maintenance PORSCHE BOXSTER 2009 2.G Owner's Guide

218
Maintenance, Car Care
Light alloy wheels fPlease see the chapter “WASHING” on
Page 214.
Warning!
Danger of accident re sulting in serious per-
sonal injury or death if cleaning agents (e.g.
wheel cleaning agents) come into contact
with the brake discs.
The resulting film on the brake discs can im-
pair braking performance.
f Make sure that no cleaning agent comes into
contact with the brake discs.
f If cleaning agent has come into contact with
the brake discs, thoroughly clean the brake
discs with a strong jet of water.
f Paying attention to any road users behind you,
dry the brake discs by applying the brakes at short intervals.
Metal particles (such as brass or copper in brake
dust) must not remain too long on alloy wheels.
Contact corrosion can cause pitting.
Cleaners with an oxide-removing effect or the
wrong pH value, as are commonly used for other
metals, as well as mechanical tools and products,
will damage the oxide layer and are therefore
unsuitable.
f Use only cleaners for alloy wheels (pH value
9.5). Products with the wrong pH value can destroy the protective layer on the wheels.
We recommend Porsche cleaner for alloy rims.
f If possible, wash the wheels every two weeks
with a sponge or washing brush. If the wheels
are exposed to road salt, grit or industrial dust,
weekly cleaning is necessary.
Door, roof, lid and window seals
Caution!
The lubricant coating on the inner door seals,
convertible top and hardtop seals may be
damaged by unsuitable cleaning and care agents.
f Do not use any chemic al cleaning agents
or solvents.
f Do not use any preservative agents.
f Wash dirt (e.g. abrasion, dust, road salt and
grit) from all seals regularly using warm
soapy water.
f If there is a risk of frost, protect the outer door
seals and lid seals against freezing into place
with a suitable care product.
Headlights, lights, interior and exterior
plastic parts, adhesive filmsfUse only clean water and a little dishwashing
detergent to clean light lenses, plastic head-
light lenses, plastic parts, adhesive films and
surfaces.
Do not clean when dry.
Use a soft sponge or a so ft, lint-free cloth. Gen-
tly wipe the surface without applying too much
pressure.
An interior window cleaner can also be used to
clean plastic surfaces (always read the cleaning
instructions on the container). We recommend
Porsche interior window cleaner.
f Gently wipe the surfac e without applying too
much pressure.
f Do not clean when dry.
f Never use other chemical cleaners or
solvents.
f Rinse cleaned surfaces with clear water.Leather Characteristics and special features
The natural surface markings of leather, e.g.
creases, healed scars, in sect sting marks, struc-
tural differences and slight variations in shade and
grain add to the attractiveness of the natural leath-
er product.

Maintenance, Car Care
219
Observe the following care instructions:
Caution!
The leather will be da maged by the use of
unsuitable cleaning and care agents and by
incorrect treatment.
f Do not use caustic cleaners or hard
cleaning aids.
f Perforated leather must under no circumstances get wet on its reverse side.
f Clean all types of leather regularly to remove
fine dust using a soft, damp, white woollen
cloth or a commercially available
microfibre cloth.
f Remove heavy contamination with a leather
cleaner.
Always read the instructions for use given on
the containers.
We recommend Porsche leather cleaner.
f Treat cleaned leather only with a leather
care product.
We recommend the Porsche leather
care product.
Cleaning airbags covers
Danger!
There is a danger of serious personal injury
or death if the airbag system is impaired by
improper cleaning work.
f Do not make any modifications whatsoever on
individual components such as the padded
covers of the steering wheel, passenger side
instrument panel, the front seats and the door
linings.
f Let your authorized Porsche dealer clean these components.
Carpets and floor-mats fUse only a vacuum clea ner or a medium stiff
brush.
f Remove stains and spots with Porsche stain
remover.
To protect carpets, the Porsche range of accesso-
ries includes mats of th e correct size and with the
appropriate fastening.
Warning!
Risk of an accident re sulting in serious per-
sonal injury or death.
f Always check the movement of the pedals be-
fore driving and make sure that they are not ob-
structed by a floor-ma t or any other object. f
Secure the floor-mat to prevent it from sliding
into positions that could interfere with the safe
operation of your vehicl e - do not install them
loosely in the vehicle.
Your Porsche dealer will be glad to offer you
nonskid floor-mats of the correct size.
Cleaning fabric linings
f Fabric linings on pillars, convertible top liner
and sun blinds, etc. must be cleaned only
using suitable cleaning agents or a suitable dry
foam and a soft brush.
Alcantara fDo not use a leather care product to clean
Alcantara.
For regular care it is su fficient to clean the cover
with a soft brush.
Heavy abrasion or rubbing when cleaning causes
a lasting change in the surface.
Cleaning when lightly soiled
f Wet a soft cloth with water or a neutral soap
solution and wipe off the dirt.
Cleaning when heavily soiled
f Wet a soft cloth with lukewarm water or
thinned white spirit and dab the dirt from the
outside in.
Cleaning safety belts

