gear PORSCHE BOXSTER 2009 2.G User Guide

Operation, Safety
61
Sport ModeA sportier car set-up is obtained when Sport mode
is switched on. Interventions by the Porsche
control systems are intentionally shifted towards
greater agility and driving performance:
– PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Manage-ment) is automatically changed to Sport mode,
resulting in a stiffer suspension setup.
– When Sport mode is active, the PDK transmis- sion switches to a sporty gear-changing map
and shortens the gear shifting times. Gear
changes take place faster, but fuel consump-
tion is also increased.
PSM (Porsche Stability Management) control
gives a sportier road-feel to the vehicle. PSM
interventions take place later than in Normal
mode. The driver can maneuver the vehicle
with greater agility at its performance limits,
without having to dispense with the assistance
of PSM in emergency situations. This helps to
achieve optimal lap times, particularly on race
circuits with a dry road surface.
– The electronic accelerator pedal reacts sooner, and the engine is more responsive to
throttle inputs. When Sport mode is switched
on, this function is ac tivated only after the
driver has floored the accelerator pedal or
released it briefly.
– The rpm limiter characteristic is “harder”, i.e. the engine is immediately throttled when the
performance limits are reached (only in manual selection mode for vehicles with PDK transmis-
sion).
f Please observe the chap ters on PSM, PASM
and PDK.
Switching Sport mode on and offSwitching Sport mode on and off simultaneously
activates and deactivate s the Sport mode in
PA S M .
If PASM Sport mode was activated with the PASM
button, PASM remains active.
After the ignition is switched off, Sport mode is
automatically reset to Normal mode.
SPORT button
f Press SPORT button A in the center console.
When Sport mode is switched on, the light-
emitting diode in the SPORT button is lit.
A sporty gear-changing map is enabled and the
gear shifting times ar e shortened for the PDK
transmission.
A sporty driving style is recognized more quickly
and the gear-changing speeds are adapted to
driving performance.
Deceleration downshifts are commenced earlier.
Downshifts are made during slight decelerations,
even at higher engine speeds.
f Please see the chapter “SPORT MODE
(“SPORT” AND “SPORT PLUS” MODES)” on
Page 176. SPORT PLUS button
(only on vehicles with PDK transmission)
In “Sport Plus” mode, the PDK transmission
changes to a shift program designed for driving
on race circuits. 7th gear is not selected.
The gear-changing performance is enhanced
significantly again compared with “Sport” mode.
f
Please see the chapter “SPORT MODE
(“SPORT” AND “SPORT PLUS” MODES)” on
Page 176.
f Press SPORT PLUS button B in the center
console.
When Sport mode is switched on, the light-
emitting diode in the SP ORT PLUS button is lit.

66
Operation, Safety
PASM makes two running-gea
r setups available to
the driver: “Normal” and “Sport”.
The selection is made vi a a button on the center
console.
In Normal mode the runnin g gear is in a comfort-
able setup.
Sport mode offers very sporty shock absorber
tuning.
The variable suspension system selects the appro-
priate damping level for each wheel according to
the situation and driving conditions.
Example:
If the vehicle is driven in a very sporty manner in
Normal mode, PASM automatically adapts the
shock-absorber behavior to the driving situation
accordingly.
Switching on PASM Sport modef Press PASM button in the center console.
When PASM Sport mode is switched on, the
light-emitting diode in the button is lit up and a
message is shown on the on-board computer.Switching off PASM Sport modefPress PASM button in the center console.
The light-emitting diode in the button goes out
and the on-board computer displays a
message.
After the ignition is switched off, PASM is
automatically reset to Normal mode.
Porsche Active Suspension
Management (PASM)

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.

