wheel PORSCHE 944 1987 1.G User Guide

Controls for Automatic Transmission
The selector lever has 6 positions:

Park
Rev erse

Neutral
Driv e
Low
Low




... If the selector lever is unintentionally mo ved
into Neutral (N) while driving, take your foot off
the accelerator pedal and wait until the engine
speed has dropped to idle before selecting a driving position.
Never shift into Reverse (R) or Park (P) when
the car is in motion.
... Never get out of the driver's seat when the
engine is running and the selector lever is not in the "P" position. Move the selector lever to
"P" and apply parking brake.
... Always make sure the selector lever is in the
"P" position when checking under the hood.
Otherwise, any increase in engine speed may
set the vehicle in motion, even with the
parking brake applied.
... A driving position must never be used for
holding the vehicle at rest uphill. Always use
your foot brakes when stopped on inclines.
Driving the Automatic Transmission
The Automatic Transmission has 3 forward
gears and one reverse. In driving positions D
and 2 the Automatic Transmission changes
gears automatically while driving.
Position D
is the driving position normally used for city and highway driving. It ranges from zero to top
speed, and all three gears shift automatically
depending on driving speed.

Start in Park
The selector lever has a push button in the
handle. The push button must be
depressed when selecting the following
positions:
From P to R
R to P depress push button
N to R in handle
2 to 1
The selector lever can be moved freely
between the other positions.
The respective position is illuminated in the tachometer as long as the ignition key is in
the ignition lock.
Remember the following basic rules:

... Apply the parking brake or foot brake before
selecting a driving position. When the selector
lever is in a driving position, the car may creep
even at idle speed. Therefore, do not release
the parking brake or foot brake until you are
ready to move.
... Do not accelerate while selecting a driving
position. Wait for positive engagement. At this
time the engine must run at idle speed so that
no undue stress will be placed on the automatic
clutches in the transmission.
53

Position 2
is to be used for mountain driving or slow
driving, when towing a trailer and also when
you want to make use of the engine's braking
effect. In "2", only the first and second gears
will engage automatically. Therefore, only shift down into position "2" when the speed is below 63 mph or 100 km/h. It is not necessary to let up on the accelerator.
Position 1
is needed on rare occasions. It should only be
used up to 25 mph or 40 km/h. In "1" the
transmission will stay in first gear and not shift
into the second or third gear.
Only shift down into "1" when driving speed is below 25
mph or 40 km/h.
The reverse position R
Reverse should be selected only when the car has come to a full stop and the engine is
running at idle speed.
The back-up lights come on automatically
when you engage Reverse (with ignition on). Starting the engine
is only possible when the selector lever is in
Neutral or Park (N or P) . As long as one of
the driving positions is engaged a safety
switch prevents the engine from being started.

Emergency starting
Your Porsche with Automatic Transmission
cannot be started by pushing or towing.
Should the engine fail to start see "Emergency starting with jumper cables" or consult your
nearest authorized Porsche dealer.
DO NOT START OR TOW the car without
ATF in the transmission, as this will result
in serious damage to transmission and
torque converter.
Putting the car in gear
With the parking brake or foot brake set, shift
into the position you wish to use, usually
position D. To accelerate, release the brake
and depress the gas pedal.
WARNING
Do not release the brake before you are
prepared to move, because power is
transmitted to the wheels as soon as a
driving position is engaged.
Selecting a driving position while driving
is easy. Simply release the accelerator pedal
and move the selector lever from the position
you are in into the position you want. Then
step on the accelerator again.
WARNING
Do not shift to a lower driving position
until vehicle speed has dropped below the
specified limits. Engine speed will sudden-

ly increase and may cause engine damage and loss of vehicle control.
Stopping
When stopping temporarily, at traffic lights for
example, it is not necessary to move the
selector lever to Neutral. Simply apply the
brakes. To start again release the brake and
accelerate.
Parking
When parking your car, apply the parking
brake first, and then move the selector lever to position P. To do this, depress the button and
push the lever through R to P. The
transmission is then mechanically locked.
Park may only be engaged when the car is
stationary.
Do not remove the key from the ignition
steering lock until you have parked the car, because removal of the key locks the
steering wheel.
Shift out of the Park position, before releasing
the parking brake.
When the car is parked on a steep hill, shifting
out of Park may be a little harder. This is due
to the weight the car exerts on the
transmission.

