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
10_GT3_21.book Seite 56 Donnerstag, 4. Juni 2009 12:48 12
58
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
indicates 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
driving, 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
prevent 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
personal 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 misin-
terpret 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.
Warning light USA
Warning light Canada
10_GT3_21.book Seite 58 Donnerstag, 4. Juni 2009 12:48 12
Operation, Safety
61
Switching off Stability Control (SC) and
Traction Control (TC)fPress SC+TC OFF button.
Stability Control and Traction Control switch off
completely after a short delay.
The light-emitting diode in the button is lit up.
When the system is switched off, the multifunc-
tional PSM light on the instrument panel is lit
and the message “SC+TC OFF” appears conti-
nuously on the on-board computer.
A gong signal also sounds.
fPush the on-board computer lever forward to
acknowledge the additional message under
the digital speedometer.– All PSM functions are deactivated.
– The ABS remains active.
Note
If the PSM is deactivated directly using the
SC+TC OFF button, the light-emitting diode of the
SC OFF button also lights up.
Switching Stability Control (SC) and
Traction Control (TC) back onfPress SC+TC OFF button.
PSM 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.
– The multifunctional light on the instrument
panel lights up for a lamp check when the
ignition is switched on.
– The light flashes to indicate PSM control
operations.
– In conjunction with a message on the on-board
computer, the light indicates that PSM is fully
or partially deactivated.
An acoustic signal also sounds.
– The light indicates a fault in conjunction with a
message on the on-board computer.
PSM is out of order.fHave the fault repaired at your authorized
Porsche dealer immediately.
fPlease see the chapter “PUTTING VEHICLE
INTO OPERATION” on Page 218.
TowingfPlease see the chapter “TOWING” on
Page 235.Checks on test standsBrake 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 on the brake test stand must
only be carried out with the ignition switched
off.
Power measurement
Power measurements on roller test stands are not
approved by Porsche.
Multifunctional PSM light
10_GT3_21.book Seite 61 Donnerstag, 4. Juni 2009 12:48 12
66
Operation, Safety
A, C - Switch for reading light on driver/passenger side
B- Switch for interior light and footwell lights
D-Orientation lightInterior LightsfPlease see the chapter “LOAD SWITCH-OFF
AFTER 2 HOURS OR 7 DAYS” on Page 208.For vehicles with automatic anti-dazzle
mirrors
fSwitch off the automatic anti-dazzle operation
of the mirrors before you switch on the interior
light.
Otherwise the mirrors may accidentally swivel
into the anti-dazzle position.
Interior lights, reading lightsSwitching off
fPress left half of switch.
Switching to continuous illumination
fPress right half of switch.
Switching on and off automatically
fMove switch to center position.
The interior and footwell lights are switched
on when a door is unlocked or opened or when
the ignition key is withdrawn from the ignition
lock.
The lights are switched off with a delay of
approx. 2 minutes after the doors are closed.
The light goes out immediately as soon as the
ignition is switched on or the vehicle is locked.
Orientation lightA light-emitting diode at the bottom of the interior
mirror improves orientation in the passenger
compartment when it is dark.
Note on operation
On vehicles with the Sport Chrono Package Plus,
the brightness of the orientation light can be
changed in PCM.
fPlease see the chapter “Individual Memory” in
the separate PCM Owner’s Manual.
10_GT3_21.book Seite 66 Donnerstag, 4. Juni 2009 12:48 12
70
Operation, Safety
Starting Procedures fPlease see the chapter “IMMOBILIZER” on
Page 18.
fPlease see the chapter “EMISSION CONTROL
SYSTEM” on Page 168.
Warning!
Serious injury or death may result if you are
involved in a collision without having
fastened the safety belts.
fFasten safety belts before driving away. Before starting the engine fApply the footbrake.
fMove the gearshift lever into neutral.
The clutch pedal must be depressed fully
before the starter will engage.
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
ignition key.
The first operation of the starter is ended
automatically 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 compon-
ents 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
enclosed, unventilated area.
It is not recommended to sit in your car for
prolonged 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
unnoticed.
fNever leave the engine idling unattended.
Risk of fire due to hot exhaust system.
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
other 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.
