2000 Carrera 2 coupe 6 speed: disconnecting coolant reservoir sensor cable

[Philip54]

I would like to run my car with the coolant reservoir sensor cable disconnected for a quick test, since the coolant light on the coolant temperature gauge continues to behave erratically.

 

Access to the bottom the reservoir, where the cable connects to the sensor, does not seem very good.  Would it be easier to disconnect the cable at the other end?  How could this be accomplished?

 

Thanks

 

[JFP in PA]

It needs to be disconnected at the tank.

[Philip54]

Thanks for letting me know, JFP.

 

In order to disconnect at the tank, is it necessary to unbolt the tank and lift the tank above its normal position?  Or it can be done without moving the tank?

Also, how is the connector released? I am asking because probably I will not be able to see the connector well, while I am trying to release it.

 

Thanks

 

 

 

[JFP in PA]

Sensor looks like this out of the tank:

 

 

Getting at it is a nightmare as the tank has to come out, after the engine is lowered a bit.  Because of how the tank sits, it is covered from below and impossible to get at. In this video, around 9:30, you can see the plug and how it is released (simple pinch connector).  If you are even thinking about going through this process, I would recommend buying a new (factory ONLY) tank and sensor, as these tanks are known failure points, and you really don't want to do this twice:

 

996 coolant tank removal

 

Good luck!

[Philip54]

Thanks for all the good information.

My coolant tank, the tank sensor and all the coolant were replaced earlier this year. 

Considering all the difficulties in disconnecting the tank sensor, I will leave the tank sensor alone and I will disconnect the coolant sensor instead, for which access is easier. 

I am trying to figure out what is going on with my coolant gauge light.  At this time that light blinks in slow mode all the time the engine is on, except if in the previous trip the coolant temperature did not exceed 88°C, because it was a short trip.  In that situation the light will not start blinking, when the engine is started, and will start blinking again only when and if the coolant temperature exceeds 88°C.

Previously the pattern was different and less regular, but that is the way it is these days.

Note: I measured the 88°C temperature with Durametric.  The coolant gauge does not provide a digital reading, but it seems to be pretty much in agreement with Durametric.

[JFP in PA]

56 minutes ago, Philip54 said:

Thanks for all the good information.

My coolant tank, the tank sensor and all the coolant were replaced earlier this year. 

Considering all the difficulties in disconnecting the tank sensor, I will leave the tank sensor alone and I will disconnect the coolant sensor instead, for which access is easier. 

I am trying to figure out what is going on with my coolant gauge light.  At this time that light blinks in slow mode all the time the engine is on, except if in the previous trip the coolant temperature did not exceed 88°C, because it was a short trip.  In that situation the light will not start blinking, when the engine is started, and will start blinking again only when and if the coolant temperature exceeds 88°C.

Previously the pattern was different and less regular, but that is the way it is these days.

Note: I measured the 88°C temperature with Durametric.  The coolant gauge does not provide a digital reading, but it seems to be pretty much in agreement with Durametric.

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)

[Philip54]

Thanks for the additional information, JFP.  We'll see what happens after I disconnect the coolant sensor cable.