engine PORSCHE PANAMERA 2009 1.G Information Manual
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Driving and Driving Safety
195
Selector-Lever PositionsP – Parking lockfEngage parking lock only when the vehicle is 
stationary.
If selector-lever position  P is flashing in the 
instrument panel, the parking lock is not 
engaged. The vehicle can roll away.
Shift again from selector-lever position  R to  P.
f Activate the electric parking brake and then 
engage the parking lock.
If selector-lever position  P is flashing in the 
instrument panel, the parking lock is not 
engaged. The vehicle can roll away.
Shift again from selector-lever position  R to  P.
The  ignition key  can be removed only in selector-
lever position  P.R – Reverse gearf Select only if the vehicl e is stationary and the 
brake is applied.N – Neutral (idling)Selector-lever position N  must be selected for 
towing or in car washes, for example.
f Only select the desired position for driving off 
(D , M  or  R) when the engine is idling and the 
brake pedal is pressed.
D – Automatic selection modeSelect position  D for “normal” driving. The gears 
are shifted automatically according to the 
accelerator position and speed.
Depending on the way the vehicle is driven 
(economical, comfortable or sporty driving style) 
and on the resistance (e.g. uphill), the gear-
changing points are shifted towards higher or 
lower engine-speed ranges.
The accelerator position, driving speed, engine 
speed, longitudinal and  lateral acceleration and 
the road profile all have  an influence on the gear-
changing characteristic.
Unwanted upshifts, e.g. when entering 
bends, are prevented by swiftly releasing the 
accelerator pedal.
Depending on lateral acceleration, upshifts on 
bends are not made until the engine-speed limit 
is reached.
When you brake, and depending on the amount of 
deceleration, the PDK transmission changes down 
earlier.
For subsequent cornering, the right gear is 
engaged when pressure is applied to the brakes 
before the bend. The bend is taken in the right 
gear, and when you accelerate out of the bend you 
do not have to change down.
With a sporty driving style, downshifts are already 
initiated when the brake pedal is touched lightly. 
This further enhances a dynamic driving style. The PDK transmission temporarily changes to the 
sportiest gear-changing map, i.e. to the highest 
possible gear-changing points, if the accelerator 
pedal is pressed quickly. The transmission 
accordingly shifts down 
immediately by one or 
two gears (temporary change-down).
The transmission no longer selects 7th gear 
at high driving speeds.
“Sport” and “Sport Plus” Mode “Sport” mode activated:
The PDK transmission switches to a sporty gear-
changing map and shortens the shifting times.
A sporty driving style is recognized more quickly 
and the gear-changing speeds are adapted to 
driving performance.
Deceleration downshifts are initiated earlier. 
Downshifts occur for small decelerations, 
even at higher revs.
“Sport Plus” mode activated:
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” AND “SPORT 
PLUS” MODE” on page 212. 
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Driving off with Launch Control
Launch Control allows you to achieve maximum 
acceleration from standstill.
 Warning!
There is a risk of endangering other road 
users if you use this Control in an improper 
location or in a situation where other persons 
might need to take evas ive action due to the 
rapid acceleration that this technology 
permits.
Launch Control is designed to be used in a 
controlled environment on closed circuit driving 
courses where no vehicle cross traffic or 
pedestrian traffic is present.
f Use Launch Control only if  conditions permit it 
to be applied in a safe manner.
f Do not use Launch Control if there is a 
possibility it could endanger other persons. 
Such a possibility exists if you cannot see that 
you have a clear road with no possibility of 
cross traffic in your intended direction of driving.
 Caution!
Stress on components increases 
dramatically when starting with maximum 
acceleration in comparison with “normal” 
driving off. Use of Launch Control will 
inevitably reduce the life of the engaged 
engine and transmission components.
Preconditions:
– Launch Control should on ly be used when the 
engine has reached operating temperature.
– “Sport Plus” mode must be switched on  (indicator light on the button comes on and 
“SPORT PLUS” appears on the multi-function 
display).
1. Press the brake with your left foot.
2. Quickly press the accelerator down fully  (kickdown activated) and hold it.
The engine speed will level off at
around 5,000 rpm on the  Panamera S,
around 5,500 rpm on the  Panamera 4S, 
around 4,550 rpm on the  Panamera Turbo.
“Launch Control active” appears on the 
multi-function display.
3. Release the brake within a few seconds. Remaining stationary for a long time with 
“Launch Control active” can lead to 
overloading of the transmission.
To protect the transmi ssion, the engine power 
is then reduced and the “Launch Control 
active” process is cancelled. Shifting gears on the steering wheel
With the shift buttons on the steering wheel, you 
can change temporarily from automatic selection 
mode D to manual mode 
M.
For example:
– Shifting down before bends and on entering  built-up areas.
– Shifting down on downward slopes (engine  braking).
– Shifting down for brief spurts of acceleration.
The manual selection mode remains engaged:
– For cornering (depending on the lateral  acceleration) and overrunning.
– When the vehicle is stationary  (e.g. at a junction).
The system leaves manual selection mode:
– automatically after around 8 seconds  (unless cornering or overrunning),
– after driving off. 
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Kickdown
The kickdown function is active in selector-lever 
positions D and M.
f For optimum acceleration, e.g. when 
overtaking, press the accelerator pedal 
beyond the full-throttle point (kickdown).
The transmission shifts down depending on 
the speed of travel and engine speed.
Upshifts occur at the highest possible engine 
speeds.
M – Manual selection modeThe currently engaged gear is retained when you 
change from  D to M.
If you change from  M to D, the gear-changing map 
suitable for your current driving style is selected 
and the appropriate gear is selected.
The selector lever and the two shift buttons in the 
upper steering-wheel spokes let you select the 
seven forward gears comfortably and reliably. Shifting up +
f
Press the PDK selector lever or shift button on 
the steering wheel forward. 
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Upshift prompt for fuel-economy-optimised 
driving
The consumption-oriente
d upshift indicator A in 
the tachometer at the ri ght beside the digital 
speed display helps you to develop a fuel-saving 
driving style. 
The upshift indicator lights up - prompting you to 
shift up to the next-higher gear - depending on the 
selected gear, engine speed and accelerator 
pedal position.
The upshift indicator is only active when “Sport” or 
“Sport Plus” mode is switched off.
f Change to the next-higher gear when the 
upshift indicator lights up. Shifting down – 
f
Pull the PDK selector lever or shift button on 
the steering wheel back.
You can shift up or down by the corresponding 
number of gears by quickly pressing or pulling the 
shift buttons or selector lever several times in 
succession.
The transmission can be shifted up or down by 
several gears in succession by continuously 
operating the selector lever or shift buttons.
You can shift up or down at any time depending 
on driving speed and engine speed.
Gear changes that would exceed the upper or 
lower engine-speed limit are not executed by the 
control unit.
There is no automatic upshift at the upper engine-
speed limit in selector-lever position  M. Upshift 
suppression can be cancelled by kickdown 
operation. If, for example, the engine-speed limit 
is reached during overtaking and an automatic 
upshift does not occur, the transmission shifts up 
in this case as a result of kickdown operation.
f Select an appropriately low gear on upward 
and downward slopes.
This will ensure optimum use of engine power 
and engine braking. To shift up automatically
 at the upper engine-
speed limit:
f Press the accelerator pedal beyond the full-
throttle point (kickdown).
Failure of the selector lever display on the 
instrument panel
The warning “Gearbox emergency operation” 
appears in red on the multi-function display.
Effect:
– No selector-lever position is displayed on  the instrument panel.
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. 
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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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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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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