220
Maintenance, Car Care
f
Use mild detergent to clean soiled belts.
f When drying, avoid direct sunlight.
f Only use suitable cleaning agents.
f Do not tint or bleach the belts.
The belt fabric could be weakened, thus affec-
ting safety.
Storing your Porsche If you intend to store yo ur Porsche for a prolonged
period, please consult your authorized Porsche
dealer. The staff will be glad to advise you on the
most suitable and necessary methods.
f Clean your vehicle thoroughly inside and out-
side.
Clean the engine compartment.
The under carriage and chassis components
should be free of dirt and salt deposits.
f Fill up the fuel tank.
f Change the oil and oil filter, and run the engine
for several minutes.
f Increase the tire pressure to 50 psi (3.5 bar).
It is not recommended to lift the vehicle, due to
the possibility of corros ion on shock absorber
piston shafts.
The vehicle should be moved slightly, approxi-
mately every four weeks, to prevent flat spot
on the tires.
Climate control
The air conditioning system should be in good
working condition and fully charged.
Windshield/Headlight washer
f Check and correct antifr eeze/cleaning solution
level as necessary. Electrical system
f
Remove the battery from the vehicle and store
it in a cool dry place, not on a cement floor.
When the battery is disconnected, the
alarm system is deactivated.
f Recharge the battery every 3 months. If the
battery remains in the vehicle with the cables
connected, it is necessary to check, remove
and recharge the battery every 2-3 weeks.
Do not fast charge the battery.
f Please see the chapter “BATTERY” on
Page 249.
Vehicle interior
The interior must be dry, especially in the area of
the floor carpets. The use of drying agents (Silica-
Gel) is recommended in vehicles with leather inte-
rior and in areas with high humidity. The recom-
mended amount is 3 fabric bags of 1.1 lbs.
(500 grams) each placed on the floor carpets.
Windows, doors and lids must be closed. The air
vents should be opened.

222
Practical Tips, Emergency Service
Exercise Extreme Caution when
Working on your Vehicle
Danger!
Ignoring the following instructions may
cause serious personal injury or death.
f The engine compartment of any motor vehicle
is a potentially hazardou s area. If you are not
fully familiar with proper repair procedures, do
not attempt the adjustments described on the
following pages.
This caution also applies to the entire vehicle.
f O n l y w o r k o n y o u r v e h i c l e o u t d o o r s o r i n a w e l l
ventilated area.
f Ensure that there are no open flames in the
area of your vehicle at any time when fuel
fumes might be present. Be especially cau-
tious of such devices such as hot water heat-
ers which ignite a flame intermittently.
f Before working on any part in the engine com-
partment, turn the engine off and let it cool
down sufficiently. Hot engine compartment
components can burn skin on contact.
f Be alert and cautious around engine at all
times while the engine is running.
If work has to be performed with the engine
running, always set the parking brake, and
make sure the shift lever is in neutral position
or the PDK selector lever in position P or N. f
In particular, be very careful to ensure that
items of clothing (ties, shirt, sleeves etc.),
jewelry, long hair, hand or fingers cannot get
caught in the engine-compartment blower, fan,
belts or other moving parts.
The radiator and radiator fans are in the front
of the car.
The engine-compartment blower is mounted in
the engine-compartment.
The fans can start or continue running as a
function of temperature, even with the engine
switched off.
Carry out work in these areas only with the en-
gine off, the ignition switched off, and exercise
extreme caution.
f Your Porsche is equipped with an electronic ig-
nition system. When the ig nition is on, high volt-
age 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.
f Always support your car with safety stands if it
is necessary to work under the car.
Jacks are not suitable for this kind of work.
f When working under the car without safety
stands but with the wheels on the ground,
make sure the car is on level ground, the
wheels are blocked, and that the engine
cannot be started.
Remove the ignition key. f
Do not smoke or allow an open flame around
the battery or fuel.
Keep a fire extinguisher in close reach.
f Incomplete or improper servicing may cause
problems in the operation of the car. If in doubt
about any servicing, have it done by your au-
thorized Porsche dealer.
Improper maintenance during the warranty pe-
riod may affect your Porsche warranty cover-
age.
f Supplies of fluids, e.g. engine oil, brake fluid or
coolant, are hazardous to your health.
Keep these fluids out of children’s reach and
dispose of them in accordance with the appro-
priate regulations.
f Some countries require additional tools and
special spare parts to be carried.
Please make enquiries before driving abroad.