54

Neutral
Shift to this position for standing with brakes
applied.
Never use Neutral for coasting downhill.
You may lose control over the car because of reduced braking and cause serious damage to the transmission when a driving range has to be selected. CAUTION: While driving with the automatic speed control set (at speeds above 25 mph or 40 km/h), do not bring shift lever into
the Neutral position as excessive engine
rpm and severe engine damage may result.
Maneuvering
When alternating between forward (D) and
reverse (R) (for instance, while maneuvering
the car into a tight parking space), only shift
into Reverse or Drive
when the car has come to a full stop and the engine is running at idle
speed.
Stuck in snow, mud or sand
When alternating between Drive and
Reverse in an effort to free the vehicle,
depress the accelerator pedal lightly while the
transmission is in gear, and release the
accelerator pedal while shifting. Do not race
the engine and avoid spinning the wheels.
Do not repeat "rocking" back and forth
with wheels spinning at high engine speed
and heavy throttle, as serious damage may be caused to the automatic transmission
and other critical parts.
If you cannot free the vehicle after a few
"rocking" attempts, call for help or a tow truck.
Accelerator Pedal

For good fuel economy we recommend
smooth and even acceleration. Very fast, racy
driving, alternating between full throttle and
hard braking, raises the fuel consumption
considerably. Also, tires and brake linings
wear faster. It is more economical to drive smoothly and at a fairly constant speed.
Accelerator "Kickdown"
When depressing the accelerator pedal you
will find resistance near the full throttle position. By applying greater pressure the
pedal can be pushed beyond this point to the
kick-down position. The transmission will now
shift automatically into the next lower gear to
give you maximum acceleration, and only shift up again after the engine has reached
maximum speed in that particular gear.
WARNING
Be careful when using the kickdown on
slippery roads. Rapid acceleration may
cause skidding.
Please observe the following when applying
the accelerator kickdown:
With the selector lever in D, you can apply the kickdown to make the transmission shift down into second gear when driving below 88 mph
or 140 km/h and down to first gear when
driving below 47 mph or 75 km/h.
With the selector lever in "2", you can apply
the kickdown to make the transmission shift
down into first gear when driving below 47
mph or 75 km/h.
As soon as you release the pedal from the kickdown position the next higher gear is
automatically engaged.
Please observe all local and national speed limits.

55





Hatchback
(If vehicle is equipped with an anti-theft alarm
see "Anti-theft alarm".)
Release switch
To unlock the hatchback, operate the control
switch on the left side underneath the
dashboard.
If the hatchback does not open of its own
accord, it must be raised by hand.
Never operate the switch while the vehicle
is in motion. Lock

The hatchback can also be opened with the
ignition/door lock key. Turn key
counterclockwise and lift hatchback up.
To close, push hatchback down firmly until
both locks snap shut. Pull up on hatchback to
make sure it is securely locked.
Keep the hatchback locked at all times to
prevent unauthorized access to the
vehicle.
Be careful when removing large objects
through th
e rear. Sharp edged objects may damage the defogger wires in the rear
window.
WARNING
Because of inherent hazards, we do not
recommend transporting objects larger
than those fitting safely into the luggage
compartment. Keep the hatchback closed
while dr
iving to prevent poisonous exhaust gas from being drawn into the vehicle.

56

Car Care Instructions

Regular and correct care helps to maintain the value of your car and is also a
precondition for the long-life guarantee.

The Porsche paint finish is of a high quality
baked synthetic enamel. The color and
enamel type designation are indicated on the
"paint number sticker". When buying touch-up
paint, always give the paint and the car's
identification numbers to your dealer.
A well-cared for Porsche can look like new 10
years later. It all depends on the amount of
care the owner is willing to give the car.
Your Porsche dealer has a number of car-
care products and can advise you which ones to
use for cleaning the interior and exterior of
your car. Whether you use Porsche
recommended products or other commercially available cleaning agents first make sure of
their correct application.
WARNING
Cleaning agents may be poisonous. Keep
them out of the reach of children.
Observe all caution labels. Always read directions on the container before using any product. Most chemical cleaners are concentrates which require dilution. Do not use gasoline, 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 well ventilated areas.
Do not wash, wax or dry the vehicle with the
engine running.
Do not clean the underside of chassis,
fenders, wheel covers, etc., without
protecting your hands and arms you may cut
yourself on sharp-edged metal parts.
Moisture and road salt on brakes may affect braking efficiency. Test the brakes after each vehicle washing.
Washing and waxing
The paint on your Porsche is very durable but
must be protected from losing its luster due to
outside influences. Therefore, wash and wax
your Porsche often. The longer the dirt is left
on the paint, the greater the risk of damaging
the glossy finish, either by scratching if the dirt is rubbed into the paint, or simply by the
chemical effect dirt particles have on the paint
surface. Do not wash or wax in direct
sunlight. Do not use hot water. Lukewarm
to cool water is kinder to the paint.
Pamper your Porsche! Wash it by hand! The
mechanical brushes in an Automatic Car
Wash may not reach every angle of the
vehicle, and some tracks may cause
damage to the underbody.
Use plenty of water, a car-wash and wax
solution and a soft sponge or hose brush.
Begin by spaying water over the dry surface to remove all loose dirt before applying the car-wash and wax solution. Use plenty of water to
rinse the vehicle off. Wipe everything dry with
a chamois to avoid water spots.
61

