traction control PORSCHE 911 2009 5.G Owners Manual

6
Table of ContentsTable of ContentsSport tires..................................................... 4
Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) ...... 4
Setting and operating vehicle components
when driving .................................................. 5
Ground Clearance .......................................... 5
Before driving off... ....................................... 8
Break in hints for the first
2,000 miles/3,000 kilometers ...................... 10Operation, Safety .............................. 13Keys ........................................................... 15
Security Wheel Bolts.................................... 15
Doors ......................................................... 18
Central Locking ........................................... 19
Alarm System,
Passenger Compartment Monitoring ............. 23
Power Windows ........................................... 25
Mirrors ........................................................ 27
Rear Window Defogger, Door Mirror Heating .. 29
Seat Adjustment and Head Restraints ............ 30
Seat Memory ............................................... 33
Heated Seats .............................................. 35
Seat Ventilation ............................................ 36
Rear Seat Backrests.................................... 37
Steering Wheel Adjustment ........................... 37
Steering Wheel Heating ................................ 38
Multi-Functional Steering Wheel ..................... 39
Sun Visors................................................... 40
Safety Belts................................................. 41
Airbag Systems ........................................... 44
Child Restraint Systems................................ 50LATCH System
Child seat bracket on the passenger’s seat .... 54
Child Restraint Anchorages ........................... 55
Rollover Protection System ........................... 56
Sports Exhaust System................................ 57
Parking Brake .............................................. 57
Brakes ........................................................ 58
ABS Brake System (Antilock Brake System).... 61
Clutch Pedal ................................................ 62
Porsche Traction Management (PTM) ............. 63
Sport Mode ................................................. 64
Porsche Stability Management (PSM) ............. 66
Porsche Active Suspension Management
(PASM) ........................................................ 69
Retractable Rear Spoiler ............................... 69
Interior Lights .............................................. 71
Parking Aids ................................................ 72
Ignition/Starter Switch with
anti-theft Steering Lock................................. 74
Starting Procedures ..................................... 77
Stopping Engine........................................... 78
Emergency Flasher Switch ............................ 79
Light Switch................................................. 80
Welcome Home Lighting............................... 81
Automatic Headlight Beam Adjustment........... 81
Turn Signal / Headlight Dimmer /
Parking light / Flasher Lever ......................... 82
Windshield Wiper / Washer Lever .................. 83
Automatic Speed Control .............................. 86
Cupholder ................................................... 88
Ashtray ....................................................... 89
Cigarette Lighter .......................................... 90Storage in the Passenger Compartment ....... 91
Luggage Compartment Lid and
Engine Compartment Lid ............................. 93
Luggage Compartment (Vehicles without
Porsche Traction Management PTM) ............. 95
Luggage Compartment (Vehicles with
Porsche Traction Management PTM) ............. 96
Trunk Entrapment ........................................ 97
Porsche Communication Management (PCM) . 98
Car Telephone and Aftermarket Alarms ....... 100
iPod, USB and AUX.................................... 101
Fire Extinguisher ....................................... 102
HomeLink ................................................. 103
Automatic Air Conditioning System,
Heated Rear Window/
Door Mirror Heating........................ 105Automatic Air Conditioning System ............. 106
Central and Side Vents............................... 109
Fresh-air Intake ......................................... 109
Heated Rear Window/Door Mirror Heating ... 110Instruments, On-Board Computer,
Warnings ....................................... 111Instrument Panel USA Models..................... 112
Instrument Panel Canada Models ................ 114
Engine Oil Temperature .............................. 116
Automatic Speed Control Indicator light ...... 116
Instrument Illumination............................... 116
Trip Odometer........................................... 117

