engine PORSCHE PANAMERA 2009 1.G Information Manual
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Instrument Panel and Multi-Function Display
Battery protection 
Consumer switch-offThe power supply to various comf
ort features is deactivated 
to prevent the battery from discharging.Start engine manually Start engine manually at the ignition.Start/stop operation deactivated Have the faul t corrected at a qualified specialist workshop.*
Display of 
selector-lever 
position flashesGearshift not engaged PDK transmission:
Selector lever may be positi oned between two settings. 
Properly engage selector lever.Move gear lever to position P. PDK transmission:
Move selector lever to position P before removing key from 
ignition lock.Move gear lever to position P. To stop and se cure the vehicle, move the selector lever to 
position P.Move gear lever to 
position P or N. PDK transmission:
Engine can only be started in selector-lever position P or N.Press brake
PDK transmission:
Apply the brake when starting.
Display of 
selector-lever 
position flashesGearbox emergency operation R estricted gearshift comfort,
reverse gear fails.
Have the fault corrected immediately at a qualified specialist 
workshop.*
Display of 
selector-lever 
position flashesGearbox emergency operation No selector-lever po sition is displayed on the instrument panel.
Vehicle can be driven only until it comes to a stop.
It is not possible to contin ue driving. Stop the vehicle 
immediately in a suitable place. 
Read the instructions in the se ction “Towing”. Have the vehicle 
towed to a qualified specialist workshop.
Light in 
instrument 
panel
Warning message on multi-function 
display Meaning/Action required 
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155
Fault TransmissionHave the fault corrected at a qualified specialist workshop.*Gearbox
temperature too high “Warning jerks” can be felt when driving off and the engine 
power may be restricted.
Do not hold the vehicle with the accelerator on a hill, for 
example. Hold the vehicle with 
the brake. Reduce engine load. 
Stop the vehicle in a suitable plac e if possible. Allow the engine 
to run in selector-lever posi tion P or N until the warning 
disappears.Press clutch Manual transmission:
Depress clutch pedal when starting.Warning Brake fluid level Stop immediately in  a suitable place. Do not continue driving. 
Have the fault corrected at a q ualified specialist workshop.*Warning Brake force distribution Stop immediately  in a suitable place. Do not continue driving. 
Have the fault corrected at a q ualified specialist workshop.*ABS failure Have the fault corrected at a qualified specialist workshop.*Brake pad worn Have brake pads replaced immediately.
Consult a qualified specialist workshop.*
flashesRelease electric parking brake Pull  the electric parking brake switchPress brake pedal.Press the brake pedal before releasing the electric parking 
brake.Fault Electric parking brake Have the fault co rrected at a qualified specialist workshop.*
Light in 
instrument 
panel
Warning message on multi-function 
display Meaning/Action required 
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Instrument Panel and Multi-Function Display
Fault Porsche Entry & Drive Have the fault corrected at a qualified specialist workshop.*Multiple keys recognized 
in vehicleInformation message:
Several vehicle keys in the vehicle, e.g. in the possession of 
a passenger.Close doors to lock vehicle Close all doors 
and the tailgate before locking the vehicle.Chassis system faultVehicle handling may be affected. Adapt your speed to the 
changed conditions.
Have the fault corrected at  a qualified specialist workshop.*Chassis system failure Stop immediately in a suitable place. Do not continue driving. 
Have the fault corrected at  a qualified specialist workshop.*Control on PASM level control is active.Control offPASM level control was switched off, e.g. before driving onto 
a lifting platform or raising one wheel. not  allowed Level adjustment is not permitted, e.g. at speeds above approx. 
20 mph (30 km/h) or if the door/tailgate is open.not  possible Level adjustment not available, e.g. when the engine is switched 
off, if the vehicle is overloaded  or the battery voltage is too low.Vehicle extremely low The vehicle ground clearance is insufficient to continue driving. 
The system regulates the vehi cle level again automatically. 
This can take several minutes. Have any persistent faults 
checked/corrected at a qualif ied specialist workshop.*Vehicle extremely high The vehicle ground clearance is too high to continue driving. 
The system regulates the vehicl e level again automatically. 
Have any persistent faults ch ecked/corrected at a qualified 
specialist workshop.*
Light in 
instrument 
panel
Warning message on multi-function 
display Meaning/Action required 
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161
flashes
Fault Headlight controlHave the fault corrected at a qualified sp ecialist workshop.*Headlights adapted for 
LHD/RHD Headlights have been changed for 
countries with left/right-hand 
trafficWiper defective Have the fault corrected at a qualified specialist workshop.*Tailgate Close the tailgate
Example:
Door open
Also:
Doors, engine compartment lidClose door/lid indicatedLaunch Control activated Lau
nch Control is activated.Distance! Please brake!Insufficient distance from vehicle in front.Fault ACC Adjust your speed and driving style. 
