Spec PORSCHE BOXSTER 2009 2.G User Guide

Operation, Safety
51
– Your authorized Porsche dealer will be glad to advise you about the inst allation possibility for
a Porsche child restraint system which allows
a key-operated airbag de activation of the pas-
senger’s airbag.
– The key-operated airbag deactivation device installation requires special programming
available only from your authorized Porsche
dealer.
f Please see the chapter “KEY-OPERATED AIR-
BAG DEACTIVATION DEVICE” on Page 49.
Direction of installation for child restraint
systemsGroup 0 and 0+: Children up to 29 lbs (13 kg)
Children of this weight must be transported in a
restraint system which is installed on the passen-
ger’s seat facing rearward .
Group I: Children between 20 lbs (9 kg) and 40 lbs
Children of this weight are held in child restraint
systems facing forward .
Group II: Children in betw een 33 lbs (15 kg) and
55 lbs (25 kg)
Children of this weight are held in child restraint
systems facing forward .
Group III: Children in between 49 lbs (22 kg) and
80 lbs (36 kg)
Children of this weight are held in child restraint
systems facing forward .
f The vehicle seat must be adjusted so that it is
in its lower rear position.
Using child restraint systems in the
passenger seatf Do not install a child restraint system in the
Sports bucket seat.
Danger!
The use of a child restraint system in the pas-
senger seat can result in serious personal
injury or death to the child from an airbag
deployment.
To reduce risk of injury from an inflating air-
bag in an accident, Porsche strongly recom-
mends:
f Please see the chapter “PASSENGER AIRBAG
OFF INDICATOR LAMP DOES NOT LIGHT UP”
on Page 47.
f Please see the chapter “CHILD RESTRAINT
SYSTEMS” on Page 50.
f Do not install a child restraint system in
the Sports bucket seat.
The Sports bucket seat cannot be equipped with the LATCH system.

58
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 run-
ning, or if the brake boos ter 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 oper-
ate.
Moisture or road salt on brakes affects braking.
Brakes will dry after a fe w cautious brake applica-
tions.
Warning!
Risk of an accident, resulting in serious per-
sonal injury or death.
Driving through water may reduce the trac-
tion.
Moisture on brakes from road water, car
wash, or coating of road salt may affect
braking efficiency.
f Cautiously apply brakes to test brakes after ex-posure to road water, etc.
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.
f Have 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 run-
ning or come on while driv ing, the brake pads are
worn excessively.
f Do not continue to operate the vehicle.
Have your authorized Porsche dealer inspect
or replace the brake pads.
Brake pads and brake discsWear 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 tem-
peratures.
Certain speeds, braking forces and ambient
conditions (such as temperature and humidity)
therefore might cause “brake noises”.
New brake pads or linings
New brake pads and brake discs have to be “bro-
ken in”, and therefore only attain optimal friction
when the car has covered several hundred miles
or km.
The slightly reduced braking ability must be com-
pensated for by pressing the brake pedal harder.
This also applies whenever the brake pads and
brake discs are replaced.
Warning light USA
Warning light Canada

Operation, Safety
59
ABS Brake System
(Antilock Brake System)The ABS system represents a major contribution
to the enhancement of active safety in your vehi-
cle. This system prevents the wheels from locking
in a panic stop on almost all road surfaces.
With the ABS system in your vehicle, the
following areas are enhanced:
Steering, vehicle remains steerable under all
braking 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 main-
taining directional control and maneuverability of
the car in emergency situations.
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
physics 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
driving maneuvers.
f Adapt your driving style to the prevailing road
and weather conditions.
f Obey 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.
f To 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.
Operation of the ABS systemA 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 brak-
ing, the brake pressure is adjusted automatically
until the wheel no longer slips.
If braking forces approach the wheel lock-up point
for all wheels (panic brak ing) 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 au-
dible noise and perhaps some vibration.
f If you experience these sensations while driv-
ing or a road surface with questionable trac-
tion, reduce vehicle speed appropriate for the
prevailing road conditions.
f If full braking should be necessary, press the
brake pedal all the wa y down throughout the
entire braking procedure, regardless of the pul-
sating pedal. Do not ease up on pressure ap-
plied to the pedal.
The functional readiness of all the main electrical
components of the ABS is checked by an
electronic monitoring system both before and
while you drive.

