lock rear differential

[bfong]

I can put my 04 cs on "reduction" mode, then I can lock the center differential, but I can't lock the rear differential and the lowest light on the center console doesn't come on. My dealer said the rear differential can't be locked, but according to the manual, it can be locked and the third light on the center console will come on. Also according to the manual you don't need to step on the brake to switch to reduction mode, if the car is slow or stopped in neutral, but the dash warned me to step on the brake before I can swith to "reduction mode".

Anyone knows it is my car failure or the handbook was printed wrong.

Thanks

[Guest]

have the same question here.

[bfong]

It is really weired, nobody seems to have try locking the differentil.

[DirectLA]

It is really weired, nobody seems to have try locking the differentil.

Not sure if I'm understanding your inquiry correctly but I can also only engage the low ratio and lock the diff (illuminating ONLY the top two lights on the selector) as the third, lower, light comes on once to go back to the high ratio. I didn't notice a conflicting statement in the manual but the way it's working makes sense to me because you can;t have a high and low ratio at the same time.

[bfong]

It is really weired, nobody seems to have try locking the differentil.

Not sure if I'm understanding your inquiry correctly but I can also only engage the low ratio and lock the diff (illuminating ONLY the top two lights on the selector) as the third, lower, light comes on once to go back to the high ratio. I didn't notice a conflicting statement in the manual but the way it's working makes sense to me because you can;t have a high and low ratio at the same time.

The square light is indicate you are in "4 low mode", the top light indicate the center differential is locked, and the lower light indicate the rear differential is locked. It is clearly stated on the owner's manual. I just can't lock the rear diff.

[RFM]

As far as i know was this a part of an option called "Porsche Traction Management Plus" available since October 2003 ( MY 04 ). I can be wrong because nobody got this option over here, limited market and no real off road costumers.

[silverspeedy]

Guys - the locking rear differential is not standard. It is included as part of the Advanced Offroad Technology Package. This package also includes nice things like ruggedized wheel wells, hydraulically disconnectable stabilizer bars for greater off-road wheel articulation, and front, side, and rear skid plates. From the Renntech homepage, at the top bar click on Documents. The ordering guides give a good overview of available options. For some year-models you have to go to the second page. When you find the one you want, you can download the PDF document with the download button at the bottom. The interface is confusing but the information is out there.

I looked high and low to find a used Cayenne with this option but I could not find a single one in the US because it is very rare. If you are lucky enough to be ordering a new one and you think you might ever use it, I would say definitely get it. You will make somebody's day when you decide to upgrade to a 2014 Turbo and you will be clearly differentiated in the market.

That said, realistically this option is massive overkill for the average user including me and I will certainly do some mild offroading. The first click of that left switch will put you in 4-low, which is just a 2.7:1 gear reduction for more power. The second click will lock the center differential in loose traction conditions. This will help if BOTH the front or BOTH the rear tires loose all traction. Here's my point - most of us will never miss the locking rear differential because other technology is compensating, namely ADB or Advanced Differential Braking which apparently works pretty well even with one wheel completely off the ground. Just smoothly apply more power and let ADB do its magic. Check out some of the videos on youtube and can see it in action

Disclaimer: I am not an engineer or a technician or an experienced offroader. I have just done my homework and this is why other people and forums have told me but this should be better information than you can get from your typical "what color do you want" salesperson. (My apologies if you are a more than typical salesperson)

Cheers guys, and happy motoring. I love this car! I stopped by the Garden of the Gods (aptly named) outside Colorado Springs on my way home from the dealership yesterday.

[bfong]

Guys - the locking rear differential is not standard. It is included as part of the Advanced Offroad Technology Package. This package also includes nice things like ruggedized wheel wells, hydraulically disconnectable stabilizer bars for greater off-road wheel articulation, and front, side, and rear skid plates. From the Renntech homepage, at the top bar click on Documents. The ordering guides give a good overview of available options. For some year-models you have to go to the second page. When you find the one you want, you can download the PDF document with the download button at the bottom. The interface is confusing but the information is out there.

I looked high and low to find a used Cayenne with this option but I could not find a single one in the US because it is very rare. If you are lucky enough to be ordering a new one and you think you might ever use it, I would say definitely get it. You will make somebody's day when you decide to upgrade to a 2014 Turbo and you will be clearly differentiated in the market.

That said, realistically this option is massive overkill for the average user including me and I will certainly do some mild offroading. The first click of that left switch will put you in 4-low, which is just a 2.7:1 gear reduction for more power. The second click will lock the center differential in loose traction conditions. This will help if BOTH the front or BOTH the rear tires loose all traction. Here's my point - most of us will never miss the locking rear differential because other technology is compensating, namely ADB or Advanced Differential Braking which apparently works pretty well even with one wheel completely off the ground. Just smoothly apply more power and let ADB do its magic. Check out some of the videos on youtube and can see it in action

Disclaimer: I am not an engineer or a technician or an experienced offroader. I have just done my homework and this is why other people and forums have told me but this should be better information than you can get from your typical "what color do you want" salesperson. (My apologies if you are a more than typical salesperson)

Cheers guys, and happy motoring. I love this car! I stopped by the Garden of the Gods (aptly named) outside Colorado Springs on my way home from the dealership yesterday.

Thankyou very much, that explained all these things that the owners handbook and the Porsche service expert can't explain !

[silverspeedy]

My pleasure - glad I could help! Enjoy your pepperwagon!

[Guest]

mow things are getting clear for me also. thanks.