10
Before driving off...
Break in hints for the first
2,000 miles/3,000 kilometers The following tips will be helpful in obtaining opti-
mum performance from your new Porsche.
Despite the most modern, high-precision manufac-
turing methods, the moving parts must still wear
in with each other. This wearing-in occurs mainly in
the first 2,000 miles/3,000 kilometers.Therefore: fPreferably take longer trips.
fAvoid frequent cold starts with short-distance
driving whenever possible.
fAvoid full throttle starts and abrupt stops.
fDo not exceed maximum engine speed of
4,200 rpm (revolutions per minute).
fDo not run a cold engine at high rpm either in
Neutral or in gear.
fDo not let the engine labor, especially when
driving uphill. Shift to the next lower gear in
time (use the most favorable rpm range).
fNever lug the engine in high gear at low
speeds. This rule applies at all times, not just
during the break-in period.fDo not participate in motor racing events,
sports driving schools, etc. during the first
2,000 miles/3,000 kilometers.
There may be a slight stiffness in the steering,
gear-shifting or other controls during the break-in
period which will gradually disappear.
Break in brake pads and brake discsNew brake pads and discs have to be “broken 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. New tires New tires do not have maximum traction. They
tend to be slippery.
fBreak in new tires by driving at moderate
speeds during the first 60 to 120 miles/100 to
200 km. Longer braking distances must be an-
ticipated.
Engine oil and fuel consumption During the break-in period oil and fuel consump-
tion may be higher than normal.
As always, the rate of oil consumption depends on
the quality and viscosity of oil, the speed at which
the engine is operated, the climate and road con-
ditions, as well as the amount of dilution and oxi-
dation of the lubricant.
fMake a habit of checking engine oil with every
refueling, add if necessary.

Operation, Safety
13 Operation, Safety
Keys ........................................................... 15
Security Wheel Bolts.................................... 15
Doors ......................................................... 18
Central Locking ........................................... 19
Alarm System,
Passenger Compartment Monitoring ............. 23
Power Windows ........................................... 25
Mirrors ........................................................ 27
Rear Window Defogger, Door Mirror Heating .. 29
Seat Adjustment and Head Restraints ............ 30
Seat Memory ............................................... 33
Heated Seats .............................................. 35
Seat Ventilation ............................................ 36
Rear Seat Backrests.................................... 37
Steering Wheel Adjustment ........................... 37
Steering Wheel Heating ................................ 38
Multi-Functional Steering Wheel ..................... 39
Sun Visors................................................... 40
Safety Belts................................................. 41
Airbag Systems ........................................... 44
Child Restraint Systems................................ 50
LATCH System
Child seat bracket on the passenger’s seat .... 54
Child Restraint Anchorages ........................... 55
Rollover Protection System ........................... 56
Sports Exhaust System................................ 57
Parking Brake .............................................. 57
Brakes ........................................................ 58
ABS Brake System (Antilock Brake System) ... 61
Clutch Pedal ................................................ 62
Porsche Traction Management (PTM)............. 63
Sport Mode ................................................. 64Porsche Stability Management (PSM)............. 66
Porsche Active Suspension Management
(PASM) ........................................................ 69
Retractable Rear Spoiler............................... 69
Interior Lights .............................................. 71
Parking Aids ................................................ 72
Ignition/Starter Switch with
anti-theft Steering Lock ................................ 74
Starting Procedures ..................................... 77
Stopping Engine .......................................... 78
Emergency Flasher Switch ............................ 79
Light Switch ................................................ 80
Welcome Home Lighting............................... 81
Automatic Headlight Beam Adjustment .......... 81
Turn Signal / Headlight Dimmer /
Parking light / Flasher Lever ......................... 82
Windshield Wiper / Washer Lever .................. 83
Automatic Speed Control.............................. 86
Cupholder ................................................... 88
Ashtray ....................................................... 89
Cigarette Lighter .......................................... 90
Storage in the Passenger Compartment ........ 91
Luggage Compartment Lid and
Engine Compartment Lid .............................. 93
Luggage Compartment (Vehicles without
Porsche Traction Management PTM).............. 95
Luggage Compartment (Vehicles with
Porsche Traction Management PTM).............. 96
Trunk Entrapment ........................................ 97
Porsche Communication Management (PCM).. 98
Car Telephone and Aftermarket Alarms ........ 100
iPod, USB and AUX .................................... 101Fire Extinguisher ........................................ 102
HomeLink .................................................. 103

