warning PORSCHE 911 GT3 2010 5.G Owner's Manual

Operation, Safety
43
Seat adjustment for the passenger's seat
Danger!
Safety belts only offer protection when the
backrest is upright and the belts are properly
positioned on the body. Improperly positi-
oned safety belts can cause serious personal
injury or death in an accident.
fDo not operate the car with the driver or
passenger backrests excessively reclined.
fPorsche recommends the use of L.A.T.C.H.
(Lower Anchorage and Tether for Children)
equipped Porsche child seat.
Do not install a child restraint system in
the Sports bucket seat.
The Sports bucket seat cannot be equipped with the LATCH system.
If the seat is in an extreme position (e.g., the
backrest is in contact with the engine compart-
ment wall), the backrest can warp. Warping of the
backrest can lead to malfunctions.
fCorrect the seat adjustment.
Ensure that the seat is not jammed and is self-
supporting.
Ensure that the backrest is in the upright
position.fDo not transport a load and objects behind and
under the passenger's seat.
If the load or objects are under the seat, it can
cause malfunctions.
If the weight on the passenger's seat is reduced
significantly, e.g., by supporting weight on the
armrest, the passenger's airbag can be switched
off.
fSelect an upright seat position, and do not
support weight on the armrests or lean out of
the window.
Always keep feet in the footwell while driving.
Do not put feet on the dashboard or the seat
area. Do not lean against the inside of the door
or outside the window while the vehicle is
moving.
If the passenger's seat is warped significantly, a
message is displayed on the on-board computer:
fCorrect the seat adjustment.
fPlease see the chapter “WARNINGS ON THE
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE ON-BOARD
COMPUTER” on Page 148.
Vehicle modifications to accommodate
persons with disabilities
Because modifications to your vehicle could
compromise your advanced airbag system,
please call 1-800-PORSCHE prior to having your
vehicle modified.Automatic deactivation of the front
passenger’s airbags
Danger!
The use of a child restraint system in the
passenger’s seat can result in serious
personal injury or death to the child from an
airbag deployment.
fPlease see the chapter “PASSENGER AIRBAG
OFF INDICATOR LAMP DOES NOT LIGHT UP”
on Page 44.
fBefore transporting a child on the passenger’s
seat:
Please see the chapter “CHILD RESTRAINT
SYSTEMS” on Page 47.
fDo not install a child restraint system in the Sports bucket seat.
– When an up to one-year old child is seated
in the child restraint system, the front airbag is
automatically deactivated on the passenger’s
side.
– When an adult is seated in the front seat, the
front airbag remains active on the passenger‘s
side.
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44
Operation, Safety
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF indicator lampNote on operation
Although not desired, it can occur in the case of
heavier children that the passenger airbag remain
active or, in the case of very light adults or young
persons, that the passenger airbag is
deactivated.
The condition of the passenger airbag is shown by
the indicator lamp.
If in doubt:
fPlease see the chapter “PASSENGER AIRBAG
OFF INDICATOR LAMP DOES NOT LIGHT UP”
on Page 44.fPlease see the chapter “KEY-OPERATED
AIRBAG DEACTIVATION DEVICE” on Page 46.
fPlease see the chapter “CHILD RESTRAINT
SYSTEMS” on Page 47.
fPlease see the chapter “LATCH SYSTEM
CHILD SEAT BRACKET ON THE PASSENGER’S
SEAT” on Page 51.
Note
fAfter inserting the ignition key, the
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF warning light lights
up for a few seconds as a bulb check.
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp
lights up
– The passenger's airbag is switched off.
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp
does not light up
– The passenger's airbag is active and ready for
operation.
– If the passenger's seat is not occupied, the
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp will
also not light up, even though the passenger's
airbag is switched off.
Danger!
Risk of serious personal injury or death due
to the passenger airbag triggering unintenti-
onally.
When the ignition key is inserted and an up
to one-year old child is seated in the child
restraint system on the passenger’s seat, the
indicator lamp “PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF”
must be on.
If the “PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF” indicator
lamp does not light up, it could indicate a
fault in the system.
In this case:
fOn vehicles with key-operated airbag deactiva-
tion device: Switch to position OFF.
fOn vehicles without key-operated airbag
deactivation device: Do not drive.
fHave the fault remedied at your nearest autho-rized Porsche dealer.
