
Operation, Safety
61
ABS Brake System
(Antilock Brake System)The ABS system represents a major contribution 
to the enhancement of active safety in your vehi-
cle. This system prevents the wheels from locking 
in a panic stop on almost all road surfaces. 
With the ABS system in your vehicle, the 
following areas are enhanced: 
Steering, vehicle remains steerable under all 
braking forces when ABS is engaged. 
Good directional control, no swerving caused 
by locking of wheels under braking conditions. 
Shorter stopping distance, stopping distances 
are usually reduced because controlled braking is 
maximized. 
Prevention of wheel lock up, no brake- induced 
sliding and thus no localized tire wear from emer-
gency braking. 
The crucial advantage of the ABS system over a 
conventional brake system is in the area of main-
taining directional control and maneuverability of 
the car in emergency situations. 
 Warning! 
The increased control that is provided should 
not induce you to take greater risks with your 
safety. The limits dictated by the laws of 
physics cannot be overcome, even with ABS.
The risk of accidents due to inappropriate 
speed cannot be reduced, even by the ABS.
The driver bears the responsibility for all 
driving maneuvers. 
fAdapt your driving style to the prevailing road 
and weather conditions. 
fObey all traffic laws. 
Other vehicles not equipped with the ABS 
system may not be able to maintain control, 
especially on wet or poor road surfaces and 
thus may be more likely to impact you from 
behind. 
fTo minimize that risk, use your ABS system to 
increase your ability to maneuver to avoid dan-
gerous situations and not merely to try to stop in the shortest distance possible. 
Operation of the ABS systemA wheel speed sensor is mounted to each of the 
four wheels. If wheel lock-up of either of the front 
wheels or the rear wheels is sensed during brak-
ing, the brake pressure is adjusted automatically 
until the wheel no longer slips. 
If braking forces approach the wheel lock-up point 
for all wheels (panic braking) the ABS system will 
intervene to provide a rapid rythmic braking. The 
proper operation of ABS is perceived by the driver 
as a pulsating brake pedal in conjunction with au-
dible noise and perhaps some vibration.
fIf you experience these sensations while driv-
ing or a road surface with questionable trac-
tion, reduce vehicle speed appropriate for the 
prevailing road conditions.
fIf full braking should be necessary, press the 
brake pedal all the way down throughout the 
entire braking procedure, regardless of the pul-
sating pedal. Do not ease up on pressure ap-
plied to the pedal.
The functional readiness of all the main electrical 
components of the ABS is checked by an 
electronic monitoring system both before and 
while you drive.  

62
Operation, Safety When the ignition is switched on the ABS warning 
light will light up while the system is electronically 
interrogated and goes out when the engine is 
started if the check is not yet complete. 
If the ABS warning lamp fails to go out, this indi-
cates that ABS has been deactivated due to a 
fault. If the warning lights in the instrument panel 
and on-board computer light up while you are driv-
ing, this indicates that a fault has occurred. In both 
cases, normal braking, as in vehicles without ABS, 
is still retained. 
The ABS system should, however, be examined at 
an authorized Porsche dealer immediately to pre-
vent the occurrence of further faults. 
fIf the ABS system becomes inoperative, take 
your vehicle to your authorized Porsche dealer 
immediately. 
 Warning! 
Risk of an accident, resulting in serious per-
sonal injury or death.
The control unit of the ABS brake system is 
set for standard tire size. If non-standard 
tires are installed, the control unit may mis-
interpret the speed of the vehicle, because of 
the variant data it receives from the sensors 
on the axles.
fUse only tire makes and types tested by Porsche.
Clutch Pedal The clutch pedal must be depressed fully 
before the starter will engage. 
 Warning!
Risk of an accident, resulting in serious per-
sonal injury or death. 
fAlways check the movement of the clutch ped-
al before driving and make sure that it is not 
obstructed by a floor mat or any other object. 
fSecure 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 
nonskid floor mats of the correct size.
To avoid damage to the clutch and transmis-
sion: 
fAlways depress the clutch pedal fully when 
changing gears. 
fDo not hold the car on a steep grade with the clutch pedal partially depressed. 
Should the free travel of the clutch pedal suddenly 
become larger, it could mean a malfunction of the 
clutch. 
fSee your Porsche dealer for correction. 
Warning light USA
Warning light Canada 