Operation, Safety
63
Porsche Traction Management
(PTM)With PTM, the engine power is variably distributed
to the front and rear wheels.
Power distribution between the front and rear ax-
les is performed by a map-conrolled multiple-disc
clutch.
Distribution of the engine power also depends on
the difference in wheel speed between the two ax-
les.
The multiple-disc clutch always delivers sufficient
drive power to the front wheels to ensure optimum
propulsion even on an unfavorable road surface.
In combination with the Porsche Stability Manage-
ment (PSM), the PTM ensures optimum handling
and high driving stability.
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 phy-
sics cannot be overcome, even with PTM.
The risk of accidents due to inappropriate
speed cannot be reduced, even by PTM.
The driver bears the responsibility for all dri-
ving maneuvers.
fAdapt your driving style to the prevailing road
and weather conditions.
fObey all traffic laws.
Dynamometer testing procedure Some U.S. states and Canadian provinces con-
duct emissions inspection/maintenance testing in-
volving the use of two-wheel dynamometer.
A two-wheeled dynamometer is a treadmill type
device upon which a single axle of the car, the dri-
ving axle of the vehicle, rotates to simulate vehicle
operation on the road while the vehicle remains
stationary.
Your vehicle has a full-time four-wheel drive system
which cannot be disabled. Severe damage to the
powertrain can result if tested on a two-wheel dy-
namometer.
Warning!
Risk of severe powertrain damage and a pos-
sible unexpected movement of the vehicle.
fDo not test your vehicle on a two-wheel dyna-
mometer.
fAdvise the emission station of this warning be-fore testing the vehicle.
Brake testsBrake tests must be performed only on plate-type
test stands or roller test stands.
The ignition must be off.
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 only
be carried out with the ignition switched off. Balancing wheels on the vehicle During finish balancing of the wheels, the vehicle
must be hoisted and all the wheels able to rotate
freely. Towing fPlease see the chapter “TOWING” on
Page 280.Wheels/TiresThe PTM control unit is adapted to the approved
tire sizes. The use of non-approved tire sizes may
lead to deviations in wheel speeds and it may influ-
ence handling or result in the PTM switching off.

66
Operation, Safety
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.
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 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
69
PASM makes two running-gear setups available to
the driver: “Normal” and “Sport”.
The selection is made via a button on the center
console.
In Normal mode the running gear is in a comfort-
able setup.
Sport mode offers very sporty shock absorber
tuning.
The variable suspension system selects the appro-
priate damping level for each wheel according to
the situation and driving conditions.
Example:
If the vehicle is driven in a very sporty manner in
Normal mode, PASM automatically adapts the
shock-absorber behavior to the driving situation
accordingly.
Switching on PASM Sport modefPress PASM button in the center console.
When PASM Sport mode is switched on, the
light-emitting diode in the button is lit up and a
message is shown on the on-board computer.Switching off PASM Sport modefPress PASM button in the center console.
The light-emitting diode in the button goes out
and the on-board computer displays a
message.
After the ignition is switched off, PASM is
automatically reset to Normal mode.
Retractable Rear SpoilerThe rear spoiler improves driving stability,
especially at higher speeds.
Warning!
Risk of accident. If the rear spoiler cannot be
extended, driving stability will be adversely
affected by increased rear axle lift, which
could lead to loss of control.
fAdapt your driving style and speed to the
changed driving behavior.
fHave the fault remedied at an authorized
Porsche dealer.
Risk of injury during manual retraction or
extension of the rear spoiler with the vehicle
stationary.
fMake sure that no persons or objects are
within the range of movement of the rear
spoiler.
Risk of damage from pushing the vehicle by
the spoiler.
fDo not push the vehicle at the spoiler.
Porsche Active Suspension
Management (PASM)

