Porsche Check Engine Light, Engine Performance,
& Oil Level or Oil Pressure Warnings Explained

Understanding Porsche Check Engine Light, Engine Performance, or Oil Level Dashboard Warning Messages

If you see a message or warning light, such as a check engine symbol, on your Porsche dashboard that relates to engine performance, or oil level, it’s important to take the appropriate action. This section covers what to do when messages associated with the engine in your Porsche appear on the dashboard.

Common Porsche Engine Warning Messages

Engine health and performance is critical. Repairs associated with mechanical engine failure and supporting systems such as emissions, can be extremely costly. If you have engine related warning messages do not ignore them. Check our guide below to see how to react and what to do.

If the messages are related to engine overheating, see our page on cooling system messages.

Seek the expert help of one of our recommended Porsche specialists. And, if you see a message we have not covered please contact us and share it with us. If we helped you, please help us.

Check Engine Light

This is the classic check engine light or CEL. This indicates that the engine management has detected a running condition that reduces performance.

Here’s what to do – it’s possible that the engine appears to run perfectly normally. This would indicate an emissions related problem, so driving is possible. However, this light does require immediate attention. Have the engine management scanned at a Porsche specialist as soon as possible. Engine damage as a result of ignoring this light could be expensive.

Engine Too Hot Park Vehicle

This message indicates that engine management has detected a situation that would cause overheating in the engine. Significant damage can result from an engine that gets too hot.

Here’s what to do – stop the engine immediately and do not drive the car. Have the car towed to a Porsche specialist immediately. Overheating is typically catastrophic for Porsche engines and repairs after overheating in some cases can exceed the value of the car!

Reduced Engine Power

This message indicates that engine management has entered a mode to protect the engine and transmission from damage by reducing the power output. The issue may not necessarily be an engine fault and the mode is design for engine protection.

Here’s what to do – seek the help of a Porsche specialist as soon as possible. Scan the car to determine the fault causing the reduced power condition. Do not drive the car.

Engine Start Stop Operation Deactivated

This message tells you that the system that controls the start and stop mechanism for the engine is not functioning. This could be because you have disabled it or because of a condition that prevents the normal operation.

Here’s what to do – Continue to drive but check to see if the start stop button has been pressed and the system deactivated by the user. If not, then the system will need to be scanned to determine the cause of the deactivation. It could be a sign of other issues to come later.

Reduced Power Driving Permitted

This message indicates that engine management has entered a safe mode to protect the engine and transmission from damage. The engine will run but will perform at a reduced level.

Here’s what to do – It’s best to ignore the “driving permitted” and to stop driving the car. Reduced power can get you into trouble when trying to make turns across traffic for example. Get the car to a Porsche specialist and have the system scanned to determine the cause of the safe mode as soon as possible.

Engine Extract Vent Message

This message indicates that the engine management has detected a failure in the engine cooling fans on the rear engine lid.

What to do next – Typically only one fan will fail at one time. Run the engine until hot and check which fan is not running and replace. It’s wise to check the wiring and connectors to the fans first. If neither fan is running take a close look at the wiring. Don’t let the engine get too warm and reduce driving until this problem is resolved.

Porsche Engine Oil Level Messages

No Information About Oil Level

This message indicates that the oil level measuring system is unable to correctly asses the quantity of oil in the engine at this time.

Here’s what to do – This message typically means the engine oil is not warm enough to give an accurate reading. Let the car warm up at idle for a time and reach operating temperature. An oil level measurement should then be possible.

If the message persists at all times regardless of engine temp, seek the help of a Porsche specialist

Oil Can Failure Indicator

This message is an old style indicator that suggests a serious oil delivery or pressure problem with the engine oil system.

Here’s what to do – do not run the engine in the hopes that the message will disappear! Oil pressure is critical to protecting the engine and performance. Seeing this message is typically not a good sign, but quick protective action may help minimize the damage.

Seek the help of a Porsche specialist as soon as possible. Determining the actual cause of this message is the critical next step.

Oil Level Above Maximum

This message indicates the the engine oil level is too high and should be lowered. It does not indicate the quantity of excess oil in the engine and therefore remedial action is required to correct the problem.

Here’s what to do – Do not ignore the message. We don’t recommend you drive the car. It would be better to solve this problem immediately. A short drive to a Porsche specialist is possible. To correct the oil level requires the oil to be drained or vacuumed and the oil level setting procedure repeated with fresh oil.

Oil Level Max 1 Quart Oil Refill Drive on Possible

This message indicates that the engine oil level has dropped to its minimum safe level for normal operation. The oil may have leaked out or it maybe the result of normal engine oil consumption.

Here’s what to do – First document the mileage and record the distance between oil changes and oil top off. It’s important to understand the speed of engine oil consumption. Next, top off the oil immediately. Do not drive any significant distance before adjusting the oil level. Seek the advice of a Porsche specialist.

Oil Level Minimum Reached

This message indicates that the engine oil level is at its minimum safe level. The oil may have leaked out or it maybe the result of normal engine oil consumption. On older vehicles it’s important to determine why the oil level has dropped.

Here’s what to do – First document the mileage and record the distance between oil changes. Next, top off the oil immediately. Do not drive before adjusting the oil level.

Seek the advice of a Porsche specialist to help determine the cause of oil consumption.

Oil Level OK

You want to see this message any time you go to this screen! This message indicates that the oil level in the engine is correct.

Here’s what to do – Smile! Nothing else to be done when you see this message. Being super diligent, you might record the mileage and measurements to understand the normal rate at which a healthy engine consumes oil. Don’t be surprised when the level indicated starts to drop and be prepared to document the mileage if a top off is needed.

Oil Pressure Measurement Fault Driving Permitted

This message indicates that the engine management cannot correctly read the engine oil pressure. The oil pressure in the engine is critical to safe running and significant damage will result if oil pressure is incorrect.

Here’s what to do – Despite the “driving permitted” don’t! Have the car towed to a Porsche specialist and determine the reasons this fault message is being shown. It’s possible that this is just a failed sensor, but it could also be an indication of a lack of oil pressure – that could be a very expensive repair. Don’t take the risk.