66
Operation, Safety
Porsche Stability Management 
(PSM)PSM is an active control system for stabilization of 
the vehicle approaching the performance limits of 
driving maneuvers.
 Warning!
Risk of an accident, resulting in serious per-
sonal injury or death.
The increased control that is provided should 
not induce you to take greater risks with your 
safety. The limits dictated by the laws of 
physics cannot be overcome, even with PSM.
The risk of accidents due to inappropriate 
speed cannot be reduced, even by PSM.
The driver bears the responsibility for all 
driving maneuvers. 
fAdapt your driving style to the prevailing road 
and weather conditions. 
fObey all traffic laws. 
Sensors at the wheels, brakes, steering system 
and engine continuously measure:
–Speed
– Direction of travel (steering angle)
– Lateral acceleration
– Rate of turn about the vertical axis
– Longitudinal accelerationPSM uses these values to determine the direction 
of travel indicated by the driver.
PSM intervenes and helps to correct the course if 
the actual direction of motion deviates from the 
chosen course (steering-wheel position):
It brakes individual wheels as needed. In addition, 
the engine power may be manipulated in order to 
stabilize the vehicle.
The events below inform the driver of PSM control 
operations and warn him/her to adapt his/her 
driving style to the road conditions:
– The multifunctional information light on the 
instrument panel flashes.
– Hydraulic noises can be heard.
– The vehicle decelerates and steering-wheel 
forces are altered as the PSM controls the 
brakes.
– Reduced engine power.
– The brake pedal pulsates and its position is 
changed during braking.
In order to achieve full vehicle deceleration, 
foot pressure must be increased after the 
brake pedal has begun vibrating.
Examples of PSM control operations– If the front wheels of the vehicle drift on a 
bend, the rear wheel on the inside of the bend 
is braked and the engine power is reduced if 
necessary.
– If the rear of the vehicle swings out on a bend, 
the front wheel on the outside of the bend is 
braked.Additional braking functions– Pre-filling the brake system:
The brake system is prepared for possible 
subsequent emergency braking if the acceler-
ator pedal is released suddenly and quickly. 
The brake system is prefilled and the brake 
pads are already applied gently to the brake 
discs.
– Brake booster:
In the event of an emergency braking operation 
where the pedal force is insufficient, a brake 
booster provides the braking pressure neces-
sary for maximum deceleration at all 4 wheels.Advantages of PSM– Best possible traction and lane-holding ability 
in all driving situations – even on road surfaces 
with varying friction. 

Operation, Safety
73
Limits of ultrasonic measurement 
The parking assistant system cannot detect:
– sound-absorbing obstacles (e.g. powder 
snow), 
– sound-reflecting obstacles (e.g. glass surfac-
es, flat painted surfaces) 
– and very thin obstacles. 
– Other ultrasound sources (e.g. pneumatic 
brakes of other vehicles, jackhammers) can 
interfere with detection of obstacles. 
Fault indication 
The parking assistant system indicates a fault in 
two ways:
– After reverse gear has been selected, the 
short signal tone is followed by a continuous 
tone of the same pitch:
This indicates that sensors are soiled or cov-
ered with ice. 
– After reverse gear has been selected, the 
short signal tone is followed by a continuous 
tone with a much lower pitch:
This indicates a general system fault. 
Please have the fault remedied at an author-
ized Porsche dealer.A
- Control switch for door mirror adjustment Swivelling down mirror glass as a parking 
aidfPlease see the chapter “SEAT MEMORY” on 
Page 33.
– When reverse gear is engaged, the mirror 
glass on the passenger’s side swivels down 
slightly to show the curb area. Preconditions
– Vehicle must be equipped with seat memory.
– Set the control switch A to “passenger’s side”.
– Reverse gear must be engaged.
Returning mirror glass to its original position
fDrive forwards with a speed of over 4 mph 
(6 km/h) or
fSet the control switch A to “driver’s side”. 