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Operation, Safety
45
Note
The key switch for switching off the passenger’s
airbag in combination with the LATCH attachment
bracket are not installed at the factory. They can
be retrofitted.
fPlease see your authorized Porsche dealer.
Faults are indicated by a warning light in the instru-
ment panel and a message on the on-board
computer.
fPlease see the chapter “WARNINGS ON THE
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE ON-BOARD
COMPUTER” on Page 148.
fIn the following cases you should immedi-
ately consult an authorized Porsche
dealer in order to assure the airbag
system is functioning properly:
– If the warning light does not light up when the
ignition key is inserted or
– If the warning light does not go out once the
engine is running or
– If the warning light appears while driving.
Airbag maintenanceIn order to ensure long-term functioning, the
airbag system must be inspected by an authorized
Porsche dealer at the intervals recommended in
your Maintenance Booklet.
Important information
If you sell your Porsche, notify the purchaser that
the vehicle is equipped with airbags, and refer
them to the chapter, “Airbag Systems“, in the
Owner's Manual (safety and disposal rules).
Further information on the airbag system can be
found on stickers attached to the sun visors.
For special recommendations on the use of child
restraints:
fPlease see the chapter “CHILD RESTRAINT
SYSTEMS” on Page 47.
Warning light and warning
message
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46
Operation, Safety
Key-operated airbag deactivation deviceIn case your vehicle is equipped with LATCH, you
can switch off (OFF) the passenger's airbag
manually. In the automatic mode (AUTO), the
airbag will be switched on or off automatically
depending on the weight on the passenger seat.
fSwitch off the passenger’s airbag on the key
switch using the vehicle key.
Switch position AUTO – passenger’s airbag is
active
Switch position OFF – passenger’s airbag is
switched off
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp
Danger!
Risk of serious personal injury or death for
passenger if passenger’s airbag remains
switched off after the child restraint system
is removed.
fMake sure that the key switch is switched to
AUTO once the child seat has been removed,
in order to provide protection to the adult occupants.Warning light “PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF”
If the airbag on the passenger’s side is switched
off:
– Warning light “PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF” is
continuously lit when the ignition key is
inserted.
Danger!
Risk of serious personal injury or death from
the passenger’s airbag.
If the “PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF” warning
light is not lit when the ignition key is inserted
and the Airbag OFF switch is switched to the
OFF-Position, this could indicate a fault in the
system.
fDo not install a child restraint system on the
passenger’s seat.
fHave the fault remedied immediately. Please see your authorized Porsche dealer.
Note
fDo not install a child restraint system in
the Sports bucket seat.
The key switch for switching off the passenger’s
airbag in combination with the LATCH attachment
bracket are not installed at the factory. They can
be retrofitted (not on vehicles with Sports bucket
seat).
fPlease see your authorized Porsche dealer.
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Operation, Safety
47
Child Restraint SystemsfDo not install a child restraint system in
the Sports bucket seat.
The Sports bucket seat cannot be
equipped with the LATCH system.
Porsche recommends that all infants and children
be restrained in child restraint systems at all times
while the vehicle is in motion in accordance with
applicable laws.
Use only child restraint systems with the LATCH-
system recommended by Porsche. These sys-
tems have been tested and adjusted to the interior
of your Porsche and the appropriate child weight
groups. Other systems have not been tested and
could entail an increased risk of injury or death.
You can obtain child seats that are LATCH compa-
tible at your authorized Porsche dealer.
fAlways observe the separate installation
instructions for your child seat.
The use of infant or child restraints is required by
law in all 50 states of the U.S. and all Canadian
provinces. The child restraint system should be
one that complies with U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standards and should be secured by a lap
belt or lap belt portion of a lap-shoulder belt or for
child seats equipped with the LATCH sytem
(Lower Anchorage and Tether for Children, also
known as ISOFIX) to the LATCH anchorages.
A statement by the seat manufacturer of compli-
ance with this standard can be found on the instruction label on the restraint and in the instruc-
tion manual provided with the restraint.
Danger!
The use of a child restraint system in the
passenger’s seat can result in serious
personal injury or death to the child from an
airbag deployment.
