Temp Warning Light 1999 996 C2 Cab Tip

[Denis O]

After a bit of spirited driving at the weekend my temp warning light started to flash. Temp gauge was reading normal and oil pressure was fine. No signs of steam from the rear. Once I turned the engine off and started it again the light was gone.

Owners manual says "if the engine compartment blower has failed the warning light flashes"

So what's going on? What is the engine compartment blower? Why does the light flash only after spirited driving? Am I into a big bill or is there an easy fix?

[CVP]

I know this may sound obvious - engine coolant level. I got exactly the same symptoms as you and thought my coolant level was OK.

My Boxster manual states should be at max when cold rather than what I always used of approx 1/2 way between min and max when cold and then that = max when hot. I'm assuming 996 is similar but worth checking.

I'd give this a try first as a bottle of coolant is only approx GBP 6 from and OPC so it's the cheapest of the possible solutions.

HTH

Chris

[zanzibar]

I had the same thing with my GT3 when on track the warning light would start flashing I checked the level when hot and it was an inch or so under the minumim level, I let the engine cool down and the coolant level showed over the minumim level again. What seems to happen is the coolant is drawn out of the resevior when driven hard, if the coolant is near minimum its enough for the low level warning light to flash. There is about an inch difference from the hot temperature level to the cold so its best to check the level when hot, then let it cool down and fill it up. If it still carries on flashing it could be a faulty sensor!

[dunnred7]

I used to have the smae problem in my C2, but only when driveing hard or at high speed - I learned to ignore it, and it never became a problem

[barryjwoo]

Had the exact same problem where the light flashed after enthusiastic driving. Coolant levels were fine but at the last service the coolant header tank was found to have a small crack. Replaced and problem has not recurred.
Hope this helps
Barry

[jj996]

This is a common problem on early C2 996's.

Porsche dealerships fitted a different header tank onto the car if it was still under warranty.

Apparently, the header tank is bigger and has baffles in it to stop the coolant splashing about ( Or something along these lines) .

You will find it only does it when you put your foot down and really go for it!

Not something to worry about. IMO

[Denis O]

Cheers all.
I topped up the coolant with distilled water (no coolant available) and it took about 1/2 pint. It's maintained that level since (250 miles) so I'll watch next time I give the loud pedal some excersise and see what happens.