catalytic converter PORSCHE BOXSTER 2009 2.G Owners Manual

Instruments, On-Board Computer, Warnings
129
Check Engine
(Emission Control)The emission control system detects malfunctions
early that could, for example, cause increased
pollutant emissions or consequential damage.
Faults are indicated by a continuously lit or
flashing instrument panel warning light.
The faults are recorded in the control unit's fault
memory.
The warning light in the instrument panel lights up
when the ignition is switched on as a bulb check
and goes out approx. 4 seconds after the engine
starts. If the warning light does not light up, have
the bulb replaced promptly.
The warning light in the instrument panel flashes to
indicate operating states (e.g. engine misfiring)
which might cause damage to certain parts of the
emission control system.
fIn this case, immediately reduce the engine
load by easing off the accelerator.
f In order to avoid consequential damage to the
engine or emission control system (e.g. cata-
lytic converter), have the fault diagnosed and
rectified immediately at the nearest authorized
Porsche dealer. If the warning light in the
instrument panel lights up
permanently without flashing before and remains
on while driving, it suggests:
– a potential engine control problem and the need for system service or
– an improperly fastened tank cap or
– the vehicle was refueled while the engine was running.
f Stop immediately at a suitable and secure
place and check tank cap for proper fastening.
If tank cap was fastened correctly, see your au-
thorized Porsche dealer for service as soon as
possible.
Caution!
If the check engine warning light in the in-
strument panel is flashing, serious catalytic
converter damage and power loss will soon
occur.
Prolonged driving with the check engine war-
ning light on could cause damage to the
emission control system. It also could affect
fuel economy and driveability.
f Have the fault remedied at the nearest authorized Porsche dealer immediately.
Warning Light

206
Maintenance, Car Care
Refueling Fuel tank capacity is listed under “Capacities”.
Porsche does not recommend the use of fuel ad-
ditives.
Fuel is highly flammable and harmful to
health.
fPlease see the chapter “CAPACITIES” on
Page 281. 1.
Important: Stop the engine and switch off the
ignition.
2. Slowly unscrew the tank cap. Hang the tank cap's plastic strap on the hook
on the inside wall of the filler flap.
3. Insert fuel-hose nozzle fully into the filler neck
with the handle of the fuel-hose nozzle facing
down.
4. Do not add further fuel once the correctly op- erated automatic fuel-hose nozzle has
switched off.
Fuel could spray or could run over in warm
temperatures.
5. Replace the tank ca p immediately after
refueling and turn it until you hear it and feel it
engage.
If you lose the tank cap, you must replace it
only with an original part to reduce the
possibility of a fire in the event of a collision.
Caution!
Risk of damage. Decorative film may fade if it
comes into contact with fuel.
f Wipe off any emerging fuel immediately.
Fuel Recommendations Your Porsche is equipped with catalytic convert-
ers and must use UNLEADED FUEL ONLY .
Your engine is designed to provide optimum per-
formance and fuel economy using unleaded premi-
um fuel with an octane rating of 98 RON
(93 CLC or AKI) . Porsche therefore recom-
mends the use of these fuels in your vehicle.
Porsche also recognizes that these fuels may not
always be available. Be assured that your vehicle
will operate properly on unleaded premium fuels
with octane numbers of at least 95 RON
(90 CLC or AKI) , since the engine’s “Electronic
Oktane™ knock control” will adapt the ignition tim-
ing, if necessary.
It is important to observe the regular service inter-
vals, and particularly the oil change intervals,
specified in the “Maintenance” booklet.
The use of UNLEADED FUEL ONLY is critically
important to the life of the catalytic
converters. Deposits from leaded fuels will
ruin the converters and make it ineffective
as an emission control device.
Cars with catalytic converters have a smaller fuel
tank opening, and gas station pumps have smaller
nozzles. This will prevent accidental pumping of
leaded fuel into cars with catalytic converters.

