Porsche 928 1985 User Manual
IMPORTANT
For your own protection and longer
service life of your car, please heed
all operating instructions ans special warnings. Ignoring them could
result in serious mechanical failure
or even physical injury.
NOTE TO OWNERS
In Canada, this manual is also available in French. To obtain
a copy contact your dealer or write to:
NOTE AUX PROPRIETAIRES
Au Canada on peut se procurer un exemplaire de ce Manuel
en francais aupres concessionnaire ou du:
Volkswagen Canada Inc.
Porsche Customer Assistance/
Assistance a la Clientele Porsche
1940 Eglinton Ave. East
Scarborough
Ontario M1L2M2
WKD 473421
© Dr. Ing. h. c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
All rights reserved. Printed in Germany
Your car may have all or some of the components described
in this manual. Should you find explanations of a feature or
equipment not installed in your car, your Porsche dealer
will be glad to assist you. Also check with your dealer on
other available options or equipment.
Text, illustrations and specifications in this manual are based
on the information available at the time of printing.
It has always been Porsche's policy to continuously improve
its products. Porsche, therefore, reserves the right to make
changes in design and specifications, and to make additions
or improvements in its product, without incurring any obligation to install them on products previously manufactured.
2.5 M 10/84 Edition 85/86
Judging by the car you have chosen,
you are a motorist of a special breed,
and you are probably no novice when
it comes to automobiles.
Your Owner's Manual contains a
host of useful information. Please
read this manual before you drive
your new Porsche. Acquaint yourself
with your car's features and know
how to operate your Porsche more
safely. The better you know your Porsche, the more pleasure you will experience driving your new car.
Your Warranty and Maintenance
booklet explains how you can keep
your Porsche in top driving condition
by having it serviced regularly.
It also contains detailed information
about the warranties covering your
Porsche. These warranties are:
"Warranty for new Porsche vehicles", "Warranty against corrosion for new Porsche vehicles",
"Warranty for new Porsche vehicle
emission control system", "Emissions performance warranty" (USA
only), and "California emission
control system warranty" (Califor-
nia USA only).
Always carry your Warranty & Main-
tenance booklet with you when you
take your Porsche to an authorized
dealer for service. It provides your
Service Adviser with the information
he needs and enables him to record
each service.
If you sell your Porsche the Owner's
Manual and the Warranty & Maintenance record should be left in the vehicle to make all operating safety and
maintenance information available
to the next owner.
If you change your address or if
you bought this Porsche used be
sure to send in a "Notice of Address
Change"/" Notice of Used Car Purchase" post card. This card can be
found in the Warranty & Maintenance
booklet or obtained from your Porsche
dealer.
It is in your own interest that we can
contact you, should the need arise.
We wish you many miles of safe and
pleasurable driving in your
Index
A
Acceleration kick-down 54
Accelerator pedal 54
Adjusting headlights 89
Aircompressor 77
Air conditioning 42-44
Aircleaner 73
Alternator warning light 33
Anti-freeze 69,101
Anti-theft alarm 12
Ashtray/light 45,88
Automatic garage door 27
Automatic speed control 36
Automatic transmission 52-54
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) 68
C
Capacities
Car care instructions
Catalytic converter
Cautions
Center console
Central door locking
Central warning light system
Changing a wheel
Cigarette lighter
Cleaning
Climate control system....
Clock
Clutch
Collapsible spare tire
Coolant temperature gauge
Cooling system
Corrosion prevention
D
Dashboard
Defogging/defrosting
Dimensions
Directional signals
Doors locks
Driving hints
Engine - specifications 97-98
- speed, maximum 51,55,97
59-63
38 Fan - radiator 31
13,38 Fan switch 43
.38 Filling capacities 101
. 77-80 Flasher- emergency 34
45 Fog lights 28,87
59-63 Fuel - economy 29,56
42-44 - evaporation control 94-95
45 - fillercap 57
25 - gauge 32
77 - recommendations 57
........... 31 - tank 57,101
69-70 Fuses and relays 81
..'.'.'.'.. 59-63
G
Gasohol 58
38 Gas station information 107-109
34 Gasoline - octane ratings 56,57,101
99 Gear ratios 98
30,32,35 Gearshifting 51
12-13 Glove compartment 48
8-9 Gong 10,21,26,28
B
Battery 82-85
Brake - booster 25
- fluid 72
- pads 55
- parking 23,53
- pedal 24
- system 24
- warning light 24
Break-in-hints 55
Bulbs -replacing 86-88
4
E
Electrical system
Emergency flasher
Emergency starting
Emission control system...
