Porsche 928 1991 User Manual
WKD 928
021
91
© Dr. Ing. h. c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
All rights reserved. Printed in Germany
1.1 Μ
6/90 Dear Owner,
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.
Remember however that, as with any
vehicle, you should take time to
familiarize yourself with your Porsche
and its performance characteristics.
Always drive within your own unique
capabilities as a driver and your level
of experience with your Porsche. Ensure that anyone else driving your
Porsche does the same. To prevent or
minimize injury, always use your safety
belts. Never consume alcohol or
drugs before or while driving.
This 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.
A separate 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.
For U.S. only:
If you believe that your vehicle has a
defect which could cause a crash or
could cause injury or death, you
should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying
Porsche Cars North America (PCNA).
If NHTSA receives similar complains,
it may open an investigation, and if it
finds that a safety defect exists in a
group of vehicles, it may order a recall
and remedy campaign. However,
NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your
dealer, or PCNA.
To contact NHTSA, you may either call
the Auto Safety Hotline tollfree at
18004249393 (or 3660123 in
Washington, D.C. area) or write to:
NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, D.C. 20590. You
can also obtain other information about
motor vehicle safety from the Hotline.
2
Your car has thousands of parts and
components which have been designed and manufactured in accordance with Porsche's high standards of
engineering quality and safety. Any alt-
eration of the car may negate or interfere with those safety features
built into the car. Your Porsche is in-
tended to be used in a safe manner in
light of the local laws and driving conditions faces by you, and in accordance with the instructions provided
in this Manual. Do not misuse your
Porsche by ignoring those laws and
driving conditions, or by ignoring
the instructions in this manual. Any
alteration or misuse of the car can
lead to accidents and severe or
fatal personal injuries.
We wish you many miles of safe and
pleasurable driving in your Porsche.
Your car may have all or some of the
components described in this manual.
Should you have difficulty understand-
ing any of the explanations of features
or equipment 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.
Alteration or misuse of your
Porsche could cause accidents and
severe or fatal personal injuries.
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, with-
Note to owners
In Canada, this manual is also available in French. To obtain a copy contact
your dealer or write to:
out incurring any obligation to install
them on products previously manufactured.
Note aux proprietaires
Au Canada on peut se procurer un
exemplaire de ce Manuel en frangais
Important
aupres du concessionnaire ou du:
For your own protection and longer
service life of your car, please heed
all operating instructions and special
warnings. Ignoring them could result
in serious mechanical failure or even
physical injury. |
Volkswagen Canada Inc.
Porsche Customer Assistance
Assistance ä la Clientele Porsche
1940 Eglinton Ave. East
Do not alter your Porsche. Any alteration could create dangerous condi-
Scarborough
Ontario M1L2M2
tions or defeat safety engineering features built into your car.
Do not misuse your Porsche. Use it
safely, and consistently with the law,
the driving conditions, and the instructions in this manual.
3
Before Driving Off, Running In, Controls
Maintenance, Car Care
Practical Tips, Emergency Service
Vehicle Identification, Technical Data
Index
Pocket for Additional Information
Before Driving Off, Running In, Controls
Before going on a trip 8
In the driver's seat 9
Break-in hints 10
Engine exhaust 10
Keys 12-13
Theft protection 14
Anti-theft alarm 14
Doors 14
Central door locking 14-15
Interior lights 16
Power windows 17
Seats 18-21
Mirrors 22
Safety belts 23-25
Child restraint anchorages 25
Air bag system 26-27
Brakes 28-31
Limited slip differential 32
Clutch 33
Starting 34-35
Controls, Instruments, Warning lights . 36-48
Automatic climate control 49-52
Power sunroof 54
Engine hood, hatchback 57-58
Transmission 59-62
7
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, and always
drives within his own capabilities and his
level of familiarity with his vehicle.
You will find helpful hints in this manual on
how to perform most of the checks listed on
the following pages. If in doubt, have these
checks performed by your Porsche dealer.
First things first
• Turn the engine off before you attempt
any checks or repairs of the vehicle.
• Be sure tires are inflated correctly. Check
tires 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
engine 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 front hood is latched safely.
