Flashing warning light above 250 temp reading - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

CJ_Boxster · 07-19-2007, 08:32 AM

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 · 07-19-2007, 09:40 AM

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 · 07-19-2007, 09:48 AM

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 · 07-19-2007, 01:28 PM

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 · 07-19-2007, 01:35 PM

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.

pteam · 07-19-2007, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

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.

nola911 · 07-19-2007, 05:18 PM

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.