Temp Light Blinking

[spg356]

Greetings all,

'98 Boxster 5 speed 79k miles.

My temp light flashes intermittently. The coolant level is fine and there are no leaks anywhere.

Sometimes the light flashes and sometimes it does not--there is no pattern as to when it does or does not.

Searching the forum I found these possibilities:

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

It is not #1 as the coolant level is correct.

I do not think it is #2 as sometimes it will flash at startup after sitting over night in 25 degree weather; engine compartment temp can't be too hot then.

It is not #3, see above.

It is not #4 as it flashes slowly

Could it just be a coolant level sensor? Any thoughts?

Merry Christmas to those who celebrate it, and for those who don't have a nice few days of downtime!!

Edited December 26, 2010 by spg356

[JFP in PA]

Possibly the coolant level sensor, which is located in the bottom of the coolant surge tank in the rear boot. Fortunately, the level sensor is not actually in contact with the coolant, so it can be changed without having to drain the system. I'd also check the plug connections on the sensor as they tend to get corroded (yellow arrow in photo).

[spg356]

Thanks Jeff,

I will clean the connections, and if that does not do it I will then replace the sensor.

Regards,

[spg356]

Jeff,

It looks like cleaning the contacts solved the problem, the light has not flashed since doing so. If it flashes again without any coolant level issues, then I will know to just replace the sensor.

Thanks again!

[JFP in PA]

Anytime.........

[kbrandsma]

With a 98 Boxster I would also check your radiator cap part number. If the part number ends in 01, I would replace it. They are now up to 04.

[budcamp1]

Have the small issue - slow blinking temp light, right after start up. Coolant level is fine. Already replaced radiator cap, and just replaced the coolant level sensor (can be done without draining coolant). light still blinking. Thoughts?

[JFP in PA]

Have the small issue - slow blinking temp light, right after start up. Coolant level is fine. Already replaced radiator cap, and just replaced the coolant level sensor (can be done without draining coolant). light still blinking. Thoughts?

Check your engine compartment fan to make sure it is functional.