70
Operation, Safety
Parking Aids Parking assistantWhen the driver backs up, the parking assistant
system indicates the distance between the car
and a large obstacle behind it, by means of signal
tones.
Warning!
Risk of serious personal injury or death.
Parking assistant cannot detect small ob-
jects such as children and pets.
Despite use of the parking assistant system,
the driver is still responsible for taking due
care and assessing obstacles when backing
up.
f Make sure that no persons, especially small
children, animals or obstacles are within the maneuvering area.
The parking assistant syst em is activated auto-
matically when reverse gear is selected and the ig-
nition is on.
Note
Be aware that the parkin g assistant system is
not switched on if the car rolls backward without
reverse gear being engaged.
Ultrasound sensors Sensors
Four ultrasound sensors in the rear bumper meas-
ure the distance to the closest obstacle.
– Range middle sensors around 60 in./150 cm
– Range outer sensors around 24 in./60 cm
Obstacles cannot be detected in the “blind” sen-
sor area (e.g. near the ground). Note
The sensors must always be kept free of dirt, ice
and snow in order to ensure that they are fully
functional.
Caution!
To avoid damaging the sensors:
f Maintain sufficient distance when cleaning with steam-jet units.
Signal tones/function
When reverse gear is selected, the parking
assistant confirms that it is switched on by issuing
a short signal tone .
A detected obstacle is signalled by an intermit-
tent tone . The intervals decrease as the obstacle
is approached.
A continuous tone sounds when the distance
becomes less than one foot. This continuous tone
c a n s t o p i f t h e o b s t a c l e i s a p p ro a c h e d c l o s e r t h a n
one foot.
The radio volume should no t be so loud as to
drown out the signal tones.

78
Operation, SafetyWarning chime
If the ignition key is withdrawn and the door is
opened while the lights (not the Welcome Home
lighting) are on, a
chime warns of possible bat-
tery discharge.
In some countries, differences are possible
due to provisions of law.
Daytime driving lightsThe daytime driving lights are integrated in the
front auxiliary headlights. These lights are
switched on only when the engine is running and
with the light switch in the positions OFF or HOME.
Low beam headlights must be switched on when
driving through tunnels or at dusk, for example.
Operation of the daytime driving lights may vary
depending on country-specific regulations.
Canada only:
In addition to the auxiliary headlights the parking
lights are switched on.
USA only:
The daytime driving lights can be deactivated in
the on-board computer.
f Please see the chapter “ON-BOARD
COMPUTER (BC)” on Page 130.
Vehicles with the Sport Chrono Package Plus
Further individual light functions are available in ve-
hicles with the Sport Chrono Package Plus.
f Please observe the chapter “Individual Memo-
ry” in the separate PCM operating instructions.Cornering lightThe dynamic cornering light is activated above
speeds of 6 mph (10 km/h).
Light Switch on Vehicles with
Bi-Xenon HeadlightsLights switched off
Daytime driving lights are switched on
when the engine is running.
Welcome Home Function
Daytime driving lights are switched on
when the engine is running.
Parking lights , side marker lights,
license plate light, instrument illumina-
tion, daytime driving lights switched off
Canada: daytime driving lights switched
on
Low beam, high beam
Only with ignition on,
daytime driving lights switched off
Rear fog light
Pull switch to second click.
Indicator light on.

Operation, Safety
83
Wipe interval controlOn vehicles without a rain sensor, the wiping
intervals can be adjusted in four steps.
Decreasing intervals
fAdjust switch A upwards.
The setting is confirmed by one wipe of the
windshield.
Increasing intervals
f Adjust switch A downwards.
Rain sensorIn vehicles with a rain sensor the amount of rainfall
(snowfall too) which has se ttled on the windshield
is measured. Wiper speed is automatically adjus-
ted accordingly.
Switching on
f Move wiper lever upwards to the first click.
Switching off
f Move wiper lever to position 0.
The rain sensor remains switched off if the wiper
lever is already in position 1 when the ignition is
switched on.
To switch the rain sensor on again:
f Move wiper lever to position 0 and then to
position 1 or
f Operate windshield washer system 5 or
f Change the sensitivity of the rain sensor with
four-stage switch A.
Switch-on is confirmed by one wipe of the wind-
shield.
On vehicles with the Sport Chrono Package Plus,
further rain sensor functi ons can be selected via
the PCM.
f Please see the chapter ”Individual Memory“ in
the separate PCM operating instructions. Changing the sensitivity of the rain sensor
Sensitivity can be set with switch
A in 4 stages:
f Adjust switch A upwards –
high sensitivity.
The setting is confirmed by one wipe of the
windshield.
f Adjust switch A downwards –
low sensitivity.
Maintenance note
f Periodically clean the wiper blades with a win-
dow cleaner, especially after the vehicle has
been washed in a car wash. We recommend
Porsche window cleaner. If they are very dirty
(e.g. with insect remains), they can be cleaned
with a sponge or cloth.
If the wiper blades rub or squeak, this may be as
a result of the following:
If the vehicle is washed in an automatic car wash,
wax residues may be adhering to the windshield.
These wax residues can only be removed by using
a window cleaner concentrate.
f Please see the chapter “WASHER FLUID” on
Page 210.
f Please contact your auth orized Porsche dealer
for further information.
The wiper blades may be damaged or worn.
f Replace wiper blades as soon as possible.