To guard against corrosion from the inside
out, clean drain holes on the bottom of doors,
tail gates, hatches etc., after each washing.
Then wipe dry thoroughly. Also inspect all
weatherstrips to make sure they do not allow water to enter the body panels. Do not aim the water jet directly at door, hatch or rear lid locks. Tape the key holes to prevent water from seeping into the lock cylinders.
Water in lock cylinders should be removed
with compressed air. To prevent locks from freezing in the winter, squirt glycerin or lock
deicer into the lock cylinders.
Do not use any solution that can damage
the body paint.
The underside of the vehicle picks up dirt and
road salts used to keep streets and highways
free of snow and ice. To guard against
corrosion, it is important to remove mud,
debris and road salt from the underside with a
powerful jet of water. Be sure to include the
wheel housings, bumpers, muffler, tailpipe
and brackets. This should be done twice a
year and is best accomplished after the
vehicle has been driven through a heavy rain.
Let engine and exhaust system cool down
before washing.

Waxing is not really needed when you have
used a car-wash and wax solution. If you do
not use a car-wash liquid with wax, apply wax
to preserve the natural shine of the body
paint. To obtain a long lasting finish, apply
hard wax. Wax again if water remains on the
surface in large patches instead of forming
beads and rolling off.
Exterior
Care of the finish
Oils contained in the paint are the most
important ingredients contributing to the
elasticity of the finish. Because these oils
diminish gradually due to weather and similar
causes, they must be replenished through
regular and proper care of the finish. Given
proper care, the original finish will retain its
luster for many years. Ask your dealer for
approved cleaning agents and preservatives.
The use of polishes is recommended only
after it becomes evident that the normal
preservatives no longer accomplish the job.

Dull finishes and plastics
Plastic parts, such as light bulb lenses,
decorative strips, panels, etc., will come clean
during car washing. Should additional
cleaning or spot removal be necessary, use a
soft brush or cloth soaked with a mild
detergent solution. Then rinse thoroughly and
immediately with clear water. Do not use
anything which could mar the plastic or dull
finished surface, such as wax or polish,
abrasive detergents or chemical cleaning
solvents.
Metal trim
Bright or black anodized trim will come clean
when you wash the vehicle. To protect the trim, use car wax.
Touch-up paint
Your dealer has touch-up paint for minor
scratches and stone chips. Scratches should
be touched up soon after they occur, to
prevent corrosion. If corrosion formation
becomes visible, however, a simple touch-up
job will not suffice. The affected surface must
be smoothed with sand paper and covered
with an anti-rust primer, before restoring the
painted finish.


62

Tar or oil
Do not allow tar or oil to remain on the paint.
Remove as soon as possible with a cloth
soaked with a special paint cleaner. If you do
not have a tar or oil remover, you may
substitute with turpentine. After applying a
cleaning fluid, always wash with a lukewarm
soap water solution and apply a new wax
coat.
Insects
Remove as soon as possible with a lukewarm
soap/water solution or apply insect remover.
Tree sap Remove with a lukewarm soap/water solution. Do not allow tree sap or bird droppings to
harden on the paint.
Windows
Keep silicone sprays off the windshield to
avoid wiper smear in rain.
Generally, highway dust that settles on the
outside of the windshield contains material
worn from tires and oil residues. On the inside surfaces of the windshields, particularly in
strong sunlight, there are build-ups of dust
from the interior decor. These buildups are
reinforced by pollution in the air

