5
Development philosophyPorsche 911 GT3 stands for a sports car with
exceptional performance, both on the road and on
the race track. This objective means that, in the
event of any compromise being required between
sportiness and comfort during the development
process, the tendency will be geared more
towards sportiness. This can result in the following
restrictions in comfort:
– Brake squeal when light pressure applied to
the pedal shortly before stopping.
– Rough engine operation in speed range around
3000 rpm.
– Cracking noise in area of front-axle coil
springs.
– Greater operating force for clutch and gear
shifting.
– Aerodynamic-related extremely low vehicle
position with restrictions in terms of ground
clearance.Sport tiresYour vehicle is equipped with special sport tires
(ultra high performance tires).
This type of tire is approved for use on public
highways and complies with all statutory require-
ments and safety criteria.The design of the tire is also geared towards use
on racing circuits (driver safety training courses,
sports driving schools, Club Sport events) and
provides distinct advantages here in terms of dry
grip and wear compared to conventional road
tires.
The major features are a reduced tread depth and
a special tread pattern and carcass.
Due to ultra high performance design and the
particular manufacturing process of these tires,
they must always be replaced in axle sets (2)
regardless of wear or mileage. Failure to do so
may have a negative affect on the handling charac-
teristics of the vehicle.
The design features of this sports tire result
in the following effects compared with other
summer tires when used under normal
driving conditions:
– Sport tires have a smaller tread depth, and
thus can reach their wear limit sooner.
As with all tires, the attainable mileage
depends on the individual driving style and the
conditions of use.
– Exercise caution when driving on wet roads,
paying special attention to hydroplaning situa-
tions (stagnant water, puddles, lane grooves).
Sport tires have a lower tread depth than
normal tires and you must therefore adapt
speed accordingly when driving on wet
surfaces.– The driver’s skill level must be commensurate
with the vehicle performance levels in the
upper range limits, due to increased safety
risks in the upper range limits.
fAt oudside temperatures below 45 °F (7 °C)
change to winter tires.
fNotify anyone using your car of these charac-
teristics and possible effects.
Danger!
Risk of accident through loss of road surface
contact, control over the vehicle and braking
ability, leading to serious personal injury or
death.
The reduced tire tread depth means that
there is an increased risk of hydroplaning on
wet roads.
fWhen driving on wet or mud-covered roads reduce speed significantly. Danger!
Risk of accident from worn tires.
Sport tires have a smaller tread depth, and
thus can reach their wear limit sooner.
It is important to check tire wear frequently
to avoid risk of serious personal injury or
death from worn tires.
fCheck tire wear frequently.
10_GT3_21.book Seite 5 Donnerstag, 4. Juni 2009 12:48 12
10
Table of Contents Exercise Extreme Caution when Working
on your Vehicle ........................................... 157
Coolant Level ............................................. 158
Engine Oil................................................... 159
Engine Oil Level .......................................... 160
Brake Fluid Level ........................................ 162
Fuel Economy ............................................. 164
Operating your Porsche in other Countries .... 164
Fuel ........................................................... 165
Fuel Recommendations............................... 166
Portable Fuel Containers ............................. 167
Fuel Evaporation Control ............................. 167
Emission Control System............................. 168
How Emission Control Works ....................... 169
Washer Fluid............................................... 170
Power Steering ........................................... 171
Air Filter ..................................................... 172
Combination Filter ....................................... 172
Manual Transmission Oil .............................. 172
Wiper Blades .............................................. 173
Car Care Instructions.................................. 174
Exercise Extreme Caution when Working
on your Vehicle ........................................... 183
Tires/Wheels .............................................. 184
Loading Information .................................... 195
Wheels with Central Locking ........................ 197
Central Bolts .............................................. 197
Changing a Wheel ....................................... 198
Checking Tire Pressure with a
Pressure Gauge .......................................... 203
Flat Tire ..................................................... 203
Lifting the Vehicle with a Lifting Platform or
Garage Lift ................................................. 206
Electrical System ........................................ 207
Battery....................................................... 211Replacing the remote-control battery ............216
Emergency Starting with Jumper Cables .......217
Bulb chart ..................................................219
Lights, Replacing Bulbs ...............................219
Headlights ..................................................220
License Plate Light ......................................227
Front Side Lights, Front Turn Signal Lights,
Daytime Running Lights, Tail Lights and
Additional Brake Light..................................227
Adjusting Headlights ....................................228
Towing .......................................................230
Vehicle Identification....................................234
Technical Data ............................................236
Engine Diagram at full Power .......................242
10_GT3_21.book Seite 10 Donnerstag, 4. Juni 2009 12:48 12
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.
10_GT3_21.book Seite 11 Donnerstag, 4. Juni 2009 12:48 12
64
Operation, Safety
Front Axle Lift SystemThe front axle lift system enables the body to be
electropneumatically raised at the front by about
1.18 in. (30 mm) (front edge of front spoiler).
This in turn enables damage to the body to be
prevented, which e. g. may occur when driving
into multi-level parking garages with steep ramps
or over speed bumps.Readiness for operationThe front axle lift system is operational when the
engine is running and the vehicle is at a standstill
or up to a speed of approx. 30 mph (50 km/h).