Operation, Safety
71
Limits of ultrasonic measurement
The parking assistant system cannot detect:
– sound-absorbing obstacles (e.g. powder snow),
– sound-reflecting obstacles (e.g. glass surfac- es, flat painted surfaces)
– and very thin obstacles.
– Other ultrasound sources (e.g. pneumatic brakes of other vehicles, jackhammers) can
interfere with detection of obstacles.
Fault indication
The parking assistant system indicates a fault in
two ways:
– After reverse gear has been selected, the short signal tone is followed by a continuous
tone of the same pitch:
This indicates that sensors are soiled or cov-
ered with ice.
– After reverse gear has been selected, the short signal tone is followed by a continuous
tone with a much lower pitch:
This indicates a general system fault.
Please have the fault remedied at an author-
ized Porsche dealer. A
- Control switch for door mirror adjustment Swivelling down mirror glass as a parking
aidf
Please see the chapter “SEAT MEMORY” on
Page 35.
– When reverse gear is engaged, the mirror glass on the passenger’s side swivels down
slightly to show the curb area. Preconditions
– Vehicle must be equipped with seat memory.
– Set the control switch
A to “passenger’s side”.
– Reverse gear must be engaged.
Returning mirror glass to its original position
f Drive forwards with a speed of over 4 mph
(6 km/h) or
f Set the control switch A to “driver’s side”.

72
Operation, Safety
O - Initial position
1 - Ignition on
2 - Start engine
3 - Ignition offIgnition/Starter Switch with
anti-theft Steering LockThe ignition lock has a total of four ignition lock po-
sitions.
The ignition key rebounds to the initial position
from every ignition lock position.
f For your safety, fasten safety belts.
f Please see the chapter “IMMOBILIZER” on
Page 15. f
Please see the chapter “KEY WITH RADIO RE-
MOTE CONTROL” on Page 16.
Before starting the enginefApply the footbrake.
f Manual transmission:
Fully depress the clutch pedal and put the gear-
shift lever into neutral.
The clutch pedal must be depressed fully
before the starte r will engage.
f In vehicles with PDK transmission:
Move PDK selector lever to position P or N.
f Do not press the accelerator pedal.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:
f Stop the vehicle.
f In vehicles with PDK transmission:
Move PDK selector lever to position P.
f Switch ignition off.
f Remove ignition key.
Switch position 1 Ignition on
fTurn ignition key to position 1.
Ignition is switched on.
Note on operation
All electrical equipme nt can be switched on.
f Please see the chapter “WARNINGS ON THE
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE ON-BOARD
COMPUTER” on Page 162.

Operation, Safety
75
Starting Procedures fPlease see the chapter “IMMOBILIZER” on
Page 15.
f Please see the chapter “EMISSION CONTROL
SYSTEM” on Page 208.
Warning!
Serious injury or death may result if you are
involved in a collision without having fas-
tened the safety belts.
f Fasten safety belts before driving away. Before starting the engine fApply the footbrake.
f Manual transmission:
Fully depress the clutch pedal and put the gear-
shift lever into neutral.
The clutch pedal must be depressed fully
before the starter will engage.
f In vehicles with PDK transmission:
Move PDK selector lever to position 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 enginef Turn ignition key to ignition lock position 2.
f As soon as the engine st arts, release the igni-
tion key.
The first operation of the starter is ended automat-
ically 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:
f Wait about 10 seconds before engaging the
starter again.
f When starting the engine, be ready to drive
immediately.
Drive vehicle at moderate speeds and avoid
engine speeds above 4,200 rpm during the
first 5 minutes.
f Do not let the engine idle to warm up.
Danger!
Engine exhaust fumes have many compo-
nents 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.
f Never start or let the engine run in an
enclosed, unventilated area.
It is not recommended to sit in your car for prolonged periods with the engine on and the
car not moving.
An unattended vehicle with a running engine
is potentially hazardous.
If warning lights shoul d come on to indicate
improper operation, they would go unno-
ticed.
f Never leave the engine idling unattended.
Danger of fire.
f Do not park or operate the vehicle in areas
where the hot exhaust system may come in
contact with dry grass, brush, fuel spill or oth-
er flammable material.
f If your car catches on fire for any reason, call
the fire department.
Do not endanger your life by attempting to put
out the fire.
Risk of burn injury when standing near or coming
into contact with the exhaust pipe.
The exhaust pipe is hot when the vehicle is running
and remains hot for some time after the vehicle is
turned off.
f To prevent injury, make a point of noting where
your vehicle’s exhaust pipe is, avoid placing
your legs near the exhaust pipe, and closely
supervise children around the vehicle when the
exhaust pipe could be hot.
A hot exhaust pipe can cause serious burns.

