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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Driving and Driving Safety
209
Porsche Active Suspension 
Management (PASM) with Air 
Suspension and Level ControlPASM with air suspension is an active shock 
absorber adjustment and ride height balancing 
system. The adjustable damper system selects 
the appropriate damping level for each wheel 
according to the driving situation and driving 
conditions. The level control system automatically 
balances load changes and maintains a constant 
ride height. Driving safety , agility and comfort are 
optimised.
Three different chassis setups 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). The vehicle is also lowered by 
approx. 1 in. (25 mm) compared with the normal 
level and the spring rate is increased.
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. Start the engine.
3. Press button   (repeatedly).
On the button:
– No indicator light come s on when you select 
“PASM Comfort” (default setting).
– One indicator light comes 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
The mode cannot be changed if a door or the 
tailgate is opened or when the engine is switched 
off.
When the vehicle is stopped, the ride height may 
be adjusted automatically 
in order to balance the 
vehicle load.
High LevelThe level control system al lows you to raise the 
vehicle in maneuvering mode by approx. 0.8 in. 
(20 mm) compared with the normal level in order 
to drive over curbs and ramps.
High Level can only be selected manually and at 
speeds of less than approx. 20 mph (30 km/h).
Note
High Level must not be us ed on public roads since 
the prescribed installation  height of the reflectors 
can be exceeded in High Level. 
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Driving and Driving Safety
Selecting High Level1. Switch on ignition.
2. Start the engine.
3. Press button  .When High Level is selected, the indicator light 
on the button lights up.
The message “High Level selected” appears 
on the multi-function display.
Note on operation
The last selected level is stored in the memory 
after the ignition is switched off. The level control 
system automatically switches from High Level at 
a speed of approx. 20 mph (30 km/h).
Switching level control on and offAutomatic level control must be switched off 
when driving onto a lifting platform or when 
raising one wheel.
For information on ja cking up the vehicle:
f Please see the chapter “RAISING VEHICLES 
WITH A LEVEL CONTROL SYSTEM” on 
page 290.
Switching off level control
1. Switch on ignition.
2. Press and hold button   for  approximately 10 seconds.
The message “Control off” appears on the 
multi-function display in the instrument panel.
Note
Level control can only be  switched off when the 
vehicle is stationary.
Switching on level control
1. Lower the vehicle.
2. Switch on ignition.
3. Press and hold button   for  approximately 10 seconds.
The message “Control on” appears on the 
multi-function display in the instrument panel. Notes
Level control is switched on automatically at 
a speed of more than approx. 4 mph (7 km/h).
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.
Note
If vehicles with air suspension are left stationary 
for several weeks, the ride height can be reduced. 
The vehicle automatically re-adjusts to the correct 
ride height when you start the engine. This can 
take several minutes, depending on the operating 
state. Ground clearance is reduced at this time. 
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Driving and Driving Safety
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Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control 
(PDCC) FunctionThe Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) 
system used on vehicles with air suspension is 
a system for roll stabilisation of the vehicle body 
when driving.
Driving comfort and driving safety are improved 
by active intervention of the anti-roll bars on the 
front and rear axles. Ve hicle balance and agility 
are optimised.
No separate controls are available for the PDCC 
system.
When you select a chassis setup in Porsche Active 
Suspension Management (PASM) with air 
suspension and level control, the PDCC system 
automatically activates the corresponding on-road 
driving program.
For information on selecting a chassis setup:
f Please see the chapter “PORSCHE ACTIVE 
SUSPENSION MANAGEMENT (PASM) WITH AIR 
SUSPENSION AND LEVEL CONTROL” on 
page 209.
Warning messageThe warning message “Fault PDCC” or “PDCC 
failure” appears on the mult i-function display in the 
instrument panel if there is a system fault.
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 fa ult. 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.
Checking hydraulic fluidThe hydraulic fluid is checked and changed 
regularly as part of servicing.
