warning PORSCHE BOXSTER 2005 2.G Owner's Guide

Controls, Instruments
53
If the warning lights in the instrument panel and on-
board computer go on while driving, the brake flu-
id 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, stop-
ping distances will be longer and the braking beha-
vior 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" to
1-9/16" or 30 to 40 mm.
Whenever the brake pedal travel exceeds this dis-
tance, have the brake system checked.
Brake pedal
Warning!
Risk of an accident.
Any obstruction of the pedal could increase
the stopping distance.
fAlways check the movement of the brake pedal
before driving and make sure that it is not obs-
tructed 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
floor mats of the correct size including a secu-ring possibility.
Note
In case one of the two brake circuits fails, increa-
sed 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 or driving position 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 of-
ten.
This could cause the brakes to get hot and not function properly.
Brake warning light USA
Brake warning light
Canada

54
Controls, Instruments
Brake booster The brake booster assists braking only when
the engine is running.
When the car is moving while the engine is not run-
ning, or if the brake booster is defective, more
pressure on the brake pedal is required to bring
the car to a stop.
Moisture or road salt on brakes affects braking.
When the vehicle is driven on salted roads for ex-
tended periods, the brakes should be washed
down thoroughly about every 2 weeks. An auto-
matic carwash facility cannot do this job properly.
Brakes will dry after a few cautious brake applica-
tions.
Warning!
Driving through water may reduce traction.
Moisture on brakes from road water, car
wash, or coating of road salt may affect bra-
king efficiency.
fCautiously apply brakes to test brakes after being exposed.
Brake wear Your car has excellent brakes, but they are still
subject to wear. The rate at which they wear de-
pends on how the brakes are used.
fHave the brake system inspected at the inter-
vals recommended in your Maintenance Book-
let.
If the 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 con-
ditions of use and therefore cannot be expressed
in actual miles on the road.
The high-performance brake system is designed
for optimal braking effect at all speeds and tempe-
ratures.
Certain speeds, braking forces and ambient
conditions (such as temperature and humidity)
therefore might cause the brakes to squeal.
New brake pads or linings
New brake pads have to be “broken in”, and there-
fore only attain optimal friction when the car has
covered several hundred miles or km.
The slightly reduced braking ability must be com-
pensated for by pressing the brake pedal harder.
This also applies whenever the brake pads and
brake discs are replaced.
Warning light USA
Warning light Canada

Controls, Instruments
55
ABS Brake System
(Antilock Brake System) The ABS system represents a major contribution
to the enhancement of active safety in your vehic-
le. This system prevents the wheels from locking
in a panic stop on almost all road surfaces. With the ABS system in your vehicle, the fol-
lowing areas are enhanced:
Steering, vehicle remains steerable under all bra-
king forces when ABS is engaged.
Good directional control, no swerving caused
by locking of wheels under braking conditions.
Shorter stopping distance, stopping distances
are usually reduced because controlled braking is
maximized.
Prevention of wheel lock up, no brake- induced
sliding and thus no localized tire wear from emer-
gency braking.
The crucial advantage of the ABS system over a
conventional brake system is in the area of
maintaining directional control and maneuverabili-
ty of the car in emergency situations during nor-
mal driving, including panic braking in turns.
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 ABS.
The risk of accidents due to inappropriate
speed cannot be reduced, even by the ABS.
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.
Other vehicles not equipped with the ABS
system may not be able to maintain control,
especially on wet or poor road surfaces and
thus may be more likely to impact you from
behind.
fTo minimize that risk, use your ABS system to
increase your ability to maneuver to avoid dan-
gerous situations and not merely to try to stop in the shortest distance possible.

56
Controls, Instruments
Operation of the ABS system A wheel speed sensor is mounted to each of the
four wheels. If wheel lock-up of either of the front
wheels or the rear wheels is sensed during bra-
king, the brake pressure is adjusted automatically
until the wheel no longer slips. The brake pressure
is regulated for each front wheel individually and
for both of the rear wheels together.
On a road surface which is slippery on only one si-
de, the rear wheel which is braking on the slippery
surface determines the brake pressure which will
be applied equally to both rear wheels. This ensu-
res that directional stability is maintained. Howe-
ver, if braking forces approach the wheel lock-up
point for all wheels (panic braking) the ABS system
will intervene to provide a rapid rythmic braking.
The proper operation of ABS is perceived by the
driver as a pulsating brake pedal in conjunction
with audible noise and perhaps some vibration.
fIf you experience these sensations while dri-
ving or a road surface with questionable trac-
tion, reduce vehicle speed appropriate for the
prevailing road conditions.
The functional readiness of all the main electrical
components of the ABS is checked by an electro-
nic monitoring system both before and while you
drive. When the ignition is switched on the ABS warning
light will light up while the system is electronically
interrogated and goes out when the engine is star-
ted if the check is not yet complete.
If the ABS warning lamp fails to go out, this indica-
tes that ABS has been deactivated due to a fault.
If the warning lights in the instrument panel and on-
board computer light up while you are driving, this
indicates that a fault has occurred. In both cases,
normal braking, as in vehicles without ABS, is still
retained.
The ABS system should, however, be examined at
an authorized Porsche dealer immediately to pre-
vent the occurrence of further faults.
fIf the ABS system becomes inoperative, take
your vehicle to your authorized Porsche dealer
immediately.
Warning!
The control unit of the ABS brake system is
set for standard tire size. If non-standard ti-
res are installed, the control unit may misin-
terpret the speed of the vehicle, because of
the variant data it receives from the sensors
on the axles.
fUse only tire makes and types tested by Porsche.
Warning light USA
Warning light Canada

