PORSCHE PANAMERA 2009 1.G Information Manual
Manufacturer: PORSCHE, Model Year: 2009, Model line: PANAMERA, Model: PORSCHE PANAMERA 2009 1.GPages: 343, PDF Size: 7.96 MB
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StoppingfFor a brief stop, e.g. at traffic lights, leave the 
selector lever in drive  position and hold the 
vehicle with the brake pedal.
f Do not hold the vehicle on a slope using the 
accelerator. Use the brake pedal or the 
electric parking brake instead.
f Before leaving the vehicle, always apply the 
electric parking brake and move the selector 
lever to position  P.Parkingf Go easy on the accelerator!
f When parking or maneuvering in a small 
space, control the speed by careful use of 
the footbrake.Driving in winterIn wintry road conditions, it is advisable to take 
steep inclines in manual mode. This prevents gear 
changes occurring that could cause wheel spin.Tow-starting, towingfPlease see the chapter “TOWING” on 
page 316.
Reduced driving programIf there is a fault in the transmission
– Depending on priority, either the “Gearbox 
emergency operation” warning in yellow or red 
or the warning “Gearbox temperature too high” 
will appear on the multi-function display.
“Gearbox emergency operation” warning in 
yellow
Effects:
– Restricted gearshift comfort, reverse gear  may not function.
Action required:
f Have the fault corrected immediately. 
Please contact a qualified specialist workshop. 
We recommend that you have an authorized 
Porsche dealer to do this work as they have 
trained workshop personnel and the necessary 
parts and tools. “Gearbox emergency operation” warning in red
Effect:
– Vehicle can be driven 
only until it comes to 
astop.
Action required:
f It is not possible to continue driving. Stop the 
vehicle immediately in a suitable place. Have 
the vehicle towed to a qualified specialist 
workshop.
f Please see the chapter “TOWING” on 
page 316.
Warning “Gearbox temperature too high” 
–Effects: “Warning jerks” can be fe lt when driving off and 
the engine power may be restricted.
Action required:
Do not hold the vehicle with the accelerator on 
a hill, for example. Hold the vehicle with the 
brake. Reduce engine load. Stop the vehicle in 
a suitable place if possib le. Allow the engine to 
run in selector-lever position  P or  N until the 
warning disappears. 
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PDK selector lever emergency releaseIn the event of an electronics failure, the PDK 
selector lever can only be moved from selector-
lever position  P if an emergency release operation 
has already been performed.
Note
If a selector lever emergency release was 
performed, the vehicle must not be towed.
f Please see the chapter “TOWING” on 
page 316.
f Secure the vehicle to prevent it from 
rolling away.
1. Open the ashtray.
2. Remove the ashtray insert.
fSwivel the spring for locking the ashtray 
approx. 20° to the left. 3. Close the ashtray lid a
pprox. 45° and hold it 
at that position.
4. Insert a screwdriver, for example, in through  the opening, which is now visible at the right 
next to the spring, and press the release 
button for the selector support down.
5. Press the selector lever release button and  move the selector lever out of position  P. 
The vehicle can now be moved.
6. To secure the vehicle,  move the selector lever 
to position  P. 
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Transmission and Chassis Control SystemsYour Porsche features a complex integrated system made up of all control systems acting in power transmission and in the chassis.
All control systems are networked with the aim of combining  the best possible driving performance with maximum safety.
