warning lights PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 2006 5.G User Guide
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Controls, Instruments
Brake booster The brake booster assists braking only when 
the engine is running. 
When the car is moving while the engine is not run-
ning, or if the brake booster is defective, more 
pressure on the brake pedal is required to bring 
the car to a stop. 
If this happens, ABS and PSM will also not oper-
ate.
Moisture or road salt on brakes affects braking.
When the vehicle is driven on salted roads for ex-
tended periods, the brakes should be washed 
down thoroughly about every 2 weeks. An auto-
matic carwash facility cannot do this job properly. 
Brakes will dry after a few cautious brake applica-
tions. 
 Warning! 
Driving through water may reduce the trac-
tion.
Moisture on brakes from road water, car 
wash, or coating of road salt may affect 
braking efficiency. 
fCautiously apply brakes to test brakes after being exposed. 
Brake wear Your car has excellent brakes, but they are still 
subject to wear. The rate at which they wear de-
pends on how the brakes are used. 
fHave the brake system inspected at the 
intervals recommended in your Maintenance 
Booklet. 
If the warning lights in the instrument panel and on-
board computer stay on when the engine is run-
ning or come on while driving, the brake pads are 
worn, excessively. 
fDo not continue to operate the vehicle.
Have your authorized Porsche dealer inspect 
or replace the brake pads. 
Brake pads Wear on the brake pads and brake discs depends 
to a great extent on the driving style and the con-
ditions of use and therefore cannot be expressed 
in actual miles on the road. 
The high-performance brake system is designed 
for optimal braking effect at all speeds and tem-
peratures.
Certain speeds, braking forces and ambient 
conditions (such as temperature and humidity) 
therefore might cause “brake noises”.
New brake pads or linings 
New brake pads and brake discs have to be “bro-
ken in”, and therefore only attain optimal friction 
when the car has covered several hundred miles 
or km.
The slightly reduced braking ability must be com-
pensated for by pressing the brake pedal harder. 
This also applies whenever the brake pads and 
brake discs are replaced.
Warning light USA
Warning light Canada 
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Controls, Instruments
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. The brake pressure 
is regulated for each front wheel individually and 
for both of the rear wheels together. 
On a road surface which is slippery on only one 
side, the rear wheel which is braking on the slip-
pery surface determines the brake pressure which 
will be applied equally to both rear wheels. This en-
sures that directional stability is maintained. How-
ever, 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 driv-
ing or a road surface with questionable trac-
tion, reduce vehicle speed appropriate for the 
prevailing road conditions.
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. 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 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. 
fIf the ABS system becomes inoperative, take 
your vehicle to your authorized Porsche dealer 
immediately. 
 Warning! 
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 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 
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Controls, Instruments
Porsche Stability Management 
(PSM)PSM is an active control system for stabilization of 
the vehicle during extreme driving manoeuvres.
The most recent version of PSM (only on vehicles 
with four-wheel drive) improves the brake system 
functionality.
 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 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. Advantages of PSM – Superior traction and lane-holding ability in all 
driving situations – even on road surfaces with 
varying friction. 
– PSM actively stabilizes the vehicle during dy-
namic driving maneuvers (e.g. rapid steering 
movements, during lane changes or on alter-
nating curves). – Improved braking stability in curves and on dif-
ferent or varying road surfaces. 
– It improves the braking functions and shortens 
the stopping distance if emergency braking is 
needed (only vehicles with four-wheel drive).
Readiness for operationPSM is switched on automatically every time you 
start the engine.FunctionSensors at the wheels, brakes, steering system 
and engine continuously measure:
– Speed
– Steering angle
– Lateral acceleration
– Rate of turn about the vertical axis
– Brake pressure
PSM uses these values to determine the direction 
of travel desired by the driver.
PSM intervenes and corrects the course if the 
actual direction of motion deviates from the 
desired 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 to adapt his driving style 
to the road conditions:
– The multi-functional information light on the 
instrument panel lights up.
– Hydraulic noises can be heard.
– The vehicle decelerates 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 begin-
ning of the brake pedal pulsing. 
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Controls, Instruments The following functions stabilize the vehicle in 
emergency situations, even with PSM switched 
off:
– When PSM is off, the vehicle is stabilized as 
soon as one of the two front wheels enters the 
ABS control range.
– When PSM is off and Sport mode is on, the 
vehicle is stabilized as soon as both front 
wheels enter the ABS control range.
One-sided spinning of the wheels is prevented, 
even with PSM switched off.
Switching PSM back onfPress PSM OFF button. 
PSM is switched on after a short delay.
The light-emitting diode in the button and the 
multifunctional PSM light go out.
The on-board computer shows a message.Sport modeA sportier car set-up is obtained when Sport mode 
is switched on. PSM interventions are later than in 
Normal mode; the vehicle can be manoeuvred 
with greater agility at its performance limits, 
without the need to dispense with the assistance 
of PSM in emergency situations. This helps to 
achieve optimal lap times, particularly on race 
circuits and a dry road surface.– The multifunctional light on the instrument 
panel lights up for a lamp check when the 
ignition is switched on.
– The light indicates a control operation by 
flashing, including when PSM is switched off 
(brake control in the event of one-sided wheel 
spin).
