5 captured repliesDiscussion pagination complete · Source accounts, not a confirmed diagnosis
THIS DISCUSSION / SOURCE-DERIVED OVERVIEW
Discussion summary
YOUR RESEARCHSlow flashing water temp light
Reported or suspected cause
hairline cracks in the expansion (header) tank
Reported cause
No successful repair reported for this finding.
1
Identified cause
0
Suspected cause
0
Reported fixes
Read evidence and context
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Discussions that report identifying a cause
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Reported cause
Obviously i was thinking about expensive head gaskets etc but it turned out to be hairline cracks in the expansion (header) tank.
Leading evidence: 'hairline cracks in the expansion (header) tank' (1 discussions report identifying this cause; no attributable repair resolution). Across 1 matching discussions, the most frequently mentioned possible cause is 'hairline cracks in the expansion (header) tank' (1 discussions; 1 report identifying it and 0 suggest it). The most frequently discussed action is 'Check coolant tank cap' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
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Reported cause
Mine used to start flashing after about 15 miles but that was due to low coolant level from suspected cracked head.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed
The level control switch was changed on the 2001 models to a different type because of the old one coming on during flat out acceleration - the coolant "sloshing" to the back causing the ligh to flash.
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Suggestion
I had this problem on my '99 C2, checking the level whilst the engine is hot / when it starts flashing - level looks okay on the line, but over the space of 1000miles it would use maybe 1/2litre.
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Suggestion
I had this problem on my '99 C2, checking the level whilst the engine is hot / when it starts flashing - level looks okay on the line, but over the space of 1000miles it would use maybe 1/2litre.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed
The level control switch was changed on the 2001 models to a different type because of the old one coming on during flat out acceleration - the coolant "sloshing" to the back causing the ligh to flash.
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion
I had this problem on my '99 C2, checking the level whilst the engine is hot / when it starts flashing - level looks okay on the line, but over the space of 1000miles it would use maybe 1/2litre.
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5 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
911uk: 1 discussions
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0 acknowledgements have no verified action link; they do not establish a repair result.
Generation: 20261026T130754Z · outcome-qualification-6. Deterministic extraction; no AI model inference. How we use sources
Hi,
Occasionally, when the engine is warm, and I drive hard (to the red line on gear changes), the water temp light will start to flash slowly. My understanding is that this is warning that the engine bay fan is not working. How do I find out is this is true? The temp stays spot on and the coolant level is spot on.
Cheers
Charlie C2 996
Four functions of the coolant warning light:
1. Engine coolant level too low
"” light flashes slowly (0.5 Hz)
2. Engine compartment temperature too high
"” light flashes slowly (0.5 Hz) (engine compartment blower might be faulty)
3. Engine coolant temperature too high
"” light is lit; pointer on the right
4. Temperature sensor at water outlet faulty
"” light flashes rapidly (1 Hz); pointer on the right
Note
The temperature warning in point three is indicated if the conditions "engine coolant temperature too high" and "engine coolant level too low" are present simultaneously
(1Hz = 1 flash per second. 0.5Hz = 2 seconds per flash)
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I would check the coolant tank cap. If the part number ends in 00, then change it for the latest one which ends in 04. This is often the cause of a flashing light after a spirited drive.
A diagnostic check would tell if the fan is faulty, but you could check to see that the engine compartment temperature sensor hasn't become dislodged.
Mine used to start flashing after about 15 miles but that was due to low coolant level from suspected cracked head. If your collant level is spot on then you really only have the engine compartment fan or a faulty level sensor in the header tank. If you are not losing coolant then it should be something smallish and not too expensive.
Hi Charlie,
I had this problem on my '99 C2, checking the level whilst the engine is hot / when it starts flashing - level looks okay on the line, but over the space of 1000miles it would use maybe 1/2litre.
Obviously i was thinking about expensive head gaskets etc but it turned out to be hairline cracks in the expansion (header) tank.
Apparently on the pre 2001 cars the header tanks / caps were a weak point and could leak a small amount causing a hot - curry ish smell when you got home from a "spirited" drive out, this was the coolant being burnt off the exhausts / engine.
Had it changed at OPC Newcastle for about £300, no problems since.
The level control switch was changed on the 2001 models to a different type because of the old one coming on during flat out acceleration - the coolant "sloshing" to the back causing the ligh to flash.
I would try topping the coolant up to just above the line and maybe marking the expansion tank when its cold to see if your using any.
If you do have a cracked expansion tank it can also cause issues with your coil packs if there on the way out too - speaking from experience :thumb:
Hope to have been of help,
Graham.
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