Practical Tips, Emergency Service
225
Each tire, including the spare (if provided) should
be checked monthly when cold and inflated to the
inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle
manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire infla-
tion pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of a
different size than the size indicated on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure for
those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a tire pressure monitoring (TPM)
that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when
one or more of your tires is significantly under-in-
flated. Accordingly, when the low tire pressure tell-
tale illuminates, you should stop and check your
tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the
proper pressure. Driving on a significantly under-
inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can
lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces
fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect
the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TP M is not a substitute for
proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s re-
sponsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even
if under-inflation has not reached the level to trig-
ger illumination of the TP M low tire pressure tell-
tale.
f On vehicles with tire pressure monitoring:
Please see the chapter “TPM TIRE PRESSURE
MONITORING” on Page 147.
When tires are warm, the tire pressure is
increased. f
Never let air out of hot tires.
This could cause the tire pressure to fall below
the prescribed value.
Insufficient tire filling pressure can cause tires to
overheat and thus be damaged – even invisibly.
Hidden tire damage is not eliminated by subse-
quently correcting the tire pressure.
Overloading
Danger!
Risk of damage to vehicle parts, loss of con-
trol and serious personal injury or death.
f Do not overload your vehicle. Be careful about
the roof load.
f If loading the vehicle also correct the tire pres-
sure. Tire pressure for loaded vehicle can be
found on the tire pressure plate and in the
chapter technical data.
f Never exceed the specified axle load.
Overloading can shorten the service life of the
tires and car, as well as lead to dangerous ve-
hicle reactions and long braking distances.
Damage due to overloading is not covered by the vehicle warranty.
f Please see the chapter “LOADING INFORMA-
TION” on Page 234.
f Please see the chapter “TIRE PRESSURE FOR
COLD TIRES (68 °F/20 °C)” on Page 277.
Example of a tire pressure plateTire pressure plateInformation on the tire pressure plate
A Seating capacity
Maximum number of vehicle occupants, inclu-
ding the driver.

230
Practical Tips, Emergency Service
Note
Under no circumstances sh
ould 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 four num-
bers read 1208, then the ti re was produced in the
12th week of 2008.
f Store tires in a cool and dry place.
Snow tires For a better grip on snow and ice, use radial M+S
tires with studs.
Check with your local Motor Vehicle Bureau for
possible restrictions.
Danger!
Risk of loss of control and damage to the
vehicle as well as seri ous personal injury or
death.
The standard tires prof ile and rubber mixture
are optimized for wet and dry driving condi-
tions, and may not prove favorable for snow
conditions.
f Therefore install M+S tires before driving in such conditions. Before mounting snow tires, consult with
your Porsche dealer. He has the technical
information necessary to advise you on
wheel and tire compatibility.
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.
Danger!
Tires with badly worn treads and studs are
very dangerous and could cause accidents
resulting in serious personal injuries or
death.
f Make sure they are replaced immediately.
f 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 snowfree roads as a
normal tire.
Furthermore, snow tires wear rapidly under
these conditions.
Comply with all state and local laws
governing snow tire and tread depth
requirements.
Danger!
Risk of accident and se rious personal injury
or death due to excessive speed.
f Always check the maximum speed rating on
the tire sidewall on any tire on the vehicle.
f Never exceed the maximum speed rating of the tires.
f Fit winter tires to both axles well before the
cold season begins.
Your authorized Porsche dealer will be pleased
to advise you.
Maintenance note
We recommend fitting snow tires on the vehicle at
temperatures below 45 °F (7 °C) since the driving
performance of summer tires is reduced at low
temperatures. Summer tires may be permanently
damaged at extremely low temperatures.
Winter tires lose their traction capability when their
tread depth falls below 5/32 in. (4 mm).

