
174
Shifting Gears Kickdown
The kickdown function is active in selector lever
positions D and M.
fFor optimum acceleration, e.g. when
overtaking, depress the accelerator pedal
beyond the full-throttle point (kickdown).
The transmission shifts down depending on the
speed of travel and engine speed.
Upward shifts occur at the highest possible engine
speeds.
M – Manual selection modeThe currently selected gear is retained when you
change from D to M.
If you change from M to D, the gear-changing map
suitable for your current driving style is selected
and the appropriate gear is selected.
The selector lever and the two shift buttons in the
top steering wheel spokes allow you to comfort-
ably and reliably select the seven forward gears.Shifting up +
fPress the PDK selector lever or shift button on
the steering wheel forward.
Shifting down –
fPull 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.
Shifting Gears
175
Depending on driving speed and engine speed,
you can shift up or down at any time.
Gear changes which would exceed the upper or
lower engine speed limit are not executed by the
controller.
There is no automatic upshift at the upper engine
speed limit in selector lever position M. Upshift
suppression can be cancelled by kickdown opera-
tion. If, for example, the engine speed limit is
reached during overtaking and the automatic
upshift does not occur, the transmission in this
case shifts up as a result of kickdown operation.
fSelect an appropriately low gear on upward
and downward slopes.
This will ensure optimum use of engine power
and engine braking.
In order to shift up automatically at the upper
engine speed limit:
fDepress the accelerator pedal beyond the full-
throttle point (kickdown).Failure of the selector lever display on the
instrument cluster
The warning “Transmission emergency run” is
displayed in red on the on-board computer.
–Effect:
No selector lever position is displayed on the
instrument cluster.
Vehicle can be driven only until it comes to a
stop.
Remedy:
It is not possible to continue driving. Immedi-
ately stop the vehicle in a suitable place. Have
the vehicle towed to an authorized Porsche
dealer.
StoppingfFor a brief stop (e.g. at a traffic light), leave the
selector lever in drive position and hold the
vehicle with the brake pedal.
fDo not hold the car on a slope using the
accelerator. Use the brake pedal or the
handbrake instead.
fBefore leaving the vehicle, always apply the
handbrake and move the selector lever to
position P.ParkingfGo easy on the accelerator!
fWhen parking or manoeuvring in a small
space, control the speed by careful use of the
footbrake.Driving in winterIn wintry road conditions it is advisable to take
steep inclines in manual mode. This prevents gear
changes occurring that could cause wheelspin.Tow-starting, towingfPlease see the chapter “TOWING” on
Page 280.
Maintenance, Car Care
205 Maintenance, Car Care
Exercise Extreme Caution when Working
on your Vehicle ......................................... 206
Coolant Level ............................................ 207
Engine Oil ................................................. 208
Engine Oil Level ........................................ 208
Engine Oil Recommendation ....................... 210
Brake Fluid Level ....................................... 212
Fuel Economy ........................................... 214
Operating your Porsche in other Countries .. 214
Fuel Recommendations.............................. 216
Portable Fuel Containers ............................ 217
Fuel Evaporation Control ............................ 217
Emission Control System ........................... 218
How Emission Control Works...................... 219
Washer Fluid ............................................. 220
Power Steering ......................................... 221
Air Filter ................................................... 222
Combination Filter ..................................... 222
Fluids/Oils for Manual Transmission
and Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) ............ 222
Wiper Blades ............................................ 223
Car Care Instructions................................. 224
222
Maintenance, Car Care
Air Filter A dirty air filter not only reduces engine perform-
ance, but can lead to premature engine wear.
Regular filter replacement is part of the routine
maintenance service.
fIn dusty conditions, check the filter element
more frequently and replace if necessary.Combination Filter The fresh air passing through the combination fil-
ter into the passenger compartment is virtually
free of dust, pollen, and unpleasant odors.
fIf the outside air is polluted by exhaust fumes,
press the circulating-air button.