The following systems are invo lved, depending on equipment:
System/designation Scope
PTM
Porsche Traction Management – Active all-wheel drive with electronically 
regulated map-controlled multiple-disc clutch
PSM
Porsche Stability Management – Driving stability control
– Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
– Brake system prefilling
– Brake booster (Hydraulic Brake Assist)
– Automatic brake differential (ABD)
– Anti-slip control (ASR)
– Engine drag torque control (MSR)
– HOLD function: standstill management
Air suspension
with level control and height adjustment – Full load-bearing air-spring stru
ts with integrated shock absorbers
– Height adjustment with Low Level setting in “S port Plus” mode and High Level setting for 
maneuvering
PAS M
Porsche Active Suspension Management – Shock absorber system with adaptive, continuous shock absorber control
PDCC
Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control – Active chassis control system to stabilise 
roll tendency of vehicle body when driving
– Controlled rear differential lock 
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Porsche Traction Management 
(PTM)Porsche Traction Management is an active all-
wheel control system designed to influence 
longitudinal and lateral dynamics. It is closely 
linked with the Porsche Stability Management 
(PSM) system.
The permanently driven rear axle enhances the 
vehicle’s sporty features. Drive power is 
distributed fully variably to the front axle, 
depending on the driving situation.
In conjunction with PSM,  the PTM system ensures 
perfect distribution of power among all four 
wheels in every driving situation. This improves 
traction and driving stabil ity and ensures the same 
high level of agility and dynamic response.
 Warning!
In spite of the advantages of PTM and four-wheel 
drive, it is still the driver’s responsibility to adapt 
his driving style and maneuvers in line with road 
and weather conditions, as well as the traffic 
situation.
The increased safety that is provided should not 
induce you to take greate r risks with your safety. 
The limits set by the physics of driving cannot be 
overcome, even with PTM or four-wheel drive.
Risk of accidents due to inappropriate speed 
cannot be reduced by PTM or four-wheel drive. Advantages of PTM
– Clearly perceptible improvement in traction, 
driving stability and steering ability of the 
vehicle.
– Vehicle is more manageable when driven at its  performance limits.
– Improved straight-ahead tracking and greater  stability.
– More sporty vehicle setup while making full use  of all the advantages of four-wheel drive.
– ASR and ABD further enhance traction for  all wheels.
For information on ASR and ABD:
f Please see the chapter “PORSCHE STABILITY 
MANAGEMENT (PSM)” on page 202.
Porsche Stability Management 
(PSM)PSM is an active control  system for stabilisation of 
the vehicle during extreme driving maneuvers. 
It operates together with the Porsche Traction 
Management (PTM) system provided the vehicle is 
fitted with the relevant equipment.
PSM makes use of both the ABD and ASR 
systems, as well as the known functions of the 
anti-lock brake system (ABS) and engine drag 
torque control system (MSR).
 Warning!
In spite of the advantages of PSM, it is still the 
driver’s responsibility to adapt his driving style and 
maneuvers in line with road and weather 
conditions, as well as the traffic situation.
The increased safety that is provided should not 
induce you to take greater risks with your safety. 
The limits set by the physics of driving cannot be 
overcome, even with PSM.
Risk of accidents due to inappropriate speed 
cannot be reduced by PSM. 
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Advantages of PSM
– Best possible traction and lane-holding ability 
in all driving situations – even on road surfaces 
with varying friction.
– The system compensates for undesired  vehicle reactions (Ferraria effect) when the 
driver releases the accelerator pedal or brakes 
on bends. This compensation functions up to 
the maximum lateral acceleration.
– PSM actively stabilises the vehicle if necessary  during dynamic driving maneuvers (e.g. rapid 
steering movements, during lane changes, or 
on alternating bends). 
– Improved braking stability on bends and on  different or varying road surfaces.
– Improved brake function and shorter stopping  distance in the event of emergency braking. Readiness for operation
PSM is switched on automatically every time you 
start the engine.
Function
Sensors at the wheels, brakes, steering system 
and engine continuously measure:
–Speed
– Direction of travel (steering angle)
– Lateral acceleration
– Axial acceleration
– Rate of turn about the vertical axis
PSM uses these values to determine the direction 
of travel desired by the driver.
PSM intervenes and corrects the course if the 
actual direction of motion deviates from the 
desired course (steering-wheel position):
It brakes individual wheels as required. 
