Before driving off...
11
Dear Porsche Owner A lot has gone into the manufacture of your
Porsche, including advanced engineering, rigid
quality control and demanding inspections.
These engineering and safety features will be
enhanced by you... the safe driver... – who knows his/her car and all controls,
– who maintains the vehicle properly,
– who uses driving skills wisely and always
drives within her/his own capabilities and the
level of familiarity with the vehicle.
You will find helpful hints in this manual on how to
perform most of the checks listed on the following
pages.
If in doubt, have these checks performed by your
authorized Porsche dealer.
Before driving off... Check the following items first fTurn the engine off before you attempt any
checks or repairs on the vehicle.
fBe sure the tires are inflated correctly.
Check tires for damage and tire wear.
fSee that wheel bolts are properly tightened
and not loose or missing.
fCheck engine oil level, add if necessary.
Make it a habit to have engine oil checked with
every refueling.
fCheck all fluid levels such as windshield
washer and brake fluid levels.
fBe sure the vehicle battery is well charged and
cranks the engine properly.
fCheck all doors and lids for proper operation
and latch them properly.
fCheck, and if necessary replace worn or
cracked wiper blades.
fSee that all windows are clear and
unobstructed.
fCheck air intake slots and area between
luggage compartment lid and windshield.
Ensure that these areas are free of snow and
ice, so the heater and the windshield wipers
work properly. fIf a child will be riding in the vehicle, check
child seat/child seat restraint system to ensure
that restraints are properly adjusted.
fChild restraint systems will not fit into the
Sports bucket seat.
Do not install a child restraint system in the
Sports bucket seat.
The Sports bucket seat cannot be equipped
with the LATCH system and thus the airbag
system cannot be manually deactivated.
fCheck all exterior and interior lights for opera-
tion and that the lenses are clean.
fCheck the headlights for proper aim, and if
necessary, have them adjusted.
fCheck under the vehicle for leaks.
fBe sure all luggage is stowed securely.
Emergency equipment It is good practice to carry emergency equipment
in your vehicle.
Some of the items you should have are:
window scraper, snow brush, container or bag of
sand or salt, emergency light, small shovel, first-
aid kit, etc.
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Instruments, On-Board Computer
113
Level gauge
When the ignition is on the fuel level is displayed.
fPlease see the chapter “CAPACITIES” on
Page 239.
If the vehicle’s inclination changes (e.g. going up
or downhill), minor deviations in the indication may
occur. Note
If a small quantity of fuel is added to a nearly
empty fuel tank, the fuel gauge cannot measure
the added fuel accurately. The „remaining range“
readout will also be incorrect.
Warning light “A” When the engine is running, the warning light
of the level gauge lights up if less than approx.
2.6 U.S. gallons (10
liters) of fuel remains in the
tank.
Additionally, a warning is displayed in the on-board
computer.
fFill up at the next opportunity.
Caution!
To prevent damage to the emission control
system and engine.
fNever drive the tank completely out of fuel.
fAvoid high cornering speeds after the warning lights have come on.
fPlease see the chapter “EMISSION CONTROL
SYSTEM” on Page 168.If the level gauge warning light flashes, there
has been a system fault.
Additionally, a warning is displayed in the on-board
computer.
There will then be no reserve warning.
fTo remedy the fault, go to an authorized
Porsche dealer.
Fuel
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116
Instruments, On-Board Computer
Check Engine
(Emission Control)The emission control system detects malfunctions
early that could, for example, cause increased
pollutant emissions or consequential damage.
Faults are indicated by a continuously lit or
flashing instrument panel warning light.
The faults are recorded in the control unit's fault
memory.
The warning light in the instrument panel lights up
when the ignition is switched on as a bulb check
and goes out approx. 4 seconds after the engine
starts. If the warning light does not light up, have
the bulb replaced promptly.
The warning light in the instrument panel flashes to
indicate operating states (e.g. engine misfiring)
which might cause damage to certain parts of the
emission control system.
fIn this case, immediately reduce the engine
load by easing off the accelerator.
fIn order to avoid consequential damage to the
engine or emission control system (e.g.
catalytic converter), have the fault diagnosed
and rectified immediately at the nearest autho-
rized Porsche dealer.If the warning light in the instrument panel lights up
permanently without flashing before and remains
on while driving, it suggests:
– a potential engine control problem and the
need for system service or
– an improperly fastened tank cap or
– the vehicle was refueled while the engine was
running.
fStop immediately at a suitable and secure
place and check tank cap for proper fastening.
If tank cap was fastened correctly, see your
authorized Porsche dealer for service as soon
as possible.
Caution!
