
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.  

Operation, Safety
63
Porsche Traction Management 
(PTM)With PTM, the engine power is variably distributed 
to the front and rear wheels.
Power distribution between the front and rear ax-
les is performed by a map-conrolled multiple-disc 
clutch. 
Distribution of the engine power also depends on 
the difference in wheel speed between the two ax-
les. 
The multiple-disc clutch always delivers sufficient 
drive power to the front wheels to ensure optimum 
propulsion even on an unfavorable road surface.
In combination with the Porsche Stability Manage-
ment (PSM), the PTM ensures optimum handling 
and high driving stability. 
 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 phy-
sics cannot be overcome, even with PTM.
The risk of accidents due to inappropriate 
speed cannot be reduced, even by PTM.
The driver bears the responsibility for all dri-
ving maneuvers. 
fAdapt your driving style to the prevailing road 
and weather conditions. 
fObey all traffic laws.
Dynamometer testing procedure Some U.S. states and Canadian provinces con-
duct emissions inspection/maintenance testing in-
volving the use of two-wheel dynamometer. 
A two-wheeled dynamometer is a treadmill type 
device upon which a single axle of the car, the dri-
ving axle of the vehicle, rotates to simulate vehicle 
operation on the road while the vehicle remains 
stationary. 
Your vehicle has a full-time four-wheel drive system 
which cannot be disabled. Severe damage to the 
powertrain can result if tested on a two-wheel dy-
namometer. 
 Warning!
Risk of severe powertrain damage and a pos-
sible unexpected movement of the vehicle.
fDo not test your vehicle on a two-wheel dyna-
mometer.
fAdvise the emission station of this warning be-fore testing the vehicle. 
Brake testsBrake tests must be performed only on plate-type 
test stands or roller test stands. 
The ignition must be off.
The following limit values must not be exceeded 
on roller test stands: 
– Testing speed 5 mph (8 km/h) 
– Test duration 20 seconds Handbrake tests Handbrake tests on the roller test stand must only 
be carried out with the ignition switched off. Balancing wheels on the vehicle During finish balancing of the wheels, the vehicle 
must be hoisted and all the wheels able to rotate 
freely. Towing fPlease see the chapter “TOWING” on 
Page 280.Wheels/TiresThe PTM control unit is adapted to the approved 
tire sizes. The use of non-approved tire sizes may 
lead to deviations in wheel speeds and it may influ-
ence handling or result in the PTM switching off. 

Instruments, On-Board Computer, Warnings
143
TPM
Tire Pressure MonitoringfPlease see the chapter “TIRE PRESSURES FOR 
COLD TIRES (68 °F / 20 °C)” on Page 289.
The Tire Pressure Monitoring continuously 
monitors tire pressure and tire temperature on all 
four wheels and warns the driver when the tire 
pressure is too low. 
The display as well as the settings for the Tire 
Pressure Monitoring take place on the on-board 
computer. 
However, you must still adjust the tire pressure on 
the wheel.fThe driver is responsible for filling the tires 
correctly and making the correct settings on 
the on-board computer.
The Tire Pressure Monitoring offers the following 
functions:
– Display of the actual tire pressure while the 
vehicle is in motion.
– Display of the deviation from the required 
pressure (refilling pressure).
– Display of currently set tire size and type.
– Tire pressure warnings in two stages.
 Warning!
fDespite the advantages offered by the Tire 
Pressure Monitoring, it is still the driver’s re-
sponsibility to update the corresponding set-
tings in the on-board computer and maintain 
the pressure in the tires. 
Low tire pressure reduces the road safety of 
the vehicle and destroys the tire and wheel.
fWhen a flat tire has been displayed, immedi-
ately stop in a suitable place and check the 
tires for damage. If necessary, remedy the 
damage with a tire sealant.
fDo not by any means continue to drive with 
damaged tires.
fSealing the tire with tire sealant is only an 
emergency repair, so you can drive to the next 
authorized Porsche dealer. The maximum per-
mitted speed is 50 mph (80 km/h).fDo not drive with tires whose tire pressure 
drops again in a short period of time. In cases 
of doubt, have tires checked by an authorized 
Porsche dealer.
fDamaged tires must be immediately replaced 
by an authorized Porsche dealer.
Tire repairs are not permissible under any 
circumstances.
fIf a fault occurs in the Tire Pressure Monitoring 
(e.g. defective wheel transmitter), contact an 
authorized Porsche dealer immediately and 
have the damage repaired. 
The tire pressure will not be monitored at all or 
will be monitored only partially by defective 
Tire Pressure Monitoring.
fTires lose air over time without a tire defect 
being present. A tire pressure warning will then 
appear in the on-board computer display.
Correct the tire pressure at the next oppor-
tunity.
fThe Tire Pressure Monitoring gives a warning 
about tire damage due to natural pressure loss 
as well as about a gradual loss of pressure due 
to foreign objects.
The Tire Pressure Mnitoring cannot warn you 
about tire damage that occurs suddenly (e.g. 
flat tire due to abrupt external effects).  