• Replace worn or cracked wiper blades.
• See that all windows are clear and unobstructed.
• 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.
8
In the driver's seat...
On the road...
• Check operation of horn.
• Position seat for easy reach of controls.
• Adjust inside and outside rear view mirrors.
• Attach your safety belts.
• Check operation of foot and parking
brakes.
• Check all warning and indicator lights and
the information system display with ignition on and engine stationary.
• NEVER 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.
• Never drive after you have consumed alcohol.
• Always have your safety belt attached.
• Always drive defensively. Expect the unexpected.
• Use signals to indicate turns and lane
changes.
• Turn on headlights at dusk.
• Always keep a save 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 parked, always see 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 emergency repairs become necessary, 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
Break-in hints for the first
1.000 miles/1.600 kilometers
Engine exhaust
There are no specific break-in rules for your
Porsche. However, by taking a few precau-
tions you can help extend the service life and
performance of your engine.
During the first 1.000 miles/1.600 km, all
working components of the engine adjust to
each other to a certain degree. Therefore:
Avoid full throttle starts and abrupt stops.
Change speeds frequently. Vary the throttle
load.
Do not exceed maximum engine speed of
5.000 rpm (revolutions per minute).
Do not run a cold engine at high rpm either
in Neutral or in gear.
Do not let the engine labor, especially when
driving uphill. Shift to the next proper gear in
time (use the most favorable rpm range).
There may be a slight stiffness in the steering, gearshifting or other controls during the
break-in period which will gradually disappear.
Never lug the engine in high gear at low
speeds. This rule applies all the time, not
just during the break-in period.
Breaking-in brake pads
Brake pads do not have maximum braking
efficiency when the car is new. Therefore,
more pedal force is necessary during the
first 100 to 150 miles/150 to 250 km. This
also applies to replacement brake pads.
Breaking-in new tires
New tires do not have maximum traction.
They tend to be slippery. Break in new tires
by driving at moderate speeds during the
first 60 to 120 miles/100 to 200 km, and
longer braking distances must be antici-
pated.
Engine oil consumption
During the break-in period oil consumption
may be slightly higher than normal.
As always rate of oil consumption depends
on the quality and viscosity of oil, the speed
at which the engine is operated, the climate,
road conditions as well as the amount of di-
lution and oxidation of the lubricant.
WARNING
• Engine exhaust is dangerous if inhaled,
• Never start or let the engine run in a
closed garage. Never sit in your car for
prolonged periods with the engine on
and the car not moving.
• Although exhaust fumes from the engine have many components which you
can smell, they also contain carbon
monoxide, which is a colorless and
odorless gas. Carbon monoxide can be
fatal if inhaled.
• If you smell gas fumes in the vehicle,
drive with the windows open but keep
the hatchback closed. Have the cause
immediately located and corrected.
• Because of inherent hazards, we do not
recommend transporting objects larger
than those fitting safely into the luggage
compartment. Keep the hatchback
closed while driving to prevent poisonous exhaust gas from being drawn into
the vehicle.
• Never carry additional fuel containers in
your vehicle. Such containers, full or
partially empty, may leak, cause an explosion, or result in fire in case of a collision.
10
1 Light switch
2 Turn signal/headlight dimmer flasher/
parking light switch lever
3 Horn
4 Windshield wiper and windshield/
headlight washer switch lever
5 Emergency flasher switch
6 Switches for power windows
7 Controls for power seat
8 Parking brake lever
9 Side view mirror adjuster
11
NEVER 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 to lock the
doors.
Key "a" or "b" operate:
1. Door locks with
central locking system
alarm system
power windows
power sunroof
interior lights
2. Ignition/starter switch with steering
lock
3. Hatchback lock with
alarm system
4. Fuel filler cap lock
5. Glove compartment lock
WARNING
Always remove the ignition key,
especially if children are left unattended in the vehicle. Unsupervised use of any vehicle key may
cause serious personal injury.
NEVER leave your vehicle unattended with the key in the ignition
lock. Take the key and lock the
doors.
12
a Key with built-in flashlight
b Flat key
c Rear glove compartment key
d Key for lockable wheel nuts
Keys
Three keys are supplied with the vehicle.
