Flashing warning light above 250 temp reading

[Topless]

Sounds like just a broken wire to the temp sensor or a bad sensor. Once you find and fix the problem you still have to clear the error code to clear the CEL. I am more worried about coolant on the ground than a bad sensor. Are you sure it is coolant and not just AC condensate? Where is it coming from exactly?

[pteam]

OK well its gonna cost me at least $400 , $200 for the tow and my warranty $200 deductable.

Yes it was coolant on the ground, it looks like it came from the overflow tank, and there was a very small amount around the coolant cap in the trunk.

The local parts store have no parts at all for a porsche boxster, so I'd probably have to order it online if I wanted to and wait for those to get here. The Porsche dealer said that that code could be from the engine just reading or reading low coolant (which it doesnt have, its 2 inches from the top) or a slight overheat. So I'm just gonna have it towed to them and they can fix it. It could be a thermostat which could still be very likely or the actual engine temp sensor but neither I can get locally and would have to order and I could replace both and that might still not fix it.

We could have cleared the code ourselves, and ordered the parts but do I order a thermostat and and engine temp sensor then clear the code? Then it might still have not been the problem, so just gonna have it towed to the dealer.

P0117 Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit - Low Input (High Temp) A . A=MIL Triggered on first occurrence . Thats why the porsche dealer said it could have just been a high temperature reading. But the CEL came on after only running the car for 2 minutes at idle yesterday.

[CJ_Boxster]

I wouldnt read too far into that code because it means exactly what it is saying....P0117 Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit - Low Input, your coolant temp sensor sends a signal to your gauge and the computer that tells them what the actually coolant temp is. It just simply went bad, There no way it'll be the thermostat, If the thermostat went bad you would either have really high temps or normal temps but would take slightly longer than normal to reach normal operating temps.

So your gauge being pinned at below 100 and the overheat light being lit and the P0117 all point to the coolant temp sensor. They go out eventually and they are probably easy to replace yourself depending where on the block it is screwed into.

[pteam]

CJ thanks for helping!

When the flatbed towtruck came I drove it on up and smoke came out of the exhaust I only had it running for like a minute. I know its normal for a little bit of smoke to come out of the exhaust but this was definately more than normal. It smelled kind of like oil, and very rich.

[CJ_Boxster]

Well im not sure if the smoke and P-code are related but keep in mind that the coolant temp sensor signal is a factor used to aid the cars computer in deciding a/f ratio i believe... atleast all my other cars worked this way unless the boxer engine doesnt require or use that feature.

[rebeltown]

CJBoxster has hit nail on the head in my opinion. I have an Audi A4 that has gone through a couple temperature sender units each with a different symptom. Once the car would not start at all and another time the temperature guage would not come off the downscale stop but the car ran fine. I ordered a few on line just in case because the shipping cost more than the sensor. Sensors were about $7 on line and about $40 at the dealer. After having it towed to the dealer the first time I was embarassed when I found out how easy and cheap it was to do myself. I think it is accessible from under the engine compartment near cylinder #4 on a Boxster.

[OldBlevins]

The temp sensor idea makes a lot of sense. I keep wondering, though, about the coolant he lost. I can't figure out how the temp sensor would cause that. It might just be a coincidence, but it would be a pretty remarkable one.

Pteam, when you get it figured out, please be sure to let us know what's what. Thanks.

[Topless]

Originally Posted by Topless

Sounds like just a broken wire to the temp sensor or a bad sensor. Once you find and fix the problem you still have to clear the error code to clear the CEL. I am more worried about coolant on the ground than a bad sensor. Are you sure it is coolant and not just AC condensate? Where is it coming from exactly?

Bingo! Good to know it was something simple. Boxters don't go off road very well. I lost an under panel once in a little off track excursion. Dragged it around for a while until I was black flagged.

[pteam]

Ok got the car back today. Your not gonna belive this. But I'm 90% sure it was from a rabbit that must have chewed some wires!!!

Sheet from porsche says:

"Upon inspection found harness for eng coolant temp sensor chewed up causing guage problems. removed lower panel and repaird 2 wires noticed condensation around resovoir sealing cap replaced cap seal and test drove car guage operating to factory specs at this time"

We seen a rabbit at the campground run out from under the porsche, it probably went under the car to stay warm at night.

$250 + $200 tow.

Silly wabbit!

[nola911]

Hahah, glad you're back in business and it wasn't something serious.

[fab]

glad to hear problem resolved.
that rabbit was no fool....he/she had the best spot not to mention feasting on a boxster! yummy...silly rabbit lol..

[Oaktown 986]

Originally Posted by pteam

Ok got the car back today. Your not gonna belive this. But I'm 90% sure it was from a rabbit that must have chewed some wires!!!

Sheet from porsche says:

"Upon inspection found harness for eng coolant temp sensor chewed up causing guage problems. removed lower panel and repaird 2 wires noticed condensation around resovoir sealing cap replaced cap seal and test drove car guage operating to factory specs at this time"

We seen a rabbit at the campground run out from under the porsche, it probably went under the car to stay warm at night.

$250 + $200 tow.

Silly wabbit!

This is why I love this forum.

Today I started my 986 up, and the temp light was flashing. I had more white smoke coming out of the exhaust than normal, and the temp guage was flashing, as it was for you. So, needing to get to work, I drove it anyway. It took far longer to warm up than usual, but made it to the office just fine (6 miles of heavy urban driving). I'm going to drive it 20 miles to my garage in Oakland and check it out, but it is probably also the temp sensor gauge for me too, yah? Only thing I've done that involves the cooling system is installed a new reservoir cap due to condensation from the factory unit.

Jon

[Oaktown 986]

... also I replaced the original leaky radiator cap yesterday with the new style.

[70Sixter]

Hey, rabbit is pretty good eating. Rabbit eating Porsche - not so good.

Catch it and BBQ it!