The vehicle is automatically lowered to the basic
level again when a speed of approx. 30 mph
(50 km/h) is exceeded.
Raising front axle fPress button in the center console.
The vehicle is raised at the front axle within
approx. 3 seconds.
When the lift function is activated, the light-
emitting diode in the button is lit.The logo “LIFT” also appears next to the digital
speedometer when the front axle is fully raised.
Caution!
Risk of damage through uncontrolled
lowering of the front axle at engine standstill.
In this particular system, the retaining
position cannot be maintained in the upper
position over an extended period without
active replenishing of the pressure accumu-
lator or engine operation.
fAlways park the vehicle in the lowered position.
10_GT3_21.book Seite 64 Donnerstag, 4. Juni 2009 12:48 12
Operation, Safety
65
Lowering front axle fPress button in the center console.
The vehicle is lowered to the basic level.
The light-emitting diode in the button and in the
tachometer goes out.
Caution!
Risk of damage through bottoming out the
vehicle.
fDo not lower the vehicle when it is positioned above an obstacle.
Notes on operation
Warning messageFront axle lift system faults are indicated by
a warning message on the on-board computer.
fPlease see the chapter “WARNINGS ON THE
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE ON-BOARD
COMPUTER” on Page 148.
– When raised, the damping properties of the
front axle change and noise may be heard in
the area of the front axle coil springs during
steering movements.
– The doors must be closed when lowering the
front axle.
–The blowing-off procedure may result in
system-related hissing noise. This does not
represent a malfunction in the lift system.– During extended vehicle immobilization, the
pressure accumulator may be completely
emptied. In this case, the first time the axle is
raised, a period of up to 2 minutes may elapse
before the vehicle height is reached and “LIFT”
is displayed.
– A flashing LED in the button indicates that the
system is currently not available. Possible
causes may be:
> Automatic overload protection is active.
The system will be available again
following a brief cooling-down phase.
The cooling-down phase may be
extended when outside temperatures
are very high.
> The speed threshold of 30 mph
(50 km/h) has been exceeded. The
system will be available again once the
speed falls below the threshold.
> If automatic lowering is actuated by
exceeding a speed of approx. 30 mph
(50 km/h) in combination with hard
acceleration, the required lowering
duration may mean that “LIFT not
lowered” is displayed. The display goes
out again as soon as the front axle has
been completely lowered.
10_GT3_21.book Seite 65 Donnerstag, 4. Juni 2009 12:48 12
104
Instruments, On-Board Computer
Instrument Panel USA Models Also refer to the corresponding chapters in
the Owner’s Manual.
1.Engine oil temperature gauge
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.Upshift indicator
9.Cooling system
Temperature gauge, warning light
10.Fuel
Level gauge, warning light
11.Engine oil pressure gauge
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.ABS warning light
24.Clock and outside temperature display
25.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. 10_GT3_21.book Seite 104 Donnerstag, 4. Juni 2009 12:48 12
106
Instruments, On-Board Computer
Instrument Panel Canada Models Also refer to the corresponding chapters in
the Owner’s Manual.
1.Engine oil temperature gauge
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.Upshift indicator
9.Cooling system
Temperature gauge, warning light
10.Fuel
Level gauge, warning light
11.Engine oil pressure gauge
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.ABS warning light
24.Clock and outside temperature display
25.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. 10_GT3_21.book Seite 106 Donnerstag, 4. Juni 2009 12:48 12
Instruments, On-Board Computer
115
With the engine warmed up and running at a speed
of 3000 rpm, the engine oil pressure should be
approx. 3.5 bar or higher.If oil pressure drops abruptly and a message
is displayed on the on-board computer when
the engine is running on or when driving:
fStop immediately in a suitable place.
fSwitch off the engine.
fCheck whether there is an obvious oil leak on
or under the car.
fIf no oil leak can be detected:
Measure the oil level using the on-board
computer with the engine idling.
Please see the chapter “OIL DISPLAY AND
MEASUREMENT OF THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL”
on Page 143.
fAdd engine oil if necessary.
Please see the chapter “ENGINE OIL LEVEL”
on Page 160.
Caution!
Risk of engine damage.
fDo not continue driving if there is an obvious oil
leak.
fDo not continue driving if the warning lights
come on even though oil level is correct.
fHave the fault remedied at the nearest authorized Porsche dealer.If the battery voltage drops abruptly, a warning
message will be displayed by the on-board
computer.
If the warning is displayed by the on-board
computer while the engine is running or while
driving:
fStop the car in a safe place and stop the
engine.
Possible causes
– Defect in the battery charging system.
– Broken drive belt.
Warning!
Risk of engine damage with resultant loss of
control and accident, leading to serious
personal injury or death.
A broken drive belt means there is no power
assistance to the steering (more effort is
required to steer) and coolant pump function
will stop.
fDo not continue driving.
fHave the fault remedied at the nearest autho-rized Porsche dealer.
Engine Oil Pressure
Battery
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