Engine - compartment...
- exhaust
- hood release ...
- number
- oil
H
81-90 Hatchback 50
53,84 Headlights 28,35,86,89-90
91-93 Headlight dimmer/flasher 35
62 Headlight washer lever/reservoir 37,71
55 Headlight switch 28
49 Heater/ventilation controls 40-41
6 Highbeam/lowbeam lever/light 30,35
66-67,101,102 Hood release 23,49-50
I/J
Identification plates 6-7
Ignition/steering lock 26
Instrument cluster 26
Instrument illumination 28
Intensive windshield washer/
switch/reservoir 37,71
Interior lights 14,88
Intermittent wiper interval 37
Jack 65,80
Jack lifting points 79-80
K/L
Keys 10-12,78
Kickdown - acceleration 54
Lane changer 35
Leather 62
Lights - ashtray 88
- fog 28,87
- interior 14,88
- license plate 88
- parking 35,87
- switch 28
- tail 87
- turn signal 35,87
- vanity mirror 47
- warning indicator 30-33,38
Lockable wheel nuts 78
Locks - doors, wheels 12-13,78
Loudspeaker balance control 23
Luggage compartment 50
- light 14
M/O
Manual transmission 51
Mechanical fan 31
Mirrors 18-19,47
Octane ratings 56,57,97,101
Odometer 28,30
Oil changing/checking 66-67
- filter 67
- grades 102
- pressure gauge/warning light ... 33
- transmission 68
Oxygen sensor 92
P
Paint number 6
Parking brake lever 23
Parking lights/lever 35,87
Performance 100
Polishing 59-63
Power steering fluid 73,101
Power windows 15
Pressure - tires 74,99
R
Radiator fan 31
Rearseats 17
Rear window defogger/defroster 34
Rear window wiper switch 47
Rear view mirrors 18-19
Refrigerant 44,101
Roof rack 50,99
s
Safe driving hints 8-9
Safety belts 20-22
Seats, front/rear/electric 16-17
Selector lever 52
Shift points 51
Sliding roof - electric 46
Snow chains 76,99
Spare tire - collapsible 77
Specifications - engine 97-98
Speed control - automatic 36
Speedometer 30
Starting hints/engine 27,91
Steering lock 26
Sun visors 47
Sunroof 46
T
Tachometer 29
Technical data 97-106
Tires 74-77
Tire size/pressure 74,99
Toolkit 65
Transmission 51 -54,68,98
Trip odometer 28,30
Turn signal lights/lever 35,87
u
Undercoating 62,91
Unleaded fuel 56,57,97,101
Upholstery, care of 62
V
Vanity mirror 47
Vehicle care 59-63
Vehicle identification 6-7
- label 7
Ventilation/heater controls 40-44
Voltmeter 4.'... 33
W
Warning indicator lights 30-33,38
Washer system 37,71
Weights 99
Wheels 61,74-77,99
Wheel changing 78-80
Wheel nuts, lockable 78
Window switches 15,38
Windshield washer reservoir 71
Windshield/wiper washer lever 37
Location of Vehicle Identification
Number, Paint and Engine Number
When ordering spare parts or submitting
inquiries, always quote vehicle identification and engine number to assure correct
and prompt service.
Vehicle identification number Engine number Paint number
In accordance with Federal Safety Regulations, the vehicle identification number of your
car is located on the left windshield post and The engine number is stamped on the front The paint number is on the doorjamb on the
can be seen from the outside. reinforcing rib in the top half of the crankcase, driver's side.
6
Safety Compliance Sticker
Vehicle Identification Label
The Safety Compliance Sticker is your assurance that your Porsche complies with all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards which
were in effect at the time the vehicle was manufactured. It is located on the doorsill on the
driver's side.
The sticker also shows the month and year of
production and the vehicle identification number of your car (perforations) as well as the
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and the Gross
Axle Weight Rating.
The vehicle identification label is located underneath the luggage compartment floor cover, next to the spare wheel well.
The label contains the following information:
1. Vehicle Identification Number
2. Vehicle Code
3. Engine and Transmission Code
4. Paint and Interior Code
5. Option Codes
A duplicate of the label is in your Warranty and
Maintenance brochure.
1
Dear Porsche-Owner Before going on a trip...