Each fits the ignition lock, door locks, hatchback lock, fuel filler cap lock and glove compartment lock.
There is one flat key which you can keep in
your purse or wallet, for instance, as an
"emergency key". If you remove the plastic
head of the flat key, you can clip on an illuminated plastic handle (available from your
Porsche dealer). Vehicles with a rear seat
glove compartment receive two additional
keys for the compartment lock.
WARNING
NEVER remove the key from the steering
lock while you are driving or as the car is
rolling to a stop. The steering column will
lock 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 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 the lockable wheel nuts, three identical
keys, 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 wheel look 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.
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
Two of the keys have 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.
1. Use your finger nail or a small screw driver
to carefully lift the key handle cover.
2. Insert a new, commercial available battery
(1.5 V) in the contact button.
3. Assemble key top as shown in the figure.
• If you should lose a key, provide your
Porsche dealer with the key number and
the vehicle identification number to obtain
a duplicate 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.
13
Theft protection
To protect your vehicle from theft, you
should always proceed as follows when leaving your vehicle:
• Close windows and sunroof
• Remove ignition key
• Engage steering lock
• Lock the glove compartment
• Cover luggage
• Lock doors
• Lock petrol cap
Alarm system
The alarm system is armed when one of the
doors is locked with the key. Light-emitting
diodes (LEDs) in the locking buttons start
flashing immediately to indicate that the
alarm is armed.
If the LEDs do not flash when the car is
locked or change to a double-flashing signal
after 10 seconds, not all of the alarm contacts have been closed.
The following components are monitored by
the alarm:
• Doors (central door locking system)
• Engine- and luggage-compartment lids
• Glove compartment
• Radio
• Ignition
If an alarm contact is broken, the alarm horn
will sound for approx. 4 minutes. At the same
time, the interior lights and the hazard warning lights flash for approx. 4 minutes. When
the alarm is triggered, the LEDs are switched
to a double-flashing signal.
If the luggage-compartment lid is opened
with the key when the alarm has been
armed, the alarm status is automatically suspended until the lid is closed.
When a door lock is unlocked, the alarm system is disarmed and the LEDs go out.
Emergency arming
If the central locking system is not working,
the alarm system can be armed by closing a
door three times in rapid succession. The
LEDs indicate this with a double-flashing
signal.
Doors
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.
14
Central door locking
With the central door locking system, both
doors can be locked and unlocked electrically. The doors are locked when a key is turned in either door lock or when the key is
turned further counterclockwise in the lock
of the luggage-compartment lid.
When the doors are locked, the locking buttons (A) must be fully retracted.
The two doors can be locked individually
from inside by turning button (B) or by pressing locking buttons (A). If one door is unlokked by turning button (B), the second door
is automatically unlocked as well.
To prevent being accidentally locked out of
the vehicle, the central locking system can
only be actuated when the driver's door is
closed (even if the passenger door is still
open).
If the central locking system fails to work,
open and close the two doors individually.
The alarm system can be armed by closing
a door three times in rapid succession.
Central locking button
When the ignition has been switched on or
when the ignition key is turned to position 1,
both doors can be electrically locked or un-
locked by pressing the central locking but-
ton in the center console. The lamp in the
central locking button remains lit while the
system is activated.
The central locking system can also be acti-
vated with the central locking button when
the ignition key has been removed. To deac-
tivate the system, switch on the ignition or
turn button (B).
15
Interior light in headlining
Interior lights
Footwell light in lower part of door trim
Luggage compartment light in hatchback
The interior lights, which are independent
from one another, come on, with the switch
in the appropriate position, as soon as a
door is unlocked or opened or the hatchback
is opened.
The interior lights go out after approx. 20
seconds after the doors are closed. The
lights go out immediately if the ignition is
switched on or the vehicle locked with the
key.
16
The interior lights have the following switch
positions:
a - light comes on only when a door or the
hatchback is opened
b - light switched off permanently
c - light switched on permanently
The interior light in the headlining and the
luggage compartment light are switched on
and off by tilting the lamp glass. The footwell
lights are operated by the switch integrated
in the light.
The light for the central fuse/relay board is
switched on via the door contact switch.
