steering PORSCHE BOXSTER 2006 2.G Owner's Manual

90
Controls, Instruments If the battery voltage drops abruptly, a warning
m e s s a g e w i l l b e d i s p l a y e d b y t h e o n - b o a rd c o m p u -
ter.
If the warning is displayed by the on-board
computer while the engine is running or while
driving:
fStop the car in a safe place and stop the
engine.
Possible causes
– Defect in the battery charging system.
– Broken drive belt. Warning!
Risk of an accident and risk of engine dam-
age.
A broken drive belt means there is no power
assistance to the steering (more effort is re-
quired to steer) and coolant pump function
will stop.
fDo not continue driving.
fHave the fault remedied at the nearest author-ized Porsche dealer. The warning light in the instrument panel comes
on when the ignition is first turned on and remains
on briefly as a bulb check. If the light does not
come on, have the bulb replaced promptly.
If the warning lights in the instrument panel and on-
board computer come on and remain on while
driving, it suggests:
– a potential engine control problem and the
need for system service or
– an improperly fastened tank cap or
– refuelling with engine running.
Although the vehicle is usually driveable and will
not require towing, see your dealer for service as
soon as possible.
Caution!
If the Check engine light in the instrument
panel is flashing, severe catalytic converter
damage and power loss will soon occur.
Prolonged driving with the Check engine light
on could cause damage to the emission con-
trol system. It also could affect fuel economy
and driveability.
fHave the fault remedied at the nearest author-ized Porsche dealer immediately.
Battery
Check Engine
Warning Light

92
Controls, Instruments
On-Board Computer (BC)Display fieldThe display field is beneath the tachometer.Readiness for operation– With ignition switched on,
– with engine running.
Operation, controlsIt is not possible to describe all details of the on-
board computer functions in this Owner’s Manual.
However, the examples will quickly familiarize you
with the operational principle and help you to
navigate through the menu structure.
You can restore the factory default settings at any
time by using the “SET” menu.
Operating leverThe on-board computer is operated with the lower
left lever on the steering column.
Selecting functions of the on-board
computer
fPush lever up 3 or down 4.
Confirming selection (Enter)
fPush the lever forward 1.
Moving back one or several selection levels
fPull the lever back 2 once or several times or
fSelect the arrow on the on-board computer
display with the operating lever and push the
operating lever forward 1.
Note
You can always return to the basic menu by pulling
the operating lever several times.

116
Controls, Instruments
Warnings on the instrument panel and the on-board computerIf a warning message appears, always refer to the corresponding chapters in the Owner’s Manual.
Warning messages are issued only if all measurement preconditions are met. Therefore, check all fluid levels regularly –
in particular, always check the engine oil level after refuelling.
Instrument
panelOn-board
computerText display on on-board
computerMeaning/measure
Seat belt Driver and passengers must fasten their seat
belts.
Handbrake Handbrake is still on.
Ignition key
not removed
Replace battery
in ignition keyReplace the remote-control battery.
Ignition lock faulty,
please go to workshopHave the fault remedied at an authorized
Porsche dealer.
Ignition lock faulty,
visit workshop nowHave the fault remedied at an authorized
Porsche dealer.
Relieve steering Relieve the steering l o c k b y m o v i n g t h e s t e e r i n g
wheel to the left or right.
Steering locked The steering wheel lock remains engaged.
Have the fault remedied at an authorized
Porsche dealer.
Lights on Dipped beam/side light on.
Parking light on Left/right parking light on.

Controls, Instruments
125
Automatic Headlight Beam
Adjustment Vehicles with Litronic headlights feature auto-
matic headlight beam adjustment.
When the ignition is switched on, the level of the
headlight beam automatically changes in accor-
dance with the vehicle load.
The level of the headlight beam is automatically
kept constant during acceleration and braking.
Checking operation
1. Switch the low beam on.
2. Switch ignition on.
The light beam first dips all the way down and
is then adapted to the vehicle load.
The level of the low beam rises perceptibly
when the high beam is switched on.
If these test items are not met, the headlight beam
adjustment must be checked by an authorized
Porsche dealer.
Turn Signal/ Headlight Dimmer/
Parking light / Flasher Lever Turn signals, low beam and high beam are ready
for operation when the ignition is on.
1– Turn signal left
2– Turn signal right
3–High beam
4– Headlight flasher
Lever in center position–Low beam
When high beam and headlight flasher are selec-
ted, the blue indicator light in the tachometer is lit.
The turn signal lever turns off automatically when
the steering wheel is straightened out after com-
pleting a turn.
Lane changer fTo indicate your intention when changing lanes
on the freeway, slightly lift or depress the lever
to the resistance point.
The lever will return to the OFF position when
released.
fIf the frequency of the display becomes notice-
able faster, check the operation of the turn si-
gnal bulbs. Headlight flasher (With ignition on or off)
fTo flash the headlights to oncomming moto-
rists, slightly pull the lever toward the steering
wheel and then release it.
The blue indicator light in the tachometer will
go on/off as you pull/release the lever. Parking lightThe parking light can only be switched on when
the ignition is switched off.
fMove the lever up or down to switch on the
right or left parking light.