brought in with the fresh air supply. Use a
lukewarm soap/water solution or an alcohol
based commercial window cleaning agent for t
he inside and outside. If a chamois is used for polishing the glass, it should exclusively be
used for that purpose.
To assure that windshield washers also
function at freezing temperatures, antifreeze
must be added to the washer fluids reservoirs
beforehand. It is advisable to use window
washer solvent with anti-freeze all year round. Follow directions on the can for the right
amounts to be used. Do not use engine
coolant anti-freeze or any other solution
that can damage the paint.
In vehicles with Sekurif
lex windshields, the plastic coating on the inside of the
windshield must not have gummed labels
put on it or be cleaned using abrasive
agents or dry methods. If very dirty, it can
be cleaned with benzine. The use of
benzine in a confined environment may be
dangerous to your health. Make certain
that the plastic coating is not damaged in
cleaning by hard objects such as jewelry
or wristwatches.
Do not remove ice on the inside of the
windshield by any means except warm air
from the defroster nozzles. Do not use any
deicer sprays, scratching tools, or
scrapers!

A foil base must be applied to the windshield prior to application of any labels or stickers
such as those used for state registration or
inspections. Failure to utilize foil base
between sticker or label and the Sekuriflex
coating will result in damage to the Sekuriflex
coating. Three foil bases were included with
the vehicle and additional foil bases may be
ordered from any Porsche dealer.
Instructions:
1. Clean the windshield in the area for
application.
2.
Cut the base of the foil to the required size.
Round off the edges.
3.
Pull off the protective film.
4. Spray the gummed side of the foil base and the windshield with a soap solution (distilled water and liquid soap or grease-free
detergent in a mixing ratio 10:1).
5.
Apply the foil base to the windshield and spray it once again.
6. Any liquid and bubbles under the foil base must be brushed out using a flexible plastic
scraper.
7.
Dry the windshield using a soft cloth.
8. Install label/sticker on the foil base.
63

When removing the label/sticker or the
backing foil, first spray the foil with a soapy
solution (see point 4).
Wiper blades
Always loosen frozen wiper blades from glass as they may tear otherwise.
Remove all wiper blades periodically and
clean them thoroughly with an alcohol base
cleaning solution. Use a sponge or soft cloth
and wipe lengthwise.
Weatherstrips
To seal properly, weatherstrips around hood,
hatch, windows, doors, etc., must be pliable.
Spray with silicone or coat with talcum powder or glycerin to retain flexibility of the rubber and to protect against freezing in the winter.
Light alloy wheels
To preserve the decorative appearance of the
light aluminium castings, some special care is
necessary. Aside from road dirt and salt
sprays, brake metal dust will exert corrosive
effects.
If left on too long, brake metal dust can cause
pitting. Wash the wheels with a sponge or
hose brush every other week.

Roads salts should be removed weekly with
an acid free cleaning solution.
The acid free cleaning solution must not have
a pH value greater than 10 (see explanation),
in case of doubt, it is recommended to check
with the manufacturer of that particular cleaner.
Every three months (after regular cleaning)
the wheels should be coated with petroleum
jelly. Rub it in firmly with a soft cloth. Never use abrasive or metal polishing cleaning
agents.
Explanation of pH value
The pH value is a measurement for the
hydrogen-ion concentration in a liquid. This
value tells if the liquid reaction is sour (acid) o r alkaline (lye solution). At a pH value of 7, the reaction of the liquid is
neutral (that is, chemically clean water), it is
not an acid or alkaline. Acids have a pH value
under 7, the strength of the acid increases
with a lower pH value. Alkaline lies between a pH value of 7 and 14, the strength of the
alkaline increases with higher pH values.

For example: a mineral water mixed with
carbon dioxide has a pH value of 6-6.5,
reaction is also light sour. Battery acid in
comparison has a pH value of 1.
or
the pH value for normal soap solution is 8-9,
but the soap solution for a dishwasher is
approximately 12.5, this would not be suitable
for wheel cleaning.
Your Porsche dealer can advise you which
product to use.
Remember that moisture and road salt on
brakes may affect braking efficiency. Test
the brakes after each car or wheel wash.