Operation, Safety
77
Starting Procedures fPlease see the chapter “IMMOBILIZER” on 
Page 15.
fPlease see the chapter “EMISSION CONTROL 
SYSTEM” on Page 218.
 Warning!
Serious injury or death may result if you are 
involved in a collision without having fas-
tened the safety belts. 
fFasten safety belts before driving away. Before starting the engine fApply the footbrake. 
fManual transmission:
Move the gearshift lever into neutral. 
The clutch pedal must be depressed fully 
before the starter will engage.
fIn vehicles with PDK transmission:
Move PDK selector lever to position P or N.
Temperature sensors on the engine automatically 
provide the correct fuel/air mixture required for 
starting.
Therefore, it is not necessary to depress the 
accelerator pedal while starting a cold or a 
warm engine. 
Starting the enginefTurn ignition key to ignition lock position 2.
fAs soon as the engine starts, release the igni-
tion key. 
The first operation of the starter is ended automat-
ically when the engine starts.
If the engine does not start, subsequent starter 
operations will not be ended automatically. 
If the engine fails to start after 10 or 15 seconds 
of cranking: 
fWait about 10 seconds before engaging the 
starter again. 
fWhen starting the engine, be ready to drive 
immediately. 
Drive vehicle at moderate speeds and avoid 
engine speeds above 4,200 rpm during the 
first 5 minutes.
fDo not let the engine idle to warm up.
 Danger!
Engine exhaust fumes have many compo-
nents which you can smell. They also contain 
carbon monoxide (CO), which is a colorless 
and odorless gas.
Carbon monoxide can cause unconscious-
ness and even death if inhaled. 
fNever start or let the engine run in an en-
closed, unventilated area.
It is not recommended to sit in your car for pro-longed periods with the engine on and the car 
not moving.
An unattended vehicle with a running engine 
is potentially hazardous.
If warning lights should come on to indicate 
improper operation, they would go unno-
ticed. 
fNever leave the engine idling unattended.
Danger of fire. 
fDo not park or operate the vehicle in areas 
where the hot exhaust system may come in 
contact with dry grass, brush, fuel spill or oth-
er flammable material. 
fIf your car catches on fire for any reason, call 
the fire department. 
Do not endanger your life by attempting to put 
out the fire.
Risk of burn injury when standing near or 
coming into contact with the exhaust pipe.
The exhaust pipe is hot when the vehicle is running 
and remains hot for some time after the vehicle is 
turned off.
fTo prevent injury, make a point of noting where 
your vehicle’s exhaust pipe is, avoid placing 
your legs near the exhaust pipe, and closely 
supervise children around the vehicle when the 
exhaust pipe could be hot. 
A hot exhaust pipe can cause serious burns. 

112
Instruments, On-Board Computer, Warnings
Instrument Panel USA Models Also refer to the corresponding chapters in 
the Owner’s Manual.
1. Engine oil temperature gage 
2. Speedometer with analogue display
3. Tire pressure warning light
4. Turn signal indicator light, left
5. Tachometer
6. High beam indicator light
7. Turn signal indicator light, right
8. ABS warning light
9. Cooling system
Temperature gage, warning light
10.Fuel
Level gage, warning light
11.Engine oil pressure gage
12.Adjustment button for instrument illumination 
and trip counter
13.Odometer and daily trip mileage display
14.Automatic speed control indicator light15.Light sensor for instrument illumination
16.Airbag warning light
17.Check Engine warning light 
(Emission control warning light)
18.Central warning light
19.On-board computer display
20.Porsche Stability Management
PSM Multifunctional light
21.Brake warning light
22.Safety belt warning light
23.PDK transmission, gear display
24.PDK transmission, selector lever position
25.Clock and outside temperature display
26.Adjustment button for clockWhen the ignition is switched on, the warning 
lights light up for a lamp check. 
Note
Warnings that have been given are stored in the 
appropriate control unit memory and can be read 
out at an authorized Porsche dealer. 
This information can help to warn you about situa-
tions which may be hazardous to you or your car.  