76
Operation, Safety
Stopping Engine fTurn key back to position 3.
f Do 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.
f To avoid discharging the battery, always re-
move the ignition key from the ignition lock.
f When leaving the car, always remove the igniti-
on key, apply the parking brake and engage
1st gear or reverse gear on vehicles with ma-
nual transmission or move the selector lever to
position P on vehicles with PDK transmission.
f Engage the steering lock by moving the steer-
ing 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 your self when locking or
unlocking the steering.
Warning!
Danger of injury. Hot engine compartment
components can burn skin on contact.
f Before working on any part in the engine
compartment, turn the engine off and let it cool
down sufficiently. Risk of burn injury when standing near or
coming into contact with the exhaust pipe.
The exhaust pipe is hot wh
en the vehicle is running
and remains hot for some time after the vehicle is
turned off.
f To prevent injury, make a point of noting where
your vehicle’s exhaust pipe is, avoid placing
your legs near the exhaust pipe, and closely
supervise children around the vehicle when the
exhaust pipe could be hot.
A hot exhaust pipe can cause serious burns.
Engine-compartment blower,
radiator fan The radiator and radiator fans are in the front of
the car.
The engine-compartment bl ower is mounted in the
engine compartment.
Warning!
Risk of injury.
After the engine is switched off, the engine-
compartment temperature is monitored for
approx. 30 minutes.
During this period, and depending on tem-
perature, the engine-compartment blower
may continue to run or start to run.
f Carry out work in these areas only with the en-
gine off, the ignition 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.
f
Carry 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.
f Run the engine at different speeds.
f 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.

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.

Instruments, On-Board Computer, Warnings
115
Instruments, On-Board Computer, Warnings
Instrument Panel USA Models ..................... 116
Instrument Panel Canada Models ................ 118
Automatic Speed Control Indicator light ...... 120
Instrument Illumination
............................... 120
Trip Odometer ....... ................................... 121
Speedometer .............. .............................. 122
Changing over between Miles / Kilometers .. 122
Tachometer ................ .............................. 123
Turn Signal Indicator Light ......................... 123
High Beam Indicator Light .......................... 123
Gear Shift Indicator
(in vehicles with manual transmission) ......... 123
Cooling System ...... ................................... 124
Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) .................. 125
Fuel ............... ......................... .................. 126
Clock ............ ......................... .................. 127
Outside Temperature ................................. 127
Check Engine (Emission Control) ................ 129
On-Board Computer (BC) ............................ 130
Warnings on the instrument panel and the on-
board computer .......... .............................. 162

116
Instruments, On-Board Computer, Warnings
Instrument Panel USA Models Also refer to the corresponding chapters in
the Owner’s Manual.1. Speedometer with analogue display
2. Automatic speed control indicator light
3. Tire pressure warning light
4. Turn signal indicator light, left/right
5. Tachometer
6. High beam indicator light
7. ABS warning light
8. Cooling system Temperature gage, warning light
9. Fuel Level gage, warning light
10.Adjustment button for instrument illumination and trip counter
11.Odometer and daily trip mileage display
12.Light sensor for instrument illumination
13.Airbag warning light 14.Check Engine warning light
(Emission control warning light)
15.Central warning light
16.On-board computer display
17.Porsche Stability Management PSM Multifunctional light
18.Brake warning light
19.Safety belt warning light
20.Gear display
21.PDK transmission, selector lever position
22.Clock and outside temperature display
23.Adjustment button for clock When the ignition is switched on, the warning
lights light up for a lamp check.
Note
Warnings that have been given are stored in the
appropriate control unit me
mory and can be read
out at an authorized Porsche dealer.
This information can help to warn you about situa-
tions which may be hazardous to you or your car.