208
Maintenance, Car Care
Emission Control SystemIn the interest of clean air Pollution of our environment has become a prob-
lem that is of increasing concern to all of us. We
urge you to join us in ou r efforts for cleaner air in
controlling the pollutants emitted from the auto-
mobile.
Porsche has developed an emission control sys-
tem that controls or reduces those parts of the
emission that can be harmful to our environment.
Your Porsche is equipped with such a system.
Porsche warrants the Emission Control System in
your new car under the terms and conditions set
forth in the Warranty Booklet.
You, as the owner of the vehicle, have the
responsibility to provide regular maintenance serv-
ice for the vehicle and to keep a record of all main-
tenance work performed. To facilitate record
keeping, have the service performed by author-
ized Porsche dealers. They have Porsche trained
technicians and special tools to provide fast and
efficient service. To assure efficient operation of the Emission
Control System:
f
Have your vehicle maintained properly and in
accordance with the recommendations de-
scribed in your Maintenance Booklet.
Lack of proper maintenance, as well as im-
proper use of the vehicle, will impair the func-
tion of the emission control system and could
lead to damage.
f Do not alter or remove any component of the
emission control system.
f Do not alter or remove any device, such as
heat shields, switches, ignition wires, valves,
etc., which are designed to protect your vehi-
cle’s emission control system.
In addition to serious engine damage, this can
result in a fire if excess raw fuel reaches the
exhaust system.
f Do not continue to operat e your vehicle if you
detect engine misfire or other unusual operat-
ing conditions.
Parking
Warning!
Danger of fire resulting in serious personal
injury or death.
f Do not park or operate the vehicle in areas
where the hot exhaust system may come in
contact with dry grass, br ush, 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.
Undercoating
Danger!
Danger of fire resulting in serious personal
injury or death.
f Do not apply additional undercoating or rust-
proofing on or near the exhaust manifold,
exhaust pipes, catalytic converters or heat
shields. During driving the substance used for undercoating could overheat and ignite.

Maintenance, Car Care
209
How Emission Control Works When an automobile engine is running, it uses en-
ergy generated through the combustion of a mix-
ture of air and fuel. Depending on whether a car is
driven fast or slowly or whether the engine is cold
or hot, some of the fuel (hydrocarbons) may not
be burned completely, but may be discharged into
the engine crankcase or exhaust system. Additon-
al hydrocarbons may enter the atmosphere
through evaporation of fuel from the fuel tank.
These hydrocarbons (HC), when released into the
air, contribute to undesirable pollution.
In addition, carbon monoxide (CO) and oxides of
nitrogen (NOx) contribute to engine emissions.
They, too, are formed during the combustion proc-
ess and discharged into the exhaust system.
To reduce these pollutants, your Porsche is
equipped with a precisely calibrated fuel injection
system to assure a finely balanced air/fuel mixture
under all operating conditions.
Oxygen sensor The oxygen sensor, installed in the exhaust pipe
continuously senses the oxygen content of the
exhaust and signals the information to an electron-
ic control unit. The control unit corrects the air/
fuel ratio, so the engine always receives an accu-
rately metered air/fuel mixture. Crankcase ventilation Through crankcase ventilation, undesirable emis-
sions from the engine crankcase are not permit-
ted to reach the outside atmosphere. These emis-
sions are recirculated from the crankcase to the
air intake system. From here the emissions mix
with the intake air and are later burned in the en-
gine. Catalytic converters The catalytic converters are efficient “clean-up”
devices built into the exhaust system of the vehi-
cle. The catalytic converte rs burn the undesirable
pollutants in the exhaust gas before it is released
into the atmosphere.
The exclusive use of unleaded fuel is critical-
ly important for the life of the catalytic con-
verters. Therefore, only unleaded fuel must
be used. The catalytic converters will be damaged by:
– push or tow starting the vehicle
– misfiring of the engine
– turning off the ignition while the vehicle is mov-
ing or
– driving until the fuel ta nk is completely empty
– by other unusual operating conditions.
f Do not continue to operate your vehicle under
these conditions, since raw fuel might reach
the catalytic converters. This could result in
overheating of the converters. Federal law pro-
hibits use of leaded fuel in this car.