64

Exercise Extreme Caution when Working under the
Engine Hood


The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a potentially hazardous area. If you are not
fully familiar with proper repair procedures, do
not attempt the adjustments described on the
following pages. This caution applies to the
entire vehicle.
Only work on your vehicle outdoors or in a well ventilated area. Ensure that there are no open flames in the
area of your vehicles at any time when
gasoline fumes might be present. Be
especially cautious of such devices such as
hot water heaters which ignite a flame
intermittently.
Before working on any part in the engine
compartment, turn the engine off and let it
cool down sufficiently. Hot engine
compartment components can burn skin on
contact.
Even after the engine has stopped the
radiator fan may continue running until the
temperature of the coolant has dropped to a
certain level. Therefore, never touch the fan
blades as they will rotate spontaneously
when the thermostat turns the fan on, even with ignition off. Be alert and cautious around engine at all
times while the engine is running.
If work has to be done with the engine
running, always set the parking brake, and
make sure the shift lever is in either Neutral
or Park.
Exercise extreme caution to prevent
neckties, jewelry or long hair from getting
caught in the fan blades, the drive belts, or
any other moving engine parts.
Your Porsche is equipped with a
transistorized ignition system with
breakerless distributor. When the ignition is
on, high voltage is present in all wires
connected with the ignition system; therefore
exercise extreme caution when working on
any part of the engine while the ignition is on
or the engine is running.
Always support your car with safety stands if it is necessary to work underneath the car.
The jack supplied with the car is not
adequate for this purpose.
When working underneath the car without
safety stands but with the wheels on the
ground, make sure the car is on level ground, that the wheels are blocked, and that the
engine cannot be started. REMOVE THE
IGNITION KEY.
Do not smoke or allow an open flame around the battery or gasoline. Keep a fire extinguisher in close reach.
Incomplete or improper servicing may cause
problems in the operation of the car. If in
doubt about any servicing, have it done by
your authorized Porsche dealer or any other
properly equipped and qualified workshop.
Improper maintenance during the warranty
period may affect your warranty coverage.
67





Tool Kit and Car Jack
The tool kit and jack are stored in the luggage
compartment under the floor mat.
The car jack must be screwed open a little
before it can be removed from the holder.
The tool kit contains tools needed for minor
emergency roadside repairs, adjustments and
wheel changing.
Regulations in some countries require
additional tools. Details should be obtained
prior to leaving for a foreign country.
WARNING

Use the jack only for changing a tire. Never jack up other vehicles or other loads with it. Follow all warnings and instructions found in this manual for changing a tire. The jack must never be used as a support to work underneath the vehicle. If the jack is accidently dislodged, you or bystanders could be seriously injured. When working
under the vehicle, always use safety
stands specifically designed for this
purpose.



68

Power Assisted Steering
The hydraulic assistance system allows
effortless steering under all driving conditions.
Slight hissing or squeaking sounds during
sharp turns (turning steering wheel from lock
to lock) are normal and do not indicate a
defective steering mechanism.
If the engine is not running, po
wer assisted steering is no longer effective. You can
continue to steer the car but more effort
will be required to turn the steering wheel.

Checking the fluid level
The hydraulic fluid level should be checked at
regular intervals. The fluid reservoir is
mounted on the right wheel housing in the
engine compartment.
1.
Unscrew cap from reservoir and wipe
dipstick with a lint free cloth.
2.
Let engine run at idle speed. Reinstall cap
and unscrew again. The fluid level should
be between the upper and lower mark on
the dipstick.
If necessary, top up with ATF-Dextron®.
3. Reinstall cap and handtighten securely.
73

Cooling System
Only use additives recommended for
aluminium engines and radiators. Your
Porsche dealer will be able to advise you.
For year round driving, phosphate-free
antifreeze is added at the factory for
temperatures down to:
-31° F / -35° C
Because of its anti-corrosion properties,
antifreeze should also remain in the cooling
system for summer operation. Cooling system capacity and specified antifreeze and water
ratios are listed under "Filling capacities".
Use any quality phosphate-free anti-freeze
containing ethylene glycol, available at your
Porsche dealer. Anti-freeze other than
specified by Porsche for aluminium engi-
nes and radiators may cause corrosion of
the cooling system, leading to engine
overheating and damage.

Only
for topping up coolant, a small amount of anti-freeze containing ethylene glycol and
phosphates may be used if recommended
anti-freeze is not available.
The anti-corrosion properties and the
antifreeze consistency will diminish gradually.
We recommend renewing the coolant mixture
at least every 2 years.
WARNING
The radiator fan is electrically driven. It is
switched on automatically by a thermostat
when the coolant reaches 198°F / 92°C.
Even when the engine is turned off, the fan will continue running, until the coolant
temperature has dropped to 189°F / 87°C
and until the engine itself has cooled down sufficiently.
Checking coolant level in expansion tank
A correctly functioning cooling system requires only minor care. The coolant level
should be checked from time to time, and
always before going on a longer trip.
The
expansion tank with filler cap opening is
located in the engine compartment (see
illustration). Since the expansion tank is
transparent, the coolant level can be checked
visually without removing the filler cap.