Power windows
Opening windows
Tapping the switches moves the windows in
stages to the desired position.
Pressing the switches for longer than 0.5
seconds automatically opens the windows
fully. The movement of the windows can be
stopped in any position by tapping the
switch again.
Closing windows
To close the windows, the switch must be
held down until the windows have reached
the desired position.
With the ignition switched on, pressing the
switch for longer than 0.5 seconds automatically closes the driver's door window fully.
The movement of the window can be stop-
ped in any position by tapping the switch
again.
Door lock contact
If the key is held in the locking position when
locking a door, the sunroof and the door windows will close in succession automatically.
Door warning lights
The red spot lights in the rear doorjambs will
come on when a door or the hatchback is
opened.
To open or close, depress the rocker
switches in the center console in front of the
shift lever. The switches can only be actuated one at a time.
The power windows are operational when
the ignition is turned on.
When the ignition is turned off or the ignition
key removed, the power windows can be operated until one door is opened.
WARNING
Do not put anything on or near the windows
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.
Remember, power is still supplied to the
window switches until one door is opened.
17
Front seat adjustments
The correct seating position is all-important
for safe and fatigue-free driving. In order to
satisfy individual requirements, the seat has
infinitely variable adjustment.
We recommend the following procedure for
finding the correct position for the driver's
seat:
18
1. Operate 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.
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 clus-
ter for desired positioning (arrow), then lock
securely.
Lumbar support (Β)
The backrest support can be regulated vertically and horizontally to any position to
guarantee a relaxed seated posture and provide individual lumbar support.
Lumbar support horizontal
Lumbar support vertical
Longitudinal adjustment
Height adjustment, front
Backrest adjustment
Height adjustment, rear
Seat heating system
Lumbar support
Front seats
Two multifunction switches control the electric motors for longitudinal adjustment, seat
height and angle of backrest tilt.
Seat heating system (A)
The heating system in the seat cushion and
backrest is switched on and off by pressing
the rocker switch.
Press upper half of switch heating on
Press lower half of switch heating off
Heating temperature is controlled with the
aid of the knurled knob set in the switch; the
temperature is held constant until the seat
heating or the ignition is switched off.
Turn knurled knob up to increase temperature
Turn knurled knob down to reduce temperature
Manual operation
Should the electrical seat adjustment fail,
you can use the hexagon socketscrew in
the toolkit for longitudinal seat adjustment
by turning the servomotor below the front
of the seat.
19
Selecting a position
Pilot lamp
Seat position memory
The seat position memory can store up to
three different sitting positions. Each position stored in the memory comprises longitudinal adjustment, seat height, backrest
angle, position and size of lumbar support
and the position of the outside mirrors. The
positions can be adjusted, stored or called
up regardless of whether the engine is on or
off.
Adjust the seat and the two outside mirrors
to the desired position by operating the
switches for seat and mirror adjustment,
Storing a position
To store a position in the memory, press the
memory button (arrowed) and the appropriate position button (button 1, 2 or 3). The
memory button must be pressed before the
position button.
Calling up a position
To set the seat to the position stored in the
memory, the appropriate position button
must be depressed until the seat reaches its
final position. The procedure is curtailed
as soon as the button is released. The buttons are illuminated for ease location.
Once the seat reaches its end position the
mirrors are set automatically to the positions
stored in the memory.
The seat switches always take priority over
automatic adjustment. If a seat switch is operated, automatic adjustment is immediately
interrupted.
A red pilot lamp is set in the memory button.
If adjustment is initiated, the pilot lamp lights
up until the adjustment is completed. If the
procedure is interrupted, the lamp goes out
approx. 60 seconds after the ignition is
switched off.
20
In order to adjust the backrest, pull the inside locking lever at the front of the seat upwards, set seat to desired position and release the lever.
When there is no load on the backrest, it will
always be pushed forwards by spring force
when the lever is pulled.
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.
Sports seat
Longitudinal adjustment and backrest adjustment are carried out manually on sports
seats.
To move the seat backwards and forwards,
pull the outside locking lever at the front of
the seat upwards, move seat into desired
position, release lever and ensure that the
seat engages securely.