114
Instruments, On-Board Computer, Warnings
Instrument Panel Canada Models Also refer to the corresponding chapters in 
the Owner’s Manual.
1. Engine oil temperature gage 
2. Speedometer with analogue display
3. Tire pressure warning light
4. Turn signal indicator light, left
5. Tachometer
6. High beam indicator light
7. Turn signal indicator light, right
8. ABS warning light
9. Cooling system
Temperature gage, warning light
10.Fuel
Level gage, warning light
11.Engine oil pressure gage
12.Adjustment button for instrument illumination 
and trip counter
13.Odometer and daily trip mileage display
14.Automatic speed control indicator light15.Light sensor for instrument illumination
16.Airbag warning light
17.Check Engine warning light 
(Emission control warning light)
18.Central warning light
19.On-board computer display
20.Porsche Stability Management
PSM Multifunctional light
21.Brake warning light
22.Safety belt warning light
23.PDK transmission, gear display
24.PDK transmission, selector lever position
25.Clock and outside temperature display
26.Adjustment button for clockWhen the ignition is switched on, the warning 
lights light up for a lamp check. 
Note
Warnings that have been given are stored in the 
appropriate control unit memory and can be read 
out at an authorized Porsche dealer. 
This information can help to warn you about situa-
tions which may be hazardous to you or your car.  

224
Maintenance, Car Care
Car Care Instructions fPlease see the chapter “EXERCISE EXTREME 
CAUTION WHEN WORKING ON YOUR VEHICLE” 
on Page 206.
Regular and correct care helps to maintain 
the value of your car and is also a 
precondition for the New Vehicle Warranty 
and the Anti Corrosion Warranty. 
Your authorized Porsche dealer has specially 
developed car-care products from the 
Porsche program available either singly or 
as complete car-care sets. They will be 
pleased to help you select suitable products. 
Whether you use Porsche products or other 
commercially available cleaning agents first 
make sure of their correct application. 
A Porsche that is well-cared for can look like new 
for years. It all depends on the amount of care the 
owner is willing to give the car. 
 Warning!
Risk of serious personal injury or damage to 
the vehicle or property.
Cleaning agents may be hazardous to your 
health.
Most chemical cleaners are concentrates 
which require dilution. High concentrations 
might cause problems ranging from irritation 
to serious injury as well as damage to your 
vehicle. fKeep cleaning agents out of reach from chil-
dren. 
fObserve all caution labels. 
fAlways read directions on the container before 
using any product. These directions may con-
tain information necessary to avoid personal 
injury. 
fDo not use fuel, kerosene, naphtha, nail polish 
remover or other volatile cleaning fluids. They 
may be toxic, flammable or hazardous in other 
ways. Only use spot removing fluids in a well 
vented area. 
fDo not clean the underside of chassis, fend-
ers, wheel covers, etc., without protecting 
your hands and arms as you may cut yourself 
on sharp-edged metal parts. 
Moisture and road salt on brakes may affect brak-
ing efficiency. 
fTest the brakes after each vehicle washing.
Decorative film
 Caution!
Risk of damage due to separation of the 
decorative film when cleaning your vehicle 
with high-pressure cleaning equipment or 
steam cleaners.
fDo not use high-pressure cleaning equipment or steam cleaners for cleaning decorative film.
High-pressure cleaning units, steam 
cleaners
 Warning!
High-pressure cleaning units or steam clean-
ers can damage the following components:
–tires,
– logos, emblems,
– painted surfaces,
– alternator,
– ParkAssist sensors.
fPlease observe the operating instructions from 
the unit manufacturer.
fWhen cleaning with a flat-jet nozzle or the like, 
maintain a minimum distance of 20 inches (50 
cm).
fNever use high-pressure cleaning units or 
steam cleaners with a round-jet nozzle. A high-
pressure cleaning unit or steam cleaner with 
round nozzle will damage your vehicle.
fThe tires are particularly susceptible to dam-
age.
fDo not point the cleaning jet directly at any of the aforementioned components.