70
Operation, Safety
Automatic modeThe limits for automatic extension and retraction
of the spoiler depend on various circumstances
(e.g. driving speed, engine compartment temper-
ature).
If automatic control fails, a warning message is
displayed by the on-board computer.
Engine compartment temperature
under 122 °F/55 °C
Spoiler extends at 75 mph/120 km/h and
retracts at 37 mph/60 km/h.
Engine compartment temperature
over 140 °F/60 °C
Spoiler extends at 50 mph/80 km/h and retracts
at 19 mph/30 km/h.
When the ignition is on, the rear spoiler can be
extended and retracted manually using the button
in the center console.
Extending
fPress button briefly.
The spoiler extends to its final position.
The light-emitting diode in the button lights up.Retracting a manually extended rear spoiler
fat speeds between 0 and 20 mph
(0 and 30 km/h)
Press and hold button until the rear spoiler has
reached its final position.
The light-emitting diode in the button goes out.
The rear spoiler changes to automatic mode.
fat speeds between 20 and 60 mph
(30 and 100 km/h)
Press button briefly.
The rear spoiler retracts, the light-emitting
diode in the button goes out.
The rear spoiler changes to automatic mode.
fat speeds over 60 mph (100 km/h)
Press button briefly.
The rear spoiler remains extended, the light-
emitting diode in the button goes out.
The rear spoiler changes to automatic mode.
Manual control

236
Practical Tips, Emergency Service and a half (1-1/2) times as well on the government
course as a tire graded 100.
The relative performance of tires depends upon
the actual conditions of their use, however, and
may depart significantly from the norm due to var-
iations in driving habits, service practices and dif-
ferences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction AA, A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B, and C and they represent the tire’s ability
to stop on wet pavement as measured under con-
trolled conditions on specified government test
surfaces of asphalt and concrete.
A tire marked C may have poor traction perform-
ance.
Warning!
The traction grade assigned to this is based on
braking (straight-ahead) traction tests and does
not include cornering (turned) traction, accelera-
tion, hydroplaning or peak traction characteris-
tics.
Temperature A, B, C
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B and
C, representing the tire’s resistance to the gener-
ation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when
tested under controlled conditions on a specified
indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperatures can cause the mate-
rial of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life,
and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure.
The grade C corresponds to a level of perform-
ance which all passenger car tires must meet un-
der the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No.
109.
Grades B and A represent higher levels of per-
formance on the laboratory test wheel than the
minimum required by law.
Warning!
The temperature grade for this tire is established
for a tire that is properly inflated and not overload-
ed.
Excessive speed, underinflation, or excessive
loading, either separately or in combination, can
cause heat buildup and possible tire failure, result-
ing in serious personal injury or death. Tire pressures
Warning!
Incorrect tire pressure causes increased tire
wear and adversely affects road handling.
This could lead to tire failure, resulting in loss
of control, leading to serious personal injury
or death.
fAlways use an accurate tire pressure gage
when checking inflation pressures.
fDo not exceed the maximum tire pressure list-
ed on the tire sidewall.
Please see the chapter “TIRE PRESSURE PLA-
TE” on Page 285.fCold tire inflation pressure means: all tires
must be cold, ambient temperature maximum
(68 °F/20 °C)
, when adjusting the inflation
pressure.
Avoid sunlight striking the tires before measur-
ing cold pressures, since the pressures would
rise from temperature influence.
fValve caps protect the valve from dust and dirt,
and thus from leakage.
Always screw caps tightly down.
Replace missing caps immediately.
fUse only plastic valve caps.
fDo not use commercially available sealant or
tire inflating bottles. Only use Porsche
approved tire sealant.
fPlease see the chapter “TIRE PRESSURES FOR
COLD TIRES (68 °F / 20 °C)” on Page 289.