Maintenance, Car Care
217
Note
Door windows feature a water-repellent (hydro-
phobic) coating which prevents soiling of the
windows.
This coating is subject to natural wear and can be
renewed.
fConsult an authorized Porsche dealer.Wiper blades Wiper blades that are in perfect condition are vital
for a clear view.
fPlease see the chapter “WIPER BLADES” on
Page 212.
f Replace the wiper blades twice per year (be-
fore and after the cold season) or whenever
wiper performance deteriorates or the blades
are damaged.
f Periodically clean the wiper blades with
Porsche window cleaner, especially after the
vehicle has been washed in a car wash.
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 can be as a
result of the following:
– If the vehicle is washed in an automatic car wash, residues may adhere to the windshield.
These wax residues can be removed only by
using window cleaner concentrate.
– The wiper blades may be damaged or worn. – Replace damaged or worn wiper blades imme-
diately.
f Please see the chapter “WASHER FLUID” on
Page 210.
f Please contact your authorized Porsche dealer
for further information.
Undercoating As it is not possible to ex clude the risk of damage
to this protective coating in day to day driving, it
is advisable to have the underside of the car in-
spected at certain interv als – preferably before
the start of winter and again in spring – and the un-
dercoating restored as necessary.
Your authorized Porsche dealer is familiar with the
bodyseal treatment procedures and has the nec-
essary equipment for applying factory approved
materials. We recommend that you entrust them
with such work and inspections.
Unlike conventional spray oils, undercoating and
rust-proofing compounds based on bitumen or
wax do not attack the so und-proofing materials ap-
plied at the factory.
Warning!
Danger of fire resulting in serious personal
injury or death.
f Do not apply additional undercoating or rust-
proofing on or near the exhaust manifold, ex-
haust pipes, catalytic converters or heat shields. During driving the substance used for
undercoating could overheat and ignite.
f Before applying fresh underseal, carefully
remove any deposits of dirt and grease. Once
it has dried, the new undercoating compound
forms a tough protective coating which
provides efficient rust-proofing of the floor
panels and components.
f Always apply a fresh coating of suitable pre-
servative to unprotected areas after cleaning
the underside of the body, the transmission,
the engine or carrying out repairs to under-
body, engine or transmission components.
Effective rust-proofing is particularly important
during the cold weather seas on. If your car is driv-
en frequently in areas where salt has been spread
on the roads, the whole engine compartment
should be cleaned thoroughly after the winter to
prevent salt from causing any lasting damage. A
full under-body wash should also be performed at
the same time.
Stainless steel exhaust tailpipesStainless steel exhaust tailpipes can discolor due
to soiling, strong heat, and combustion residues.
The original polish can be achieved again using
commercially available metal polishing paste or
metal polish.

Practical Tips, Emergency Service
255
Emergency Starting with Jumper
Cables If the battery is discharged, e.g. in winter or after
the car has been parked for a long time, the bat-
tery of another car can be used for starting with
the help of jumper cables.
Make sure the voltage of both batteries is the
same. Both batteries must be 12 volt types.
The capacity (Ampere hours, Ah) of the booster
battery must not be substantially less than that of
the discharged battery.
The discharged battery must be correctly con-
nected to the vehicle’s electrical system.
f Please see the chapter “BATTERY” on
Page 249.
f Please see the chapter “EMERGENCY UNLO-
CKING OF THE FRONT LUGGAGE COMPART-
MENT LID” on Page 248.
Note
f Do not try to start the car by pushing or tow-
ing. Damage to the catalytic converters and
other components of the car may result.
Warning!
Risk of short circuit, damage and explosion,
resulting in serious personal injury or death.
f Use only jumper cables of adequate diameter
cross-section and fitted with completely insu-
lated alligator clips.
f Follow all warnings and instructions of the
jumper cable manufacturer.
f When connecting jumper cables, make sure
that they cannot get caught in any moving
parts in the engine compartment.
The jumper cables must be long enough so
that neither vehicles nor cables touch another.
f The vehicles must not be in contact, otherwise
current might flow as soon as the positive ter-
minals are connected.
f The cable clamps must not be allowed to con-
tact each other when one end of the jumper ca-
bles are connected to a battery.
f Ensure that tools or conductive jewelery (rings,
chains, watch straps) do not come into contact
with the positive jumper cable or the positive
battery post.
f Improper hook-up of jumper cables can ruin
the alternator. Danger of caustic burns
from escaping acid.
f Do not lean over the battery.
Danger of gas explosion.
f Improper use of booster battery to start a
vehicle may cause an explosion, resulting in
serious personal injury or death.
f Keep sources of ignition away from the bat-
tery, e.g. open flame, burning cigarettes or
sparking due to cable contact or welding work.
f A discharged battery can freeze even at 23 °F/
–5 °C.
Before connecting jumper cables, a frozen
battery must be thawed out.

