6Service brakeBoth the standard brake system with composite
brake discs and the Porsche Ceramic Composite
Brake (PCCB) are high-performance brake
systems, designed specifically for driving on race
circuits.
Certain speeds, braking forces and ambient condi-
tions (e. g. temperature and humidity) therefore
might cause brake noises. This also applies after
completion of the running-in phase required for the
new brake components.
Wear on the different components of the braking
system, such as brake pads and brake discs,
depends to a great extent on the individual driving
style and the conditions of use and therefore
cannot be expressed in actual miles on the road.
The values communicated by Porsche are based
on normal operation adapted to traffic. Wear incre-
ases considerably when the vehicle is driven on
race tracks or through an aggressive driving style.
fPlease consult an authorized Porsche dealer
about the current guidelines in effect before
such use of your vehicle.
Aerodynamic componentsTo benefit from the high driving performance
without impairing the driving safety or the service
life of the vehicle components, certain vehicle
parts must be always fully operational while
driving.
fRegularly check your vehicle for signs of
damage.
Damaged, worn or missing aerodynamic
components such as spoilers or underside
panels affect driving behaviour and must there-
fore be replaced immediately.
To optimize the cooling of the brake discs, air
brake spoilers are fitted to the front and rear
running gear control arms as well as special air
brake ducts on the rear axle.
If these air-brake spoilers or air-brake ducts are
not fitted and there is a high thermal demand on
the braking system, the service life of the brake
discs could be reduced.
Brake wear expectations are based on normal
operations in street traffic. Wear increases consi-
derably when the vehicle is driven on race tracks
or with an aggressive driving style. Wear will also
increase considerably if the brakes are not
warmed up before being raced.
The aerodynamic stability of the vehicle is influ-
enced considerably at high speeds by the front lip.Due to the reduced ground clearance required for
optimization of road handling, the front lip and the
air-brake spoilers have to be placed in exposed
positions to fulfil their function. They can be
damaged, for example by ground or curbstone
contact.
SeatingYour car has two seats.
The area behind the seats is not intended for
passengers.
Danger!
In the event of an accident, serious personal
injury or death can result.
fNever allow anyone to sit in the area behind the
seats.
Persons occupying the area to the rear of the
two seats will not have a safety belt or airbag
protection, and in the event of an accident,
would be thrown around within or to the
outside of the vehicle compartment with
probable serious personal injury or death as the result.
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Table of Contents
9 Table of Contents
Engine Exhaust ............................................... 8
Dear Porsche Owner ..................................... 11
Before driving off... ....................................... 11
In the driver’s seat... ..................................... 12
On the road... ............................................... 12
Break in hints for the first
2,000 miles/3,000 kilometers ....................... 13
Never invite car theft! .................................... 17
Keys ............................................................ 18
Key with Radio Remote Control ...................... 19
Doors .......................................................... 21
Central Locking ............................................ 22
Alarm System,
Passenger Compartment Monitoring .............. 26
Power Windows ............................................ 28
Door mirrors ................................................ 30
Inside mirror ................................................. 31
Automatic Anti-Glare Interior Mirror and Door
Mirror .......................................................... 31
Rear Window Defogger, Door Mirror Heating ... 32
Seat Adjustment and Head Restraints ............. 33
Heated Seats ............................................... 36
Steering Wheel Adjustment ............................ 36
Sun Visors.................................................... 37
Safety Belts.................................................. 38
Airbag Systems ............................................ 41
Child Restraint Systems ................................ 47
LATCH System
Child seat bracket on the passenger’s seat ..... 51
Child Restraint Anchorages ............................ 52
Clutch Pedal ................................................. 53
Parking Brake ............................................... 53Brakes ......................................................... 54
ABS Brake System
(Antilock Brake System)................................. 57
Porsche Stability Management (PSM).............. 59
Sport mode .................................................. 62
Porsche Active Suspension Management
(PASM) ......................................................... 63
Dynamic Engine Mounting (PADM) .................. 63
Front Axle Lift System ................................... 64
Interior Lights ............................................... 66
Ignition/Starter Switch with
anti-theft Steering Lock ................................. 67
Starting Procedures ...................................... 70
Stopping Engine ........................................... 71
Emergency Flasher Switch............................. 72
Light Switch ................................................. 73
Dynamic Cornering Light ............................... 74
Individual Light Functions ............................... 74
Welcome Home Lighting ................................ 74
Automatic Headlight Beam Adjustment ........... 74
Turn Signal / Headlight Dimmer /
Parking light / Flasher Lever .......................... 75
Windshield Wiper / Washer Lever ................... 76
Automatic Speed Control ............................... 78
Cupholder .................................................... 80
Ashtray ........................................................ 81
Cigarette Lighter........................................... 82
