Temp light blinks but temp is normal!

Hello, Today was the second time since last week I had a blinking warning red light on the temp guage indicator. The needle was above the 80mark but below the next white indicator.. Both the times I was on high speeds and load (+200kph) between 4th and sixth ranging 5,000~7,000rpm's.. <img src="graemlins/burnout.gif" border="0" alt="[burnout]" /> Both the times, I stopped the car and engine for 30 seconds, restarted and the blinking was gone.. To note that my clutch slip has become quite extensive since i can see white smoke puffs out of the engine bay under engine load when plate-to-disc slip occurs.. (ok, ok i ordered a new one and it's arriving next thursday).. Could it be the cause, is there some optical/smoke detector in the engine bay?? Any advice? Wael C2 996 1999 A.Silver (68,000km)

Flashing coolant light means the coolant level is low.

Here is the long explaination from the service manual on the flashing coolant light. "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."

Once again, thanks a million Loren.. First I'll check engine coolant level. Then my guess is that the engine compartment is getting too high, as you noted in no.2 although the fan is working. Wael

Hi Wael I believe it is quite a common problem on your particular model year (and mine). My car does exactly the same and when I contacted my main dealer they said that the temp gauge was particularly sensitive on the earlier models. As long as your collant level is normal and the engine temp is normal then there is no problem (apart from the annoying flashing light). The first day I drove my car it happened to me and I was a little concerned but now I'm used to it.

Thanks for reply steve, Actually am just coming from a run now.. see here no speed limits, no carabinieros, noting.. it's your dreamland of unlimited speed! NO blinking at all. Following Loren's advice the coolant was indeed about half a liter short, i fixed it.. Tx guys, Wael <img src="graemlins/burnout.gif" border="0" alt="[burnout]" />

UKSteve, If your coolant level is ok and you still get the flashing red warning light, is this under hard acceleration? There was a TSB issued for this problem that was pretty common on 1999 models. Mine did this every time I took it to a DE event. I took it in and my dealer replaced the the coolant overflow tank with a redesigned unit and I haven't had the problem since. I'd suggest you ask your dealer about this TSB and get the problem corrected. You shouldn't have to put up with the flashing light. Karl

So weird that this thread started today. I just bought a '99 C2 and this problem started this morning! (slow blinking temp light) I was just going to post about it when I noticed that somebody already had. I'll check the cooolant level...Thanks!

Steve, Dealer not available here unfortunately.. The level of the coolant was under the minimum mark and took about 500cc of water. Is this normal since the last time i checked the water level was about 6 weeks ago when the level was midway btwn low and hi levels.. Wael

Btw steve, it did occur under hard accelaration but high speeds only.. If it's not the coolant level, I guess it's the heat generated by the slipping clutch that i have (so much that i can see white smoke behind me when slipping occurs)... Btw, is there a way that any oil (gear, engine, transmission, other??) seeps in the clutch 'compartment' and make the clutch slip?? Wael

Hi.. I think you'll find the plastic tank has a new part number. It is bigger and less prone slosh lighting :-) You will also find the cap for that same tank has a new part number. In my case the tank split open and was replaced (small leak but drained the tank none the less). Then the cap seemed to hold preasure, but always had junk arond the cap where it was leaking under preasure. One day it just gave up and lost all preasure...and all the fluid in the tank. Both have been replace and works fine :-) I recommend that if you get the tank replaced that they replace your cap (given the new part number and repeated failures...) Best of luck

Make sure you dont have a crack on your coolent tank. I had to get mine replaced but should be under warrenty. Just have it checked to make sure.

Here is the info on the newer tank from the TSB... "A new type coolant expansion tank is installed in production as of February 23,1999 and VINs: 99 7 XS 62 5704, Coupe 99 7 XS 65 4287, Cabriolet The new coolant expansion tank (part number, 996 106 147 55) prevents false illumination (flashing) of the coolant warning light when the volume of coolant fluctuates in the expansion tank. When replacing an engine on vehicles prior to the above VINs, the new type coolant expansion tank should also be installed. The new coolant expansion tank can also be installed (on vehicles produced prior to the above VINs) for repeated complaints of coolant light flashing when there are no indications of overheating or coolant leaks. Note: A thorough bleeding must be performed to ensure no residual air pockets exist in the cooling system. Parts Information Part Number Description 996 106 147 55 New/Coolant expansion tank 996 106 147 54 Former/Coolant expansion tank, no longer available"

As usual, Loren comes to the rescue. <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" /> I'll print this off and mention it to my dealer for my service in early December. Steve