Before driving off...
15
1 Light switch, Page 73
2 Ignition lock/steering lock, Page 67
3 Turn signal/headlight dimmer,
flasher lever, Page 75
4 Operating lever for on-board computer,
Page 117
5Horn
6 Operating lever for automatic speed control,
Page 78
7 Wiper/washer lever, Page 76
8 Stopwatch, Page 127
9 Interior temperature sensor
10 Emergency flasher switch, Page 72
11 Central locking button, readiness display for
alarm system, Page 24
12 Cupholder, Page 80
13 Operating panel for air conditioning, Page 98
14 Buttons for Porsche Active Suspension
Management (PASM), Page 63
Sport mode, Page 62
Front axle lift system, Page 64
Porsche Stability Management (PSM), Page 59
15 Operating panel for radio or
Porsche Communication Management (PCM),
see separate Owner’s Manual
10_GT3_21.book Seite 15 Donnerstag, 4. Juni 2009 12:48 12
Operation, Safety
31
1. Push mirror towards the door window and
continue to hold it (high spring force).
2. Swivel the locking lever up to the stop and
slowly let go of the mirror.Unfolding door mirrors1. Push mirror towards the door window and
continue to hold it (high spring force). The
locking lever disengages automatically.
2. Move mirror back to unfolded position by hand.
Do not let go of the mirror beforehand.
Inside mirrorWhen the mirror is being adjusted, the anti-glare
lever A must point forward.
Basic position: lever forward
Anti-glare position: lever back
A-Sensor
B- Switch for automatic anti-glare operation
C- Light-emitting diode Automatic Anti-Glare Interior
Mirror and Door Mirror Sensors on the front and rear sides of the interior
mirror measure the incident light.
The mirrors automatically change to anti-glare
position or revert to their normal state, depending
on the light intensity.
When reverse gear is selected, automatic anti-
glare operation is switched off.
10_GT3_21.book Seite 31 Donnerstag, 4. Juni 2009 12:48 12
32
Operation, Safety Note
The incident light in the area of the sensors must
not be restricted, e.g. by stickers on the
windshield.
Switching off the automatic anti-glare
operation
fPress switch B.
Light-emitting diode C goes out.
Switching on the automatic anti-glare
operation
fPress switch B.
Light-emitting diode C lights up. Warning!
Risk of injury. Electrolyte fluid can emerge
from a broken mirror glass.
This fluid irritates the skin and eyes.
fIf the electrolyte fluid should come into contact
with the eyes or skin, immediately rinse it off
with clean water.
See a doctor if necessary.
Risk of damage to the paintwork, leather and
plastic parts. Electrolyte fluid can be
removed only while it is still wet.
fClean the affected parts with water. The mirror heater is ready for operation when the
ignition is on.
Switching on fPress button.
The light-emitting diode in the button lights up.
After approx. 15 minutes, the heater switches off
automatically.
The heater can be switched back on by pressing
the button again.Switching off fPress button.
The light-emitting diode in the button goes out.
Rear Window Defogger,
Door Mirror Heating
10_GT3_21.book Seite 32 Donnerstag, 4. Juni 2009 12:48 12
Operation, Safety
57
ABS Brake System
(Antilock Brake System)The ABS system represents a major contribution
to the enhancement of active safety in your
vehicle. 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
emergency braking.
The crucial advantage of the ABS system over a
conventional brake system is in the area of
maintaining directional control and maneuverabi-
lity 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
dangerous 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
braking, the brake pressure is adjusted automati-
cally 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
audible noise and perhaps some vibration.
fIf you experience these sensations while
driving or a road surface with questionable
traction, 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
pulsating pedal. Do not ease up on pressure
applied 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.
10_GT3_21.book Seite 57 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
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
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
76
Operation, Safety
Windshield Wiper / Washer Lever
Warning!
Danger of injury when the windshield wipers
operate unintentionally, e.g. in rain sensor
operation.
Risk of damage to the windshield and wiper
system.
fAvoid running the wiper blades over a dry
windshield to prevent scratching the glass.
Spray washer fluid on the windshield first.
A scratched windshield will reduce visibility.
fAlways loosen wiper blades from frozen glass
before operating wipers to prevent damage to
the wiper motor or blades. fAlways switch off windshield wipers in car
wash to prevent them wiping unintentionally
(sensor operation).
fAlways switch off windshield wipers before
cleaning the windshield to avoid unintentional
operation (sensor operation).
fDo not operate the headlight washer in car
washes.
fDo not operate headlight washer when it is
frozen.
Front wiper and headlight washer system0 – Windshield wipers off
1 – Rain sensor operation for front
windshield wipers
fMove wiper lever upwards to the first click.
Please see the chapter “RAIN SENSOR” on
Page 77.
2 – Windshield wipers slow
fMove wiper lever upwards to the second click.
3 – Windshield wipers fast
fMove wiper lever upwards to the third click.
4 – Front windshield wiper – one-touch
operation:
fMove wiper lever downwards. The front
windshield wipers wipe once.5 – Windshield wipers and washer system:
fPull wiper lever towards the steering wheel.
The washer system sprays and wipes while the
lever is pulled towards the steering wheel.
When the wiper lever is released, a few drying
wipes are executed.
A – Headlight washer (Vehicles with Bi-
Xenon headlights):
The washer sprays only while low beam or high
beam is switched on.
fBriefly push button A to operate headlight
washer system.
fIf heavily soiled, repeat wash.
The headlight washer system automatically sprays
once for every ten times the front windshield
washer system is operated.
Note
The windshield washer nozzles are heated
when the ignition is on, as a precaution against
freezing.
10_GT3_21.book Seite 76 Donnerstag, 4. Juni 2009 12:48 12