
Operation, Safety
59
ABS Brake System
(Antilock Brake System)The ABS system represents a major contribution 
to the enhancement of active safety in your vehi-
cle. 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 emer-
gency braking. 
The crucial advantage of the ABS system over a 
conventional brake system is in the area of main-
taining directional control and maneuverability 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. 
f Adapt your driving style to the prevailing road 
and weather conditions. 
f Obey 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. 
f To minimize that risk, use your ABS system to 
increase your ability to  maneuver to avoid dan-
gerous 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 brak-
ing, the brake pressure is  adjusted automatically 
until the wheel no longer slips. 
If braking forces approach the wheel lock-up point 
for all wheels (panic brak ing) 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 au-
dible noise and perhaps some vibration.
f If you experience these sensations while driv-
ing or a road surface with questionable trac-
tion, reduce vehicle speed appropriate for the 
prevailing road conditions.
f If full braking should be necessary, press the 
brake pedal all the wa y down throughout the 
entire braking procedure, regardless of the pul-
sating pedal. Do not ease up on pressure ap-
plied 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.  

60
Operation, Safety
When the ignition is switched on the ABS warning 
light will light up while the system is electronically 
interrogated and goes o
ut when the engine is 
started if the check is not yet complete. 
If the ABS warning lamp fails to go out, this indi-
cates 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 driv-
ing, 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 pre-
vent the occurrence of further faults. 
f If the ABS system becomes inoperative, take 
your vehicle to your authorized Porsche dealer 
immediately. 
 Warning! 
Risk of an accident, resulting in serious per-
sonal 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 mis-
interpret the speed of th e vehicle, because of 
the variant data it rece ives from the sensors 
on the axles.
f Use only tire makes and types tested by Porsche.
Clutch Pedal The clutch pedal must be depressed fully 
before the starter will engage. 
 Warning!
Risk of an accident, resulting in serious per-
sonal injury or death. 
f Always check the movement of the clutch ped-
al before driving and make sure that it is not 
obstructed by a floor mat or any other object. 
f Secure the floor mat to prevent it from sliding 
into positions that could  interfere with the safe 
operation of your vehicle.
Your Porsche dealer will be glad to offer you 
nonskid floor mats of the correct size.
To avoid damage to the clutch and transmis-
sion: 
f Always depress the clutch pedal fully when 
changing gears. 
f Do not hold the car on a steep grade with the clutch pedal partially depressed. 
Should the free travel of the clutch pedal suddenly 
become larger, it could me an a malfunction of the 
clutch. 
f See your Porsche dealer for correction. 
Warning light USA
Warning light Canada 

Operation, Safety
63
Porsche Stability Management 
(PSM)PSM is an active control system for stabilization of 
the vehicle approaching the performance limits of 
driving maneuvers.
 Warning!
Risk of an accident, resulting in serious per-
sonal 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. 
f Adapt 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 acceleration PSM 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 in
formation light on the 
instrument panel flashes.
– Hydraulic noises can be heard.
– The vehicle decelerate s and steering-wheel 
forces are altered as the 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.
Examples of PSM control operations– If the front wheels of the vehicle drift on a 
bend, the rear wheel on the inside of the bend 
is braked and the engine power is reduced if 
necessary.
– If the rear of the vehicle swings out on a bend,  the front wheel on the outside of the bend is 
braked.Additional braking functions– Pre-filling the brake system:The brake system is prepared for possible 
subsequent emergency braking if the acceler-
ator pedal is released suddenly and quickly. 
The brake system is prefilled and the brake 
pads are already applied gently to the brake 
discs.
– Brake booster: In the event of an emergency braking operation 
where the pedal force is insufficient, a brake 
booster provides the braking pressure neces-
sary for maximum deceleration at all 4 wheels.Advantages of PSM– Best possible traction and lane-holding ability in all driving situations – even on road surfaces 
with varying friction. 

