traction control PORSCHE PANAMERA 2009 1.G Information Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: PORSCHE, Model Year: 2009, Model line: PANAMERA, Model: PORSCHE PANAMERA 2009 1.GPages: 343, PDF Size: 7.96 MB
Page 8 of 343

6Break in hints for the first 
2,000 miles (3,000 kilometers)The following tips will be helpful in obtaining 
optimum performance from your new Porsche.
Despite the most modern, high-precision manufac-
turing methods, the moving parts must still wear 
in with each other. This we aring-in occurs mainly in 
the first 2,000 miles (3,000 km).Therefore:f Preferably take longer trips.
f Avoid frequent cold starts with short-distance 
driving whenever possible.
f Avoid full throttle starts and abrupt stops.
f Do not exceed maximum engine speed of 
4,200 rpm (revolutions per minute).
f Do not run a cold engine at high rpm either in 
Neutral or in gear.
f Do not let the engine labor, especially when 
driving uphill. Shift to  the next lower gear in 
time (use the most favorable rpm range).
f Never lug the engine in high gear at low 
speeds. This rule applies at all times, not just 
during the break-in period. f
Do not participate in  motor racing events, 
sports driving schools, etc. during the first 
2,000 miles (3,000 kilometers).
There may be a slight stiffness in the steering or 
other controls during the br eak-in period which will 
gradually disappear.
Break in brake pads and brake discsNew brake pads and discs ha ve to be ”broken in“, 
and therefore only attain  optimal friction when the 
car has covered several hundred miles or km.
The slightly reduced braking ability must be 
compensated for by pressing the brake pedal 
harder. This also applies whenever the brake pads 
and brake discs are replaced.New tiresNew tires do not have maximum traction. They 
tend to be slippery.
f Break in new tires by driving at moderate 
speeds during the first 60 to 120 miles (100 
to 200 km). Longer braking distances must be 
anticipated.
Engine oil and fuel consumptionDuring the break-in peri od oil and fuel consump-
tion may be higher than normal.
f Please see the chapter “ENGINE DATA” on 
Page 324.
As always, the rate of oil consumption depends on 
the quality and viscosity of oil, the speed at which 
the engine is operated, the climate and road 
conditions, as well as the  amount of dilution and 
oxidation of the lubricant.
f Make a habit of checking  engine oil with every 
refueling, add if necessary. 
Page 10 of 343

8
Contents
Check Engine (Emission 
Control) .................. 114
Acoustic Signals ......... ................................ 114
Operating the Multi-Function Display in the
Instrument Panel ......... ................................ 115
Vehicle Settings on the Multi-Function
Display........................................... ............ 138
Overview of Warning Messages.................... 152
Driving and Driving Safety ................ 163Ignition Lock, Steering  Lock ........................ 164
Starting and Stopping the Engine ................. 167
Auto Start Stop Functi on ............................. 169
Electric Parking Brak e ................................. 171
Brakes .............. ......................... ................ 172
Cruise Control ................................ ............ 176
Adaptive Cruise Contr ol ............................... 178
Car Audio Operation/Ti ps ............................ 189
Porsche Communication Management
(PCM) ............................ ............................ 191
iPod
®, USB and AUX ....... ............................ 192
Voice Control.............. ................................ 192
Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) .................... 193
Selector-Lever Positions .................. ............ 195
Porsche Traction Management (PTM) ........... 202
Porsche Stability Management (PSM)............ 202
ABS Brake System (Anti-Lock Brake
System) ......................... ............................ 207
Porsche Active Suspension Management
(PASM)....................................................... 208
Porsche Active Suspension Management
(PASM) with Air Suspension and Level
Control ............. ......................... ................ 209
Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) .... 211
“Sport” and “Sport Plus ” Mode  .................... 212 Sports Exhaust System
............................... 214
Retractable Rear Spoi ler .............................. 214
Storage, Luggage Compartment
and Roof Transport System .............. 217Storage........................ .............................. 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 .. .................................. 236Parking .................... ....................... 238ParkAssist ......................................... ......... 239
Rearview Camera ...... .................................. 241
Swivelling Down Mirror Glass as
Parking Aid ............... .................................. 242
Garage Door Opener . .................................. 243Alarm System and Theft
Protection ....................................... 246Alarm System and Passenger
Compartment Monitori ng ............................. 247
Immobilizer............... .................................. 250 Locking the Steering Column .......................250
Theft Protection ..........
................................250
Maintenance and Car Care ............... 251Exercise Extreme Caution when Working
on your vehicle ....... ....................................252
Engine Oil ........................................ ...........254
Checking Engine-Oil Le vel ............................254
Topping Up Engine Oi l ................................ 255
Checking Coolant Level and Adding
Coolant ........................... ...........................257
Brake Fluid ................. ................................258
Washer Fluid  .............. ................................259
Power Steering  .......... ................................260
Changing Air Cleaner ...................................261
Changing Particle Filt er ................................261
Wiper Blades .............. ................................261
Emission Control Syst em .............................262
How Emission Control Works .......................263
Fuel Economy ............. ................................264
Operating Your Porsche in other Countries ....264
Fuel ............................................ ...............265
Fuel Can ..................... ................................267
Fuel Recommendations ................................268
Fuel Evaporation Control .................. ...........269
Car Care Instructions ...................................269Minor Repairs .................................. 277Exercise Extreme Caution when Working
on your Vehicle ....... ....................................278
Tires and Wheels......... ................................280
Wheel Bolts  ............... ................................293
Flat Tire...................... ................................293
Electrical System ........ ................................296 
Page 165 of 343