74

Brake Fluid Reservoir


The brake fluid reservoir is in the engine
compartment. The reservoir has two
chambers, the front chamber for one brake
circuit and the rear chamber for the second
brake circuit and the hydraulic clutch.
The fluid level should be checked regularly. If
the level drops below the "min" mark on the
transparent reservoir, the cause should be
located and corrected by your dealer.
To add brake fluid , unscrew the cap. The
vent bore in the cap should be kept clean and
open.


944 / 944 S WARNING

Every 2 years the brake fluid has to be replaced. See your Warranty &
Maintenance booklet.
If brake fluid must be added to the reservoir, use only new and unused DOT
3 or DOT 4 brake fluid, that meets SAE
specification J1703 and conforms to
Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 116.
Do not use any other brake fluid or brake fluids that have absorbed moisture from
the open air, or brake fluid that is dirty. It
may cause premature wear or unreliable
braking action.


Do not add or mix DOT 5 silicone type brake fluid with the brake fluid in your
vehicle as severe component corrosion
may result. Such corrosion could lead to
brake system failure.
The brake warning light does not indicate brake fluid level. Check fluid level
between regular maintenance services.
Brake fluid is poisonous. Brake fluid is also harmful to the paint of your vehicle.
Checking Brake Pads
Brake pad wear will mainly depend upon the
degree of usage, and the type of driving you
do.
Thickness of the pads should be checked
during regular maintenance or whenever the
wheels are taken off (visual check). The brake pads must be thick enough between the brake pad plate and the cross spring to allow a
reserve for further wear (see illustration).
79

944 Turbo

944

944 Turbo
The permissible wear limit has been reached
once the brake pad plate comes to rest
against the cross spring (brake pad thickness
approx. 0.08 in or 2 mm).
We also suggest that the condition of the
brake pads be checked prior to going on long
trips. Air Filter
A dirty air cleaner not only reduces engine performance, but can lead to premature
engine wear. If driving is mostly done in areas
where the air is very dusty, the air cleaner must be checked and cleaned frequently,
perhaps daily.
The paper filter element must never be
cleaned or soaked with gasoline, cleaning
solvents or oil.
To clean or replace
the filter element
944 / 944 Turbo

1. Loosen hose clamp at filter housing cover (arrow) and pull off hose.
2.
Loosen mounting screws with screw driver
and lift up filter housing cover. On the 944
Turbo, also remove the air intake funnel.
3.
Remove filter element and clean inside of
housing with a slightly oiled, lint-free cloth.
4.
Replace filter element or shake out dirt to
clean.
80

944


5. Press together the housing cover with the air intake funnel (944 Turbo) and carefully
place in position. Tighten fastening screws,
connect hose and screw down hose clamp.

944 S
1. Unscrew the retaining screws and remove
the filter cover.
2.
Remove the filter element.
3. Clean the inside of the filter housing with a
lightly oiled lint-free cloth.
4.
Fit a replacement filter element. Carefully
place the housing cover in position and
tighten the retaining screws.

Reservoir for Windshield and Headlight
Washer System
The transparent reservoir is in the engine
compartment. As clear water is usually
inadequate for cleaning windshield or
headlights, add a cleaning solution, such as
windshield washer solvent and antifreeze offered by your dealer. To assure that the
system also functions at freezing
temperatures, antifreeze must be added to the water beforehand. Follow the instructions on the can for the right amount to be used (also
see "Filling Capacities"). Do not use engine
coolant anti-freeze or any other solution
that can damage the car paint.
81

Tires/Wheels
The original equipment tires and wheel rims
on your Porsche comply with all applicable
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
For your driving safety remember the
following:
Wheel rims and wheel bolts are matched to
fit your Porsche.
If you intend to use other than original equipment wheels, be sure that they conform to Porsche specifications for your model. The use of wheel rims and wheel bolts that
do not meet specifications of the original
factory installed equipment will affect the safe operation of your vehicle. Before you plan on exchanging wheels, or winter tires already mounted on wheel rims, consult your Porsche dealer. He has the
technical information necessary to advise
you which wheel rims and wheel bolts are
compatible with the original factory
installations.
Tire pressures
WARNING
Incorrect tire pressures cause increased
tire wear and adversely affect road holding of the vehicle, leading to loss of control.
Always use an accurate tire pressure
gauge when checking inflation pressures.
Do not exceed the maximum tire inflation
pressure listed on the tire sidewall. (Also
refer to "Technical data"). Cold tire infla-

