Coolant light blinking...

[2003S]

OK, I finally thawed my Boxcicle that's been parked on the street for about 5 or 6 weeks frozen here in Chiberia. I had to jump start her, but it fired right up, and I took her for a 30 minute drive to break the rust off the rotors, and just generally warm it up a bit.

Immediately after starting, the dash showed "low coolant", and the temp gauge light was blinking, which continued the whole time. However, the coolant level looks good, and the temp never deviated from the normal "middle of the 8" position on the 180.

Any ideas? I'll run it into my guy to have a look, but just wanted to seek the wisdom of the clan...

Otherwise, she's a champ, engine ran great, ride is fine...

Thanks

[particlewave]

Probably just the change in density of the fluid, caused by the cold air, making it read a bit low. I wouldn't worry...yet

[Perfectlap]

Man if that light's a blinking I'm not driving another minute. I get free tow service from Progressive. Besides this time of year my Indy is pretty slow, he can run it on the autologic right away.

[RandallNeighbour]

Pull up your carpet and the wood board in your rear trunk. Do you see any fluid?

[schnellman]

Because the coolant and the engine are cold, everything has compressed. The flashing light tells you the coolant is low. The light will not stop flashing no matter how warm the engine becomes. After the car has run a bit you can turn it off and restart it. The light will no longer blink because everything has warmed up and expanded. I've done this many, many times.

[Perfectlap]

^ I've been driving my BoxsterS in harsh winters for 10 years now. That's never happened to me once. Odd?

Are you on your original pump/coolant tank??

[BruceH]

The sensor is pretty sensitive. You are probably just a bit low. Do like others have said and check your carpet. If it is dry, add a little distilled water and then keep an eye on it.

[2003S]

No leaking in the carpet in the trunk. It may be the original coolant tank, I haven't replaced it. I'll give her another try tomorrow. Looking a little closer, it may be just a bit low, I didn't think the sensor would be that twitch, though... I managed to borrow a garage to keep her off the streets for the next month or so, So I'll give her a look over again later today and see if the light still is on. It should be *much* warmer now...

[John Bergen]

Have you replaced the expansion tank cap with the updated type? Otherwise system might be depressurizing.