10_GT3_21.book Seite 70 Donnerstag, 4. Juni 2009 12:48 12
Operation, Safety
73
Warning chime
If the ignition key is withdrawn and the door is
opened while the lights (not the parking light or
Welcome Home lighting) are on, a chime warns of
possible battery discharge.
In some countries, differences are possible
due to provisions of law.
Daytime running lightsThe daytime running lights are integrated in the
front auxiliary headlights. These lights are
switched on only when the engine is running and
with the light switch in the positions OFF or HOME.
Operation of the daytime running lights may vary
depending on country-specific regulations.
Canada only:
In addition to the auxiliary headlights the parking
lights are switched on.
USA only:
The daytime running lights can be deactivated in
the on-board computer.
fPlease see the chapter “LIGHT” on Page 146.
Light SwitchLights switched off
Daytime running lights are switched on
when the engine is running.
Welcome Home Function
Daytime running lights are switched on
when the engine is running.
Parking lights, side marker lights,
license plate light, instrument illumination
switched on, daytime running lights
switched off
Low beam, high beam
Only with ignition on,
daytime running lights switched off
Rear fog light
Pull switch.
Indicator light on.
10_GT3_21.book Seite 73 Donnerstag, 4. Juni 2009 12:48 12
74
Operation, Safety
Dynamic Cornering LightAbove a speed of 6 mph (10 km/h) the low beam
is swivelled into the direction of the bend for better
illumination of the road.
If the dynamic cornering light malfunctions, the
blue high beam indicator light in the tachometer
starts to flash.Individual Light FunctionsFurther individual light functions are available in
vehicles equipped with the Sport Chrono Package
Plus.
fPlease see the chapter “Individual Memory” in
the separate PCM Owner’s Manual.
Welcome Home LightingSwitching onfMove light switch to the HOME position.
For improved visibility and security when you get
in and out of the car, the daytime running lights
and the tail lights remain on for a certain period of
time:
–When you get out of the car, the lights are
turned on for approx. 30 seconds after the
door is opened. The off-delay time resumes
when the vehicle is locked.
On vehicles with the Sport Chrono Package
Plus, the PCM can be used to set the off-delay
time. This setting also changes the lighting
period for unlocking the vehicle.
Please see the chapter “Individual Memory” in
the separate PCM Owner’s Manual.
– The lights are turned on for approx.
30 seconds when the vehicle is unlocked.
The lights go out if the ignition is switched on
or when leaving the Welcome Home lighting.
Automatic Headlight Beam
Adjustment Vehicles with Bi-Xenon headlights feature
dynamic headlight beam adjustment.
When the ignition is switched on, the level of the
headlight beam automatically changes in accor-
dance with the vehicle load.
The level of the headlight beam is automatically
kept constant during acceleration and braking. Checking operation 1. Switch the low beam on.
2. Insert ignition key and switch ignition on.
The light beam first dips all the way down and
is then adapted to the vehicle load.
If this test item is not met, the headlight beam
adjustment system must be checked by an autho-
rized Porsche dealer.
10_GT3_21.book Seite 74 Donnerstag, 4. Juni 2009 12:48 12
Operation, Safety
75
Turn Signal / Headlight Dimmer /
Parking light / Flasher Lever Turn signals, low beam and high beam are ready
for operation when the ignition is on.
1 – Turn signal left
2 – Turn signal right
Push the lever to the upper or lower pressure
point – turn signals flash three times
3 – High beam
4 – Headlight flasher
Lever in center position – Low beam
When high beam and headlight flasher are
selected, the blue indicator light in the tachometer
is lit. The turn signal lever turns off automatically when
the steering wheel is straightened out after
completing a turn.
Lane changer fTo indicate your intention when changing lanes
on the freeway, slightly lift or depress the lever
to the resistance point.
The lever will return to the OFF position when
released.
fIf the frequency of the display becomes notice-
ably faster, check the operation of the turn
signal bulbs. Headlight flasher (With ignition on or off)
fTo flash the headlights to oncomming
motorists, slightly pull the lever toward the
steering wheel and then release it.
The blue indicator light in the tachometer will
go on/off as you pull/release the lever. Parking lightThe parking light can only be switched on when
the ignition is switched off.
fMove the lever up or down to switch on the
right or left parking light.
10_GT3_21.book Seite 75 Donnerstag, 4. Juni 2009 12:48 12