If the check engine warning light in the
instrument panel is flashing, serious
catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur.
Prolonged driving with the check engine
warning light on could cause damage to the
emission control system. It also could affect
fuel economy and driveability.
fHave the fault remedied at the nearest authorized Porsche dealer immediately.The central warning light on the instrument panel
lights up if there are warning messages in the
INFO menu.
The messages can be called in the on-board
computer INFO menu:
fPlease see the chapter “INFO WARNING
MESSAGES” on Page 123.
The warning light on the instrument panel lights
up:
– if the handbrake is on,
– if the brake fluid level is low,
– if the brake pads have reached the wear limit,
– if the brake circuit division is defective.
Additionally, a warning is displayed by the on-
board computer.
fPlease see the chapter “WARNINGS ON THE
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE ON-BOARD
COMPUTER” on Page 148.
Warning Light
Central Warning Light
Brake Warning Light USA
Brake Warning Light Canada
10_GT3_21.book Seite 116 Donnerstag, 4. Juni 2009 12:48 12
150
Warnings
Fuel gauge warning
lightConsider remaining range Refuel at next opportunity.
Check engine oil level Start engine oil level measurement in the on-board computer.
Engine oil pressure too low Stop immediately at a suitable place, measure oil level with the on-board computer and, if necessary,
add engine oil.
Warning light
Temperature gaugeEngine temperature too high Switch engine off and let it cool.
Check coolant level and, if necessary, add coolant.
Temperature gauge
warning light flashesCheck coolant level Switch engine off and let it cool.
Check coolant level and, if necessary, add coolant.
Check engine
visit workshopStop immediately at a suitable place and check tank cap for proper fastening. If the tank cap was
fastened correctly, consult your authorized Porsche dealer.
Reduced engine power Consult your authorized Porsche dealer.
Temperature gauge
warning light flashesFailure of
engine compartment blowerConsult your authorized Porsche dealer.
Warning Battery/generator Stop at a safe place and switch the engine off. Do not continue driving.
Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Failure
oil pressure
indicatorHave the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Failure
oil level
indicatorHave the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Oil temperature
indicator faultyHave the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.Instrument
panelOn-board
computerText display on on-board
computerMeaning/measure
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Maintenance, Car Care
165
Fuel
Warning!
Fuel is highly flammable and harmful to
health.
fFire, open flame and smoking are prohibited
when handling fuel.
fAvoid contact with skin or clothing.
fDo not inhale fuel vapors.
To prevent damage to the emission control
system and engine:
fNever drive the tank completely out of fuel.
fAvoid high cornering speeds after the warning lights have come on.
fPlease see the chapter “FUEL ECONOMY” on
Page 164.
Please see the chapter “EMISSION CONTROL
SYSTEM” on Page 168.
Please see the chapter “LEVEL GAUGE” on
Page 113.
Check engine warning light If the warning lights in the instrument panel and on-
board computer come on and remain on while
driving, it suggests:
– a potential engine control problem and the
need for system service or
– an improperly fastened tank cap or – refueling with engine running.
Opening the filler flapThe filler opening is under the filler flap in the front
right fender.
fWith the vehicle unlocked, press on the front
part of the filler flap (arrow) to open the flap.
The filler flap is centrally locked along with the
other locks. If there is a defect in the automatic unlocking
system:
fOpen the passenger door.
fPull the ring in the right-hand door aperture
(arrow).
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166
Maintenance, Car Care
Refueling Fuel tank capacity is listed under “Capacities”.
fPlease see the chapter “CAPACITIES” on
Page 239.
Porsche does not recommend the use of fuel
additives.
Fuel is highly flammable and harmful to
health.1.Important: Stop the engine and switch off the
ignition.
2. Slowly unscrew the tank cap.
Hang the tank cap's plastic strap on the hook
on the inside wall of the filler flap.
3. Insert fuel-hose nozzle fully into the filler neck
with the handle of the fuel-hose nozzle facing
down.
4. Do not add further fuel once the correctly
operated automatic fuel-hose nozzle has
switched off.
Fuel could spray or could run over in warm
temperatures.
5. Replace the tank cap immediately after
refueling and turn it until you hear it and feel it
engage.
If you lose the tank cap, you must replace it
only with an original part to reduce the possi-
bility of a fire in the event of a collision.
Caution!
Risk of damage. Body decals may bleach if
they come into contact with fuel.
fClean up any spilt fuel immediately.
Fuel Recommendations Your Porsche is equipped with catalytic conver-
ters and must use UNLEADED FUEL ONLY.
Your 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 recom-
mends 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
Octane™ knock control” will adapt the ignition
timing, if necessary.