126
Controls, Instruments
Windshield Wiper / Washer Lever
Warning!
Danger of injury when the windshield wipers
operate unintentionally.
Risk of damage to the windshield and wiper
system.
fAvoid running the wiper blades over a dry wind-
shield to prevent scratching the glass. Spray
washer fluid on the windshield first.
A scratched windshield will reduce visibility.
fAlways loosen wiper blades from frozen glass
before operating wipers to prevent damage to
the wiper motor or blades. fAlways switch off windshield wipers in car
wash to prevent them wiping unintentionally
(intermittent or sensor operation).
fAlways switch off windshield wipers before
cleaning the windshield to avoid unintentional
operation (intermittent or sensor operation).
fDo not operate the headlight washer in car
washes.
fDo not operate headlight washer when it is
frozen.
Wiper and headlight washer system0 – Windshield wipers off
1 – Rain sensor operation for front
windshield wipers
fMove wiper lever upwards to the first click.
Please observe the chapter “RAIN SENSOR” on
Page 127.
2 – Windshield wipers slow
fMove wiper lever upwards to the second click.
3 – Windshield wipers fast
fMove wiper lever upwards to the third click.
4 – Front windshield wiper – one-touch oper-
ation:
fMove wiper lever downwards. The windshield
wipers wipe once.5 – Windshield wipers and washer system:
fPull wiper lever towards the steering wheel.
The washer system sprays and wipes while the
lever is pulled towards the steering wheel.
When the wiper lever is released, a few drying
wipes are executed.
A - Headlight washer (Vehicles with Bi-Xenon
headlights):
The washer sprays only while low beam or high
beam is switched on.
fBriefly push button A to operate headlight
washer system.
fIf heavily soiled, repeat wash.
The headlight washer system automatically sprays
once for every ten times the front windshield
washer system is operated.
Note
The windshield washer nozzles are heated
when the ignition is on, as a precaution against
freezing.

128
Controls, Instruments
A - Cruise control readiness off/on
1 - + SPEED/SET (accelerate/store)
2 - - SPEED (decelerate)
3 - OFF (interrupt)
4 - RESUME
Automatic Speed Control The automatic speed control maintains any
selected speed between 15 mph and 145 mph/
30 km/h and 240 km/h without you having to use
the accelerator.
The automatic speed control is operated with the
lever on the steering wheel.
Warning!
Risk of accident and consequent personal in-
jury. A constant speed may not be safe in
heavy traffic, or on winding or slippery
roads.
With the speed control system engaged, the
engine speed will not return to idle when re-
moving the foot from the accelerator pedal.
fDo not use the speed control when it may be
unsafe to keep the car at a constant speed.
fObserve all local and national speed limits. Switch automatic speed control readiness
on fPress button A on the automatic speed control
lever.
Hold and store speed fBring the car to the desired speed with the
accelerator.
fThen briefly push the operating lever forward
(position 1).Accelerating (e.g. to overtake) Option 1
fIncrease the speed as usual with the
accelerator.
When you ease off the accelerator, the
previously saved value is set again.
Option 2
fPush operating lever forward (position 1) until
the desired speed is reached.
The speed reached is maintained and stored
when the lever is released.
Option 3
fPush lever slightly forwards (position 1)
(a maximum of 10 times).
The speed is increased by 1 mph (1.6 km/h)
each time.
Note on operation
Speed control operation is automatically interrupt-
ed if the speed is increased by more than approx.
16 mph (25 km/h ) for longer than 20 seconds.
This green indicator light in the
speedometer now indicates readiness.

Controls, Instruments
129
Decelerating Option 1
fPull operating lever towards the steering wheel
(position 2) until the desired speed is reached.
The speed reached is maintained and stored
when the lever is released.
Option 2
fBriefly move lever towards the steering wheel
(position 2) (a maximum of 10 times).
The speed is reduced by 1 mph (1.6 km/h)
each time.
Interrupting automatic speed control
operation fPull operating lever downwards briefly
(position 3) or
fOperate brake or clutch pedal or
fSwitch Tiptronic transmission to selector lever
position N.
fPlease observe the chapter “TIPTRONIC S” on
Page 163.
The speed driven before the interruption remains
stored in the memory.
Automatic speed control operation is
interrupted automatically:
– If the set vehicle speed is exceeded by more
than approx. 16 mph (25 km/h) for longer than
20 seconds.
– If the actual vehicle speed falls to approx.
6 mph (10 km/h) below the set vehicle speed
for longer than 5 seconds (upward slopes).
– For PSM control operations.
Resuming the stored speed fBriefly push operating lever upwards
(position4).
The speed control accelerates/decelerates
the vehicle to the stored speed.
The stored speed should only be recalled when
traffic conditions and the road surface so permit.Switching automatic speed control
readiness off fPress button A on the automatic speed control
lever.
The green readiness light in the speedometer
goes off.
When the vehicle is parked and the ignition
switched off, the memory is cleared.
Important note
On upward or downward slopes, the set speed
cannot always be maintained by the automatic
speed control.
To obtain sufficient engine braking or a better en-
gine-speed range, therefore, you have to select a
lower gear.

