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.

Its at the dealer right now, I really hope it is only an engine sensor.

Yep its never lost coolant any other time, we've been driving it almost everyday up until this problem.

That is exactly what mine did. I lost coolant too. Somehow the thermostat was shutting something down and the coolant didn't flow. At one point, the resevoir tank would be empty, then it would be overfilled and coming out of the overflow. Once they replaced my thermostat, and bled the system, all was well. I also replaced the coolant cap for my own peace of mind even though it was the newer one. I just did 600 miles on it last friday (2 weeks after it's surgury) and it was flawless.

yea and of course the car got there on mid-thursday and they didnt even look at it, and wont til monday, so all weekend long without it. then they'll probably tell me they need to order a part that will take a week :matchup:

Ok porsche called me today and said some wires got cut underneath, probably from the gravel rock road where we were camping. Theyre going to replace the wires and let me know if thats all the problem was. Hopefully. :)

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. :o

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!

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

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..

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

I forgot to mention...
 

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

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

Catch it and BBQ it!