A lot has gone into the manufacture of your
Porsche, including advanced engineering,
techniques, rigid quality control and demanding inspections. These engineering and safety
features will be enhanced by you...
the safe driver...
who knows his car and all controls,
who maintains his vehicle properly,
who uses his driving skills wisely.
You will find helpful hints in this manual on how
to perform most of the checks listed on these
pages. If in doubt, have these checks per-
formed by your Porsche dealer.
First things first
• Turn the engine off before you attempt any
checks or repairs on the vehicle.
• Be sure tires are inflated correctly. Check
for damage and tire wear.
• See that wheel bolts are properly tightened
and not loose or missing.
• Check engine oil level, add if necessary.
Make it a habit to have engine oil checked
with every fuel filling.
• Check coolant level to assure sufficient en-
gine cooling.
• Be sure you have a well charged battery.
• Check brake fluid level. If too low, have
brake system checked.
• Replenish windshield washer fluid.
• Check if engine hood is locked safely.
• Replace worn or cracked wiper blades.
• See that all windows are clear and unob-
structed.
• Keep air intake slots and area between engine hood and windshield free of snow and
ice, so that the heater and the windshield
wipers work properly.
• Check whether all light lenses are clean.
• Be sure all lights are working and headlights are aimed correctly.
• Check under vehicle for leaks.
• Be sure all luggage is stowed securely.
Emergency equipment
It is good practice to carry emergency equipment in your vehicle. Some of the things you
should have are: window scraper, snow brush,
container or bag of sand or salt, emergency
light, small shovel, first-aid kit, etc.
In the drivers seat...
On the road...
• Check operation of horn.
• Position seat for easy reach of controls.
• Adjust inside and outside rear view mirrors.
• Use safety belts.
• Check operation of foot and parking brakes.
• Check all warning and indicator lights with
ignition on and engine stationary.
• Do not leave car idling unattended.
• Lock doors from inside, especially with
children in the car.
• To prevent inadvertent opening of doors
from inside or outside, drive with locked
doors.
• Always drive defensively. Expect the unexpected.
• Use signals to indicate turns and lane
changes.
• Turn on headlights at dusk.
• Always keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, depending on traffic,
road and weather conditions.
• Reduce speed at night and during inclement weather.
• Observe speed limits and obey road signs.
• When tired, get well off the road, stop and
take a rest. Turn the engine off. Do not sit in
the vehicle with engine idling. See WARNINGS on "Engine Exhaust".
• When stopped or parked, always set the
parking brake. Move the selector lever to
"P" (Automatic transmission) or move the
gearshift lever to reverse or first gear (Manual transmission). On hills also turn the
wheels toward the curb.
• When stalled or stopped for repairs, move
the vehicle well off the road. Turn on emergency flasher and use other warning devices to alert other motorists. Do not park or
operate the vehicle in areas where the hot
exhaust system may come in contact with
dry grass, brush, fuel spill or other flammable material.
• Make it a habit to have the engine oil checked with every fuel filling.
9
Do not invite car theft!
An unlocked car with the key in the
ignition switch invites car theft.
A steering wheel lock and a gong
alarm are standard equipment in your
Porsche. The gong will sound if you
open the driver's door while the key
is still in the ignition lock. It is your reminder to pull the key out of the ignition lock and lock the doors.
WARNING
Always remove the ignition key,
especially if children are left unat-
tended in the vehicle. Unsupervised
use of any vehicle key may cause
serious personal injury.
Do not leave your vehicle unattended with the key in the ignition
lock. Take the key and lock the
doors.
a Master key
b Auxiliary key
c Rear glove compartment key
d Key for lockable wheel nuts
Keys
Three keys are supplied with the vehicle. The
two master keys (black head) fit the ignition
lock, door locks, luggage compartment lock,
fuel filler cap lock and glove compartment lock.
The auxiliary key (read head) fits the ignition
lock, door locks, luggage compartment lock
and fuel filler cap lock.
WARNING
Do not remove the key from the steering
lock while you are driving or as the car is
rolling to a stop. The steering column is
locked when you remove the key, and you
will not be able to steer the car. This may
result in a serious accident.
Because of the symmetrical shape of the key
shaft, there is no "wrong" way of inserting the
key in the locks.
The new format of the master and auxiliary
keys makes unauthorized duplication of the
keys virtually impossible. This means, however, that you yourself will not be able to get
replacement keys cut, unless ordered from
the manufacturer.