58
Controls, Instruments
Porsche Stability Management
(PSM)PSM is an active control system for stabilisation of
the vehicle during extreme driving manoeuvres.
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 PSM.
The risk of accidents due to inappropriate
speed cannot be reduced, even by PSM.
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. Advantages of PSM – Superior traction and lane-holding ability in all
driving situations – even on road surfaces with
varying friction.
– PSM actively stabilizes the vehicle during dyna-
mic driving maneuvres (e.g. rapid steering mo-
vements, during lane changes or on alterna-
ting curves).
– Improved braking stability in curves and on dif-
ferent or varying road surfaces.
Readiness for operationPSM is switched on automatically every time you
start the engine. FunctionSensors at the wheels, brakes, steering system
and engine continuously measure:
– Speed
– Direction of travel (steering angle)
– Lateral acceleration
– Rate of turn about the vertical axis
PSM uses these values to determine the direction
of travel desired by the driver.
PSM intervenes and corrects the course if the
actual direction of motion deviates from the
desired course (steering-wheel position):
It brakes individual wheels as needed. In addition,
the engine power may be manipulated in order to
stabilise the vehicle. The events below inform the driver of PSM control
operations and warn him to adapt his driving style
to the road conditions:
– The multi-functional information light on the
instrument panel 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.
However, it is possible at any time to achieve
full vehicle deceleration by increasing the foot
pressure slightly.

62
Controls, Instruments
Retractable Spoiler The spoiler reduces air resistance and, particu-
larly at high speeds, reduces rear axle lift. Automatic controlThe spoiler extends at approx. 75 mph
(120 km/h) and retracts at approx. 50 mph
(80 km/h).
If automatic control fails, the warning light lights
up and the spoiler must be extended manually
before driving.
Warning!
Risk of accident. If the spoiler cannot be
extended, driving stability will be adversely
affected by increased rear axle lift.
fAdapt your driving style and speed to the
changed driving conditions.
fHave the fault remedied as soon as possible.
Please go to a qualified specialist workshop.
We recommend a Porsche dealer for this work
as they have trained workshop personnel and
the necessary parts and tools.
Risk of injury during manual retraction or ex-
tension of the spoiler with the vehicle statio-
nary.
fMake sure that no persons or objects are
within the range of movement of the spoiler.
Risk of damage, if the vehicle is pushed
using the spoiler.
fDo not push the vehicle at the spoiler.The warning light lights up for a lamp check when
the ignition is switched on.
The warning lights in the instrument panel and in
the on-board computer come on if the spoiler
does not extend or does not reach its final position
at more than 75 mph (120 km/h).
Warning light

68
Controls, Instruments
Ignition/Starter Switch with anti-
theft Steering Lock The ignition lock has a total of four ignition lock po-
sitions.
The vehicle key rebounds to the initial position
from every ignition lock position.
For your safety, fasten safety belts.
fPlease observe the chapter “IMMOBILIZER” on
Page 17.
fPlease observe the chapter “KEY WITH RADIO
REMOTE CONTROL” on Page 18.
Before starting the engine fApply the footbrake.
fManual transmission:
Move the gearshift lever into neutral.
The clutch pedal must be depressed fully
before the starter will engage.
fTiptronic:
Move the selector lever to P or N. Switch position 0 Initial position
The ignition key cannot be withdrawn when the
ignition is switched on or when the engine has
been started.
To withdraw the ignition key:
fStop the vehicle.
fOn vehicles with Tiptronic S:
Move selector lever to position P.
fSwitch ignition off.
fRemove ignition key.
Switch position 1 Ignition on
fTurn ignition key to position 1.
Ignition is switched on.
Note on operation
All electrical equipment can be switched on.
fPlease observe the chapter “WARNINGS ON
THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE ON-
BOARD COMPUTER” on Page 102.