Operation, Safety
71
Limits of ultrasonic measurement 
The parking assistant system cannot detect:
– sound-absorbing obstacles (e.g. powder snow), 
– sound-reflecting obstacles (e.g. glass surfac- es, flat painted surfaces) 
– and very thin obstacles. 
– Other ultrasound sources (e.g. pneumatic  brakes of other vehicles, jackhammers) can 
interfere with detection of obstacles. 
Fault indication 
The parking assistant system indicates a fault in 
two ways:
– After reverse gear has been selected, the  short signal tone is followed by a continuous 
tone of the  same pitch:
This indicates that sensors are soiled or cov-
ered with ice. 
– After reverse gear has been selected, the  short signal tone is followed by a continuous 
tone with a much  lower pitch:
This indicates a general system fault. 
Please have the fault remedied at an author-
ized Porsche dealer. A
- Control switch for door mirror adjustment Swivelling down mirror glass as a parking 
aidf
Please see the chapter “SEAT MEMORY” on 
Page 35.
– When reverse gear is engaged, the mirror  glass on the passenger’s side swivels down 
slightly to show the curb area.  Preconditions
– Vehicle must be equipped with seat memory.
– Set the control switch 
A to “passenger’s side”.
– Reverse gear must be engaged.
Returning mirror glass to its original position
f Drive forwards with a speed of over 4 mph 
(6 km/h)  or
f Set the control switch A  to “driver’s side”. 

Operation, Safety
75
Starting Procedures fPlease see the chapter “IMMOBILIZER” on 
Page 15.
f Please see the chapter “EMISSION CONTROL 
SYSTEM” on Page 208.
 Warning!
Serious injury or death may result if you are 
involved in a collision without having fas-
tened the safety belts. 
f Fasten safety belts before driving away. Before starting the engine fApply the footbrake. 
f Manual transmission:
Fully depress the clutch pedal and put the gear-
shift lever into neutral.
The clutch pedal must be depressed fully 
before the starter will engage.
f In vehicles with PDK transmission:
Move PDK selector lever to position  P or  N.
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 enginef Turn ignition key to ignition lock position  2.
f As soon as the engine st arts, release the igni-
tion key. 
The first operation of the starter is ended automat-
ically 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: 
f Wait about 10 seconds before engaging the 
starter again. 
f When 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.
f Do not let the engine idle to warm up.
 Danger!
Engine exhaust fumes have many compo-
nents 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. 
f Never 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 shoul d come on to indicate 
improper operation, they would go unno-
ticed. 
f Never leave the engine idling unattended.
Danger of fire. 
f Do not park or operate the vehicle in areas 
where the hot exhaust system may come in 
contact with dry grass, brush, fuel spill or oth-
er flammable material. 
f If your car catches on fire for any reason, call 
the fire department. 
Do not endanger your life by attempting to put 
out the fire. 
Risk of burn injury when  standing near or coming 
into contact with the exhaust pipe.
The exhaust pipe is hot when the vehicle is running 
and remains hot for some time after the vehicle is 
turned off.
f To prevent injury, make a point of noting where 
your vehicle’s exhaust pipe is, avoid placing 
your legs near the exhaust pipe, and closely 
supervise children around the vehicle when the 
exhaust pipe could be hot. 
A hot exhaust pipe can cause serious burns. 

116
Instruments, On-Board Computer, Warnings
Instrument Panel USA Models Also refer to the corresponding chapters in 
the Owner’s Manual.1. Speedometer with analogue display
2. Automatic speed control indicator light
3. Tire pressure warning light
4. Turn signal indicator light, left/right
5. Tachometer
6. High beam indicator light
7. ABS warning light
8. Cooling system Temperature gage, warning light
9. Fuel Level gage, warning light
10.Adjustment button for instrument illumination  and trip counter
11.Odometer and daily trip mileage display
12.Light sensor for instrument illumination
13.Airbag warning light 14.Check Engine warning light 
(Emission control warning light)
15.Central warning light
16.On-board computer display
17.Porsche Stability Management PSM Multifunctional light
18.Brake warning light
19.Safety belt warning light
20.Gear display
21.PDK transmission, selector lever position
22.Clock and outside temperature display
23.Adjustment button for clock When 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 me
mory 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.  