If necessary, PSM also influences the engine 
power or the gear-changing characteristic of 
Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) in order to 
stabilise the vehicle. The events below inform the driver of PSM control 
operations and warn him to adapt his driving style 
to the road conditions:
– PSM warning light on the instrument panel 
flashes.
– Hydraulic noises can be heard.
– The vehicle decelerates and steering-wheel  forces are altered as PSM controls the brakes.
– Reduced engine power.
– The brake pedal pulsates and its position is  changed during braking.
In order to achieve full  vehicle deceleration, 
foot pressure must be increased after the 
brake pedal has begun vibrating.
Examples of PSM control operations
– If the “front wheels of  the vehicle drift” on 
a bend, the engine power is reduced and the 
rear wheel on the inside of the bend is braked 
if necessary.
– If the rear of the vehicle swings out on a bend,  the front wheel on the outside of the bend is 
braked. 
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– Brake system prefilling:
The brake system is prepared for possible 
subsequent emergency braking if the 
accelerator pedal is released suddenly and 
quickly. The brake system is prefilled and the 
brake pads are already applied gently to the 
brake discs.
– Brake booster (Hydraulic Brake Assist): In the event of an emergency braking operation 
where the pedal force is insufficient, a brake 
booster provides the braking pressure 
necessary for maximum deceleration at all 
4wheels.
Combined operation of PSM and PTM
In order to ensure optimum stabilisation of the 
vehicle, torque distribution between the front and 
rear wheels is adapted and the rear differential 
lock is controlled on vehicles with PDCC.
In the event of a PTM  fault, PSM cannot be 
switched off.
If PSM is switched off, it is switched on again 
automatically. Automatic brake differential (ABD)
The ABD system controls the front and rear axles 
separately. If one wheel of an axle starts to spin, 
it is braked so that the other wheel on the same 
axle can be driven.
ABD recognizes different driving states, and it 
features control strategies adapted to these 
states. In situations in which little propulsive power 
is required, such as when the vehicle moves off on 
a level gravel surface, traction control already 
becomes active at low engine speeds. If a large 
amount of propulsive power is required, e.g. when 
driving off on an uph
ill slope or for rapid 
acceleration, the ABD system is adapted 
accordingly.
Anti-slip control (ASR)
The anti-slip control system prevents the wheels 
from spinning by adjusting the engine power, 
thereby ensuring good lane-holding ability and 
stable handling.
Engine drag torque control (MSR)
In conditions of excessive slip, the engine 
drag torque control system prevents all driven 
wheels from locking up when the vehicle is 
overrunning. This is also  the case for downshifts 
on a slippery road.
Switching off PSMf Press button   for at least 1 second.
PSM is switched off after a short delay.
The indicator light on the button and the 
PSM OFF warning light on the instrument 
panel light up.
The warning “PSM off” appears on the 
multi-function display in the instrument panel. 
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When you brake in the ABS control range, 
the vehicle is stabilised even when PSM is 
switched off.
One-sided spinning  of the wheels is prevented, 
even with PSM switched off.
PSM should always be switched on during 
“normal” driving.
H o w e v e r,  i t  m a y  b e  a g o o d  i d e a  to  s w it c h  o f f  P S M  
temporarily in exceptional situations:
– On a loose surface and in deep snow.
– When “rocking the vehicle free”.
– When using snow chains.
Tip on driving
The vehicle retains its enhanced braking readiness 
through prefilling of the br ake system even when 
PSM is switched off.
When PSM is switched off, wheel-specific brake 
interventions and the anti-slip control system (ASR) 
are also switched off.
The automatic brake differential (ABD) remains on.
Adaptive cruise control is deactivated when PSM 
is switched off.
When PSM is switched off, the slip monitoring 
function of Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) is also 
deactivated.
Switching PSM back onf Press button  .
PSM is active immediately.
The indicator light on the button and the 
PSM OFF warning light on the instrument 
panel go out.