For vehicles equipped with lockable wheel nuts,
four identical keys, four wheel nuts with lock
sleeve, plus a standard wheel nut for the spare
wheel, are included. When taking the vehicle
to your Porsche dealer or to a workshop for
wheel or tire service, remember to leave one
key with the service attendant.
In case of loss, duplicate keys cannot be
furnished by your Porsche dealer. Do not
leave these keys in the vehicle. Keep them
in a safe place.
See "Lockable wheel nuts" for details.
NOTE: It is a good idea to also keep a record of your key numbers in your wallet
together with your license.
10
Key number
The key number of the ignition key is impressed on a plastic tag which comes with the
keys. Detach this tag and keep it in a safe place.
For your protection against theft:
• Record the key numbers and keep them in
a safe place, such as your wallet. Do not
keep them in the vehicle.
Key light
One master key has a built-in flashlight in the
key head. The beam from a small bulb in the
key head illuminates the lower part of the key
stem.
The flashlight is on as long as the contact button is depressed.
• If you should lose a key, provide your
Porsche dealer with the key number to obtain a duplicate key. Tell him whether you
need a master or an auxiliary key.
The flashlight is powered by a 1.5 Volt button
battery. When the beam begins to fade, replace the battery, because an old battery
may leak and damage your clothes.
S-key
(illuminated)
Anti-theft alarm
Doors Activate alarm by locking with S-key.
Deactivate alarm by unlocking with S-key.
Auxiliary key - lock or unlock when alarm not required (see "Central
door locking system").
Luggage compartment Activate alarm by closing rear lid, then turn S-key counter-clockwise.
Ignition/steering
Glove compartment
Fuel filler cap
Deactivate alarm by unlocking rear lid with S-key.
Auxiliary key - lock or unlock when alarm not required.
Lockable with either key.
Lockable with S-key only.
Lockable with either key.
Auxiliary
key
If your Porsche is equipped with an anti-theft
alarm system, you will be given a duplicate
set of the master S-key illustrated above instead of the "regular" master key. The alarm
system can only be activated or deactivated
with the S-key.
Functions for both S-key and auxiliary key are
listed under "locking operations".
12
Attempting to open the doors, the rear lid or
the engine hood by any other means or turning
on the ignition when the alarm system is activated will produce an intermittent high noise
for about 30 seconds.
The engine cannot be started while the
alarm system is activated.
Keep the S-key in your personal possession
at all times. Leave the auxiliary key only with
an attendant when the car is being serviced.
Keep plastic tag with key number in a safe
place. Do not leave it in the vehicle.
Doors
Central door locking system
The central door locking system enables you
to lock or unlock both doors simultaneously
by operating one door lock.
The central door locking system functions
only when both doors are fully closed. If one
door is "centrally" locked before the other
door is fully closed, the "centrally" locked door
will unlock automatically.
The car is safely locked when locking knob "A"
is fully down on both doors. If locking knob "A"
is not fully down on one door, open that door
again, close it firmly and repeat the locking
operation.
On a centrally locked vehicle, the passenger
door can also be unlocked and locked from
inside by turning locking knob "B". Locking
knob "B" is operational only with door fully
closed.
With the ignition key in Pos. "1" or "2" both
doors can be locked or unlocked by pressing
the central locking button in the center console. The button is illuminated when the doors
are locked.
With the ignition key in Pos. "0" the central
locking system is operational by turning knob
"B".
To open doors from outside, pull the recessed
door handle.
To open doors from inside, pull recessed
handle "C" above armrest.
The armrests have a built-in storage compartment. To open, press knob in hand cutout
and tilt armrest outward. To close, tilt compartment toward door panel.
The courtesy light in the lower door panel
"D" will come on when a door or the hatchback is opened. The light can also be turned
on or off with the switch on the light housing.
13
Interior lights
Dome lights
The dome lights have a built-in rocker switch
which is operated by tilting the lamp lens as
follows:
a light on continuously
b light off
c light on with front doors or hatchback open.
14
Door courtesy lights
Switch positions for the lower door panel lights
are as follows:
a light on with front doors or hatchback open
b light off
c light on continuously.
Luggage compartment light
The luggage compartment light is located on
the hatchback.The three switch positions are:
a light on with front doors or hatchback open
b light off
c light on continuously.
Power windows
To open or close, depress the rocker switches
in the center console in front of the shift lever.
