Boxster Started Overheating at 40° - Help!

[rick3000]

I haven't touched the coolant since I got the car, just under a year ago. So I am not sure how old it is.
I am thinking that the overheating has something to do with the coolant. Because it isn't a fuse, and probably isn't the radiators. I saw a little liquid in the rear trunk on one of my trunk mats, but the carpet was not damp, which is making me think it may be a coolant tank crack/leak or the cap.
I am going to take it into Porsche and have them figure out what is going on. If the tank is broken, then the entire thing is covered under my extended warranty. And if they say it just needs coolant, I have to buy it from them anyway.
I am just glad that I was able to rule out the obvious (fuse, clogged radiator) with your guys help! Thanks!

[rick3000]

Just a little update.
I took the car into Porsche yesterday, and they did a full inspections and didn't come up with anything. The coolant was a little low, and they didn't even top it off. The car is still heating up, so the needle sits right in the middle of the 0 in 180, but that only happens in traffic. I am still a little concerned because it was 24° yesterday, but when I am going fast it hangs around the 180 mark which is good.
Also, can I top off the coolant with regular coolant, or does it need be from Porsche?
Thanks for the help!


Also, get this. It took me five and half hours to get back home from the Porsche 26 miles away. Yes, five and a half hours! It snowed 1" so people were going 5mph and crashing into each other. The freeway was like a parking lot. The police here are idiots. I like what they do for us , but they are inefficient. It was the worst traffic I have ever seen(worst than LA at rush hour). I now know, why some DD are tips. The manual in bumper to bumper for five hours was torture.

[blinkwatt]

Dude top it off with distilled water. If you want to add coolant go pick up a gallon of the Porsche stuff.

I picked up a gallon last week,$35/gallon.

My last thoughts..Rick, at this point I'd stop worrying. The position you specify is normal operating temperature, save the dealer trips for the inevitable can't repair myself department. For proper emission performance the car has to be in a tight range, regardless of the outside temperature. I truly believe the car is operating correctly, if not, as soon as it warms up you will know, I highly doubt you will see a difference. Just thank the lord you don't have a 944, you want to see overheating? Ask any owner of one what Porsche's first attempt at a water pumper does in summer traffic, best of luck to you...

[rick3000]

I am not going worry any more. I am going to top off the coolant, and be done with it. But at least I got the inspection part of my 30k service done.
And my dad had a 944, I should ask him about that.

[dcporsche99]

Thanks for the update.......sounds like you're definitely good to go!!