238
Practical Tips, Emergency Service B Vehicle load limit
Is the maximum total weight limit specified of
the load (passengers and cargo) for the vehi-
cle. This is the maximum weight of passengers
and cargo that can be loaded into the vehicle.
Please see the chapter “LOADING INFORMA-
TION” on Page 246.
C Tire size for the front axle
Check with your authorized Porsche dealer
about the current release status.
D Recommended tire pressure for the front axle
These values are for cold tires (68 °F/20 °C).
E Tire size for the rear axle
Check with your authorized Porsche dealer
about the current release status.
F Recommended tire pressure for the rear axle.
These values are for cold tires (68 °F/20 °C).
G In vehicles with collapsible spare wheel:
Size and tire pressure of the spare wheel.
Tire traction
Warning!
When driving on wet or slushy roads, a
wedge of water may build up between the
tires and the road. This phenomenon is
known as “hydroplane” and may cause par-
tial or complete loss of traction, vehicle
control or stopping ability.
fReduce speed on wet surface to prevent this. Tire life Tire life depends on various factors, i. e., road
surfaces, traffic and weather conditions, driving
habits, type of tires and tire care.
fInspect your tires for wear and damage before
driving off. If you notice uneven or substantial
wear, wheels might need alignment or tires
should be balanced or replaced.
Tire wear The original equipment tires on your Porsche have
built-in tire wear indicators. They are molded into
the bottom of the tread grooves and will appear as
approximately 1/2 in. (12 mm) bands when the
tire tread depth is down to 1/16 of an in.
(1.6 mm).
When the indicators appear in two or more adja-
cent grooves, it is time to replace the tires. We
recommend, however, that you do not let the tires
wear down to this extent.
Worn tires cannot grip the road surface properly
and are even less effective on wet roads.
Snow tires lose their traction capability when their
tread depth falls below 5/32 in. (4 mm).
In the United States, state laws may govern the
minimum tread depth permissible. Follow all such
laws.

240
Practical Tips, Emergency Service
Danger!
Risk of serious personal injury or death.
Driving the vehicle with low tire pressure
increases risk of a tire failure and resulting
loss of control. Furthermore, low tire pres-
sure increases rate of wear of the affected
tires.
fCheck tires – including sidewalls – regularly for
foreign bodies, nicks, cuts, cracks and bulges.
fAfter driving off road, examine tires for signs
of damage such as cuts, tears, bulges or for-
eign objects stuck in the tread. Replace a dam-
aged tire if necessary.
fCross curb edges slowly and at right angles if
possible.
Avoid driving over steep or sharp curbs.
fIn cases of doubt, have the wheel (particularly
the inner side) checked by an authorized Porsche dealer.
Tire replacements If in doubt, contact your Porsche dealer.
Use only tire makes and types approved by
Porsche.
If you do not use a Porsche recommended
replacement tire, make sure that you
purchase your new tires from a reputable tire
dealer and that the dealer complies with all
manufacturers warnings for those tires.
Only tires with the same make and with the
same specification code (e.g. “N0”, “N1”...)
can be mounted.
Before mounting new tires, check with your
Porsche dealer about the current release
status.
Use tires with “ZR” quality standards. There
are currently no standards concerning tire
strength at speeds above 150 mph (240 km/h).
Tires should be replaced no less than on one axle
at the time.
Only tires of the same make and type must be
used. Mixed tires are not permissible.
Initially, new tires do not have their full traction.
You should therefore drive at moderate speeds
during the first 60 - 120 miles (100 - 200 km). If new tires are installed only on one axle, a notice-
able change in handling occurs due to the different
tread depth of the other tires.
This happens especially if only rear tires are re-
placed. However, this condition disappears as the
new tires are broken in.
fPlease adjust your driving style accordingly.
Installation of new tires should only be done by a
qualified tire technician.
Valves
Rubber valve stems must be replaced every time
a tire is replaced.
For metal valves, the installation and replacement
instructions must be observed.
fUse only genuine Porsche metal valves.
fProtect the valve inserts against soiling with
valve caps.
Soiled valve inserts can cause a gradual loss
of air.
fUse only plastic valve caps.