It is important to observe the regular service inter-
vals, and particularly the oil change intervals,
specified in the “Maintenance” booklet.
The use of UNLEADED FUEL ONLY is critically
important to the life of the catalytic conver-
ters. Deposits from leaded fuels will ruin the
converters and make it ineffective as an
emission control device.
Cars with catalytic converters have a smaller fuel
tank opening, and gas station pumps have smaller
nozzles. This will prevent accidental pumping of
leaded fuel into cars with catalytic converters.
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Maintenance, Car Care
167
Unleaded fuels may not be available outside the
continental U.S. and Canada. Therefore, we
recommend you do not take your car to areas or
countries where unleaded fuel may not be
available. Octane ratings Octane rating indicates a fuel’s ability to resist
detonation. Therefore, buying the correct octane
gas is important to prevent engine “damage”.
The RON octane rating is based on the research
method. The CLC (U.S. Cost of Living Council
octane rating) or AKI (antiknock index) octane
rating usually displayed on U.S. fuel pumps is
calculated as research octane number plus motor
octane number, divided by 2, that is written as:
The CLC or AKI octane rating is usually lower than
the RON rating:
For example: 95 RON equals 90 CLC or AKI
Fuels containing ethanolDo not use any fuels containing more than 10
percent ethanol by volume.
We recommend, however, to change to a different
fuel or station if any of the following problems
occur with your vehicle:
– Deterioration of driveability and performance.
– Substantially reduced fuel economy.
– Vapor lock and non-start problems, especially
at high altitude or at high temperature.
– Engine malfunction or stalling. Portable Fuel Containers
Danger!
Portable fuel containers, full or partially
empty, may leak causing an explosion, or
result in fire in case of an accident.
fNever carry additional fuel in portable contai-ners in your vehicle.
Fuel Evaporation Control Fuel tank venting The evaporation chamber and the carbon canister
prevent fuel from escaping to the atmosphere at
extreme high outside temperatures, when driving
abruptly around curves and when the car is parked
at an incline or in any other nonlevel position. Vapor control system and storage When the fuel tank is filled, vapors are collected in
the evaporation chamber by a vent line leading the
vapors to the carbon canister where they are
stored as long as the engine does not run. Purge system When the engine is running, the fuel vapors from
the canister will be mixed with fresh air from the
ambient air of the canister. This mixture will be
directed to the intake air housing by the tank vent
line, mixed with the intake air and burned during
normal combustion. RON+MON
2R+M
2 or
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186
Practical Tips, Emergency Service fPlease see the chapter “TIRE PRESSURES FOR
COLD TIRES 68 °F/20 °C” on Page 237.
Each tire, should be checked every 2 weeks when
cold (68 °F/20 °C) and inflated to the inflation
pressure recommended in this Owner's Manual or
on the tire-pressure plate.
If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the
size indicated in this Owner's Manual or on the tire-
pressure plate, you should determine the proper
tire inflation pressure for those tires.
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a tire pressure monitoring (TPM)
that illuminates a low tire pressure message when
one or more of your tires is significantly under-
inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire pressure
message illuminates, you should stop and check
your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to
the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly
under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and
can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also
reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may
affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPM is not a substitute for
proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s
responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure,
even if under-inflation has not reached the level to
trigger illumination of the TPM low tire pressure
message.
fPlease see the chapter “TPM TIRE PRESSURE
MONITORING” on Page 134.
When tires are warm, the tire pressure is
increased.fNever let air out of hot tires.
This could cause the tire pressure to fall below
the prescribed value.
Insufficient tire filling pressure can cause tires to
overheat and thus be damaged – even invisibly.
Hidden tire damage is not eliminated by subse-
quently correcting the tire pressure.
Overloading
Danger!
Risk of damage to vehicle parts, loss of
control and serious personal injury or death.
fDo not overload your vehicle.
fIf loading the vehicle also correct the tire
pressure. Tire pressure for loaded vehicle can
be found on the tire pressure plate and in the
chapter technical data.
fNever exceed the specified axle load.
Overloading can shorten the service life of the
tires and car, as well as lead to dangerous
vehicle reactions and long braking distances.
Damage due to overloading is not covered by the vehicle warranty.
fPlease see the chapter “LOADING INFORMA-
TION” on Page 195.
fPlease see the chapter “TIRE PRESSURES FOR
COLD TIRES 68 °F/20 °C” on Page 237.
Example of a tire pressure plateTire pressure plateInformation on the tire pressure plate
A Seating capacity
Maximum number of vehicle occupants, inclu-
ding the driver.
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