tion pressure means: when a car has not been driven for at least 3 hours or less
than 1 mile. Never let any air out of warm
tires to meet cold tire pressure
specifications.
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 aquaplaning and may cause
partial or com
plete loss of traction, vehicle control or stopping ability. Reduce speed
on wet surface.
Tire Life
Tire life depends on various factors, i.e.,
roads, traffic and weather conditions, driving
habits, type of tires and tire care.
Inspect your tires at least
every 2.000 miles or 3.000 km for wear and damage. If you notice
uneven or substantial wear, wheels might
need alignment or tires should be balanced or
replaced.
Tires must always remain on same side of
vehicle.
After changing, adjust tire pressure and torque wheel nuts diagonally to 94 ft Ibs (130 Nm) (see "Changing wheels").
The supposition that tire durability and
performance are immune to the effects of
storage and age is unfounded. Chemical
additives, which make the rubber elastic, lose
their effectiveness in the course of time and
the rubber becomes brittle and cracks.

Therefore, the tires, especially the collapsible
spare tire, should from time to time undergo a
visual check. To accomplish this,
pump up the collapsible spare tire.
Under no circumstances should tires older
than 6 years be used on your Porsche. The
age of the tire can be obtained from the "DOT" code number. If, for example, the last three
numbers read 125, then the tire was produced in the 12th week of 1985.
Tire wear
The original equipment tires on your Porsche
have built-
in 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
1/2 of an in (1.6 mm).
When the indicators appear in two or more
adjacent 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.
In the United States, state laws may govern
the minimum tread depth permissible. Follow
all such laws.
WARNING
Do not drive with worn tires or tires
showing cuts or bruises as they may lead
to sudden deflation.
If you notice that tires are wearing unevenly,
consult your Porsche dealer. Uneven wear

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may not always be due to improper wheel
alignment. It can be the result of individual
driving habits such as cornering at high
speeds. If the tire pressure is not checked and adjusted regularly, abnormal tire wear can
also occur.
Tire care
WARNING
Avoid damaging tires and wheel rims. If you must drive over a curb or other obstacle,
drive slowly and at an obtuse angle.
Frequently check tires for uneven wear and
damage.
Remove imbedded material. Replace worn or damaged tires immediately. Replace missing valve dust caps. Keep oil, fuel, brake fluid, etc. away from
tires.
Keep tires inflated correctly.

Tire replacement
In the interest of maximum safety and best
all-around car handling, always buy
replacement tires that have the same
specifications with regard to tire size,
design, load carrying capacity, tread
pattern, tread depth etc. This also applies
to Porsche recommended alternate
replacement tires. If you do not use a
Porsche recommended replacement tire,
make sure that you purchase your new
tires from a reputable

tire specially dealer and that the dealer complies with all manufacturers warnings
for those tires.
In case of tire damage where it is uncertain
whether there is a break in the ply with all its consequences or, tire damage caused by
thermal or mechanical overloading due to a
loss of pressure or any other prior damage,
we recommend that the tire be replaced for safety reasons.
If one faulty tire on an axle is replaced it
should be noted that the difference in tread
depth on one axle must not be more than
30%.
Tire specifications are imprinted on the
sidewall of the tires. If in doubt, check with
your Porsche dealer.
When replacing tubeless tires, always install
new valve stems. When replacing tires
requiring an inner tube, always install new
tubes.
New tires do not possess maximum
traction. They tend to be slippery. Break
new tires in by driving at moderate speed
for the first 60-120 miles or 100-200
kilometers.
Wheel balancing
A wheel should always be balanced after a tire repair. Even with regular use a wheel can
get out of balance, and should therefore be
balanced from time to time. Unbalanced
wheels may affect car handling and tire life.
When balancing light alloy wheels, use only
adhesive balancing weights supplied through
the Porsche parts service.

Wheels
If you intend to use other than original
equipment wheels, be sure that they conform
to Porsche specifications for your model.
Check with your Porsche dealer regarding the
correct wheel specifications for type and
model year.
Removing and storing tires
The driving direction should be clearly marked on all tires before removing them for storage,
to make sure they are mounted and run in the
same direction as before. Store tires in a cool
and dry place. Tires without rims upright!
Avoid contact with oil, grease or gasoline. When remounting, put tires with the most
tread depth at the front.
Snow tires
For a better grip on snow and ice use radial M + S tires or snow tires with studs. Check with
your local Motor Vehicle Bureau for possible
restrictions.
Radial ply M+S tires should be inflated with
the same cold tire inflation pressures required
for the regular radial ply tires. However, do not exceed the maximum tire inflation pressure
listed on the tire sidewall.
Snow tires should have the same load
capacity as original equipment tires and
should be mounted on all four wheels. Snow
tires with studs should be run at moderate
speeds when new in order to give the studs
time to settle.