Storage in the Passenger Compartment ......... 83
Luggage Compartment Lid and Engine
Compartment Lid .......................................... 85
Luggage Compartment ................................. 86
Trunk Entrapment ......................................... 88Porsche Communication Management (PCM)... 89
Car Telephone and Aftermarket Alarms........... 91
iPod, USB and AUX ....................................... 93
Fire Extinguisher ........................................... 94
HomeLink ..................................................... 95
Automatic Air Conditioning System .................98
Central and Side Vents ................................ 101
Fresh-air Intake ........................................... 101
Heated Rear Window/Door Mirror Heating..... 102
Instrument Panel USA Models ...................... 104
Instrument Panel Canada Models.................. 106
Engine Oil Temperature ............................... 108
Automatic Speed Control Indicator light ........ 108
Instrument Illumination................................. 108
Trip Odometer ............................................ 109
Speedometer ............................................. 110
Changing over between Miles / Kilometers.... 110
Tachometer ................................................ 111
Turn Signal Indicator Light ........................... 111
High Beam Indicator Light ............................ 111
Upshift indicator.......................................... 111
Cooling System .......................................... 112
Fuel ........................................................... 113
Clock .........................................................114
Outside Temperature................................... 114
Engine Oil Pressure ..................................... 115
Check Engine (Emission Control) .................. 116
On-Board Computer (BC)............................. 117
Warnings on the instrument panel and the
on-board computer...................................... 148
Manual Transmission, Clutch ........................ 155
Upshift indicator.......................................... 155
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16
Operation, Safety
Operation, SafetyEngine Exhaust ............................................... 8
Dear Porsche Owner ..................................... 11
Before driving off... ....................................... 11
In the driver’s seat... ..................................... 12
On the road... ............................................... 12
Break in hints for the first
2,000 miles/3,000 kilometers ....................... 13
Never invite car theft! .................................... 17
Keys ............................................................ 18
Key with Radio Remote Control ...................... 19
Doors .......................................................... 21
Central Locking ............................................ 22
Alarm System,
Passenger Compartment Monitoring .............. 26
Power Windows ............................................ 28
Door mirrors ................................................ 30
Inside mirror ................................................. 31
Automatic Anti-Glare Interior Mirror and Door
Mirror .......................................................... 31
Rear Window Defogger, Door Mirror Heating ... 32
Seat Adjustment and Head Restraints ............. 33
Heated Seats ............................................... 36
Steering Wheel Adjustment ............................ 36
Sun Visors.................................................... 37
Safety Belts.................................................. 38
Airbag Systems ............................................ 41
Child Restraint Systems ................................ 47
LATCH System
Child seat bracket on the passenger’s seat ..... 51
Child Restraint Anchorages ............................ 52
Clutch Pedal ................................................. 53
Parking Brake ............................................... 53Brakes ......................................................... 54
ABS Brake System
(Antilock Brake System)................................. 57
Porsche Stability Management (PSM).............. 59
Sport mode .................................................. 62
Porsche Active Suspension Management
(PASM) ......................................................... 63
Dynamic Engine Mounting (PADM) .................. 63
Front Axle Lift System ................................... 64
Interior Lights ............................................... 66
Ignition/Starter Switch with
anti-theft Steering Lock ................................. 67
Starting Procedures ...................................... 70
Stopping Engine ........................................... 71
Emergency Flasher Switch............................. 72
Light Switch ................................................. 73
Dynamic Cornering Light ............................... 74
Individual Light Functions ............................... 74
Welcome Home Lighting ................................ 74
Automatic Headlight Beam Adjustment ........... 74
Turn Signal / Headlight Dimmer /
Parking light / Flasher Lever .......................... 75
Windshield Wiper / Washer Lever ................... 76
Automatic Speed Control ............................... 78
Cupholder .................................................... 80
Ashtray ........................................................ 81
Cigarette Lighter........................................... 82
Storage in the Passenger Compartment ......... 83
Luggage Compartment Lid and Engine
Compartment Lid .......................................... 85
Luggage Compartment ................................. 86
Trunk Entrapment ......................................... 88Porsche Communication Management (PCM)... 89
Car Telephone and Aftermarket Alarms........... 91
iPod, USB and AUX ....................................... 93
Fire Extinguisher ........................................... 94
HomeLink ..................................................... 95
10_GT3_21.book Seite 16 Donnerstag, 4. Juni 2009 12:48 12
54
Operation, Safety The warning lights in the instrument panel and on-
board computer will go out after the parking brake
is fully released.