The power windows only work when the ignition is turned on.
Door warning lights
The red spot lights in the rear doorjambs will
come on when a door or the rear lid is opened.
WARNING
Do not put anything on or near the win-
dows that may interfere with the driver's
vision.
Remove the ignition key to shut off power
to the window switches when the vehicle
is not attended by a responsible person.
Front seats
The correct seating position is all-important
for safe and fatigue-free driving.
For individual adjustment of the desired seating position, two 4-position switches permit
infinitely variable electrical adjustment in a
longitudinal and vertical direction as well as
adjustment of the backrest inclination.
The rocker switches for the seat adjustment
are located at the outboard side of the seat.
We recommend the following procedure for
finding the correct position for the driver's seat:
1. Operate switch for longitudinal adjustment
until your leg is fully stretched with the clutch
pedal depressed while your foot is bent.
2. Adjust desired fore/aft height.
3. Clasp upper portion of steering wheel.Then
adjust backrest inclination so that both
shoulders remain in contact with the backrest even with your arms fully stretched.
4. If necessary, correct the longitudinal adjustment.
Longitudinal adjustment
Height adjustment, front
Backrest adjustment
Height adjustment, rear
Seat heating system
The seat heating system is turned on by means
of the key switch (A); it heats the seat pan and
backrest. After approximately 15 minutes, a
time relay shuts off the heating automatically.
You can also turn it off earlier by pushing the
key switch downward.
Steering wheel adjustment
For maximum legroom and unobstructed view
of the instruments, the height of the steering
wheel, together with the instrument cluster
unit, can be adjusted.
Release locking lever under instrument cluster
for desired positioning (arrow), then lock securely.
16
Manual operation
Should the electrical seat adjustment fail, you
can use the hexagon socket-screw in the toolkit for longitudinal seat adjustment by turning
the servo-motor at the front end of the seat.
Backrest release
The backrest can be folded forward for easy
access to the rear seats. To release, pull" the
lever on the side of the backrest up (arrow)
and, at the same time, tilt the backrest forward.
When the backrest is tilted back, the lock will
engage automatically.
WARNING
Front seat passengers should not ride in a
moving vehicle with the backrest reclined.
Safety belts only offer protection when the
backrest is upright and the belts are properly positioned on the body. Improperly
positioned safety belts can cause serious
personal injury in an accident.
Rear seats - luggage compartment
The backrests of the rear seats can be tilted
forward to provide additional luggage space.
Unsnap the luggage compartment cover from
the upright rear seat backrests and the rear
cross wall.
To release backrest, pull the lever on side of
the backrest up and, at the same time, tilt the
backrest forward.
17
Rear view mirrors Inside day-night mirror Heated outside mirrors with remote control
You can adjust the day-night mirror from clear When the rear window defogger/defroster is
daylight visibility to non-glare visibility at night, switched on, the outside mirrors are also heatby moving the lever at the bottom of the mirror ed electrically. The outside mirrors can be adforward or rearward. justed from the inside by remote control when
the ignition is turned on. The control switch is
Adjust the outside and inside mirrors before driving off. It is important for safe driving that you have good vision to the rear.
18
Do not put decals or other signs on the win- located next to the side window vents in the
dows that may interfere with the driver's armrest.
vision.
The electrically heated outside mirror for the
passenger side can be adjusted with the same
control switch, by pressing the rocker switch
beside the adjuster switch into the appropriate
position.
If necessary, the outside mirrors can also be
adjusted manually.
19
Safety belts
WARNING
Failure to follow safety belt instructions
may result in serious personal injury.
INSTRUCTIONS
• For your and your passengers' protection, use safety belts at all times while
the vehicle is in motion.
• Safety belts must be properly positioned
on the body. Improperly positioned safety belts can cause serious personal injury in case of an accident. Therefore,
heed all of the following warnings and
instructions.
• A combination lap-shoulder belt should
not be worn by a person less than 4' 11"
or 1.5 m in height, because it would not
be in its most protective position and,
therefore, may increase the possibility
of injury in an accident.
• Persons smaller than 4' 11" or 1.5 m in
height and children who are able to sit
upright by themselves should use one
of the rear seating positions and the lap
belt provided.
• For maximum safety and protection, we
recommend that small children travel in
the rear seats.
• When driving in foreign countries, remember that some require the wearing
of safety belts by law.
• Do not strap in more than one person
with each belt.