A dirty filter can be the cause of reduced air flow:
fHave filter replaced by your authorized
Porsche dealer.
Regular filter replacement is part of the routine
maintenance service.
Fluids/Oils for Manual
Transmission and Porsche
Doppelkupplung (PDK)The transmission fluids/oils have to be checked
and changed at the intervals listed in your Mainte-
nance Schedule.
fPlease see the chapter “CAPACITIES” on
Page 290.
Do not tow the car or run the engine without fluid/
oil in the transmission. The transmission may be
damaged by even a tiny speck of dirt, only a clean
funnel or spout must be used when adding fluid/
oil.
We recommend that you have the fluids/oils
changed at your Porsche dealer, who has the re-
quired lubricants and the necessary filling equip-
ment.
fIf you suspect an oil leak in the transmission,
have your authorized Porsche dealer check it
out immediately.
290
Technical Data
CapacitiesUse only fluids and fuels authorized by Porsche. Your authorized Porsche dealer will gladly advise you.
Your Porsche has been designed so that it is not necessary to mix any additives with oils or fuels.
EngineOil change quantity with oil filter approx. 7.9 quarts / 7.5 liters
Please see the chapter “ENGINE OIL” on Page 208.
Coolantapprox. 7.63 - 8.32 U.S. gallons / 28.9 - 31.5 liters
Manual transmission
and differential
approx. 3.17 quarts / 3.0 liters transmission oil Mobilube PTX Formula A (SAE 75W-90) GL 4.5
Porsche Doppelkupplung
Wheel setapprox. 3.12 quarts / 2.95 liters ATF transmission oil Mobilube PTX Formula A (SAE 75W-90) GL 4.5
Porsche Doppelkupplung
Clutch/hydraulic fluidapprox. 5.49 quarts / 5.2 liters Pentosin Gear Oil FFL 3
Fuel tank 911 Carrera, 911 Carrera S: approx. 16.9 U.S. gallons / 64 liters
911 Carrera 4, 911 Carrera 4S, 911 Targa 4, 911 Targa 4S: approx. 17.7 U.S. gallons / 67 liters
Fuel qualityYour 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.
Power steeringapprox. 1.35 quarts / 1.27 liters hydraulic fluid Pentosin CHF 11 S
® or Pentosin CHF 202
®
Brake fluid0.48 quarts / 0.45 liters; use only Original Porsche brake fluid
Windshield washerapprox. 6.3 quarts / 6 liters with headlight washer
Technical Data
291
Weights Coupé911 Carrera Manual transmission Porsche Doppelkupplung
Empty weight (depending on equipment) 1415 kg to 1515 kg 1445 kg to 1545 kg
3120 lbs. to 3340 lbs.3186 lbs. to 3406 lbs.
Maximum gross weight 4012 lbs./1820 kg 4079 lbs./1850 kg
Maximum axle load, front* 1709 lbs./775 kg 1709 lbs./775 kg
Maximum axle load, rear* 2601 lbs./1180 kg 2601 lbs./1180 kg
Maximum useful load, Roof Transport System** 165 lbs./75 kg 165 lbs./75 kg
911 Carrera S Manual transmission Porsche Doppelkupplung
Empty weight (depending on equipment) 1425 kg to 1520 kg 1455 kg to 1550 kg
3142 lbs. to 3351 lbs.3208 lbs. to 3417 lbs.
Maximum gross weight 4034 lbs./1830 kg 4101 lbs./1860 kg
Maximum axle load, front* 1709 lbs./775 kg 1709 lbs./775 kg
Maximum axle load, rear* 2601 lbs./1180 kg 2601 lbs./1180 kg
Maximum useful load, Roof Transport System** 165 lbs./75 kg 165 lbs./75 kg
* The maximum gross weight must not be exceeded.
Note: If additional accessories are installed, the useful load will be correspondingly less.
** Use only Original Porsche Roof Transport System.