For information on maintenance:
f Please see the chapter “EXERCISE EXTREME 
CAUTION WHEN WORKING ON YOUR VEHICLE” 
on page 252. 
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Driving and Driving Safety
“Sport” and “Sport Plus” Mode FunctionThe selectable chassis settings mean that the 
vehicle can offer various modes for a sportier 
overall setup.
When “Sport” or “Sport Plus” mode is selected, all 
the vehicle’s control systems are intentionally 
shifted towards greater agility and driving 
performance:
– PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) is automa tically changed to 
“PASM Sport” or “PASM Sport Plus” mode, 
resulting in a stiffer suspension setup.
The vehicle switches to Low Level in “PASM 
Sport Plus” mode.
f Please see the chapter “PORSCHE ACTIVE 
SUSPENSION MANAGEMENT (PASM)” on 
page 208.
– Just like PASM, PDCC is switched to the  corresponding “Sport” or “Sport Plus” mode, 
whereby the rolling movements of the vehicle 
are reduced further, depending on the 
selected mode.
f Please see the chapter “PORSCHE DYNAMIC 
CHASSIS CONTROL (PDCC)” on page 211.
– The PDK transmission switches to a sporty  gear-changing map and shortens the gear 
shifting times when Sport mode is activated. 
Gear changes take place faster. f
Please see the chapter ““SPORT” AND “SPORT 
PLUS” MODE” on page 195.
– The electronic accelerator pedal reacts  sooner, and the engine is more responsive to 
throttle inputs. When Sport mode is switched 
on and the vehicle is travelling at a speed of 
less than 25 mph (40 km/h), this function is 
activated only after the driver has floored the 
accelerator pedal or released it briefly.
– The rpm limiter characteristic is “harder”.  In other words: the engine is immediately 
throttled when the performance limits are 
reached (only in manual selection mode on 
vehicles with PDK).
– The turbo overboost briefly increases the  engine boost pressure in the engine speed 
range from 2,500 rpm to approx. 4,000 rpm. 
As a result, torque in this speed range is 
increased by 70 Nm (52 ftlb.). This 
considerably improves acceleration and 
flexibility, particularly in the medium engine 
speed range. This does not affect the 
maximum power. Quickly flooring the 
accelerator pedal acti vates turbo overboost 
in the engine control system. Overboost has 
an effective operating time of approx. 
10 seconds. After this time, it can be re-
activated by quickly flooring the accelerator 
pedal again. – PSM (Porsche Stability Management) control is 
more sporty in “Sport Plus” mode. PSM 
interventions are later than in Normal mode. 
The driver can maneuver the vehicle with 
greater agility at it s 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.
f Please see the chapter “PORSCHE STABILITY 
MANAGEMENT (PSM)” on page 202.
– Adaptive cruise control regulates speed and  distance more dynamically.
– The Auto Start Stop function is deactivated.
f Please see the chapter “AUTO START STOP 
FUNCTION” on page 169.
– The rear spoiler extends earlier and retracts  later (“Sport Plus” mode only).
f Please see the chapter “RETRACTABLE REAR 
SPOILER” on page 214.
– The system switches from High Level.
f Please see the chapter “HIGH LEVEL” on 
page 209. 
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Driving and Driving Safety
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Switching “Sport” mode on and offfPress button  .
When “Sport” mode is switched on, the 
indicator light on the button lights up.
The word “SPORT” appears on the digital 
speedometer.
A sporty gear-changing map is enabled and the 
gear shifting times ar e shorter for the PDK 
transmission.
A sporty driving style is recognized more quickly 
and the gear-changing speeds are adapted to 
driving performance.
Braking downshifts are initiated earlier. Downshifts 
occur for small decelerations, even at higher revs.
Switching “Sport Plus” mode on and offf Press button  .
When “Sport Plus” mode is switched on, the 
indicator light on the button lights up.
The words “SPORT PLUS” appear on the digital 
speedometer.
