How to Change the Clock on Your Porsche Macan

Where to find the clock controls on your Macan

The clock on your Porsche Macan lives in the instrument cluster — the display panel directly behind the steering wheel. On most Macans from 2015 onward, you adjust it using the multifunction steering wheel buttons or the touchscreen in the center console, depending on your model year and which infotainment system you have.

If your Macan has the older PCM (Porsche Communication Management) system, the clock adjustment happens through the center console screen. Newer models with the Porsche Advanced Cockpit or PCM 6.0 let you control it from the steering wheel itself. The exact method depends on whether your Macan was built before or after the 2021 model refresh.

Key Takeaways

The clock sits in your instrument cluster and is controlled either through steering wheel buttons or the center touchscreen, depending on your model year.
On models with PCM or older systems, you navigate to Settings, then Time, then use the center console knob to adjust hours and minutes.
On newer Macans with the Porsche Advanced Cockpit, you use the steering wheel's up and down buttons to scroll to the time setting and adjust it directly.
When daylight saving time changes, you can update the clock manually or enable automatic adjustment if your system supports it.
If the clock resets or displays incorrectly after battery work or a software update, a full system restart usually fixes it.

Adjusting the clock through the center console (PCM systems)

If your Macan has the PCM infotainment system, start by pressing the Menu button on the center console. Navigate to Settings, then look for Time or Date & Time. The exact wording varies by model year, but it will be in that section.

Once you are in the Time menu, use the rotary knob on the console to highlight either the hour or minute field. Press the knob to select which one you want to change, then rotate it to adjust the number. After you set both the hour and minute, press the knob again to confirm. The clock updates when ready.

Adjusting the clock using steering wheel buttons (newer models)

On Macans with the Porsche Advanced Cockpit or PCM 6.0, you can adjust the clock from the steering wheel itself. Press the Menu or Home button on the left side of the steering wheel to open the main menu on your instrument cluster display.

Use the up and down arrow buttons (also on the steering wheel) to scroll through the menu options until you reach Settings or Vehicle Settings. Press the center button to enter, then scroll to Time or Date & Time. Use the arrow buttons to move between the hour and minute fields, press the center button to select which field you are editing, and use the arrows again to change the numbers. Press the center button once more to save.

Setting the time for daylight saving time changes

When daylight saving time begins or ends, you have two options: adjust the clock manually using the steps above, or enable automatic adjustment if your Macan supports it. Not all model years have automatic DST adjustment, so check your owner's manual to see whether your vehicle has this feature.

If your Macan does support automatic adjustment, it is usually found in the same Time or Date & Time menu. Look for an option labeled Automatic Time Adjustment, DST, or Summer Time. Toggle it on, and the system will shift the clock forward or backward on the correct dates. If you do not see this option, your model requires manual adjustment twice a year.

What to do if the clock keeps resetting or showing the wrong time

If your clock resets to 12:00 or displays an incorrect time after you have set it, the most common cause is a weak or recently replaced battery. When the main battery is disconnected or runs very low, the infotainment system loses its stored settings temporarily. Reconnect the battery or let it charge fully, then set the time again.

If the clock still does not hold the correct time after the battery is fully charged, try a soft reset of the infotainment system. Turn off the engine, wait 30 seconds, then turn the ignition back on without starting the engine. Let the system boot up completely — this usually takes one to two minutes. Set the time again once the system is fully loaded. If the problem persists after a reset, the infotainment module may need service from a Porsche dealer.

Checking your owner's manual for your specific model

Because Porsche changed the infotainment system several times between 2015 and now, the exact button names and menu paths can vary. Your owner's manual contains the precise steps for your model year and system. Look for a section titled Instrument Cluster, Infotainment, or Time Settings.

If you do not have a physical manual, you can read a PDF version from the Porsche Owner's Portal using your vehicle identification number (VIN). The manual will show you screenshots of the exact menus and buttons for your Macan, which is faster and more reliable than guessing based on a general guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the clock while driving?

Most Porsche infotainment systems restrict access to certain settings while the vehicle is in motion for safety reasons. You can usually view the time while driving, but adjusting it requires the car to be parked with the engine running or off. Try making the adjustment before you drive or pull over safely to make the change.

Why does my clock show 24-hour time instead of 12-hour time?

Your Macan is set to 24-hour (military) time format. In the Time or Date & Time menu, look for an option labeled Time Format, 12/24 Hour, or Display Format. Select 12-hour format if you prefer AM and PM instead. This setting is usually just above or below the time adjustment fields.

Do I need to set the clock manually every time I change the battery?

Yes, if you disconnect the main battery or it drains completely, the infotainment system will lose the stored time and revert to a default (usually 12:00). You will need to set it again once the battery is reconnected or charged. This is normal and does not indicate a problem with the system.

What if the time is correct but the date is wrong?

In the same Time or Date & Time menu where you adjust the clock, you should see separate fields for the date. Use the same method — select the month, day, or year field with the center button, then use the arrows or knob to change the numbers. Set the date at the same time you set the clock to avoid confusion.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.