fullymatted.
Back to search
Rennlist

Engine Coolant Light was flashing...then stopped...anybody know why?

Add to repair workspace
Open repair workspace
Original source
17 captured repliesDiscussion pagination complete · Source accounts, not a confirmed diagnosis
THIS DISCUSSION / SOURCE-DERIVED OVERVIEW

Discussion summary

YOUR RESEARCHEngine Coolant Light was flashing...then stopped...anybody know why?

Reported or suspected cause

coolant tank leak

Reported cause

No successful repair reported for this finding.

1
Identified cause
0
Suspected cause
0
Reported fixes
Read evidence and context

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 report identifying a cause
1

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.

Reported cause

Turned out to be a coolant tank leak...

Engine Coolant Light was flashing...then stopped...anybody know why?
Frequently discussed work

Check coolant level and it was bone-dry almost

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1

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.

Performed · outcome unconfirmed

I then read the manual AGAIN and checked my coolant level and it was bone-dry almost.

Engine Coolant Light was flashing...then stopped...anybody know why?
Read full discussion summary

Leading evidence: 'coolant tank leak' (1 discussions report identifying this cause; no attributable repair resolution). Across 1 matching discussions, the most frequently mentioned possible cause is 'coolant tank leak' (1 discussions; 1 report identifying it and 0 suggest it). The most frequently discussed action is 'Check coolant level and it was bone-dry almost' (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.

Source reports, not a diagnosis or a success probability. Counts refer to discussions and can overlap.

Read captured replies

1 matching discussions · 17 captured posts examined · 0 partial discussions

Compare 4 other evidence results

Check coolant level and it was bone-dry almost

Performed · outcome unconfirmed

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context

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
1

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.

Performed · outcome unconfirmed

I then read the manual AGAIN and checked my coolant level and it was bone-dry almost.

Engine Coolant Light was flashing...then stopped...anybody know why?

Check system

Suggestion or failed attempt

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context

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 contain suggestions
1

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

Usually you will 'smell' coolant if the resoirvoir is cracked/leaking but look it over very well with a flashlight for crusty residue, then the cap, then check the water pump the same way look for residue or buildup around the puke hole...pressure check the system which will look at the coolant system entirely inc radiator/hoses..last but not least go to the sensor they can false fault ..if all the above ck out good change sensor...just do it

Engine Coolant Light was flashing...then stopped...anybody know why?

Check system detecting a momentary "low fluid" situation

Suggestion or failed attempt

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context

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 contain suggestions
1

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 think its caused by the check system detecting a momentary "low fluid" situation, which then rights itself.

Engine Coolant Light was flashing...then stopped...anybody know why?

Check water pump the same way look

Suggestion or failed attempt

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context

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 contain suggestions
1

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

Usually you will 'smell' coolant if the resoirvoir is cracked/leaking but look it over very well with a flashlight for crusty residue, then the cap, then check the water pump the same way look for residue or buildup around the puke hole...pressure check the system which will look at the coolant system entirely inc radiator/hoses..last but not least go to the sensor they can false fault ..if all the above ck out good change sensor...just do it

Engine Coolant Light was flashing...then stopped...anybody know why?
Frequently discussed actions (8)

These are separate views of the same evidence. Frequency alone does not establish a fix, and these counts must not be added together.

Check coolant level and it was bone-dry almost

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1

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.

Performed · outcome unconfirmed

I then read the manual AGAIN and checked my coolant level and it was bone-dry almost.

Engine Coolant Light was flashing...then stopped...anybody know why?

Check system

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that contain suggestions
1

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

Usually you will 'smell' coolant if the resoirvoir is cracked/leaking but look it over very well with a flashlight for crusty residue, then the cap, then check the water pump the same way look for residue or buildup around the puke hole...pressure check the system which will look at the coolant system entirely inc radiator/hoses..last but not least go to the sensor they can false fault ..if all the above ck out good change sensor...just do it

Engine Coolant Light was flashing...then stopped...anybody know why?

Check system detecting a momentary "low fluid" situation

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that contain suggestions
1

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 think its caused by the check system detecting a momentary "low fluid" situation, which then rights itself.

Engine Coolant Light was flashing...then stopped...anybody know why?

Check water pump the same way look

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that contain suggestions
1

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

Usually you will 'smell' coolant if the resoirvoir is cracked/leaking but look it over very well with a flashlight for crusty residue, then the cap, then check the water pump the same way look for residue or buildup around the puke hole...pressure check the system which will look at the coolant system entirely inc radiator/hoses..last but not least go to the sensor they can false fault ..if all the above ck out good change sensor...just do it

Engine Coolant Light was flashing...then stopped...anybody know why?

Replace leaking reservoir

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that contain suggestions
1

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

He charged me $184.78 for the coolant reservoir and $120 for the labor to replace the leaking reservoir, fill and bleed.

Engine Coolant Light was flashing...then stopped...anybody know why?

Replace sensor...just do it

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that contain suggestions
1

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

Usually you will 'smell' coolant if the resoirvoir is cracked/leaking but look it over very well with a flashlight for crusty residue, then the cap, then check the water pump the same way look for residue or buildup around the puke hole...pressure check the system which will look at the coolant system entirely inc radiator/hoses..last but not least go to the sensor they can false fault ..if all the above ck out good change sensor...just do it

Engine Coolant Light was flashing...then stopped...anybody know why?

Reset "float alarm." happens

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that contain suggestions
1

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

Simply shutting down the car for a moment and then restarting will reset the "float alarm." Happens to me from time-to-time on road and track.

Engine Coolant Light was flashing...then stopped...anybody know why?

Use correct coolant

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that contain suggestions
1

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

If you have been using the correct coolant, then the coolant will be mostly clear and you can just shake the car a little and look at the side of the tank to see the fluid level.