In "Sport Plus" mode, the PDK transmission 
changes to a shift progra m designed for driving 
on race circuits. 7th gear is not selected.
The gear-changing performance is enhanced 
significantly again compared with Sport mode.
The turbo overboost function (brief torque 
increase at full throttle)  is activated on vehicles 
with the Sport Chrono Turbo package.
“Sport”/“Sport Plus” and
“PASM Sport”/“PASM Sport Plus” mode Switching “Sport” or “Sport Plus” mode on and off 
simultaneously activates and deactivates the 
corresponding PASM mode (“PASM Sport” or 
“PASM Sport Plus”).
The PASM mode can be sw itched manually if you 
want to use the characteristics of “Sport” or 
“Sport Plus” mode, but prefer a more comfortable 
chassis setup.
f Press button   (repeatedly).
The indicator light for the selected chassis 
setup on the button lights up.
In addition, the selected chassis setup is 
shown on the multi-function display in the 
instrument panel for approx. 4 seconds.
For information on PASM:
f Please see the chapter “PORSCHE ACTIVE 
SUSPENSION MANAGEMENT (PASM)” on 
page 208. 
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Driving and Driving Safety
Warning messages
The warning message “Sport mode error” 
appears on the multi-f
unction display in the 
instrument panel in the event of a fault.
For information on warning messages on the 
multi-function display:
f Please see the chapter “OVERVIEW OF 
WARNING MESSAGES” on page 152.
Note
After the ignition is switched off, Sport mode is 
automatically reset to Normal mode.
f Please see the chapter “PORSCHE ACTIVE 
SUSPENSION MANAGEMENT (PASM)” on 
page 208.
f Please see the chapter “PORSCHE DYNAMIC 
CHASSIS CONTROL (PDCC)” on page 211.
Sports Exhaust SystemSwitching on and offThe sports exhaust system can be switched to 
a sound-optimised mode when the ignition is 
switched on.
fPress button  .
When the sports exhaust system is switched 
on, the indicator light on  the button lights up.
Retractable Rear SpoilerThe rear spoiler improves  driving stability at high 
speeds and reduces fuel consumption at low 
speeds.
Vehicles with a turbo engine have an enhanced 
rear spoiler with a larger aerodynamically 
effective spoiler surface thanks to additional flaps.Automatic modeAutomatic extension and retraction of the rear 
spoiler depends on various conditions. 
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Driving and Driving Safety
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“Sport Plus” mode deactivated 
The rear spoiler extends automatically:
– to position A at approx. 55 mph (90 km/h).
– to position B at approx. 130 mph (205 km/h).
The rear spoiler retracts automatically:
–from position B to position  A at approx. 
110 mph (180 km/h).
–from position A  to the end position at 
approx. 40 mph (60 km/h).
Additional rear spoiler position on vehicles 
without a turbo engine
The rear spoiler also mo ves to an intermediate 
position between  A and  B when extended at 
speeds of between appr ox. 100 mph (160 km/h) 
and 130 mph (205 km/h) and when retracted at 
speeds of between appr ox. 110 mph (180 km/h) 
and 90 mph (145 km/h).
“Sport Plus” mode activated 
The rear spoiler extends straight to position  B at 
approx. 55 mph (90 km/h).
The rear spoiler retracts from position  B straight 
to the end position at approx. 40 mph (60 km/h). If the automatic control system fails, the warning 
message “Spoiler failure”
 appears on the multi-
function display.
For information on warning messages on the 
multi-function display:
f Please see the chapter “OVERVIEW OF 
WARNING MESSAGES” on page 152.
 Warning!
Risk of accidents if the “Spoiler failure” 
warning appears. Driving stability will be 
adversely affected if th e rear spoiler retracts 
or fails to extend. This is due to increased 
rear axle lift at higher  speeds. The rear axle 
will tend to lift, reducing the road holding 
characteristics of the car in higher-speed 
turns.
f Adapt your driving style and speed to the 
changed driving behavior.
f Have the fault corrected. 