118
Instruments, On-Board Computer, Warnings
Instrument Panel Canada Models Also refer to the corresponding chapters in 
the Owner’s Manual.1. Speedometer with analogue display
2. Automatic speed control indicator light
3. Tire pressure warning light
4. Turn signal indicator light, left/right
5. Tachometer
6. High beam indicator light
7. ABS warning light
8. Cooling system Temperature gage, warning light
9. Fuel Level gage, warning light
10.Adjustment button for instrument illumination  and trip counter
11.Odometer and daily trip mileage display
12.Light sensor for instrument illumination
13.Airbag warning light 14.Check Engine warning light 
(Emission control warning light)
15.Central warning light
16.On-board computer display
17.Porsche Stability Management PSM Multifunctional light
18.Brake warning light
19.Safety belt warning light
20.Gear display
21.PDK transmission, selector lever position
22.Clock and outside temperature display
23.Adjustment button for clock When 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 me
mory 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.  

Maintenance, Car Care
213
Car Care Instructions fPlease see the chapter “EXERCISE EXTREME 
CAUTION WHEN WORKING ON YOUR VEHICLE” 
on Page 196.
Regular and correct care helps to maintain 
the value of your car and is also a 
precondition for the New Vehicle Warranty 
and the Anti Corrosion Warranty. 
Your authorized Porsche dealer has specially 
developed car-care products from the 
Porsche program available either singly or 
as complete car-care sets. They will be 
pleased to help you select suitable products. 
Whether you use Porsche products or other 
commercially available cleaning agents first 
make sure of their correct application. 
A Porsche that is well-cared for can look like new 
for years. It all depends on  the amount of care the 
owner is willing to give the car. 
 Warning!
Risk of serious personal injury or damage to 
the vehicle or property.
Cleaning agents may be hazardous to your 
health.
Most chemical cleaners are concentrates 
which require dilution. High concentrations 
might cause problems ranging from irritation 
to serious injury as we ll as damage to your 
vehicle.  f
Keep cleaning agents out of reach from chil-
dren. 
f Observe all caution labels. 
f Always read directions on the container before 
using any product. These directions may con-
tain information necessary to avoid personal 
injury. 
f Do not use fuel, kerosene, naphtha, nail polish 
remover or other volatile cleaning fluids. They 
may be toxic, flammable or hazardous in other 
ways. Only use spot removing fluids in a well 
vented area. 
f Do not clean the underside of chassis, fend-
ers, wheel covers, etc., without protecting 
your hands and arms as you may cut yourself 
on sharp-edged metal parts. 
Moisture and road salt on  brakes may affect brak-
ing efficiency. 
f Test the brakes after each vehicle washing.
Decorative film Caution!
Risk of damage due to separation of the 
decorative film when cleaning your vehicle with 
high-pressure cleaning equipment or steam 
cleaners.
f Do not use high-pressure cleaning equipment or steam cleaners for cl eaning decorative film.
High-pressure cleaning units, 
steam 
cleaners
 Warning!
High-pressure cleaning units  or steam clea-
ners  can damage the following components:
–tires,
– logos, emblems,
– painted surfaces,
– alternator,
– ParkAssist sensors,
– convertible top.
f Please observe the operating instructions from 
the unit manufacturer.
f When cleaning with a flat-jet nozzle or the like, 
maintain a minimum distance of 20 inches (50 
cm).
f Never use high-pressure cleaning units or 
steam cleaners with a ro und-jet nozzle. A high-
pressure cleaning unit or steam cleaners with 
round nozzle will damage your vehicle.
f The tires are particularly susceptible to dam-
age.
f Do not point the cleaning jet directly at any of the aforementioned components.