Practical Tips, Emergency Service
233
E Maximum Load rating
The maximum load in kilograms and pounds can
be carried by the tire. If you replace tires always
use a tire that has the same maximum load rating
as the factory installed tire.
FRadial
The identification indicates if the tire has radial
structure.
G Term of tubeless or tube tire
Identification for tubeless tires.Speed code letterThe speed code letter indicates the maximum per-
missible speed for the tire.
This code letter is shown on the tire sidewall.Tip on driving
Tires with a maximum speed rating that is lower
than the specified maximum vehicle speed may be
mounted only if they bear an M+S identification on
the tire sidewall.
f
Please note that in addition to the winter tires,
all-season and all-terrain tires are also subject
to speed limits and bear this identification.
Inscription on light alloy wheelsMaintenance note
fProtect the valve inserts against soiling with
valve caps.
Use only plastic valve caps.
Soiled valve inserts can cause a gradual loss
of air.
Note on operation
f The rim width in inches A and the rim offset F
are visible from the outside.
The information is inscri bed on the back of the
spokes near the tire valve.
A - Rim width in inches
B - Rim-flange contour code letter
C - Symbol for drop-center rim
D - Rim diameter in inches
E -Double hump
F - Rim offset in mm
T = up to 118 mph (190 km/h)
H = up to 131 mph (210 km/h)
V = up to 150 mph (240 km/h)
W = up to 167 mph (270 km/h)
Y = up to 186 mph (300 km/h)
(Y) = up to 186 mph (300 km/h) as for
Y tires. Speeds of more than
300 km/h (186 mph) are also
possible at a maximum tire load
capacity of 85 % (confirmation from
tire manufacturer required for
speeds of more than 186 mph (300
km/h)).

Practical Tips, Emergency Service
251
Winter operation The capacity and ability of the battery to store
power decreases at low outside temperatures.
Moreover, the battery is more heavily loaded in
winter months, e.g. by the heated rear window,
more frequent use of additional lights, the fans
and the windshield wipers, etc.
f Have the battery checked before the start
of winter.
Maintenance note
Keep the battery well charged to prevent it
from freezing.
A discharged battery can freeze at 23 °F (--5 °C),
but a fully charged battery only freezes at -- 40 °F
(--40 °C).
A frozen battery must always be thawed before
connecting jump leads.
Replacing battery The service life of the batt ery is subject to normal
wear; it depends greatly on care, climatic conditi-
ons, and driving conditions (distances, loads).
f Only use an original Porsche battery, with the
correct part number, as a replacement.
f Please observe the disposal instructions for
batteries.
Putting vehicle into operationAfter the battery is co nnected or after an exhaus-
tively discharged battery is charged, the multi-
functional PSM light lights up on the instrument
panel and a message appears on the on-board
computer to indicate a fault.
This fault can be remedied with a few simple
steps:
1. Start the engine.
2. With the vehicle stationary, perform a few steering movements to the left and right and
then drive a short distance in a straight line
until the multifunctinal PSM light goes out and
the message on the on-board computer
disappears.
3. If the warnings do not disappear, then:
Drive carefully to the nearest authorized
Porsche dealer.
Have the fault remedied.
4. After the warnings disappear: Stop the vehicle in a suitable place.
f Perform adaptation of the power windows:
Please see the chapter “STORING END
POSITION OF THE WINDOWS” on Page 28.

