TNH 986

Hey guys,

Did a search on the site, but did not find anything specific to my problem.

The last few days on a cold start, my temperature gauge red warning light has been flashing, but if I turn the car off for a while and re-start a few times it goes away.

Also the temperature does not seem to go above 180.

Could this be my thermostat having problems?

Is this a costly fix?


Any ideas / suggestions to help gauge the problem would be appreciated.

Thanks!

-j

ohioboxster

My light flashed and it meant I was low on coolant and I was only low about a cup. Check coolant level.

cdodkin

ohioboxster is correct - this warning light has 2 meanings

One is temp, the other is low coolant (who the hell designed that warning system!)

Check coolant level, and top-up as required.

Chris.

TNH 986

Awesome thanks guys!

I was looking at the coolant level, but it was dark when i was checking it and must have read it wrong.

Looks like it was just a little low, added some water and now the flashing light is gone.

Thanks again guys!

cdodkin

So keep an eye on your coolant level - use a small flashlight to look into the coolant tank with the cap off.

There are many cases of the coolant tank developing a small crack and slow slow leak. The crack is way back inside the engine compartment, and not easily visible.

Only initially leaks under high pressure, and it's not obvious because you may not se coolant on the ground under the car when parked.

If the level keeps dropping, get to the dealer, and get it checked out.

Chris.

Loren

More than two meanings for the temp light...

Covers all Carrera (996), GT3, TT / GT2 and Boxster (986) cars
Here is the long explanation from the service manual on the flashing coolant light.

"Four functions of the coolant warning light:
1. Engine coolant level too low -- light flashes slowly (0.5 Hz)
2. Engine compartment temperature too high -- light flashes slowly (0.5 Hz) (engine compartment blower might be faulty)
3. Engine coolant temperature too high -- light is lit; pointer on the right
4. Temperature sensor at water outlet faulty -- light flashes rapidly (1 Hz) ; pointer on the right

Note: The temperature warning in point three is indicated if the conditions "engine coolant temperature too high" and "engine coolant level too low" are present simultaneously."

TNH 986

Thanks for the heads up.

It looks like their was a small crack in coolant tank.

Set me back $950, which really hurts right now since I have been having some home repairs done the last few weeks.

Anyways thanks again guys for the advice.

JP

cdodkin

Glad you got it fixed before it became a show stopper

Chris.

Turboflyer

That is insane. $950.00. Might try some JB Weld and keep the old tank for a spare.

charles turner

I have an issue where the tank sensor is showing low level with the tank full. I have tested it by disconnecting the wiring and it still show light the indicator. The engine builds pressure and has not overheated, anyone have any ideas?

cdodkin

You may need to burp the system if it has trapped air.

Did the coolant recently get refilled?

Macster

Just my WAG but a fail safe for a level sensor would be to fail indicating not enough fluid prompting you to add fluid and then noting the fluid level was ok.

Thus I would hazard a guess the level sensor is not working right.

Another possibility is it is just all slimed up.

Depending upon the type of anti-freeze used, the quality of the water used, other things (like coolant age and if it has run low for a while) can expose the sensor to getting all slimed up and not able to provide a good reading.