• For maximum effectiveness, the lap belt
should be worn low across the pelvic
crest.
• Do not wear shoulder part of belt under
your arm or otherwise out of position.
This would increase the possibility of
serious injury in case of an accident.
• Belts should not be worn twisted.
• Do not wear belts over rigid or breakable
objects in or on your clothing, such as
eye glasses, pens, keys, etc. as these
may cause injury.
• Several layers of heavy clothing may in-
terfere with proper positioning of belts.
• Belts must not rub against sharp objects.
• Keep belt buckles free of any obstruction that may prevent secure locking.
• Make sure that belt of the unoccupied
passenger seat is fully wound up on its
retractor so that the belt tongue is in its
stowed position. This reduces the posibility of the tongue becoming a striking
object in case of a sudden stop.
• Belts that have been subjected to excessive stretch forces in an accident
must be replaced.
• If belts show damage to webbing, bindings, buckles or retractors, they should
be replaced.
• If belts do not work properly, see your
authorized Porsche dealer.
• Do not modify or disassemble the safety
belts in your vehicle.
• The belts must be kept clean as otherwise the retractors may not work properly (see also "Car care instructions").
• Never bleach or dye safety belts.
• Do not allow safety belts to retract until
they are completely dry.
20
Safety belt warning system Inertia reel retractor
The combination lap/shoulder belt with inertia
reel locking mechanism adjusts automatically
to your size and movements as long as the pull
on the belt is slow.
An audio-visuel warning system is interconnected with the driver's safety belt.
Every time the ignition is turned on, the seat
belts warning light in the center console will
come on for about 6 seconds as a reminder to
buckle up. If the driver does not fasten the
safety belt, the gong will also come on. The
gong will go off as soon as the driver has
buckled up.
Rapid deceleration during hard braking or a
collision locks the belt. The belt will also lock
when you drive up or down a steep hill or in a
sharp curve.
• To fasten, grasp latch and pull belt in continuous slow motion across your chest and lap.
• Insert latch into buckle on inboard side of
seat. Push down until it is securely locked
with an audible click. Pull belt to check.
• Pull shoulder section to make sure belt fits
snugly across the hips.
• Belts should fit snugly across the pelvis and
chest. Make sure any slack is wound on the
retractor.
21
• To unfasten belt, push in release button on
buckle. Belt will spring out of buckle.
• To release a locked belt, lean back to take
the body pressure off the belt.
• To store lap/shoulder belt, allow belt to wind
up on retractor as you guide latch to its
stowed position on doorpost.
22
Lap belts for rear seats
The belt with inertia reel locking mechanism
adjusts automatically to your size and movements as long as the pull on the belt is slow.
Rapid deceleration during hard braking or a
collision locks the belt. The belt will also lock
when you drive up or down a steep hill or in a
sharp curve.
• To fasten lap belt, grasp latch on outboard
side of seat and slowly pull across the pelvis. insert latch into buckle on inboard side
of seat and push down until it is securely
locked with an audible click. Pull belt to
check. To unfasten belt, push in release
button on the buckle.
• To store belt, allow belt to wind up as you
guide latch to retractor.
To set the parking brake
Loudspeaker balance control
Parking brake lever (arrows)
Parking brake force is mechanically trans-
ferred to the rear wheels by means of cables.
Use the parking brake only after the vehicle has come to a full stop.
Press in the release button (arrow) at the end
of the lever as you pull the lever up. The parking brake engages as soon as you release the
button in the raised lever.
To release the parking brake
Pull the lever slightly up as you depress the
release button. Keep the button depressed
as you lower the lever.
WARNING
• Release the parking brake fully. A partially engaged brake will overheat the
rear brakes, reduce their effectiveness
and cause excessive wear.
• Always set the parking brake when parking your car. Move the selector lever to
"P" (Automatic transmission) or move
the gearshift lever to reverse or first gear
(Manual transmission). On hills also turn
the wheels toward the curb.
The central warning light and the parking brake
light will go out after the engine is started and
the parking brake is fully released (see "Central warning light system").
The volume of the loudspeakers in the door
and in the rear of the vehicle can be balanced
by turning the loudspeaker balance control
knob (A), located next to the parking brake
lever.
Hatchback release
With one or both doors open, you can release
the hatchback by pulling either button "B" on
the left of the driver's seat or the respective
button on the right of the passenger's seat.
The hatchback will open automatically.
Also see "Hatchback".