Controls, Instruments
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Switch position 2Start engine
fTurn ignition key to ignition lock position 2.
fPlease observe the chapter “STARTING PRO-
CEDURES” on Page 70.Switch position 3Ignition off
fTurn ignition key to ignition lock position 3.
Locking the steering columnAutomatic locking
The steering column is automatically locked when
the ignition key is withdrawn from the ignition lock.
Warning!
Risk of an accident.
The steering wheel will lock and will cause
loss of steering.
fNever remove key from the ignition lock or turn
the key off while the vehicle is moving.
fAlways withdraw the ignition key when leav-ing the vehicle.Automatic unlocking
The steering column is automatically unlocked
when the ignition key is inserted into the ignition
lock.
Note
To avoid battery run-down, always remove the igni-
tion key from the ignition lock.
Please observe the chapter “BULB CHART” on
Page 239.
Gong If you leave the key in the ignition/steering lock, a
gong will sound when the driver’s door is opened.
This is a reminder to remove the key.

70
Controls, Instruments
Starting Procedures fPlease observe the chapter “IMMOBILIZER” on
Page 17.
fPlease observe the chapter “EMISSION CONT-
ROL SYSTEM” on Page 182.
Warning!
Serious injury may result if you are involved
in a collision without having fastened the
safety belts.
fFasten safety belts before driving away. Before starting the engine fApply the handbrake.
fManual transmission:
Move the gearshift lever into neutral.
The clutch pedal must be depressed fully
before the starter will engage.
fTiptronic:
Move the selector lever to P or N.
Temperature sensors on the engine automatically
provide the correct fuel/air mixture required for
starting.
Therefore, it is not necessary to depress the
accelerator pedal while starting a cold or a
warm engine.
Starting the enginefTurn ignition key to ignition lock position 2.
fAs soon as the engine starts, release the igni-
tion key.
The first operation of the starter is ended auto-
matically when the engine starts.
If the engine does not start, subsequent starter
operations will not be ended automatically.
If the engine fails to start after 10 or 15 seconds
of cranking:
fWait about 10 seconds before engaging the
starter again.
fWhen starting the engine, be ready to drive im-
mediately.
Drive vehicle at moderate speeds and avoid
engine speeds above 4,200 rpm during the
first 5 minutes.
fDo not let the engine idle to warm up.
Danger!
Engine exhaust fumes have many compon-
ents which you can smell. They also contain
carbon monoxide (CO), which is a colorless
and odorless gas.
Carbon monoxide can cause unconscious-
ness and even death if inhaled.
fNever start or let the engine run in an enc-
losed, unventilated area.
It is not recommended to sit in your car for pro-
longed periods with the engine on and the car
not moving.
An unattended vehicle with a running engine
is potentially hazardous.
If warning lights should come on to indicate
improper operation, they would go un-
noticed.
fNever leave the engine idling unattended.
Danger of fire.
fDo not park or operate the vehicle in areas
where the hot exhaust system may come in
contact with dry grass, brush, fuel spill or
other flammable material.
fIf your car catches on fire for any reason, call
the fire department.
Do not endanger your life by attempting to put out the fire.

Controls, Instruments
71
Stopping engine fTurn key back to position 3.
fDo not stop engine immediately after hard or
extended driving.
Keep engine running at increased idle for
about two minutes to prevent excessive heat
build-up before turning off engine.
fTo avoid battery run-down, always remove the
ignition key from the ignition lock.
fMake sure that when you leave the car, even
briefly, you have withdrawn the ignition key.
fEngage the steering lock by moving the stee-
ring wheel to the left or right.
Turn the steering wheel to the locking position
before you switch off the engine so that you
don’t have to exert yourself when locking or un-
locking the steering.
Warning!
Danger of injury. Hot engine compartment
components can burn skin on contact.
fBefore working on any part in the engine com-
partment, turn the engine off and let it cool down sufficiently.
Engine-compartment blower,
radiator fan The radiator and radiator fans are in the front of
the car.
The engine-compartment blower is mounted in the
engine compartment.
Warning!
Risk of injury.
After the engine is switched off, the engine-
compartment temperatures is monitored for
approx. 30 minutes.
During this period, and depending on tempe-
rature, the engine-compartment blower may
continue to run or start to run.
fCarry out work in these areas only with the en-
gine off and exercise extreme caution.
Risk of injury. The radiator fans in the front
end of the car may be operating or
unexpectedly start operating when the
engine is switched on.
fCarry out work in these areas only with the en-gine switched off.
Automatic garage door The ignition system in your Porsche may interfere
with your electronically operated garage door.
fTo check this, drive your Porsche close to the
garage door. Make sure not to interfere with
the operating range of the door.
fRun the engine at different speeds.
If the garage door opens or closes without you
operating the garage door unit in your car, contact
the dealer who installed the automatic garage
door to have the frequency and/or coding of the
garage door signal changed or modified.