84
Operation, Safety
A- Automatic speed control readiness off/on
1 -+SPEED/SET (accelerate/store)
2 -–SPEED (decelerate)
3 - OFF (interrupt)
4 -RESUMEAutomatic 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 pedal.
The automatic speed control is operated with the
lever on the steering wheel. Vehicles with PDK
Downshifts are carried out to help maintain the
pre-selected speed (especially when driving down-
hill).
Warning!
Risk of an accident resulting in serious per-
sonal injury or death. A constant speed may
not be safe in heavy traf fic, 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.
f Do not use the speed co ntrol when it may be
unsafe to keep the car at a constant speed.
f Observe all local and national speed limits. Switch automatic speed control
readiness onfPress button A on the automatic speed control
lever.
Hold and store speed f Bring the car to the desired speed with the
accelerator.
f Then briefly push the operating lever forward
(position 1).Accelerating (e.g. to overtake) Option 1
f Increase the speed as usual with the
accelerator.
When you ease off the accelerator, the
previously saved value is set again.
Option 2
f Push 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
f Push lever slightly forwards (position 1 )
(a maximum of 10 times).
The speed is increased by 1 mph (1.6 km/h),
each time the lever is pushed forwards.
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 lo nger than 20 seconds.
This green indicator light in the
speedometer now indicates readiness

Operation, Safety
85
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
f Briefly 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 the lever is moved towards the
steering wheel.
Vehicles with PDK
Downshifts are carried o ut to improve decelera-
tion (especially when driving downhill).
Interrupting automatic speed control
operation f Pull operating lever downwards briefly
(position 3) or
f Operate brake or clutch pedal or
f Switch PDK to selector lever position N.
f Please see the chapter “PORSCHE DOPPEL-
KUPPLUNG (PDK)” on Page 174.
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 sp eed falls to approx.
37 mph (60 km/h) below the set vehicle speed
for longer than 60 seconds (upward slopes).
– For PSM control operations.
Resuming the stored speed f Briefly push operating lever upwards
(position 4).
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 f Press button A on the automatic speed control
lever.
The green readiness light in the speedometer
goes off.
Note
The stored speed value is cleared when the
vehicle is parked and the ignition is switched off.
Important note
On upward or downward slopes, the set speed
cannot always be maintained by the automatic
speed control.
f To obtain sufficient engine braking or a better
engine-speed range, a lo wer gear needs to be
selected.

86
Operation, Safety
Cupholder(holder for drink cans and cups)fKeep the cupholder closed while driving.
Warning!
Risk of scalding or da mage due to spilling
drinks.
f Only use beverage containers which fit.
f Never put overfull containers in the cupholder.
fNever place hot drinks in the cupholder.
Extending cupholderfPress the panel.
The panel opens. f
Press the symbol for the respective cupholder.
The cupholder extends out.
f Close panel in the middle.
The cupholder diameter can be increased by pull-
ing it out to hold larger containers.

92
Operation, Safety
A - Opening front lugga ge compartment lid
B - Opening rear luggage compartment lid Luggage Compartment LidsUnlocking f Operate the appropriate pull-button next to the
driver’s seat.
The luggage compartment is illuminated when
the respective lid is open.
f Please see the chapter “LOAD SWITCH-OFF AF-
TER 2 HOURS OR 7 DAYS” on Page 246. The luggage compartment lid can also be un-
locked with the radio remote control.
f
Please see the chapter “KEYS” on Page 15.
Important Note
If the vehicle battery is discharged, the front lug-
gage compartment lid can be opened only by con-
necting an external electrical power source.
f Please see the chapter “EMERGENCY UNLO-
CKING OF THE FRONT LUGGAGE COMPART-
MENT LID” on Page 248.
or the description inside the fuse box lid.
A warning message in the on-board computer
comes on if the lids are not completely closed.
f Fully close the lid.
Warning message