996 OVERHEATING PROBLEM
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
996 OVERHEATING PROBLEM
Hi
Has anyone experienced problems with the coolant temp light flashing red. The gauge stays at about 90 degrees and does not actually go on to overheat. I have a 1998 996 with 37K miles so hardly used. Thanks - Jon
Has anyone experienced problems with the coolant temp light flashing red. The gauge stays at about 90 degrees and does not actually go on to overheat. I have a 1998 996 with 37K miles so hardly used. Thanks - Jon
Race Car
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 4,159
Likes: 8
From: Chicagoland
The light will flash when coolant is low in the tank or there is a problem with the level sensor at the bottom of the tank. It will also flash if their is a problem with the engine compartment fan circuit.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 299
Likes: 2
From: Bethesda, MD
Originally Posted by justinmm2
I hate to scare you, but my coolant temp was fine but the warning light went on when I needed a new engine (oil/coolant intermix)... Check your level, hopefully it's just a little low...
Bill
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,163
Likes: 2
From: Newport Beach, Ca.
Originally Posted by justinmm2
I hate to scare you, but my coolant temp was fine but the warning light went on when I needed a new engine (oil/coolant intermix)... Check your level, hopefully it's just a little low...
Yeah, mine too...but the light is simply a warning of low coolant level....or bad sensor...Or problems were that the level was low because it was leaking into the engine and getting burned off.....
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,318
Likes: 1
The light does flash for a few reasons.
Low coolant.
And faulty solenoid that turns the engine fan on.
As an aside though the 1998 and 1999 did have some issues with "not over heating", but getting hot. That's why in 2000 ot 2001 Porsche changed the design of the front air dam - the new one was more "scooped" at the sides to suck in more air.
My 1999 C2 did sometimes get hot. I think it was par for the course for all early 996's.
Low coolant.
And faulty solenoid that turns the engine fan on.
As an aside though the 1998 and 1999 did have some issues with "not over heating", but getting hot. That's why in 2000 ot 2001 Porsche changed the design of the front air dam - the new one was more "scooped" at the sides to suck in more air.
My 1999 C2 did sometimes get hot. I think it was par for the course for all early 996's.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 821
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From: Arlington, VA
Originally Posted by wrljet
Did this happen with your 2001 Turbo car?
Bill
Bill
Kinda hard to say that without sounding alarmist... probably shoulda kept my mouth shut...
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,163
Likes: 2
From: Newport Beach, Ca.
Originally Posted by RR
The light does flash for a few reasons.
Low coolant.
And faulty solenoid that turns the engine fan on.
As an aside though the 1998 and 1999 did have some issues with "not over heating", but getting hot. That's why in 2000 ot 2001 Porsche changed the design of the front air dam - the new one was more "scooped" at the sides to suck in more air.
My 1999 C2 did sometimes get hot. I think it was par for the course for all early 996's.
Low coolant.
And faulty solenoid that turns the engine fan on.
As an aside though the 1998 and 1999 did have some issues with "not over heating", but getting hot. That's why in 2000 ot 2001 Porsche changed the design of the front air dam - the new one was more "scooped" at the sides to suck in more air.
My 1999 C2 did sometimes get hot. I think it was par for the course for all early 996's.
The higher operating temps is not a result of front air dam design...I have a TT bumper which would have been designed for better cooling and have noticed the same operating temps on my 99....I would say its radiator capacity, fans, and thermostats...but that is my opinion, because I dont actually KNOW why the 99-01's run hotter...I do know with the 3rd radiator kit, the car operates at lower temps, more like the 02+ cars....
Race Car
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 4,159
Likes: 8
From: Chicagoland
All the cars run at about the same temperature at low speeds, regardless fo what your temperature gauge tells you. They all run at a minimum of 190F once warmed up, regardless of vehicle speed. Pofrsche simply lowered the reported temp on the dash gauge.
Race Car
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 4,159
Likes: 8
From: Chicagoland
Originally Posted by newport996
so...the 99-01 is accurate, and they actually dumbed down the -2+ gauge so it doesnt alarm the owners? wow....interesting.