To reduce risk of injury from an inflating
airbag in an accident, Porsche strongly
recommends:
fPlease see the chapter “PASSENGER AIRBAG
OFF INDICATOR LAMP DOES NOT LIGHT UP”
on Page 44.
fPlease see the chapter “CHILD RESTRAINT
SYSTEMS” on Page 47.
fDo not install a child restraint system in
the Sports bucket seat.
The Sports bucket seat cannot be equipped with the LATCH system.
Note
The key switch for switching off the passenger’s
airbag and the LATCH attachment bracket are not
installed at the factory. They can be retrofitted (not
on vehicles with Sports bucket seat).
fPlease see your authorized Porsche dealer.
Danger!
Risk of serious personal injury or death to the
child.
fFollow all child restraint instructions and warnings in this manual.
– When using an infant or child restraint system,
be sure to follow all manufacturer's instruc-
tions on installation and use.
– Infants and small children should never be held
on the lap, nor should they share a safety belt
with another occupant while the vehicle is in
motion.
– Children too big for child restraint systems
must use regular safety belts. A shoulder belt
can be used providing it does not cross the
face or the neck of the child.
– Choose a child restraint system according to
the weight of the child.
– Child restraint systems that are damaged or
have been heavily stressed in an accident must
be replaced immediately.
– Children could be endangered in a crash if their
child restraints are not properly secured in the
vehicle.
– Do not affix things to child restraint systems or
cover it with other materials.
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52
Operation, Safety
Child Restraint Anchorages fPlease see the chapter “AUTOMATIC LOCKING
RETRACTOR” on Page 50.
fDo not install a child restraint system in
the Sports bucket seat.
The Sports bucket seat cannot be
equipped with the LATCH system.
If your child restraint seat requires the use of a
tether strap, you will want to use the anchor point
behind the passenger’s seat under the carpet.
To ensure proper installation, see your authorized
Porsche dealer.
Note
If a child seat with top tether is adapted for use on
the passenger’s seat, the anchor point must be
used for anchoring the top tether.
Warning!
The child restraint anchorage is designed to
withstand only the load imposed by a
correctly fitted child restraint. Under no
circumstances is the anchorage to be used
for adult safety belt or harness. Such use
could result in serious personal injury or
death.
fDo not misuse the child restraint anchorage.
This is not designed to withstand a load imposed by an adult.
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Operation, Safety
53
Clutch Pedal The clutch pedal must be depressed fully
before the starter will engage.
Warning!
Risk of an accident, resulting in serious
personal injury or death.
fAlways check the movement of the clutch
pedal before driving and make sure that it is
not obstructed by a floor mat or any other
object.
fSecure 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:
fAlways depress the clutch pedal fully when
changing gears.
fDo 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 mean a malfunction of the
clutch.
fSee your Porsche dealer for correction.
Parking Brake Parking brake force is mechanically transferred to
the rear wheels by means of cables.
fUse the parking brake only after the vehicle
has come to a full stop.
Setting the parking brake fPull the lever all the way up (arrow).
With the ignition on, the parking brake warning
lights in the instrument panel and on-board
computer will come on if the lever is even
slightly raised. A firm pull upward is required to
properly engage the parking brake.
If the brake is not fully set, the vehicle may roll
without control.
fMove the gearshift lever to reverse or first
gear.
fBefore exiting the vehicle, make sure that the
parking brake is fully set and the vehicle is not
moving at all.
Danger!
Risk of serious personal injury or death. A
partially engaged parking brake may allow
the vehicle to roll, causing serious personal
injury or death to any person in its path.
fEngage the parking brake fully.Releasing the parking brakefPull the lever slightly up as you depress the
release button, and then push the lever all the
way down.
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54
Operation, Safety The warning lights in the instrument panel and on-
board computer will go out after the parking brake
is fully released.
The warning lights are not an indicator that the
parking brake is fully set; it is only intended to be
a warning to release the parking brake before
driving the car. Caution!
A partially engaged brake will overheat the
rear brakes, reduce their effectiveness and
cause excessive wear.
fRelease the parking brake fully.
fWhen parking your car, always set the parking
brake by pulling all the way up on the lever.
fMove the gearshift lever to reverse or first
gear.
fOn hills also turn the front wheels towards the
curb.
Brakes fMake it a habit to check the operation of your
brakes before driving.