Driving and Driving Safety
163
Driving and Driving Safety
Ignition Lock, Steering
 Lock ........................ 164
Starting and Stopping the Engine ................ 167
Auto Start Stop Func tion ............................. 169
Electric Parking Brak e ................................ 171
Brakes ........................ .............................. 172
Cruise Control......... ................................... 176
Adaptive Cruise Contr ol .............................. 178
Car Audio Operation/Ti ps............................ 189
Porsche Communication Management
(PCM) .......................... .............................. 191
iPod
®, USB and AUX ........ .......................... 192
Voice Control ............... .............................. 192
Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) ................... 193
Selector-Lever Positi ons ............................. 195
Porsche Traction Management (PTM) ........... 202
Porsche Stability Management (PSM) ........... 202
ABS Brake System (Anti-Lock Brake
System)....................... .............................. 207
Porsche Active Suspension Management
(PASM) ............................................ .......... 208
Porsche Active Suspension Management
(PASM) with Air Suspension and Level
Control ............................................ .......... 209
Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC)  ... 211
“Sport” and “Sport Plus ” Mode  ................... 212
Sports Exhaust Syst em .............................. 214
Retractable Rear Spoiler ............................. 214 
Page 203 of 343

Driving and Driving Safety
201
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 
Page 204 of 343

202
Driving and Driving Safety
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. 
Page 205 of 343

Driving and Driving Safety
203
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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204
Driving and Driving Safety
– 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. 
Page 216 of 343

214
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. 
Page 283 of 343

Minor Repairs
281
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating 
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested 
under controlled conditions on a specific 
government test course. For example, a tire 
graded 150 would wear one and a half (1-1/2) 
times as well on the government course as a tire 
graded 100. The relative performance of tires 
depends upon the actual conditions of their use, 
however, and may depart significantly from the 
norm due to variations in driving habits, service 
practices and differences in road characteristics 
and climate.
Traction AA, A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are 
AA, A, B, and C and they represent the tire's ability 
to stop on wet pavement as measured under 
controlled conditions on specified government 
test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire 
marked C may have poor traction performance.
 Warning!
The traction grade assigned to this is based 
on braking (straight-ahead) traction tests 
and does not include cornering (turned) 
traction, acceleration, hydroplaning or peak 
traction characteristics. Temperature A, B, C
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B and 
C, representing the tire's resistance to the 
generation of heat and it
s ability to dissipate heat 
when tested under controlled conditions on a 
specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperatures can cause the 
material of the tire to de generate and reduce tire 
life, and excessive temperature can lead to 
sudden tire failure.
The grade C corresponds to a level of 
performance which all passenger car tires must 
meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety 
Standard No. 109.
Grades B and A represent higher levels of 
performance on the labora tory test wheel than the 
minimum required by law.
 Warning!
The temperature grade for this tire is 
established for a tire that is properly inflated 
and not overloaded. Excessive speed, 
underinflation, or excessive loading, either 
separately or in combin ation, can cause heat 
buildup and possible tire failure, resulting 
loss of control, leading to  serious personal 
injury or death.
Tire pressures
 Danger!
Risk of accident.
Risk of serious personal injury or death. 
Driving the vehicle with low tire pressure 
increases risk of a tire failure and resulting 
loss of control. Furthermore, low tire 
pressure increases rate of wear of the 
affected tires and cause damage. 
f Always use an accurate tire pressure gage 
when checking inflation pressures.
f Do not exceed the maximum tire pressure 
listed on the tire sidewall. (Also refer to 
”Technical data“).
f Please see the chapter “TIRE PRESSURE 
PLATE” on page 283.
f Cold tire inflation pressure means: all tires 
must be cold, ambient temperature maximum 
68 °F (20 °C), when adjusting the inflation 
pressure. Avoid sunlight striking the tires 
before measuring cold pressures, since the 
pressures would rise from temperature 
influence. 
Page 285 of 343

Minor Repairs
283
Example of a tire pressure plateTire Pressure plateInformation on the tire pressure plate
A Seating capacityMaximum number of vehicle occupants, 
including the driver.
B Vehicle load limit  Is the maximum total weight limit specified of 
the load (passengers and cargo) for the 
vehicle. This is the maximum weight of 
passengers and cargo that can be loaded into 
the vehicle. 
Please see the chapter “LOADING 
INFORMATION” on page 236. C Original tire size
Size of tires mounted at the factory.
D Recommended cold tire inflation pressure These values are for cold tires (68 °F/20 °C).
Tire traction
 Warning!
When driving on wet or slushy roads, a 
wedge of water may bu ild up between the 
tires and the road. This phenomenon is 
known as “hydroplane” and may cause 
partial or complete loss of traction, vehicle 
control or stopping ability.
f Reduce speed on wet surfaces to prevent this.
Tire lifeTire life depends on various factors, i.e., road 
surfaces, traffic and weather conditions, driving 
habits, type of tires and tire care.
f Inspect your tires for wear and damage before 
driving off. If you notice uneven or substantial 
wear, wheels might need alignment or tires 
should be balanced or replaced.Tire wearThe original equipment tires on your Porsche have 
built-in tire wear indicators. They are molded into 
the bottom of the tread grooves and will appear as 
approximately 1/2 in. (12 mm) bands when the 
tire tread depth is down to 1/16 of an in (1.6 mm).
When the indicators appear in two or more 
adjacent grooves, it is time to replace the tires. 
We recommend, however, that you do not let the 
tires wear down to this extent. 
Worn tires cannot grip the road surface properly 
and are even less effective on wet roads.
In the United States, state laws may govern the 
minimum tread depth permissible. Follow all such 
laws.