The warning lights are not an indicator that the
parking brake is fully set; it is only intended to be
a warning to release the parking brake before
driving the car. Caution!
A partially engaged brake will overheat the
rear brakes, reduce their effectiveness and
cause excessive wear.
fRelease the parking brake fully.
fWhen parking your car, always set the parking
brake by pulling all the way up on the lever.
fMove the gearshift lever to reverse or first
gear.
fOn hills also turn the front wheels towards the
curb.
Brakes fMake it a habit to check the operation of your
brakes before driving.
Keep in mind that the braking distance increases
very rapidly as the speed increases. At 60 mph or
100 km/h, for example, it is not twice but four
times longer than 30 mph or 50 km/h. Tire
traction is also less effective when the roads are
wet or slippery.
fTherefore, always maintain a safe distance
from the car in front of you.
Vehicles without Porsche Ceramic Compo-
site Brake (PCCB)
Even though the brake discs consist of alloyed
grey cast iron, they will unavoidably start to
corrode if your car is parked for an extended
period. The brakes will tend to “rub” as a result.
The nature, extent and effects of corrosion
depend on the amount of time the vehicle was
parked, whether granular or liquid road salt was
spread and whether grease-dissolving agents
were used in car washes.
If the braking comfort is noticeably impaired, we
recommend having the brake system checked by
experts at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Brake system function Your Porsche is equipped with a power assisted
hydraulic dual circuit brake system with disc
brakes at the front and rear.
Both circuits function independently. One brake
circuit operates the front and the other operates
the rear.
If one brake circuit has failed, the other will still
operate. However, you will notice an increased
pedal travel when you apply the brakes.
Failure of one brake circuit will cause the stopping
distance to increase.
Warning!
Risk of an accident, resulting in serious
personal injury or death.
In the unlikely event of hydraulic failure of
one brake circuit:
fPush the brake pedal down firmly and hold it in
that position.
A mechanical linkage activates the second
circuit, and you will be able to bring the vehicle
to a stop.
fAfter bringing your vehicle to a complete stop,
avoid driving the vehicle and instead have it
towed to the nearest authorized Porsche dealer for repair.
Parking brake warning light USA
Parking brake warning light
Canada
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Operation, Safety
55
Brake system warning light
You can check the functionality of the brake
system warning light by switching the ignition to
the “On” position and verifying that the warning
light illuminates.
If the warning lights in the instrument panel and on-
board computer go on while driving, the brake
fluid level may be too low, or (if the brake pedal
travel has increased) one of the two brake circuits
may have failed.
A greater braking pressure will be required,
stopping distances will be longer and the braking
behavior will change, particularly in curves.
With correctly adjusted brakes, and a correctly
working brake system, the pedal travel to the
point of brake actuation should be 1-3/16 in. to
1-9/16 in. or 30 to 40 mm.
Whenever the brake pedal travel exceeds this
distance, have the brake system checked.
Brake pedal
Warning!
Risk of an accident, resulting in serious
personal injury or death.
Any obstruction of the brake pedal could
increase the stopping distance.
fAlways check the movement of the brake pedal
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.
Note
In case one of the two brake circuits fails, incre-
ased pedal travel is required to bring your vehicle
to a full stop.
Warning!
To avoid overheating and premature wear of
the brakes:
fBefore descending a steep grade, reduce
speed and shift the transmission into a lower
gear to control speed.
fDo not “ride the brakes” by resting your foot on
the pedal when not intending to apply brake
pressure.
fDo not hold the pedal down too long or too
often.
This could cause the brakes to get hot and not function properly.