Controls, Instruments
157
Car Telephone and
Aftermarket Alarms Important legal and safety information
regarding the use of cellular telephones:
Some states may prohibit the use of cellular tele-
phones while driving a vehicle. Check the laws and
regulations on the use of cellular telephones in the
areas where you drive.
Danger!
Risk of an accident.
Severe personal injury or death can result in
the event of an accident.
Looking away from the road or turning your
attention away from your driving can cause
an accident and serious or fatal injury.
When using your cellular telephone, you should al-
ways:
fGive full attention to your driving - pull off the
road and park before making or answering a
call if traffic conditions so require; and
fKeep both hands on the steering wheel - use
hands-free operation (if available) - pull off the
road and park before using a hand-held tele-phone. It is essential to observe the instructions of
the telephone manufacturer before putting
the telephone into operation.
Any portable telephone or radio transmitter which
is used in a Porsche must be properly installed in
accordance with the technical requirements of
Porsche.
The transmission power must not exceed
10 W.
The devices must possess a type approval for
your vehicle and have an “e” symbol.
If you should require equipment with transmission
power values greater than 10 W, please consult
your authorized Porsche dealer for this purpose.
He is familiar with the technical requirements for
installing devices of this kind.
The antennas for all radios and telephones with a
transmitting antenna must be externally mounted.
The improper installation of radios or telephones
or use of a radio or telephone with a transmitting
antenna inside the car may cause the warning
lights to come on.
Improper installation of such equipment can crea-
te a discharged battery or excessive current draw
from added equipment. If aftermarket systems are installed by non-dealer-
ship technicians or outside the selling dealer, pro-
blems may result. Installation of aftermarket
equipment is not covered under the New Car War-
ranty.
fConsult your authorized Porsche dealer about
the installation of non Porsche approved equip-
ment.
Reception quality
The reception quality of your car telephone will
change constantly when you are driving. Interfe-
rence caused by buildings, landscape and
weather is unavoidable. It may become particular-
ly difficult to hear when using the hands-free func-
tion due to external noise such as engine and wind
noise.
Automatic car-wash
fUnscrew the external antenna before using an
automatic car-wash.

Shifting Gear
163
Tiptronic SThe Porsche Tiptronic is a five-speed transmission
with an “automatic” and a “manual” selection
mode.
In automatic selection mode (selector lever po-
sition D), gear changing is automatic.
You can change temporarily from automatic to
manual mode using the rocker switches on the
steering wheel.
In manual selection mode (selector lever posi-
tion M), you change gear using the rocker switch-
es on the steering wheel.
You can change between selector lever position D
and M as you wish while driving.
Note
Take care not to operate the rocker switches on
the steering wheel inadvertently in either auto mat-
ic or manual mode, thereby triggering undesired
gear changes.Keylock positionThe ignition key can be withdrawn only in selec-
tor lever position P.
Changing the selector lever positionThe selector lever is locked with the ignition key
withdrawn.
The selector lever can be moved from position P
or N only with:
– the ignition switched on,
– the brake pedal pressed and
– the release button pressed.Release button
The release button (arrow) in the selector lever
prevents unintentional gear changes.
The release button must be pressed when shifting
to position R or P.
StartingThe engine can be started only if the brake pedal
is depressed and the selector lever is in position
P or N.Moving offfOnly select the desired position for moving off
(D, M or R) when the engine is idling and the
brake pedal is depressed.
fSince the vehicle creeps when in gear, do not
release the brake until you want to move off.
fAfter selecting a gear, do not accelerate until
you can feel that the gear is engaged.

166
Shifting Gear Shifting gear on the steering wheel
With the toggle switches on the steering wheel,
you can change temporarily from automatic
selection mode D to manual mode M.
Advantages:
– Shifting down before bends and on entering bu-
ilt-up areas.
– Shifting down on downward slopes (engine bra-
king).
– Shifting down for brief spurts of acceleration.
– Selecting 1st gear for moving off.
The manual selection mode remains engaged:
– for cornering (depending on the lateral
acceleration) and overrunning,
– when the vehicle is stationary
(e.g. at a junction).
The system leaves manual selection mode:
– automatically after approx. 8 seconds
(unless cornering or overrunning),
– if you depress the accelerator to kickdown,
– after moving off. Temporary change-down
Conditions:
Speed is higher than approx. 33 mph (54 km/h).
fDepress accelerator quickly.
The Tiptronic changes temporarily to the spor-
tiest gear-changing map, i.e. to the highest
possible gear-changing points. Correspondin-
gly, the transmission shifts down immediately
by one or two gears.
Ending the function:
fRelease the accelerator markedly. Kickdown
The kickdown function is active in selector lever
position D, even if you temporarily change to ma-
nual mode M using the toggle switches on the
steering wheel.
fFor optimum acceleration, e.g. when overta-
king, depress the accelerator pedal beyond
the full-throttle point (kickdown).
The transmission shifts down depending on the
speed of travel and engine speed.
Upward shifts occur at the highest possible engine
speeds.
These gear-changing speeds remain active until
the accelerator is released to approx. 80% of the
wide open throttle position.