– In conjunction with a message on the on-board 
computer, the light indicates that PSM is 
switched off.
An acoustic signal also sounds.
– Faults are displayed by the light in conjunction 
with a message on the on-board computer.
PSM is out of order.
fPlease consult an authorized Porsche dealer. 
fPlease observe the chapter “PUTTING 
VEHICLE INTO OPERATION” on Page 261.
fPlease observe the chapter “WARNINGS ON 
THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE ON-
BOARD COMPUTER” on Page 122.
TowingfPlease observe the chapter “VEHICLE 
TOWING” on Page 281.Checks on test standsBrake tests 
Brake tests must be performed only on plate-type 
test stands or roller test stands. 
The following limit values must not be exceeded 
on roller test stands: 
– Testing speed 5 mph (8 km/h) 
– Test duration 20 seconds 
Handbrake tests 
Handbrake tests on the roller test stand must be 
performed only with the ignition switched off.
Multifunctional PSM light 
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Controls, Instruments
Starting Procedures fPlease observe the chapter “IMMOBILIZER” on 
Page 19.
fPlease observe the chapter “EMISSION CONT-
ROL SYSTEM” on Page 211.
 Warning!
Serious injury 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. 
fManual transmission:
Move the gearshift lever into neutral. 
The clutch pedal must be depressed fully 
before the starter will engage.
fTiptronic:
Move the selector lever to 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 enginefTurn ignition key to ignition lock position 2.
fAs soon as the engine starts, 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: 
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 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. 
fNever start or let the engine run in an en-
closed, unventilated area.
It is not recommended to sit in your car for pro-
longed 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 unno-
ticed. 
fNever leave the engine idling unattended.
Danger of fire. 
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 oth-
er 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.  
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Controls, Instruments
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. ABS warning light
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.Emission control warning light 
(Check Engine)
18.Central warning light
19.On-board computer display
20.Porsche Stability Management
Multifunctional PSM light
21.Brake warning light
22.Safety belt warning light
23.Tiptronic indicator
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.  
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Controls, Instruments
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. ABS warning light
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.Emission control warning light 
(Check Engine)
18.Central warning light
19.On-board computer display
20.Porsche Stability Management
Multifunctional PSM light
21.Brake warning light
22.Safety belt warning light
23.Tiptronic indicator
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. 
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Controls, Instruments The engine oil temperature is indicated in the left 
instrument.
A- Adjustment button for instrument illumination and
trip counter Indicates automatic speed control readiness.
Instrument Illumination The illumination is automatically adjusted to the 
ambient brightness by the light sensor in the 
tachometer. 
In addition, when the car lights are switched on, 
the instrument and switch symbol brightness can 
be manually adjusted. 
 Warning!
Risk of an accident, personal injury and loss 
of control. 
fDo not reach through the steering-wheel spokes while driving. 
Note
When the car lights are switched on, the instru-
ment lighting for light dials switches on and off 
automatically depending on the ambient bright-
ness.
Engine oil temperature
Automatic Speed Control 
Indicator light 
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Controls, Instruments
Temperature gauge (ignition on) USA: Display in °F
Canada: Display in °C 
Pointer to the left – engine cold 
fAvoid high engine speeds and heavy engine 
loading. Pointer in the middle – normal operating tem-
perature 
The pointer may move up to the red area when en-
gine is heavily loaded and outside temperature is 
high, but should return to “normal” when engine 
load is reduced. 
Warning light “A” If the coolant temperature is too high, the warn-
ing light comes on.
Additionally, a warning is displayed in the on-board 
computer. 
fPull off the road, turn off the engine and allow 
to cool. 
fCheck radiator and air passages in front end of 
car for obstructions. 
fCheck coolant level. 
If necessary, add coolant and have fault reme-
died at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Please observe the chapter “COOLANT LEVEL” 
on Page 199.
Note
To prevent excessive temperatures, the cooling-
air passages must not be restricted by coverings 
(e.g. films, “stone guards”). If the coolant level is too low, the warning light 
flashes.
Additionally, a warning is displayed in the on-board 
computer. 
fSwitch engine off and allow to cool. 
fAdd coolant. 
fHave the cause of the fault remedied at an au-
thorized Porsche dealer. 
Please observe the chapter “COOLANT LEVEL” 
on Page 199.
 Caution!
Risk of engine damage. 
fIf the warning lights come on even though cool-
ant level is correct, do not continue driving. 
fHave the fault remedied at the nearest authorized Porsche dealer. 
Engine compartment blower fan In addition, this warning light flashes to indicate a 
fault in the engine compartment blower fan. 
fHave the cause of the fault remedied at an 
authorized Porsche dealer. 
Cooling System  
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Controls, Instruments
Level gauge
 
When the ignition is on the fuel level is displayed.
fPlease observe the chapter “CAPACITIES” on 
Page 291.
If the vehicle’s inclination changes (e.g. going up 
or downhill), minor deviations in the indication may 
occur. Note
If the tank is near empty and you top up with only 
a small quantity of fuel, this cannot be registered 
by the level gauge and calculation of the range re-
maining is impossible. 
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 or the range on remaining fuel falls below ap-
prox. 30 miles (50 km).
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 observe the chapter “EMISSION CONT-
ROL SYSTEM” on Page 211.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