Have the fault on the adaptive  Cruise Control corrected at 
a qualified specialist workshop.*Fault ACC sensor Adaptive cruise control: Sensor in the front of the vehicle may 
be covered with dirt, snow, ice  or affected by adverse weather 
conditions.System fault One or more electrical systems may have failed.
Adjust your speed and driving style.
Have the fault corrected at a q ualified specialist workshop.*Fault 
Instrument cluster/
ParkAssist sound Turn signal tones, acoustic 
warning and distance signals 
(e.g. for ParkAssist) are not available.
Please note this when parking.  Have the fault corrected at 
a qualified specialist workshop.*
Light in 
instrument 
panel
Warning message on multi-function 
display Meaning/Action required 
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Instrument Panel and Multi-Function Display
* We recommend that you have an authorized Porsche 
d e a l e r  t o  d o  t h i s  w o r k ,  a s  t h e y  h a v e  t h e  t r a i n e d  w o r k s h o p  
personnel and the necessary parts and tools for this type 
of work.
Fault 
ParkAssist sound Acoustic warning and distance signals for ParkAssist are not 
available.
Please remember this 
when parking. Have the fault corrected at 
a qualified specialist workshop.*Limit 1 or 2 exceeded Preset speed limit 1 or 2 has been exceeded.
Warning light on 
the coolant 
temperature 
gauge flashesCheck Engine Have the fault corrected at a qualified specialist workshop.*Example:
Full maintenance in XXX miles (km) Service reminder
Bring the vehicle in for service no
 later than after the distance/
time shown has elapsed. The maintence intervals can be found 
in the “Maintenance” booklet.
Light in 
instrument 
panel
Warning message on multi-function 
display Meaning/Action required 
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Driving and Driving Safety
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Driving and Driving Safety
Ignition Lock, Steering
 Lock ........................ 164
Starting and Stopping the Engine ................ 167
Auto Start Stop Func tion ............................. 169
Electric Parking Brak e ................................ 171
Brakes ........................ .............................. 172
Cruise Control......... ................................... 176
Adaptive Cruise Contr ol .............................. 178
Car Audio Operation/Ti ps............................ 189
Porsche Communication Management
(PCM) .......................... .............................. 191
iPod
®, USB and AUX ........ .......................... 192
Voice Control ............... .............................. 192
Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) ................... 193
Selector-Lever Positi ons ............................. 195
Porsche Traction Management (PTM) ........... 202
Porsche Stability Management (PSM) ........... 202
ABS Brake System (Anti-Lock Brake
System)....................... .............................. 207
Porsche Active Suspension Management
(PASM) ............................................ .......... 208
Porsche Active Suspension Management
(PASM) with Air Suspension and Level
Control ............................................ .......... 209
Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC)  ... 211
“Sport” and “Sport Plus ” Mode  ................... 212
Sports Exhaust Syst em .............................. 214
Retractable Rear Spoiler ............................. 214 
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Driving and Driving Safety
Ignition Lock, Steering LockThe ignition key is inserted into the ignition lock 
underneath the light swit ch at the left of the 
steering wheel.
On vehicles  with Porsche Entry & Drive,  you no 
longer have to insert the  key into the ignition lock, 
but merely keep it with yo u. The ignition key is 
replaced by a control unit in the ignition lock, 
which always  remains in the ignition lock, unless 
the vehicle is being towed.
The ignition lock has  three key positions. 
The steering column can be actively locked in 
a fourth key position on vehicles with Porsche 
Entry & Drive.
Key positions
0 - Initial position
1 - Ignition on
2 -Start engineNote on operation
The vehicle battery discharges  if the ignition key is 
left inserted.
If the vehicle battery is  dead, the key can only be 
removed from the ignition  lock if the emergency 
operation is performed:
f Please see the chapter “EMERGENCY 
OPERATION – UNLOCKING THE IGNITION KEY” 
on page 166.
Key positions with Porsche Entry & Drive
0-Initial position
1 - Ignition on
2 -Start engine
3 -Activate steeri ng column lockIgnition lock position 0 – Initial positionThe ignition key cannot be removed when the 
ignition is switched on or when the engine has 
been started. 
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To remove the ignition key:
fStop the vehicle.
f Move PDK selector lever to position P.
f Switch ignition off.
f Remove the ignition key.Ignition lock position 1 – Ignition onfTurn ignition key to position  1.
All electrical equipment can be switched on. The 
warning lights on the inst rument panel light up for 
alamp check.
f Please see the chapter “INSTRUMENT PANEL 
USA MODELS” on page 107.
If an electrical consumer  is not switched on for 
10 minutes after switching on the ignition, the 
ignition must be switched off then on again.
Ignition lock position 2 – Start enginef Turn ignition key to ignition lock position  2.