23
Brakes
Brake pedal
Brake operation and brake warning light
Functioning of brake system
Your Porsche is equipped with a power assisted hydraulic dual circuit brake system with
disc brakes at the front and at the rear. Both
circuits function independently.
In the unlikely event of hydraulic failure of
one circuit, push the brake pedal down
firmly and hold it in that position. A mechanical linkage activates the second circuit,
and you will be able to bring the vehicle to
a safe stop.
WARNING
Failure of one brake circuit will impair the
braking capability resulting in an increased
stopping distance.
If one brake circuit has failed, the other will still
operate. However, you will notice an increased
pedal travel when you step on the brake.
Should you encounter such experience, bring
your vehicle safely to a full stop.
Avoid driving the vehicle and have it towed
to the nearest authorized Porsche dealer.
WARNING
• The movement of the brake pedal must
never be obstructed by a floor mat or
any other object. In case one of the two
brake circuits fails, increased pedal tra-
vel is required to bring your vehicle to a
full stop.
• Make sure that the size of your floor mat
does not hamper the movements of
either brake, clutch or accelerator pedals in any way.
• Secure the floor mat against sliding into
positions that could interfere with the
safe operation of your vehicle.
• Do not "ride the brakes" by resting your
foot on the pedal when not intending to
brake. Overheating and wear of the
brakes is the result.
• Before descending a steep grade, reduce speed and shift transmission into
a lower gear or driving position to control speed. Do not ride the brakes or hold
pedal down too long or too often. This
could cause the brakes to get hot and
not function properly.
Make it a habit to check the operation of your
brakes before driving.
The central warning light and the brake fluid
warning light in the combination instrument
will flash when the level in the brake fluid reservoir is too low (see "Central warning light
system").
With correctly adjusted brakes, and a correct-
ly working brake system, the pedal travel to
the point of brake actuation should be 1 -3/16"
to 1 -9/16" or 30 to 40 mm. Whenever the brake
pedal travel exceeds this distance, have the
brake system checked.
Keep in mind that the braking distance increases very rapidly as the speed increases.
At 60 mph or 100 km/h, for example, it is not
twice but four times longer than at 30 mph or
50 km/h. Tire traction is also less effective
when the roads are wet or slippery. Therefore,
always maintain a safe distance from the car
in front of you.
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Brake booster
New brake pads or linings
Clutch
The brake booster assists braking only
when the engine is running.
When the car is moving while the engine is not
running, or if the brake booster is defective,
more pressure on the brake pedal is required
to bring the car to a halt.
Moisture or road salt on brakes affects
braking
WARNING
Driving through water may reduce the trac-
tion. Moisture on brakes from road water
or car wash or coating of road salt may affect braking efficiency. Cautiously apply
brakes for a test. When the vehicle is driven
on salted roads for extended periods, the
brakes should be hosed down thoroughly
about every 2 weeks. An automatic carwash facility cannot do this job properly.
Brakes will dry after a few cautious brake
applications.
Brake wear
Our automobiles have excellent brakes, but
they are still subject to wear, depending on
how the brakes are used. Have the brake system inspected at the intervals recommended
in your Warranty & Maintenance booklet.
Brake pads or linings may not have the highest
possible braking efficiency when new. Therefore, allow for longer braking distance during
the initial 100 to 150 miles or 150 to 250 kilo-
meters of normal city driving if fewer stops are
realized.
Due to the hydraulic operation of the clutch, a
free travel of the clutch pedal of 0,1" or 2.5 mm
is necessary.
Should this free travel suddenly become bigger, it could mean a malfunction of the clutch.
See your Porsche dealer for rectification.
Always depress the clutch pedal fully when
changing gears. Do not hold the car on a steep
hill with the clutch pedal partially depressed.
This may cause premature wear or damage.
Ignition/Starter Switch with
Steering Lock
The steering is equipped with an anti-theft
ignition lock.
There are 4 switch positions:
0 Steering locked. All electric circuits wired
through the ignition switch are turned off.
The ignition key can only be withdrawn in
the "0" position. The parking lights can be
operated in this position by pushing the turn
signal indicator lever up and down (also see
"Parking lights").
1 Steering unlocked. In this position all elec-
tric circuits are operational except for the
following: turn signals, back-up lights, outside mirror remote control, rear window defogger/defroster and fresh air ventilation.