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.
Manual modeWhen the ignition is on, the rear spoiler can be 
extended and retracted manually using the button 
in the center console.
When the rear spoiler is in manual mode, 
the indicator light on the button lights up.
The rear spoiler does not retract fully in 
manual mode. 
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Driving and Driving Safety
Extending the rear spoiler manually
f
Press button   briefly.
The rear spoiler extends to position A .
The indicator light on the button lights up.
The rear spoiler is in manual mode.
Retracting a manually extended rear spoiler
f when the vehicle is stationary
Press and hold button   until the rear 
spoiler has reached its end position.
The indicator light on the button goes out.
The rear spoiler is in automatic mode.
f at speeds of up to approx. 55 mph 
(90 km/h)
Press button  .
The rear spoiler retracts  and the indicator light 
on the button goes out.
The rear spoiler is in automatic mode.
f at speeds of more than approx. 55 mph 
(90 km/h)
Press button  .
The rear spoiler remains extended and the 
indicator light on the button goes out.
The rear spoiler is in automatic mode. “Sport Plus” mode deactivated 
The rear spoiler extends automatically from 
position A
 to position  B at approx. 130 mph
(205 km/h).
The rear spoiler retracts automatically from 
position B to position  A at approx. 110 mph
(180 km/h).
“Sport Plus” mode activated 
The rear spoiler extends automatically from 
position A  to position  B at approx. 55 mph 
(90 km/h).
The rear spoiler retracts automatically from 
position B to position  A at approx. 40 mph 
(60 km/h).
 Warning!
Risk of injury during manual retraction or 
extension of the rear sp oiler when the vehicle 
is stationary.
f Make sure that no pe rsons or objects are 
within the range of movement of the rear 
spoiler.
Risk of damage from pushing the vehicle by 
the spoiler.
f Do not push the vehicl e at the rear spoiler. 
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Storage, Luggage Compartment and Roof Transport System
217
Storage, Luggage Compartment and Roof Transport System
Storage ...........................................
.......... 218
Drinks Holder/Cuphold er ............................ 221
Front Ashtray ............... .............................. 224
Rear Ashtray ................ .............................. 224
Cigarette Lighter ..... ................................... 225
Refrigerated box in the re ar of the vehicle .... 226
Folding Rear Seats Forward and Returning
to Upright Position .. ................................... 226
Luggage Compartment . .............................. 227
Stowing Loads ............. .............................. 228
Luggage Compartment  Cover ..................... 229
Fixed Luggage Compartm ent Cover............. 231
Ski Bag ....................... .............................. 231
Roof Transport System ............................... 232
Loading Information. ................................... 236 
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Storage, Luggage Compartment and Roof Transport System
Storage
 Warning!
Risk of injury during braking, rapid direction 
changes or in an accident.
f Do not transport items of luggage or objects 
unsecured in the passenger compartment.
f Do not transport any heavy objects in open 
storage trays.
f Always keep the covers of the storage trays 
closed while driving.
f Always protect the passenger compartment with a luggage compartment cover.
Note on operation
An unsecured or incorrectly positioned load can 
slip out of place or endanger the vehicle 
occupants during braking, direction changes or 
in accidents.
For information on stowing loads and luggage:
f Please see the chapter “STOWING LOADS” on 
page 228.
Storage optionsThere are various storage options available, 
depending on the vehicle equipment:
– Glove box with pen and paper holder.
– In the front and rear armrests.
– In the door panels.
– In the center console, front and rear.
– On the back of the front seat backrests.
– Clothes hooks on the rear grab handles.
– Under the luggage compartment floor.
– In the front and rear cupholders.
Glove box
 Warning!
Risk of injury by the glove box lid in case of 
an accident.
f Keep the glove box closed while driving.
The glove box contains a drawer for storing the 
vehicle folder and a holder for clipping in a pen.