WARNING
Never unlock the driver's seat while the vehicle is in motion: the seat may move suddenly,
causing you to loose control over the vehicle.
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
For driver and passenger protection, backrest locks must be engaged at all times
while the vehicle is in motion.
Rear seats
The backrests of the rear seats can be tilted
forward to provide additional luggage
space.
To release backrest, pull the lever on side of
the backrest up and, at the same time, tilt
the backrest forward.
21
Heated outside mirrors with remote control
When the rear window defogger/defroster is
switched on, the outside mirrors are also
heated electrically. The outside mirrors are
adjustable from inside of the vehicle by a four
direction switch and a rocker switch located
on the left door next to the side window
vents in the armrest. The rocker switch
selects either the left or right mirror for adjustment. Press the rocker switch into the
appropriate position. Then the four direction
switch will adjust the selected mirror in any
of the four directions.
The mirror housing is hinged and can be
folded flat against the car in either direction
to prevent damage in tight parking spots.
If necessary, the outside mirrors can also be
adjusted manually.
Rear view mirrors
Adjust the outside and inside mirrors be-
fore driving. It is important for safe driv-
ing that you have good vision to the rear.
22
Inside day-night mirror
You can adjust the day-night mirror from
clear daylight visibility to non-glare visibility
at night, by moving the lever at the bottom
of the mirror forward or rearward.
Do not put decals or other signs on the
windows that may interfere with the
driver's vision.
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. Use child
safety seats for all small children.
• Safety belts must be properly
positioned on the body. Improperly
positioned safety belts can cause serious personal injury in case of an accident.
• Porsche recommends that all infants
and children be restrained in child restraint systems at all times while the
vehicle is in motion in accordance with
applicable laws.
• The use of infant or child restraints is
required by law in all 50 states and the
Canadian provinces. The child restraint system should be one that complies with U. S. Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard 213 and should be secured by a lap belt or the lap belt portion
of a lap-shoulder belt. A statement by
the seat manufacturer of compliance
with this standard can be found on the
instruction label on the restraint and in
the instruction manual provided with
the restraint.
• When using an infant or child restraint
system be sure to follow all manufac-
turer's instructions on installation and
use.
• Infants and small children should
never be held on the lap, nor should
they share a seat belt with another oc-
cupant while the vehicle is in motion.
• Children too big for child restraint sys-
tems should use regular seat belts. A
shoulder belt can be used providing it
does not cross the face or the neck of
the child.
• For maximum safety and protection,
we recommend that small children
travel in the rear seats.
• For maximum effectiveness, the lap
belt should be worn low across the
hips.
• Belts should not be worn twisted.
• Do not wear belts over rigid or break-
able objects in or on your clothing,
such as eye glasses, pens, keys, etc.
as these may cause injury.
• Several layers of heavy clothing may
interfere 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.
• Belts that have been subjected to exessive 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.
23
Safety belt warning system
An audio-visual warning system is interconnected with the driver's safety belt.
Every time the ignition is turned on, the seat
belt warning light in the instrument cluster
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 continue for the
duration of this 6 second period. The gong
will go off as soon as the driver has buckled
up.
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Inertia reel retractor
The combination lap/shoulder belt with inertia reel locking mechanism adjusts automat-
ically 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 otherwise the shoulder belt
will not inhibit your upper body movement.
• To fasten, grasp belt and pull belt in continuous slow motion across your chest
and lap.
• Insert belt tongue into buckle on inboard
side of seat. Push down until it securely
locks 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.
• To unfasten belt, push in release button
on buckle. Belt tongue 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.
Child restrained anchorages
(Canada Models)
If your child restraint seat or seats require the
use of a tether strap you will want to use the
anchor points provided on the panel behind
the rear seats.
The right child restraint anchorage is shown
in the illustration (see arrow).
The hardware needed to attach the tether
strap comes with your Porsche. The
hardware can be moved to the other anchor
point if required.
If a child restraint system is to be used, the
necessary upper anchorage fitting must first
be mounted on the respective anchor point.
Additional hexagon head bolts, spacers and
fittings are available from your Porsche dealer.