2 Ignition on, steering unlocked. All electric
circuits are operational. With the engine
stationary, the central warning light and all
individual warning lights located in both
combination instruments will light up for a
bulb check. If the engine oil level is too low
the central warning light will flash. (Lack of
engine oil can only be checked with the
dipstick, with the engine turned off and with
the vehicle on level ground.)
3 The starter is operated by turning the ig-
nition key to the right. As soon as the engine
starts, release the key. It will spring back to
position "2". With the engine running, the
central and individual warning lights should
go out. The STOP LAMP will go out after
depressing the brake pedal and the PARK
BRAKE light after fully releasing the parking
brake (see "Central warning light system").
To conserve battery power, the electric circuits for headlights, rear window defogger/
defroster and wiper/washer system are
temporarily interrupted during the starting
process.
The starter should not be operated for more
than 10 to 15 seconds at a time. If the engine
does not start the first time or stalls at any time,
the ignition key must be returned to the "0"
position. The non-repeat lock in the switch
prevents the starter from being operated when
the engine is running and thus from being
damaged.
To remove the key and to lock the steering,
turn the key back to position "0" and pull it out.
Turn the steering wheel until it locks.
WARNING
Never remove key from ignition lock or turn
key off while vehicle is moving. The steering
wheel will lock, causing loss of control.
Gong
If you leave the key in the ignition/steering
lock, the gong will sound when the driver's door
is opened. This is your reminder to remove the
key.
For further details see "Starting Procedures"
on the following page.
26
Instrument cluster
12 13
17 18 19 20
1 Odometer reset switch
2 Light switch
3 Fog light switch
4 Left combination instrument
5 Speedometer
6 Turn signal indicator light
7 Central warning light
8 Tachometer
High beam indicator light
9
10 Right combination instrument
10
Emergency flasher switch
11
Rear window defogger switch
12
Ignition/starter switch with steering lock
13
Instrument illumination control
14
15 Turn signal/headlight dimmer flasher/
15
parking light switch lever
16 Locking lever for steering wheel/
instrument cluster height adjustment
17 Automatic speed control lever
18 Windshield wiper and windshield/head-
light washer switch lever
19 Intensive washer system switch
20 Intermittent wiper interval control
Starting Procedures
WARNING
• Fasten safety belts before driving off.
• Never start or let the engine run in an enclosed, unventilated area. Exhaust fumes
from the engine contain carbon monoxide, which is a colorless and odorless gas. Carbon monoxide can be fatal
if inhaled.
• Never leave engine idling unattended.
An unattended vehicle with a running
engine is potentially hazardous.
• Do not park or operate the vehicle in
areas where the hot exhaust system may
come in contact with dry grass, brush,
fuel spill or other flammable material.
• Never leave engine idling. When starting
engine, be ready to drive off immediately. Maintain moderate speed until engine
is warm.
Temperature sensors on the engine automat-
ically provide the correct fuel/air mixture re-
quired for starting.
Therefore, it is not necessary to depress the
accelerator pedal while starting a cold or a
warm engine.
When starting at very low outside temper-
atures, fully depress the clutch pedal, so that
the starter only has to crank the engine.
As soon as the engine starts, release the ig-
nition key.
If the engine fails to start after 10 to 15 seconds of cranking, wait about 10 seconds
before restarting.
Do not let the engine idle to warm it up. After
starting, accelerate gradually and maintain
moderate speed. Avoid high rpm and full throt-
tle until the engine has reached normal oper-
ating temperature.
Stopping engine
Turn key back to position 0.
WARNING
• Before you check anything in the engine
compartment, let the engine cool down.
Hot components can burn skin on contact.
• The radiator fan switches on automatically when the coolant reaches a certain
temperature and continues to run (even
with ignition off) until the coolant temperature drops. Therefore, never touch
the fan blades as they will rotate spontaneously when the thermoswitch turns
the fan on.
If your have an automatic garage door...
The transistorized ignition system in your
Porsche may interfere with your electronically
operated garage door. To check this: drive
your Porsche close to the garage door and run
the engine at different speeds.
Manual transmission:
Move gearshift lever to Neutral.
Automatic transmission:
Move gearshift lever to Neutral or Park.
Do not stop engine immediately after hard
or extended driving. Keep engine running
at increased idle for about two minutes to
prevent excessive heat build-up before
turning off engine.
If the garage door opens or closes without
your operating the garage door unit in your car,
contact the dealer who installed the automatic
garage door to have the frequency and/or
coding of the garage door signal modified.
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