286
Index
CCabriolet .................................................... 182
Capacities, overview ... ................................ 281
Car care ........................ ............................ 213
Car telephone ............. .................................. 99
Car washes .................... ............................ 214
Carpet ....................................................... 219
Catalytic converters .... ................................ 209
Cautions ........................ .................... 196, 222
Central locking ........... ................................ 246
Emergency operation ...................... 19, 22
In cars with alarm system ...................... 21
In cars without alar m system ................. 19
Overload protection ............................ 246
Central vents .............. ................................ 112
Central warning light ................................... 128
Changing light-emitting diodes (LEDs) ........... 266
Changing wheels ........ ................................ 237
Check engine Warning light .......... ............................ 128
Check engine warning li ght .......................... 129
Opening the oil filler cap ...................... 200
Checking pressure ...... ................................ 238
Child restraint system s.................................. 50
Chime ............... ......................... ............ 78, 80
CHRONO Stopwatch.... ................................ 140
Cigarette lighter.......... .................................. 88
Circulating-air button ... ........................ 106, 110
Clock ............................................. .... 127, 160
Clutch ............... ............................. ...... 60, 172
Clutch pedal ............... .................................. 60
Combination filter ....... ................................ 211
Comfort seat .............. .................................. 33
Coming home mode.... ............................ 79, 80 Communication manage
ment ......................... 97
Compact disc Player ...................... ............................ 98
Storage .................... ............................ 90
Compartment monitoring ................ ............... 25
Convertible top ......... .................................. 182
Care ........................ .......................... 215
Coolant ........... ........................... 124, 197, 281
Checking ............................................ 197
Level .................................................. 1

97
Temperature gage .... .......................... 124
Topping off ........... .............................. 197
Warning light......... .............................. 124
Cooling system ............. ...................... 124, 197
Warning light......... .............................. 124
Cornering light .......... .................................... 78
Indicator light ........ .............................. 123
Crankcase ventilation .................................. 209
Cruise control ................................. 84, 85, 128
Cupholder ......................................... ........... 86
DData bank................................................... 274
Daytime driving lights .................................... 78
Changing bulbs ..... .............................. 266
On-board computer ............................. 160
Defrosting windows ....... ................ 31, 106, 110
Diagnostic socket ..... .................................... 11
Dimensions ....................................... ......... 282
Direction indicator lig ht, front ....................... 266
Door ............................ ................................ 18
Handles ................................................ 18
Locks....................... .................... 18, 215
Mirror....................... ............................ 30 Mirror heating ..........
.............................31
Mirrors .................... .............................29
Windows ......................... 18, 27, 182, 216
Drive-Off Assistant ....... ................................173
Driving
Hints .............. ........................................8
Winter ......................... .......................179
Driving off
Drive-Off Assistant .... ...........................173
Launch Control......... ...........................177
Driving performance .... ................................280
Drop-center rim........... ................................233
EElectrical system..... ....................................245
Emergency flasher swit ch ..............................77
Emergency operation . ...................................22
Central locking ......... .......................19, 22
Convertible top ........ ...........................185
Ignition key ......... ..................................74
Lids................ ......................... ...........248
Tank flap ................. ...........................205
Emergency service ..... ................................222
Emergency starting with jumper cables.255, 256
Emission control system ..............129, 208, 209
Engine Checking the oil leve l ...........................157
Diagram ...................... .......................283
Exhaust ................... ...............................5
Number ..............................................275
Oil consumption ....... .....................10, 199
Oil level ................... ...........................199
Oil level indicator ...................... ...........157
Oils ............................................199, 281