Engine Coolant Light was flashing...then stopped...anybody know why?
Reported and suspected causes (1)

These are separate views of the same evidence. Frequency alone does not establish a fix, and these counts must not be added together.

coolant tank leak

No successful repair reported for this finding.

1
Identified cause
0
Suspected cause
0
Reported fixes
Read evidence and context
Discussions that report identifying a cause
1

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.

Reported cause

Turned out to be a coolant tank leak...

Engine Coolant Light was flashing...then stopped...anybody know why?
Coverage and how to read this overview

Counts describe captured discussions, not unique people or a diagnosis. Author identities are not reliably stored. Exact duplicate evidence is counted once across matching discussions; one discussion counts at most once per action/state. Multiple repairs reported together remain a combination. Suggestions and failed attempts do not establish a fix. Matches cover whole discussions and can include related faults, model variants and incomplete threads.

17 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.

  • Rennlist: 1 discussions

0 evidence records excluded for query context · 0 excluded by outcome qualification · 0 adjusted by outcome qualification.

0 acknowledgements have no verified action link; they do not establish a repair result.

Generation: 20261027T031046Z · outcome-qualification-6. Deterministic extraction; no AI model inference. How we use sources

POST 1 / ORIGINAL POSTEROriginal post

I have a 99' C2 Cab and I am looking for a little help with the coolant light. I was taking a little "Sunday" Drive today and the engine coolant light came on. It was flashing for about 20 minutes but the gauge was just about in the middle so I wasn't too concerned. I stopped the car, turned off the ignition and sat for about 5 minutes. When I restarted it the light wasn't flashing anymore and hasn't since. Anybody have this happen before? What would cause this? Thanks!

POST 2Original post

I think its caused by the check system detecting a momentary "low fluid" situation, which then rights itself. Exactly the same has happened to me, usually on a Sunday as well. Spooky!

POST 3Original post

It could be a cracked coolant tank. I had the same problem on my '99 996. You should probably bring it to a Porsche Dealer for service. They will likely replace it for free under goodwill, as this is a common issue for the '99 996. If they charge, expect to pay $300-$400.

POST 4Original post

Flashing temp. light means a low coolant level. However it is also appears when the coolant system has a "bubble" in the system and needs bled. Read the DIY on Renntech.org about installing the third radiator as Loren goes into detail about how to purge and/or bled the coolant system. If that doesn't fix the problem then its time for a dealer trip.

POST 5Original post

The blinking coolant light codes are in the owner's manual. You may have a split coolant reservoir. About 2 months ago I had the dreaded coolant reservoir tank seam split that plagues the 1999 model year cars. In addition to the new improved tank Doug ordered up 3 quarts of the Porsche certified coolant. As posted previously he charged me for 3 quarts of Porsche coolant 00004330078 at $6.97 each. He charged me $184.78 for the coolant reservoir and $120 for the labor to replace the leaking reservoir, fill and bleed. I post this for your reference.

POST 6Original post

I've had this happen on my 2001 c4 a couple of times. Turned out to be a coolant tank leak... fixed under warranty, out of warranty I think it's about 600 bucks.

POST 7 / ORIGINAL POSTEROriginal post

Thanks. I 'll have to bring it in. I am glad it is Porsche certified and therefore under warranty!

POST 8Original post

Yes I had the same problem...light would go on and blink and blink...the needle would be in the middle (normal) position. I would turn the car off...wait a min or two and re-start and the light would go away. I then read the manual AGAIN and checked my coolant level and it was bone-dry almost. I added coolant and drove it yesterday without any repeat but it had happened a few times prior to this. I will probably have a leak though so I will have it checked at its service next month. Any thoughts? mdrob ============= MY99 996 (mine) '01 BMW 325xi (mine) '04 ML350 (herz) 3y/o daughter and 5 y/o son (Ourz)

POST 9Original post

Usually you will 'smell' coolant if the resoirvoir is cracked/leaking but look it over very well with a flashlight for crusty residue, then the cap, then check the water pump the same way look for residue or buildup around the puke hole...pressure check the system which will look at the coolant system entirely inc radiator/hoses..last but not least go to the sensor they can false fault ..if all the above ck out good change sensor...just do it

POST 10Original post

Quotes source post: 1561544

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the tank may not be covered by the Certified PreOwned warranty. One other thought...are you sure that your car is still covered by a CPO agreement - it seems too old to qualify.

POST 11Original post

coolant overflow tank changeout I had exactly the same symptoms. Here's a link to the kind of mess it can cause inside the engine compartment.

POST 12Original post

So, Step #1 is to simply look at the coolant level when engine is cold. If it appears between the marks on the side of the expansion tank, then a cracked coolant tank is not the problem. If you have been using the correct coolant, then the coolant will be mostly clear and you can just shake the car a little and look at the side of the tank to see the fluid level. The coolant level is measured by an electronic "float.". "Sunday" driving (autocross, DE's, Tail of the Dragon, etc) have increased G-loads that can momentarily drop the measuring "float" below the predetermined level. Simply shutting down the car for a moment and then restarting will reset the "float alarm." Happens to me from time-to-time on road and track. As long as the temp gauge reads in the general vacinity of normal, then don't panic.

POST 13Original post

Quotes source post: 8343503

I thought the same thing. I'm not sure it's possible that a 99 model year car is under CPO. Porsche only certifies cars that are 8 years old or newer and the warranty only lasts for 2 years or 100,000, whichever comes first.

POST 15Original post

Quotes source post: 8343617

I certainly didn't see that! : )

POST 17Original post

What a great place to be. Got the answer to this topic and can feel assured to solve this tomorrow.. Thanks..

This is a source reference. Confirm exact model applicability in the original material.