Keep in mind that the braking distance increases
very rapidly as the speed increases. At 60 mph or
100 km/h, for example, it is not twice but four
times longer than 30 mph or 50 km/h. Tire
traction is also less effective when the roads are
wet or slippery.
fTherefore, always maintain a safe distance
from the car in front of you.
Vehicles without Porsche Ceramic Compo-
site Brake (PCCB)
Even though the brake discs consist of alloyed
grey cast iron, they will unavoidably start to
corrode if your car is parked for an extended
period. The brakes will tend to “rub” as a result.
The nature, extent and effects of corrosion
depend on the amount of time the vehicle was
parked, whether granular or liquid road salt was
spread and whether grease-dissolving agents
were used in car washes.
If the braking comfort is noticeably impaired, we
recommend having the brake system checked by
experts at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Brake system function Your Porsche is equipped with a power assisted
hydraulic dual circuit brake system with disc
brakes at the front and rear.
Both circuits function independently. One brake
circuit operates the front and the other operates
the rear.
If one brake circuit has failed, the other will still
operate. However, you will notice an increased
pedal travel when you apply the brakes.
Failure of one brake circuit will cause the stopping
distance to increase.
Warning!
Risk of an accident, resulting in serious
personal injury or death.
In the unlikely event of hydraulic failure of
one brake circuit:
fPush the brake pedal down firmly and hold it in
that position.
A mechanical linkage activates the second
circuit, and you will be able to bring the vehicle
to a stop.
fAfter bringing your vehicle to a complete stop,
avoid driving the vehicle and instead have it
towed to the nearest authorized Porsche dealer for repair.
Parking brake warning light USA
Parking brake warning light
Canada
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Operation, Safety
55
Brake system warning light
You can check the functionality of the brake
system warning light by switching the ignition to
the “On” position and verifying that the warning
light illuminates.
If the warning lights in the instrument panel and on-
board computer go on while driving, the brake
fluid level may be too low, or (if the brake pedal
travel has increased) one of the two brake circuits
may have failed.
A greater braking pressure will be required,
stopping distances will be longer and the braking
behavior will change, particularly in curves.
With correctly adjusted brakes, and a correctly
working brake system, the pedal travel to the
point of brake actuation should be 1-3/16 in. to
1-9/16 in. or 30 to 40 mm.
Whenever the brake pedal travel exceeds this
distance, have the brake system checked.
Brake pedal
Warning!
Risk of an accident, resulting in serious
personal injury or death.
Any obstruction of the brake pedal could
increase the stopping distance.
fAlways check the movement of the brake pedal
before driving and make sure that it is not
obstructed by a floor mat or any other object.
fSecure 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.
Note
In case one of the two brake circuits fails, incre-
ased pedal travel is required to bring your vehicle
to a full stop.
Warning!
To avoid overheating and premature wear of
the brakes:
fBefore descending a steep grade, reduce
speed and shift the transmission into a lower
gear to control speed.
fDo not “ride the brakes” by resting your foot on
the pedal when not intending to apply brake
pressure.
fDo not hold the pedal down too long or too
often.
This could cause the brakes to get hot and not function properly.
Brake warning light USA
Brake warning light Canada
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56
Operation, Safety
Brake booster The brake booster assists braking only when
the engine is running.
When the car is moving while the engine is not
running, 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
operate.
Moisture or road salt on brakes affects braking.
Brakes will dry after a few cautious brake applica-
tions.
Warning!
Risk of an accident, resulting in serious
personal injury or death.
Driving through water may reduce the
traction.
Moisture on brakes from road water, car
wash, or coating of road salt may affect
braking efficiency.
fCautiously apply brakes to test brakes after exposure to road water, etc.
Brake wear Your car has excellent brakes, but they are still
subject to wear. The rate at which they wear
depends on how the brakes are used.
fHave the brake system inspected at the
intervals recommended in your Maintenance
Booklet.
Brake system warning light
You can check the functionality of the brake
system warning light by switching the ignition to
the “On” position and verifying that the warning
light illuminates.
If the warning lights in the instrument panel and on-
board computer stay on when the engine is
running 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 condi-
tions 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 tempe-
ratures.
Certain speeds, braking forces and ambient
conditions (such as temperature and humidity)
therefore might cause “brake noises”. This also
applies after completion of the breaking-in period
required for the new brake components.
New brake pads or linings
New brake pads and brake 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
compensated 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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