The car key is reset automa tically from position 2 
to position 1 when you start the engine.Ignition lock position 3 – Activate 
steering column lock on vehicles with 
Porsche Entry & Drivef Please see the chapter “Manually locking the 
steering column on vehicles with Porsche 
Entry & Drive” on page 165.Steering column lockVehicles without Porsche Entry & Drive 
The steering column is  locked automatically 
when the ignition key is removed from the ignition 
lock and  unlocked automatically  when the 
ignition key is inserted into the ignition lock.
Vehicles with Porsche Entry & Drive
The steering column is  locked automatically 
when the driver’s door is opened when the ignition 
is switched off. Manually locking the steering column on 
vehicles with Porsche Entry & Drive
f
Once the ignition is switched off, turn the 
control unit to ignition lock position  3 again 
and hold it there for  2seconds.
The steering column is locked when you hear 
a clicking noise.
The steering column can be  unlocked 
automatically by turning the control unit to 
ignition lock position  1.
Emergency operation with Porsche 
Entry & DriveInterference in radio tr ansmission between the 
vehicle and ignition lock or a discharged ignition 
lock battery can disable the Porsche Entry & Drive 
comfort function.
If this happens, the control unit can be removed 
from the ignition lock and the vehicle can be 
started using the standard ignition key.
Removing the control unit from the 
ignition lock
1. Turn the control unit to ignition lock position  3 
and hold it there for about 10 seconds.
Once you hear the clicking sound, you can remove 
the control unit in ignition lock position  0. 
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Driving and Driving Safety
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Starting and Stopping the EngineThe immobilizer can be deactivated and the 
engine started only using an authorised 
ignition key.
fPlease see the chapter “IMMOBILIZER” on 
page 250.
 Warning!
Risk of poisoning. Exhaust gas contains 
colorless and odorless carbon monoxide 
(CO), which is toxic even in low 
concentrations. Carbon monoxide can cause 
unconsciousness 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 
should come on to indicate improper 
operation, they would go unnoticed.
f Never leave the engine idling unattended.
Danger of fire close to the hot exhaust 
system.
f Do not park or drive your vehicle where 
combustible materials, such as dry grass or 
leaves, can come into contact with the hot 
exhaust system. For information on the emission control system:
f
Please see the chapter “EMISSION CONTROL 
SYSTEM” on page 262.
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.
Starting the vehicle f Operate the footbrake.
f Move PDK selector lever to position  P or  N.
f Do not press the accelerator pedal.
The engine control unit will provide the correct 
starting mixture.
f Turn the ignition key or control unit (Porsche 
Entry & Drive) to ignition lock position  2.
The starting process  is carried out and 
completed automatically as soon as ignition 
lock position  2 (start engine) is reached.
The ignition key or control unit is reset 
automatically to ignition lock position  1 
(ignition on).
f Do not operate the starter for more than 
approx. 10 seconds. If necessary, repeat the 
starting procedure after a pause of approx. 
10 seconds. Turn the ignition key back to 
ignition lock position 0 (initial position) first.
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. 
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Driving and Driving Safety
f
Do not warm up the engine when stationary. 
Drive off immediately. Avoid high revs and full 
throttle until the engine has reached operating 
temperature.
f If the vehicle battery  power is too weak, the 
engine can be started with jump leads.
For information on jump-lead starting:
f Please see the chapter “EXTERNAL POWER 
SUPPLY, JUMP-LEAD STARTING” on 
page 306.
Note on operation
To ensure a good battery charge condition, 
thereby ensuring that the  battery will start the 
engine, all electrical loads that are not required 
should be switched off when the ignition is 
switched on and when engine revs are low 
(in traffic jams, in city traffic or in queues).
Stoppingf Only remove the ignition  key when the vehicle 
is stationary.
f Only switch the ignition off when the vehicle is 
stationary, as there is no power steering and 
brake booster assistance when the engine is 
switched off.
f When leaving the vehicle,  always remove the 
ignition key,  apply the electric parking brake 
and engage selector-lever position P .
The control unit  always remains in the ignition 
lock on vehicles with  Porsche Entry & Drive .
 Warning!
Danger of injury. Hot engine compartment 
components can burn skin on contact.
f Before working on any part in the engine 
compartment, turn the engine off and let it cool 
down sufficiently.
Risk of burn injury when standing near or 
coming into contact with the exhaust pipe.
The exhaust pipe is hot wh en 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 when loading 
and unloading cargo in the rear, and closely 
supervise children around  the vehicle during 
time when the exhaust pipe could be hot. 
A hot exhaust pipe can cause painful skin 
burns.
Radiator fanFor information on radiator fans:
f Please see the chapter “RADIATOR FANS” on 
page 258.
 Warning!
Danger of injury. After the ignition is 
switched off, the engine compartment and 
coolant temperatures are monitored for 
approx. 30 minutes. During this period, and 
depending on temperature, the radiator fan 
may continue to run or start to run.
f Carry out work in these areas only with the 
engine off and exercise extreme caution, 
always anticipating that the fan blade could suddenly start to run.