986 Coolant Temp Sensor Woes

[Jared Imapirate]

I am currently trying to repair my 2001 Boxster 2.7 as the coolant temperature gauge no longer reads and the coolant light is flashing at about 1 hz. The coolant temperature sensor pigtail had broken wires too close to the connector itself to effectively solder back together. I searched for several days and couldnt find anyone selling a specifically designated coolant temperature sensor pigtail, but the engine knock sensor pigtail seemed to fit. I installed that part and reconnected the wires with a good soldered connection and plugged everything in, unplugged the battery for about 10 minutes to reset the code, restarted the engine and was greeted with the same flashing light. The coolant temp sensor itself has been replaced, the coolant level is solid and the engine has been burped. Several times. Any thoughts?

[JFP in PA]

5 hours ago, Jared Imapirate said:

I am currently trying to repair my 2001 Boxster 2.7 as the coolant temperature gauge no longer reads and the coolant light is flashing at about 1 hz. The coolant temperature sensor pigtail had broken wires too close to the connector itself to effectively solder back together. I searched for several days and couldnt find anyone selling a specifically designated coolant temperature sensor pigtail, but the engine knock sensor pigtail seemed to fit. I installed that part and reconnected the wires with a good soldered connection and plugged everything in, unplugged the battery for about 10 minutes to reset the code, restarted the engine and was greeted with the same flashing light. The coolant temp sensor itself has been replaced, the coolant level is solid and the engine has been burped. Several times. Any thoughts?

 

Welcome to RennTech

 

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 

(1Hz = 1 flash per second.  0.5Hz = 2 seconds per flash)

[CJamerson1212]

I just replaced the water pump on my 98 Boxster; however,  I still have the blinking warning light. I assume my coolant level is low so i'll add more this afternoon.

My questions are:

Will the light turn off automatically or is it something that needs to be manually reset?

Also, what is the normal operating coolant temperature?  (mine currently runs around 200)

 

Thanks inn advance!

Cheers

[Loren]

2 minutes ago, CJamerson1212 said:

I just replaced the water pump on my 98 Boxster; however,  I still have the blinking warning light. I assume my coolant level is low so i'll add more this afternoon.

My questions are:

Will the light turn off automatically or is it something that needs to be manually reset?

Also, what is the normal operating coolant temperature?  (mine currently runs around 200)

 

Thanks inn advance!

Cheers

 

That light likely means one of two things.

1. You did not vacuum fill your coolant after the water pump change and you have air trapped in the engine (causing hot spots).

2. Your coolant tank sensor is bad and needs to be replaced.

 

See JFP's descriptions in the post above.

[CJamerson1212]

Thanks Loren.

We did not vacuum fill the coolant because we didn't have the correct adapter for the 986.  In my research I've found the UVIEW Airlift system.  Is there a particular model that I need? Or can I get an adapter to use with our current system (Snap on)?

 

[JFP in PA]

34 minutes ago, CJamerson1212 said:

Thanks Loren.

We did not vacuum fill the coolant because we didn't have the correct adapter for the 986.  In my research I've found the UVIEW Airlift system.  Is there a particular model that I need? Or can I get an adapter to use with our current system (Snap on)?

 

 

Uview makes two version, one is plastic and comes with a general use adaptor, the second is all metal and comes with adaptors for everything known to mankind...………..

[CJamerson1212]

This forum is great!  I went out to lunch and topped off the coolant level.. light went out. 

Thank you for all the support everyone.

[Loren]

You should keep checking it as the trapped air escapes it will likely need topping up again.