The message “PSM switched on” appears on 
the multi-function disp lay in the instrument 
panel.“Sport Plus” modeA sportier setup is obtained when “Sport Plus” 
mode is switched on.
PSM interventions occur later than in Normal 
mode. The vehicle can be maneuvered with 
greater agility at its pe rformance limits, without 
having to dispense with th e assistance of PSM in 
emergency situations. This helps to achieve 
optimal lap times, particular ly on race circuits and 
on a dry road surface. – The PSM warning light on the instrument panel 
lights up for a lamp check when the ignition is 
switched on.
– The light indicates a control operation, even  when PSM is switched off, e.g. brake control in 
the event of one-sided wheel spin.
– The light - in conjunction with the multi-function  display - indicates a fault.
The warning message “PSM failure” appears 
on the multi-function display in the instrument 
panel.
For information on warning messages on the multi-
function display:
f Please see the chapter “OVERVIEW OF 
WARNING MESSAGES” on page 152.
f Adapt your driving style according to the 
changed conditions.
f Contact a qualified spec ialist workshop in 
order to correct the fault. We recommend that 
you have an authorized Porsche dealer to do 
this work, as they have the trained workshop 
personnel and the necessary parts and tools 
for this type of work.
To w i n g
For information on towing:
f Please see the chapter “TOWING” on 
page 316.
PSM warning light 
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HOLD function: Drive-Off Assistant and 
standstill management The HOLD function assists the driver when 
stopping and driving off on upward slopes.
The vehicle is automatically prevented from rolling 
back away from the desired direction of travel.
When the HOLD function is active, the function 
light   on the instrument panel lights up.
When adaptive cruise control is operating 
normally, the HOLD function holds the vehicle 
following automatic braking until the vehicle is 
actively held in a stationary position.
Notes on operation
The HOLD function is no t available if the PDK 
selector lever is in position  N.
If the PDK selector lever is moved while the 
HOLD function is active, the HOLD function is 
deactivated.
If the driver’s seat be lt is unbuckled and the 
driver’s door is opened wh ile the HOLD function is 
active, the electric park ing brake is activated 
automatically.
For information on the electric parking brake:
f Please see the chapter “ELECTRIC PARKING 
BRAKE” on page 171.
 Warning!
In spite of the advantages  of the HOLD function, it 
is still the driver’s responsibility to adapt his 
driving style and maneuvers in line with road and 
weather conditions, as well as the traffic situation.
The increased safety that is provided should not 
induce you to take greate r risks with your safety.
 Caution!
If the vehicle comes to a stop on a steep 
uphill gradient without operation of the 
footbrake by the driver, this may result in a 
certain roll-back before  the vehicle is held by 
the HOLD function. In this situation, the roll-
back can be reduced by operating the 
footbrake.
f Assist holding of the vehi cle by increasing the 
brake force with the footbrake.
Brake pedal feels different. When adaptive 
cruise control is operating normally or when 
the HOLD function is active, the brake pedal 
may feel different and you may hear 
hydraulic noises.
This behavior is no rmal for the system. 
It is not a fault.
 Danger!
Risk of accidents. The limits set by physics of 
driving cannot be overcome, even with HOLD 
function. The responsibi lity for stopping and 
driving off on uphill gradients is still the 
driver’s, despite the HOLD function. 
Assistance by the HOLD function is not 
always guaranteed when stopping and 
driving off on a slippery surface (e.g. on icy 
or loose surfaces). In this case, the vehicle 
can slip.
f Always adjust your driving style to the driving 
conditions and vehicle load. Use the footbrake 
if necessary.
If the Drive-Off Assistant is not functioning, 
the driver cannot be assisted when driving 
off on hills.
f Hold the vehicle with the footbrake. 
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ABS Brake System
(Anti-Lock Brake System)
 Warning!
In spite of the advantages  of ABS, it is still the 
driver’s responsibility to adapt his driving style and 
maneuvers in line with road and weather 
conditions, as well as the traffic situation.