To ensure proper installation the anchor fittings or fitting assemblies should be installed or repositioned by your Porsche dealer.
Warning
Child restraint anchorages are designed to
withstand only those loads imposed by
correctly fitted child restraints. Under no
circumstances are they to be used for adult
seat belts or harnesses.
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Air Bag System
The "Air Bag" in combination with the safety
belt makes up a passive safety system which
offers the driver and front seat passenger
the greatest known protection from injuries
in case of accident.
The air bag system is composed of the following 3 major groups:
• Air bag with gas generator and ignition
unit
• Control electronics
• Collision sensors
In case of frontal collision greater than a certain severity, the collision sensors send a signal via the control electronics to the ignition
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mechanism. In the ignition process, a solid
propellant in the gas generator is combusted
in a fraction of a second. This combustion
generates the gas quantity and pressure
necessary to fill the air bag.
The air bag is located behind the steering
wheel center pad on the driver's side, and
on the passenger side behind the padding
above the glove compartment. Due to the
rapid deflation of the air bag after use, there
is little danger of obstructed vision.
Likewise, the noise of the inflation of the air
bag generally goes unnoticed because of
the collision noise. The air bag protects the
face and upper body, and at the same time
dampens the forward motion of the driver
and passenger.
Range of Effectiveness
Even if your vehicle is equipped with an air
bag, the safety belt must be worn at all
times because the air bag system is only actuated by frontal collisions with an impact of
sufficient severity. See figure for range of effectiveness.
Below the actuation threshold of the air bag
system, and during types of collisions which
do not cause the actuation of the system, the
seat belts provide the primary protection to
the occupants when correctly worn. There-
fore, all persons within the vehicle must
always wear safety belts (in many states,
state law requires the use of safety belts).
See also chapter "Safety Belts".
Maintenance / Monitor Lights
The air bag system monitors the operational
readiness of the igniter, sensors, warning
lamp, and control electronics itself.
Any malfunctions which may arise are announced by the air bag warning light in the
instrument cluster. Upon activation of the
vehicle ignition circuit, the air bag warning
light in the instrument cluster lights up for approximately 5 seconds and then goes out
again, indicating system readiness.
In the following cases you should immediately consult an authorized Porsche
dealer in order to assure the air bag system is functioning properly:
• Illumination of the air bag warning light
during travel or repeated illumination
longer than 5 seconds after ignition circuit is turned on.
• Illumination fails to light up during ignition
circuit activation.
WARNING
• No changes must be made to the wiring
or components of the air bag system.
Do not add any additional coverings or
stickers to the steering wheel or in the
area of the passenger side air bag.
Doing so may adversely affect the functioning of the air bag system.
• Do not undertake any wiring for electrical accessory equipment in the vicinity
of the air bag wiring harness. Doing so
may disable the air bag system.
• The actuation of the air bag requires the
immediate inspection of the system and
replacement of some parts of the system. See your authorized Porsche
dealer.
• Defects should be repaired immediately. See your authorized Porsche
dealer.
• When disposing of a used air bag unit,
our safety instructions must be followed. These instructions can be obtained at any authorized Porsche dealer.
A malfunction in the air bag system will be
indicated by the illumination of the air bag
warning light accompanied by the fault message in the information system display.
In order to ensure long-term functioning, the
air bag system must be inspected by an authorized Porsche dealer after 4, 8 and 10
years from the date of manufacture shown
on the safety compliance sticker, and then
every 2 years.
Important:
If you sell your Porsche, notify the purch-
aser that the vehicle is equipped with an
air bag, and refer to him or her to the
chapter, "Air Bag System", in the owner's
manual (safety and disposal rules).
Further information on the air bag system
can be found on stickers in the glove compartment, on the windshield, as well as on
all air bag components.
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To release the parking brake Brakes
Parking brake lever (arrows)
Parking brake force is mechanically transferred to the rear wheels by means of cables.
Use the parking brake only after the vehicle has come to a full stop.
To set the parking brake
Pull the lever all the way up (see arrow). With
the ignition on, the brake warning light will
come on if the lever is even slightly raised. A
firm pull upward is required to properly engage the parking brake.