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WARNING
Tires with badly worn treads and studs are
very dangerous. Make sure they are replaced
immediately.
Do not drive a vehicle equipped with snow
tires at prolonged high speed. Snow tires do
not have the same degree of traction on dry,
wet or snow free roads as a normal tire. Furthermore, snow tires wear rapidly under
these conditions.
Snow tires do not fulfill their purpose if the
tread depth is less than 5/32 in. / 4 mm.
Comply with all state and local laws
governing snow tire and tread depth
requirements.
Snow chains Should snow chains be necessary, they
must be mounted on the drive wheels
only.

Check with local authorities for possible
restrictions.
Use only Porsche-approved snow chains with
fine pitch links, so that enough
space remains between the chains and the inside of the wheel arches.
Drive wheels must rotate freely with chains
mounted to prevent damage to body, axle or
brake components. Follow instructions issued
by the supplier of the chains. Remove chains
as soon as roads are free of ice and snow.
New Tire Identifications
The European tire manufacturers have
changed their tire identification system for SR
and HR-tires pertaining to maximum
permissible speed and maximum load carrying capacity for belted tires. The following is an
example only.
During the transition period some tires might
show both old and new identification codes,
such as: 215/60 SR 15 M+S 80 Q. In this
instance, the new codes apply.
The identification codes for VR tires
remain unchanged; for example: 205/55 VR
16. (V = maximum permissible speed for radial tires, i.e. over 130 mph or 210 km/h).


84

Collapsible Spare Tire
The spare tire is stored underneath the
luggage compartment cover.
Due to tread and space saver design features
of the collapsible tire, car handling may be
affected.
Therefore, do not drive more than 50 mph
(80 km/h) when using the collapsible spare tire. It is for emergency use and short
distances only. Remount the original road
tire as soon as possible.
Inflating the collapsible tire WARNING

Do not overinflate your spare tire.
Inflate the collapsible tire with the electric air
compressor that comes with your Porsche. Do not use other equipment!
1. Mount spare wheel before inflating the tire.The wheel nuts for the light alloy wheels of the vehicle can be used to mount the spare wheel. This applies to emergency use and
short distances only.
2.
Attach hose to tire valve. Insert plug of electric cord into cigarette lighter socket.
3. The required tire pressure is 36 psi or 2.5 bar/atm (front or rear). Check
pressure with tire pressure gauge.
4.
Disconnect hose and electric cord and store air compressor.
5. Have flat road tire repaired and remounted
on car at next service stop. Remember, the collapsible tire is for emergency use and short distances only.
When the air is released from the collapsible
tire, it will return to its original shape after
cooling down for several hours. Store
collapsible tire in luggage compartment.
The collapsible spare tire cannot be
repaired or mounted on the rims with
standard workshop equipment. Repair and
remounting must only be done by the tire
manufacturer.

Tire tread depth As required by law, the tread depth of the collapsible tire is the same as that of the
original equipment tire. Replace a worn
collapsible spare tire in time.
If air compressor does not work
...
Check if tobacco or any other foreign matter is lodged in the cigarette lighter socket.
Remove carefully with a wooden pick. Do
not use metal object to prevent short circuit.
... Check if fuse is blown. Replace with new
equivalent fuse.

Maintenance of air compressor
The air compressor is maintenance-free. Do
not apply oil or any other lubricant.
The air filter should be cleaned periodically to
assure maximum efficiency of the unit.

85



Lockable Wheel Nuts You can guard against wheel theft by installing lockable wheel nuts on your wheels. Each kit
contains three keys and four wheel nuts with
lock sleeve. The locking mechanism is
identical for all four wheel nuts. When taking
the vehicle to your Porsche dealer or to a
workshop for wheel or tire service, remember to leave one key with the service attendant.
In case of loss, duplicate keys cannot be
furnished by your Porsche dealer. Do not
leave these keys in the vehicle. Keep them
in a safe place.
To unlock a wheel

1. Remove protective plastic cap from wheel
nut.
2.
Insert key all the way and turn left about
30°.
3.
Remove lock sleeve together with inserted
key.
To lock a wheel
1. Turn the key again approx 30° to the right and remove.
2.
Push the lock onto the wheel nut until you
can feel it latch.
3.
Check whether the sleeve (of the lock) is up against the collar of the wheel nut.
4. Generally it is not necessary to balance the wheels after installing the lockable wheel nuts.

86