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
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
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
118
Instruments, On-Board Computer
A- Digital speedometer
B-Central display
C- Bottom displayFunctions and display possibilitiesNote
The available items and displays in the on-board
computer depend on the equipment of your
vehicle. For this reason it is possible that some
of the items and displays shown here are not
available in your on-board computer.Basic setting
– Central display: .... Radio station
The central line B of the on-board computer can
be selected in the SET menu.
Calling on-board computer functions in
display “C”
fPush operating lever up or down
(selection field D must be switched off).
The following displays can be called step by step:
– Average speed (ø mph),
– Average consumption (ø mpg),
– Range on remaining fuel (mls ),
– Tire pressure
– Navigation information
(if activated in the SET menu).
Note
The values “Average speed”, “Average consump-
tion” and “Daily trip mileage” can be reset to zero
in the SET menu.10_GT3_21.book Seite 118 Donnerstag, 4. Juni 2009 12:48 12
134
Instruments, On-Board Computer
TPM
Tire Pressure MonitoringfPlease see the chapter “TIRE PRESSURES FOR
COLD TIRES 68 °F/20 °C” on Page 237.
The Tire Pressure Monitoring continuously
monitors tire pressure and tire temperature on all
four wheels and warns the driver when the tire
pressure is too low.
The display as well as the settings for the Tire
Pressure Monitoring take place on the on-board
computer.
However, you must still adjust the tire pressure on
the wheel.fThe driver is responsible for filling the tires
correctly and making the correct settings on
the on-board computer.
The Tire Pressure Monitoring offers the following
functions:
– Display of the actual tire pressure while the
vehicle is in motion.
– Display of the deviation from the required
pressure (refilling pressure).
– Display of currently set tire type.
– Tire pressure warnings in two stages.
Warning!
Despite the advantages offered by the Tire
Pressure Monitoring, it is still the driver’s
responsibility to update the corresponding
settings in the on-board computer and
maintain the pressure in the tires.
Low tire pressure reduces the road safety of
the vehicle and destroys the tire and wheel.
fWhen a flat tire has been displayed, immedia-
tely stop in a suitable place and check the tires
for damage. If necessary, remedy the damage
with a tire sealant.
fDo not by any means continue to drive with
damaged tires.
fSealing the tire with tire sealant is only an
emergency repair, so you can drive to the next
authorized Porsche dealer. The maximum
permitted speed is 50 mph (80 km/h).fDo not drive with tires whose tire pressure
drops again in a short period of time. In cases
of doubt, have tires checked by an authorized
Porsche dealer.
fDamaged tires must be immediately replaced
by an authorized Porsche dealer.
Tire repairs are not permissible under any
circumstances.
fIf a fault occurs in the Tire Pressure Monitoring
(e.g. defective wheel transmitter), contact an
authorized Porsche dealer immediately and
have the damage repaired.
The tire pressure will not be monitored at all or
will be monitored only partially by defective
Tire Pressure Monitoring.
fTires lose air over time without a tire defect
being present. A tire pressure warning will then
appear in the on-board computer display.
Correct the tire pressure at the next oppor-
tunity.
fThe Tire Pressure Monitoring gives a warning
about tire damage due to natural pressure loss
as well as about a gradual loss of pressure due
to foreign objects.
The Tire Pressure Mnitoring cannot warn you
about tire damage that occurs suddenly (e.g.
flat tire due to abrupt external effects).
10_GT3_21.book Seite 134 Donnerstag, 4. Juni 2009 12:48 12
Instruments, On-Board Computer
135
Tire pressure function of the on-board
computer
The tire pressure function of the on-board
computer displays the tire pressures (actual
pressure) dependent on temperature in the four
wheels.
You can watch the tire pressure rise as the tempe-
rature increases while driving.
This display is only for information.
fUnder no circumstances should the tire
pressures be changed based on this display.
Warning!
This display is for informational purposes
only. Under no circumstances should the tire
pressures be changed based on this display.
Changing the tire pressure to incorrect
pressures could adversely affect the perfor-
mance, driving characteristics, and safety of
your vehicle.
fMaintain tire pressures according to the units
indicated on the tire pressure plate, located on the drivers side door of the vehicle.
Displaying the tire pressure function of the
on-board computer
fPush operating lever up or down until the tire
pressure function of the on-board computer
appears.
(The selection field must be switched off.)Pressure info in tire pressure menu
In accordance with physical principles, the air
pressure changes as the temperature changes.
The tire pressure increases or decreases by
around 1.5 psi (0.1 bar) for every 18 °F (10 °C)
change in temperature.
The Tire Pressure Monitoring takes this relation-
ship between tire pressure and temperature into
account.
fPlease see the chapter “PRESSURE INCREASE
AS THE RESULT OF TEMPERATURE
INCREASE” on Page 142.
You can read the tire pressures to be
corrected in this display.
10_GT3_21.book Seite 135 Donnerstag, 4. Juni 2009 12:48 12