Brake warning light USA
Brake warning light Canada
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56
Operation, Safety
Brake booster The brake booster assists braking only when
the engine is running.
When the car is moving while the engine is not
running, or if the brake booster is defective, more
pressure on the brake pedal is required to bring
the car to a stop.
If this happens, ABS and PSM will also not
operate.
Moisture or road salt on brakes affects braking.
Brakes will dry after a few cautious brake applica-
tions.
Warning!
Risk of an accident, resulting in serious
personal injury or death.
Driving through water may reduce the
traction.
Moisture on brakes from road water, car
wash, or coating of road salt may affect
braking efficiency.
fCautiously apply brakes to test brakes after exposure to road water, etc.
Brake wear Your car has excellent brakes, but they are still
subject to wear. The rate at which they wear
depends on how the brakes are used.
fHave the brake system inspected at the
intervals recommended in your Maintenance
Booklet.
Brake system warning light
You can check the functionality of the brake
system warning light by switching the ignition to
the “On” position and verifying that the warning
light illuminates.
If the warning lights in the instrument panel and on-
board computer stay on when the engine is
running or come on while driving, the brake pads
are worn excessively.
fDo not continue to operate the vehicle.
Have your authorized Porsche dealer inspect
or replace the brake pads.
Brake pads Wear on the brake pads and brake discs depends
to a great extent on the driving style and the condi-
tions of use and therefore cannot be expressed in
actual miles on the road.
The high-performance brake system is designed
for optimal braking effect at all speeds and tempe-
ratures.
Certain speeds, braking forces and ambient
conditions (such as temperature and humidity)
therefore might cause “brake noises”. This also
applies after completion of the breaking-in period
required for the new brake components.
New brake pads or linings
New brake pads and brake discs have to be
“broken in”, and therefore only attain optimal
friction when the car has covered several hundred
miles or km.
The slightly reduced braking ability must be
compensated for by pressing the brake pedal
harder. This also applies whenever the brake pads
and brake discs are replaced.
Warning light USA
Warning light Canada
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Operation, Safety
59
Porsche Stability Management
(PSM)PSM is an active control system for stabilization of
the vehicle during extreme driving maneuvers.
Warning!
Risk of an accident, resulting in serious
personal 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 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.
Advantages of PSM– Improved traction and lane-holding ability in all
driving situations – even on road surfaces with
varying friction.
– The system compensates for undesired lateral
vehicle reactions when the driver releases the
accelerator pedal or brakes when cornering.
This compensation functions up to the
maximum lateral acceleration.
– PSM actively helps stabilize the vehicle as
required during dynamic driving maneuvers
(e.g. rapid steering movements, during lane
changes or on alternating bends).
– Improved braking stability in curves and on
different or varying road surfaces.
10_GT3_21.book Seite 59 Donnerstag, 4. Juni 2009 12:48 12
60
Operation, Safety Readiness for operation
PSM is switched on automatically every time you
start the engine.
PSM should always be switched on during
“normal” driving.
However, it may make sense to switch off PSM
temporarily in exceptional situations, for example:
– On a loose surface or in deep snow,
– when “rocking the vehicle free” and
– when using snow chains.
Switching off PSMPSM can be switched off in 2 stages:
– Stage 1 SC OFF:
Switch off Stability Control (SC).
– Stage 2 SC+TC OFF:
Also switch off Traction Control (TC).
Danger!
There is a risk of accident due to loss of
control of the vehicle. There is no stabilizing
brake control in either switch-off stages
(even when the brakes are used).
fPSM should always be switched on during
“normal” driving. This particularly applies in wet conditions.
Switching off Stability Control (SC)Precondition:
The light-emitting diode in the SC+TC OFF button
must be off.
fPress SC OFF button.
Stability Control is switched off after a short
delay.
The light-emitting diode in the button is lit up.
When the system is switched off, the multi-
functional PSM light on the instrument panel
is lit and the message “SC OFF” appears
continuously on the on-board computer.
An acoustic signal also sounds.
– When Stability Control is switched off, sportier
Traction Control is activated.
– Brake control is deactivated.
– The ABS remains active.Switching Stability Control (SC) back onfPress SC OFF button.
Stability Control is switched on after a short
delay.
The light-emitting diode in the button and the
multi-functional PSM light on the instrument
panel go out.
The on-board computer shows a message.
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