Why is my coolant light blinking???

[AUDIOGUY]

Since it started to get a little cooler, my coolant light blinks intermittently for the first few minutes of running. I then turn the car off and back on and the blinking is gone. I have coolant and the car hovers at 180 temp reading. I am wondering if the cap is bad... I have seen a little moisture on the inside of the deck lid from time to time.

If I need to top off the coolant, is there a suitable "non-porsche" I can buy locally or should I go with distilled water?

Any ideas?
Car runs fine by the way.

[PhxRealtor]

Coolant light blinking means coolant is low. Mine does it when the coolant is even near the "low" line. It seems to be very sensitive. I think you are fine adding a touch of distilled water.

[NickCats]

Joe,

That is SO weird ! Mine car did that on the way home today. This is the third time it has happened, always on initial start up, and only when it is cold out.

I pulled over at the gas station, checked the level and it was fine. I did the same the prior two times it happened and the coolant was at the proper level as well. I attribute it to the cold weather. Also, when I turn the car off and back on the light never comes back. I would think as long as the level is ok and the light doesn't come back on it should be ok. I agree that I think it is ok to top off with distilled water if necessary...

Nick

[NickCats]

Well, it happened again on the way home from work today ! Blinking coolant light, stop at the gas station, check fluid ( 3/4 between min and max line ), start car, no more light. This never happens in the morning ( car is in the garage at night ).

Anyone have any ideas as to what the heck is going on ?

Thanks,

Nick

[AUDIOGUY]

Heres what I am thinking... I checked my level when I got home tonight. It was very low. I also pulled up the carpet and there was a slight slickness. Possible that there is a leak somewhere. I filled the reservoir with distilled water. I will check it in the morning to see what happens. Most likely, I have a leaky reservoir which will require a trip to my Porsche guy.

Nick, when I restart the car, the blinking light goes out as well. The car didnt do this until it started to get cold here as well.

I will keep you posted!

[linkjones]

Might be a leaky resevoir. I'm experiencing the same problem but haven't done anything about it yet as I just parked mine for the winter, you can order the resevoir from ************************************************************ for about $500 but you may want to check your connection hoses on the side. While you're at it you may want to replace your coolant level sensor as they can get gunked up, it's about $30. It goes on the bottom of the resevoir.

Zerex makes an acceptable coolant that is approved by Porsche, I don't know the name of it off the top of my head but if you do some research you'll be able to find it.

This seems to be a common problem, let us know if you get it resolved.

[mightysquirrel]

Joe,

There is no reason to use anything other than the Porsche coolant. It's not that expensive. You can get a liter bottle of it for about $12 at the dealer. Just keep it at home for those times when you need to top up the system.

Use distilled water to dilute the coolant (always use distilled as whatever your local water authority puts in the water supply can create chalky deposits in the cooling system, especially the radiators choking them up, this is especially true if there is a lot of minerals in your local water).

m