Need help...please.

[tboyer]

Originally Posted by kansaslawguy

right side of the engine temperature gauge began flashing red. I believe this means that the vehicle is lacking coolant. I waited 20 minutes, and opened the coolant cap in the trunk. I added a gallon of water, and decided to drive the car back home.

As I pulled in to my driveway, the coolant light began flashing again.

Bingo, red indicator flashing = low coolant

Gallon of tap water? If yes, in the future, only use distilled water in an emergency. Tap water is very corrosive to the internals

My first check would be pulling up the carpet in the trunk looking for leaks out of the coolant reservoir (inspect thoroughly for cracks), a very common problem. The steam sounds like a leak dripping out both sides of the trunk, probably leaked below the indicator limit while on your drive home. Of course, hands and knees under the car looking for leaks is required here too.

A bad water pump could be the cause of your issue as well, the coolant/water has to go somewhere so start at the top and work your way down.

Finally, don't panic, as a 2nd 986 owner, I treated my first like a new born baby. Calmly inspect the car, call your PCA chapter Pres for local resources (as already stated)

Good Luck!

[kansaslawguy]

I really appreciate all the suggestions. Alright, my water reservoir is completely empty again. I also see what appears to be water located pretty much right underneath where you put the water in. So, this is definitely a coolant leak of some kind. My big question now is, where is it leaking, and is it leaking into the oil.

As a note, the water I used was a gallon of distilled water I purchased at the store, so no concern about the use of tap water.

I contacted the PCA closest to me, and am awaiting a response. I appreciate the current suggestions, and if any one else has them, I'd be glad to hear them. Also, I'll post again what I find.

[CJ_Boxster]

Whine noise likely came from your Water pump, when the coolant light flashed and you were dangerously low on coolant, there probably was no coolant around the pump and that caused it to whine.

As for the leak, I dont know where that can come from, that will require a mechanic.

[der Geist]

Sound like everyone here has great advice for you. It should be easy to pinpoint the exact location of the leak. It must be inside your engine compartment since steam is venting. Fill up the resivoir, let it sit for a while (the longer the better) and see if there are any apparent leaks dripping. If not open the engine cover and start the car letting it idle to operating temp. You should keep an eye on your resivoir just in case it is leaking from the bottom where you can't see it. With the top up it should be relatively easy to see where the leak is by following the steam back. It may be a something simple you can reair yourself.