274
Vehicle Identification, Technical Data
Vehicle IdentificationWhen ordering spare parts or making inquiries,
please always quote the vehicle identification
number. Vehicle data bankThe vehicle data bank is attached to the inside of
the “Maintenance” booklet.
It contains all important data about your vehicle.
Note
This data bank cannot be re -ordered if it is lost or
damaged.
This label contains the following information:
1. Vehicle Identification No.
2. Type/Type description
3. Engine code/Transmission code
4. Paint No./Interior
5. Optional equipment
Vehicle identification number In accordance with Federal Safety Regulations,
the vehicle identification number of your car is lo-
cated at the bottom left of the windshield frame
and can be seen from the outside.
The vehicle identification number is in the luggage
compartment under the battery cover and at the
bottom left behind the windshield.
Removing the battery cover
f Please see the chapter “BATTERY” on
Page 249.
Safety compliance stickerThe safety compliance sticker is your assurance
that your new Porsche complies with all applicable
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards which
were in effect at the time the vehicle was manufac-
tured.
fThe sticker also shows the month and year of
production and the vehicle identification
number of your car (perforations) as well as
the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and the G ross
A xle Weight Rating.

288
Index
Interior
....................... .................................. 69
Interior lights ......... ....................................... 69
Interior mirror ............. .................................. 30
JJumper cables ............................................ 255KKey codes ...................... .............................. 15
Keys ................. ......................... ............ 15, 16LLATCH System ............... .............................. 54
Launch Control ........................................... 177
Leather care .............. ................................ 218
License plate light................................... 78, 80
Lids ........................................... ............ 93, 95
Emergency unlocking .......................... 248
Lifting vehicle ............. ................................ 242
Light
Daytime driving ....... .............................. 78
Flasher....................... ...... 78, 80, 81, 123
Low beam .................. .............. 78, 80, 81
Sensor for instrument illumination 116, 118
Switch........................ .............. 78, 80, 81
Light alloy wheels
Inscription .............. ............................ 233
Light functions, indivi dual............................... 81
Lights ................................................. ......... 69
Care .................................................. 218
Headlight beam adju stment ................... 79
LIMIT Acoustic warning signal for speed limit 133
Load switch-off ........... ................................ 246 Loading information ..
.................................. 234
Locking ........................ .......................... 20, 23
Low beam .................... ................................ 81
Luggage Net .......................... ............................ 91
Luggage compartment . ................................. 94
Lid ........................... ............................ 92
Lid warning light.... ................................ 92
Unlocking lid ......... ................................ 16
Luggage compartment/
engine compartment lid, warning lights ........... 92
MMaintenance ................. .............................. 196
Make-up mirror ............. ................................ 41
Maximum permitted engi ne speeds ................ 10
Manual transmission ............................ 172
Mirror Folding in.............. ................................ 30
Heating .................... .................... 31, 113
Inside ................................................... 29
Mirrors ............................. ...................... 29, 71
Anti-glare ................................... ........... 30
Multi-functional steeri ng wheel ........................ 40NNavigation .................... ................................ 97
Selection field, on-board computer ....... 146
Notes on
Car care ................... .......................... 213
Maintenance ............. .......................... 196
Number plate light ........ .......................... 78, 80
Changing bulb ....... .............................. 266
OOctane rating ...................................... 206, 207
Odometer ........................ ...........................121
Off delay .................... ............................79, 80
Oil...................... ............................. ...199, 281
Change........................ .......................201
Checking level.......... ...........................157
Consumption............ .............................10
Level checks............ ...........................199
Level indicator ......... ...........................157
Recommendation ......... .......................200
Topping off engine oi l ..........................200
OIL Display and measurement
of the engine oil leve l...................................157
On-board computer ..... ................................130
Basic settings .......... ...................131, 159
Calling on-board computer functions .....131
Functions and display possibilities ........131
General information . ............................160
Language versions ... ...........................159
Operation, controls... ...........................130
Selecting a radio station ......................146
Setting the clock ...... ...........................160
Switching daytime driving lights on/off ..160
Switching on navigation .......................146
Tire pressure warnings ........................152
Warnings and messag es ......................162
On-board literature ..........................................2
Operating voice contro l ...............................130
Operating your Porsche in other Countries ....204
Orientation light ...... ......................................69
Outside temperatur indicator........................127
Oxygen sensor............ ................................209