rhodyrandy

I have a 99' C2 Cab and I am looking for a little help with the coolant light.

I was taking a little "Sunday" Drive today and the engine coolant light came on. It was flashing for about 20 minutes but the gauge was just about in the middle so I wasn't too concerned. I stopped the car, turned off the ignition and sat for about 5 minutes. When I restarted it the light wasn't flashing anymore and hasn't since.

Anybody have this happen before? What would cause this?

Thanks!

Peter B

I think its caused by the check system detecting a momentary "low fluid" situation, which then rights itself. Exactly the same has happened to me, usually on a Sunday as well.
Spooky!

salomon

It could be a cracked coolant tank. I had the same problem on my '99 996. You should probably bring it to a Porsche Dealer for service. They will likely replace it for free under goodwill, as this is a common issue for the '99 996. If they charge, expect to pay $300-$400.

bet

Flashing temp. light means a low coolant level. However it is also appears when the coolant system has a "bubble" in the system and needs bled. Read the DIY on Renntech.org about installing the third radiator as Loren goes into detail about how to purge and/or bled the coolant system. If that doesn't fix the problem then its time for a dealer trip.

lexpilot

The blinking coolant light codes are in the owner's manual. You may have a split coolant reservoir.
About 2 months ago I had the dreaded coolant reservoir tank seam split that plagues the 1999 model year cars. In addition to the new improved tank Doug ordered up 3 quarts of the Porsche certified coolant.
As posted previously he charged me for 3 quarts of Porsche coolant 00004330078 at $6.97 each. He charged me $184.78 for the coolant reservoir and $120 for the labor to replace the leaking reservoir, fill and bleed. I post this for your reference.

Riad

I've had this happen on my 2001 c4 a couple of times. Turned out to be a coolant tank leak... fixed under warranty, out of warranty I think it's about 600 bucks.

rhodyrandy

Thanks. I 'll have to bring it in. I am glad it is Porsche certified and therefore under warranty!

mdrobc1213

Yes I had the same problem...light would go on and blink and blink...the needle would be in the middle (normal) position. I would turn the car off...wait a min or two and re-start and the light would go away. I then read the manual AGAIN and checked my coolant level and it was bone-dry almost. I added coolant and drove it yesterday without any repeat but it had happened a few times prior to this. I will probably have a leak though so I will have it checked at its service next month.

Any thoughts?

mdrob
=============
MY99 996 (mine)
'01 BMW 325xi (mine)
'04 ML350 (herz)
3y/o daughter and 5 y/o son (Ourz)

porman

Usually you will 'smell' coolant if the resoirvoir is cracked/leaking but look it over very well with a flashlight for crusty residue, then the cap, then check the water pump the same way look for residue or buildup around the puke hole...pressure check the system which will look at the coolant system entirely inc radiator/hoses..last but not least go to the sensor they can false fault ..if all the above ck out good change sensor...just do it

VGM911

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the tank may not be covered by the Certified PreOwned warranty.

One other thought...are you sure that your car is still covered by a CPO agreement - it seems too old to qualify.

Doug996InKC

coolant overflow tank changeout I had exactly the same symptoms. Here's a link to the kind of mess it can cause inside the engine compartment.

Thundertub

So, Step #1 is to simply look at the coolant level when engine is cold. If it appears between the marks on the side of the expansion tank, then a cracked coolant tank is not the problem. If you have been using the correct coolant, then the coolant will be mostly clear and you can just shake the car a little and look at the side of the tank to see the fluid level.

The coolant level is measured by an electronic "float.". "Sunday" driving (autocross, DE's, Tail of the Dragon, etc) have increased G-loads that can momentarily drop the measuring "float" below the predetermined level. Simply shutting down the car for a moment and then restarting will reset the "float alarm." Happens to me from time-to-time on road and track.

As long as the temp gauge reads in the general vacinity of normal, then don't panic.

soverystout

I thought the same thing. I'm not sure it's possible that a 99 model year car is under CPO. Porsche only certifies cars that are 8 years old or newer and the warranty only lasts for 2 years or 100,000, whichever comes first.

Ahsai

Guys, this thread is almost 7yrs old.

VGM911

I certainly didn't see that! : )