The increased safety that is provided should not 
induce you to take greater risks with your safety. 
The limits set by the physic s of driving cannot be 
overcome, even with ABS.
Risk of accidents due to inappropriate speed 
cannot be reduced by ABS.
ABS ensures
– Full steering control
The vehicle remains steerable
– Good driving stability
No skidding due to locked wheels
– Optimum braking distance
Shorter stopping distance in most cases
– Prevention of wheel locking
No flat spots on the tires Function
The decisive advantage of ABS lies in the driving 
stability and maneuverability of the vehicle in 
hazardous situations.
ABS prevents locking of 
the wheels during full 
braking, on almost all  road surfaces, until just 
before the vehicle stops.
ABS begins to control  the braking process as 
soon as a wheel shows a tendency to lock.
This controlled braking process is comparable 
with extremely rapid cadence braking.
The pulsating brake pedal and a “juddering noise” 
warn the driver to adapt  his driving speed to the 
road conditions.
f If full braking is necessary, press the brake 
pedal fully during the whole braking operation, 
even though the pedal is pulsating. Do not 
reduce brake pressure. If the ABS warning light lig
hts up on the instrument 
panel while the engine is running, the ABS has 
switched off because of a fault.
The warning message “ABS failure” appears on 
the multi-function display in the instrument panel.
For information on warning messages on the 
multi-function display:
f Please see the chapter “OVERVIEW OF 
WARNING MESSAGES” on page 152.
In this case, the brake system will operate  without 
lock prevention,  as on vehicles without ABS.
f Adapt your driving style to the changed 
braking behavior.
The ABS must be checked by your authorized 
Porsche dealer in order to prevent the 
occurrence of further faults with unpredictable 
consequences.
Please contact a qualified specialist workshop. 
We recommend that you have an authorized 
Porsche dealer to do this work as they have 
trained workshop personnel and the necessary 
parts and tools.
The ABS control unit is adjusted for the approved 
tire dimensions.
The use of tires with no n-approved dimensions can 
lead to different wheel speeds, causing ABS to 
switch off. Warning light USA
Warning light Canada 
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Porsche Active Suspension 
Management (PASM)The PASM system actively adjusts the shock 
absorbers. The adjustable damper system selects 
the appropriate damping level for each wheel 
according to the driving situation and driving 
conditions. Driving safety, agility and comfort are 
optimised.
Three different chassis setu ps can be selected at 
the push of a button:
– “PASM Comfort” 
– “PASM Sport” 
– “PASM Sport Plus” 
Comfort mode ensures comfortable chassis 
tuning.
The “PASM Sport” chassis setup offers very 
sporty shock absorber tuning.
“PASM Sport Plus” mode offers particularly 
sporty shock absorber tuning (e.g. for driving on 
the race circuit).
In addition to manual  mode selection, PASM 
also adjusts shock absorber tuning for either 
sporty or comfort driving, depending on the 
driving situation.
Selecting the PASM mode1. Switch on ignition.
2. Press button   (repeatedly).
On the button:
– No indicator light comes on when you select  “PASM Comfort” (default setting).
– One indicator light come s on when you select 
“PASM Sport”.
– Two indicator lights come on when you select  “PASM Sport Plus”.
In addition, the selected chassis setup is shown on 
the multi-function display in the instrument panel 
for approx. 4 seconds. Note on operation
The last selected chassis setup is stored in the 
memory after the ignition is switched off.
Warning messageThe system automatically 
detects PASM faults and 
displays them on the multi-function display in the 
instrument panel.
For information on warning messages on the 
multi-function display:
f Please see the chapter “OVERVIEW OF 
WARNING MESSAGES” on page 152.
f Adapt your driving style according to the 
changed conditions.
f Contact a qualified specialist workshop in 
order to correct the fault. We recommend that 
you have an authorized Porsche dealer to do 
this work, as they have the trained workshop 
personnel and the necessary parts and tools 
for this type of work.