Carlos4S

Sorry to hear...

cdk4219

Sounds like this car has some electrical connection issues. That isn’t a thermostat problem with the gauge dropping that fast, it’s definately electrical not mechanical. If the oil warmed up enough to check it , chances are the thermostat is working. You need to check engine temp with a non contact thermometer to make sure it’s running at the temp the gauge states

Big Swole

Read through this whole thread... My head has exploded from being angry For you Sir!!

I sure hope, in the end, this was all worth it to you. You're a better man than me.

At least you have the skills to be doing a lot of this stuff your self.

jll1011

TeeJay, I continue to be impressed with your bravery to take on tough projects on your car. I guess that is how we all learn. Appreciate your documentation of your journey.

Strimdog

This thread has me in Awe! TeeJay, You're a rock star! I add my own air and oil, That's all I'm capable of. You sir are a surgeon! Very best of luck with this!

cdk4219

That's the reason I thought it might be the issue. The GT2 and Turbo are pretty similar. But I guess the AWD tranny just doesn't need the cooler.

The Gt2 is more race oriented, the gt2 has a limited slip differential,, although I don’t know if I would appreciate 185* or more coolant attempting to cool my manual transmission. I certainly would like to keep it cooler than that.

TeeJayHoward

What you're seeing isn't the gauge dropping fast, it's the ECU disabling the gauge because the coolant temp isn't where it thinks it should be.

A418t81

Amazing story of perseverance. Next step check resistance and continuity of coolant temp sensor circuit?

TeeJayHoward

Next step is get my Durametric in tomorrow and start logging values. An electrical issue is seldom able to be tracked down via a multimeter - It could only happen when the wire's hot, when a bump separates the two cracked pieces of wire under the insulation, or when some other electric device causes a ground loop. The best way to figure it out is to see exactly what the ECU is seeing. If the coolant temp reads 100*F, 101*F, -42*F, 102*F... Then there's an issue with the wiring. However, if it reads 100*F, 101*F, 102*F, 103*F, and the gauge is still being disabled, then it's a logic fault and not an electrical one. And if it reads 100*F, 101*F, -42*F, -42*F, -42*F... It's probably an issue with the sensor.

edit: Guess I won't be getting my Durametric Pro in tomorrow. Scheduled delivery is now Saturday - The same day I drop off the car at the dealer. Monday they'll replace the thermostat, and I'll get the car back late Monday/early Tuesday.

edit2: Oh, I also replaced the front two tires with some cheap Nankang tires, and swapped out all four TPMS sensors with new ones. Don't worry, the summer set will match later this year when all four get swapped to Pilot Sports. This was just a "get me home" fix.

A418t81

No doubt, but I’ve seen CTS issues due to grounding problems on similar vintage VWs and Audis (specifically
S4s which may even have the same sensor). Worth checking on.

Also, as far as tires, Pilot Sport 4S or bust. Fantastic tire for this car.

Rob993

TeeJay, incredible patience that you have and I must say very logical mindset to working your way through it. BUT that is working against you so please don't let that personality allow the dealership feel that they can get away with it. Unless you signed off a final closure agreement in writing and have received the funds you agreed to, I would stay all over them as they are truly at fault here. Sure buyer beware and all that stuff but they misrepresented in writing to you with the PPI. For a PPI to not have picked up these simple to find issues shows liability. Not that Porsche stands by the little guy but if it is truly a P car dealership light a fire under Porsche USA with a formal complaint. If the window is open to correcting the situation with the dealer run don't walk to your lawyer and at least have him draft a letter for you to start the process. This way they will see your are serious and I can tell you most every one on this Forum will have parked themselves at their doorstep. The cost of the letter will be fractions of what this is going to cost you in the end. Check your legislation as that car was not safe the moment you accepted delivery. Wiring alone could have catastrophic results.
I wish you the best of luck and everything to go your way for you and your wife as you are remarkable and again have the patience of a saint.

Rob32Ford

As other have said - you have incredible patience. However, life/time is too short to put up with that level of BS.

I would have refused the car at delivery based on its appearance. Not sure how far it traveled, but it looks like it went on a cross country trip on dirt roads. My TT was purchased at a dealer 2 hours away and it was delivered in an enclosed truck without a spec of dust on it. I would expect nothing less.

Good luck!

Isthisforeal

I remember when i swapped out my alternator my coolant gauge wouldnt rise. I took it to my mechanic and he figured out that i did not install a ground wire to the alternator. My coolant gauge was fixed. Best of luck!

Cosmo Kramer

Wow I just checked out this thread! Good luck to you sir and hope you get this car sorted and saved!!!

TeeJayHoward

Just got the car back from the dealer. Thermostat replaced for $692.59 including some other little seals they found while in there. Plus new coolant, etc. An hour of driving and the issue hasn't returned. Of course, I did get a NEW dashboard light on the way home...

...My low fuel light. Guess it's good to know it works!