Temp light flashing on 996 - advice needed please

[After Eight]

Hello, Sometimes when I give my '98 996 a really good blast the red light at the end of the water temperature gauge flashes on and off every 2 seconds. As soon as I turn off the engine and start it up again the flashing stops and the light remains off.
Is this common? Do I need to worry about this? (I'd be more concerned if it happened every time I drove the car but it only ever happens when I rev it hard). I've checked the radiators and nothing seems to be blocking them. The temperature gauge never moves past the half way mark.

Cheers

After Eight

[nervous]

the tiniest amount low in the coolant will cause this. just top it up.

dont worry

[After Eight]

That's good news, thanks Nervous, it had a full service about 8 weeks ago so I would have thought the level would be ok but I'll check. Any idea what specification of coolant I need to buy?

Thanks again

After Eight

[Thunderfoot]

Just top it up with water, you'll be surprised how little you need.

[BliarOut]

That's boiled or distilled water, not tap water. A cupful below the level is enough to make the light come on

[After Eight]

Great thanks for all your help, its appreciated

[paulburrell]

If it happenns again in a short while, you will need to investigate the cause. Usual cause is a crack in the plastic reservoir. Or as in my case, two of the seals on the front radiator had gone and had to be replaced. 50p in parts and £280 in labour.

Regards

[barryjwoo]

Had exactly the same fault and as one of the other post says a cracked coolant reserevoir was the cause. Only £100 or so to fix at the last service IIRC.