144
Instruments, On-Board Computer, Warnings Tire pressure function of the on-board 
computer
The tire pressure function of the on-board 
computer displays the tire pressures (actual 
pressure) dependent on temperature in the four 
wheels.
You can watch the tire pressure rise as the 
temperature increases while driving.
This display is only for information.
fUnder no circumstances should the tire 
pressures be changed based on this display.
 Warning!
This display is for informational purposes 
only. Under no circumstances should the tire 
pressures be changed based on this display.
Changing the tire pressure to incorrect 
pressures could adversely affect the perfor-
mance, driving characteristics, and safety of 
your vehicle.
fMaintain tire pressures according to the units 
indicated on the tire pressure plate, located on the drivers side door of the vehicle.
Displaying the tire pressure function of the 
on-board computer
fPush operating lever up or down until the tire 
pressure function of the on-board computer 
appears.
(The selection field must be switched off.)Pressure info in tire pressure menu
In accordance with physical principles, the air 
pressure changes as the temperature changes. 
The tire pressure increases or decreases by 
around 1.5 psi (0.1 bar) for every 18 °F (10 °C) 
change in temperature. 
The Tire Pressure Monitoring takes this relation-
ship between tire pressure and temperature into 
account.
fPlease see the chapter “PRESSURE INCREASE 
AS THE RESULT OF TEMPERATURE 
INCREASE” on Page 152.
You can read the tire pressures to be 
corrected in this display. 

242
Practical Tips, Emergency Service Note
Under no circumstances should tires older than 6 
years be used on your Porsche. 
The age of the tire can be obtained from the “DOT” 
code number. If, for example, the last four num-
bers read 1208, then the tire was produced in the 
12th week of 2008. 
fStore tires in a cool and dry place. 
Snow tires For a better grip on snow and ice, use radial M+S 
tires with studs. 
Check with your local Motor Vehicle Bureau for 
possible restrictions. 
 Danger!
Risk of loss of control and damage to the 
vehicle as well as serious personal injury or 
death.
The standard tires profile and rubber mixture 
are optimized for wet and dry driving condi-
tions, and may not prove favorable for snow 
conditions. 
fTherefore install M+S tires before driving in such conditions. Before mounting snow tires, consult with 
your Porsche dealer. He has the technical 
information necessary to advise you on 
wheel and tire compatibility. 
Snow tires should have the same load capacity as 
original equipment tires and should be mounted on 
all four wheels. 
Snow tires with studs should be run at moderate 
speeds when new in order to give the studs time 
to settle.
 Danger!
Tires with badly worn treads and studs are 
very dangerous and could cause accidents 
resulting in serious personal injuries or 
death. 
fMake sure they are replaced immediately. 
fDo not drive a vehicle equipped with snow tires 
at prolonged high speed. 
Snow tires do not have the same degree of 
traction on dry, wet or snowfree roads as a 
normal tire. 
Furthermore, snow tires wear rapidly under 
these conditions. 
Comply with all state and local laws 
governing snow tire and tread depth 
requirements.
 Danger!
Risk of accident and serious personal injury 
or death due to excessive speed.
fAlways check the maximum speed rating on 
the tire sidewall on any tire on the vehicle.
fNever exceed the maximum speed rating of the tires. 
fFit winter tires to both axles well before the 
cold season begins. 
Your authorized Porsche dealer will be pleased 
to advise you.
Maintenance note
We recommend fitting snow tires on the vehicle at 
temperatures below 45 °F (7 °C) since the driving 
performance of summer tires is reduced at low 
temperatures. Summer tires may be permanently 
damaged at extremely low temperatures.
Winter tires lose their traction capability when their 
tread depth falls below 5/32 in. (4 mm). 