Pull the lever slightly up as you depress the
release button. Keep the button depressed
as you lower the lever all the way down.
The parking brake light and the fault message in the information system display will
go out after the engine is started and the
parking brake is fully released.
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 by pulling all the way up on
the lever. 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 parking brake light is not an indicator that the parking brake is fully set;
it is only intended to be a warning to release the parking brake before driving
the car. If brake is not fully set, the veh-
icle may roll without control. ,
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 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 in-
creased pedal travel when you step on the
brake. Should you encounter such experi-
ence, bring your vehicle safely to a full stop.
Avoid driving the vehicle and instead have
it towed to the nearest authorized Porsche
dealer.
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Brake pedal
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
travel 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 premature wear
of the brakes will 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.
Brake operation and brake warning light
Make it a habit to check the operation of your
brakes before driving.
The brake fluid warning light in the instrument cluster comes on accompanied by the
fault message in the information system display to indicate that the level in the brake
fluid reservoir is too low.
With correctly adjusted brakes, and a correctly 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.
Brake booster
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 traction. Moisture on brakes from road water,
car wash, or coating of road salt may affect
braking efficiency. Cautiously apply brakes
to test them after being exposed to such
conditions. 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.
New brake pads or linings
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 kilometers of normal city driving if fewer
stops are realized.
29
ABS brake system
(Antilock brake system)
The ABS system represents a major contribution to the enhancement of active safety
in your vehicle. This system prevents the
wheels from locking in a panic stop on al-
most all road surfaces.
With ABS system in your vehicle, the following areas are enhanced:
Full steerability, vehicle remains steera-
ble under all braking forces.
Good directional control, no swerving
caused by locking of wheels under braking conditions.
Excellent stopping distance, stopping
distances are usually reduced because
controlled braking is maximized.
Prevention of wheel lock up, no brakeinduced sliding and thus no localized tire
wear from emergency braking.
The crucial advantage of ABS system over a
conventional brake system is in the area of
maintaining directional control and maneuverability of the car in emergency situa-
tions, including panic braking in turns.
WARNING:
In spite of the improved handling afforded
by the ABS system, it still remains the responsibility of the driver to adapt the driving style to the prevailing road and weather
conditions, as well as, obeying traffic laws.
In no case, should the higher degree of
safety offered by ABS be regarded as a justification for taking greater risks. Other vehicles not equipped with the ABS system
may not be able to maintain control, especially on wet or poor road surfaces and
thus may be more likely to impact you in
the rear. To minimize that risk, use your ABS
system to increase your ability to maneuver
to avoid dangerous situations and not
merely to try to stop in the shortest distance possible. I
Driving with the ABS system
A wheel speed sensor is fitted to each of the
four wheels. If wheel slippage of either of the
front wheels or the rear wheels is sensed dur-
ing braking, the brake pressure is adjusted
automatically until the wheel no longer slips.
The brake pressure is regulated for each
front wheel individually and for both rear
wheels together.
On a road surface which is slippery on only
one side, the rear wheel which is braking on
the slippery surface determines the brake
pressure which will be applied equally to
both rear wheels. This ensures that directional stability is maintained. However, if
braking force approaches the wheel lockingup point for all wheels (panic braking) the
ABS system will intervene in a way comparable with rapid rythmic braking. The proper
operation of ABS is perceived by the driver
as a pulsating brake pedal in conjunction
with audible noise and perhaps some vibra-
tion. The driver is thereby warned to reduce
vehicle speed appropriate for the prevailing
road conditions.
If your ABS system should ever malfunction,
the ABS system is automatically switched
off, but the normal brake system, without
ABS, would remain fully operational. Such a
malfunction would be indicated by the illumi-
nation of the "ANTILOCK" light accom-
panied by the fault message in the information system display.
If the ABS system becomes inoperative,
take your vehicle to your authorized
dealer immediately.
30
Note
The control unit of the ABS brake system is
set for standard tire size. If non-standard
tires are fitted, the control unit may misinter-
pret the speed of the vehicle, because of the
variant data it receives from the sensors on
the axles.
If the difference in rolling radius exceeds approx. 6 %, the control unit deactivates the
ABS system and the ABS warning lamp
lights up.
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