280
Practical Tips, Emergency Service
Towing Certain state statutes and local ordinances prohib-
it towing with a chain, rope or even a tow bar. 
In addition, damage to your vehicle may result 
from improper procedures. 
Consult your authorized Porsche dealer for de-
tails. Vehicle towing Flat bed towing is the preferred type of towing to 
be used on Porsche vehicles. 
Under certain circumstances, wheel lifts may be 
used when the vehicle will not roll. 
The vehicle must be towed with all four 
wheels off the ground, otherwise damage to 
the vehicle may result.
PDK selector lever emergency releaseIn the event of an electronics failure, the selector 
lever must be released for towing.
1. Lift up the rubber mat in the oddments tray.
2. Insert a screwdriver in the opening and press 
down until you feel it reach the limit position. 
The selector lever can now be moved to 
position N.
Towing hook The towing hook A is contained in the tool box in 
the luggage compartment. 
 Caution!
Risk of damage to the vehicle. 
fUse the towing hook only for an emergency to 
remove the vehicle off the road. The towing 
hook is to be used only to pull the vehicle onto 
the flat bed, tractor or towing aparatus if the 
vehicle will roll freely. Under no circumstances 
is the vehicle to be secured using the towing 
hook. 
fNever use the towing hook to tow this or any 
other vehicle.
fBear in mind the limited ground clearance of your car on uneven surfaces. 

Index
303
Lids ................................................... 260
Lifting/Sliding roof.............................. 179
Tank flap ............................................ 215
Emergency service ..................................... 234
Emergency starting with 
jumper cables..................................... 267, 268
Emission control system ............. 125, 218, 219
Engine
Checking the oil level........................... 153
Diagram ............................................. 299
Exhaust .................................................. 5
Number .............................................. 285
Oil consumption ............................ 10, 208
Oil level .............................................. 208
Oil level indicator................................ 153
Oil pressure ........................................ 124
Oil temperature................................... 116
Oils ............................................ 208, 290
Speeds ................................................ 10
Starting ................................................ 77
Stopping .............................................. 78
Engine compartment
Blower ......................................... 78, 120
Blower fan .......................................... 120
Care .................................................. 227
Lid ................................................. 93, 94
Lid warning light.................................... 93
Engine oil
Change .............................................. 210
Consumption ........................................ 10
Performance class .............................. 211
Recommendation ................................ 210
Topping off ......................................... 209
Viscosity ............................................ 211Exhaust
Pipes .....................................................5
System.................................................57
Tailpipes, stainless steel ......................229
External antenna .........................................100
FFabric linings ..............................................230
Filler flap ....................................................215
Filling pressure, tire.....................................289
Fire extinguisher .........................................102
Flat tire ......................................................251
Floor mats ..................................................230
Fluids .........................................................222
Fluids and fuels ...........................................290
FM reception ................................................98
Fog light, rear ...............................................80
Footbrake.....................................................58
Four-wheel drive ............................................63
Fresh air intake ...........................................109
Front lid .................................................93, 94
Fuel ................................................... 122, 215
Containers ......................................5, 217
Economy ............................................214
Evaporation control.............................217
Fuels containing ethanol.......................217
Level gage .........................................122
Level warning light..............................122
Recommendation ........................216, 217
Recommendations ..............................216
Tank ..................................................216
Function keys ...............................................39
Fuses, replacing .........................................259
GGarage
Door ................................................... 78
Door opener ...................................... 103
Lift .................................................... 254
Gear display ...................................... 112, 114
Gear shift indicator ..................................... 119
Glass rear hatch......................................... 200
Glass rear hatch (Targa)
Unlocking ............................................ 16
Glass roof.................................................. 200
Glove compartment ...................................... 92
Gong ....................................... 14, 75, 80, 129
Ground clearance ........................................... 5HHandbrake ................................................... 57
Hardtop ..................................................... 194
Putting on .......................................... 196
Removing .......................................... 194
Head restraints ............................................ 30
Headlights ................................................. 270
Adjusting ................................... 278, 279
Beam adjustment ................................. 81
Cleaning system ........................... 83, 220
Flasher ................................................ 82
Heated rear window..................................... 29
Heated rear window/Door mirror heating ..... 110
Heater ....................................................... 106
High beam
Indicator light ..................................... 119
Lever................................................... 80
High-pressure cleaning units........................ 224
Home mode................................................. 81