Dumbest Question Ever.... How do I
05-25-2006, 11:11 AM
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Dumbest Question Ever.... How do I
Check my engine coolant level?
A few times, my temperature light has started blinking on and off. It has happened when the temp was reading very low, say around 110, and then at 180 where the temp usually stays.
I can't figure out how to check my coolant level. 99 Boxster.
A few times, my temperature light has started blinking on and off. It has happened when the temp was reading very low, say around 110, and then at 180 where the temp usually stays.
I can't figure out how to check my coolant level. 99 Boxster.
05-25-2006, 11:49 AM
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Ummm ok, well that's great, but exactly where would that be located? I think I know where it is in the back of the car, howver, I can't see anything in the plastic overflow container (or at least what I believe to be the overflow container.)
Also, is it possible to add just water to the cooling system for the time being?
05-25-2006, 12:08 PM
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I am guessing because my temperature light is blinking. It does it sporadically.
I can't see anything in the plastic container, however, I haven't opened the cap yet, I started too, but I think it was too hot, it was hissing a little.
I am going to wait a couple of hours and check it during lunch.
I can't see anything in the plastic container, however, I haven't opened the cap yet, I started too, but I think it was too hot, it was hissing a little.
I am going to wait a couple of hours and check it during lunch.
06-04-2006, 12:29 PM
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There should be a pale color in the level indicator, if your not sure shine a flashlight donw the fill once the cap is off to determine the exact level. Yep make sure she is cool first. Hissing is not good.
06-04-2006, 05:46 PM
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If your light is blinking, you are probably low on coolant. If you can't see anything through the side of the tank, pull the cap (when the car is cold) and look down inside. Coolant should be fairly close to the top of the tank, it will be obvious if it is low. I would add straight coolant, as it will be easier to see when it starts to come up. If you have to add more than a half a gallon, then mix in some water. And you are looking in the right place...the trunk.
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06-05-2006, 11:33 PM
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Get a torch
Park the Boxster on a level surface
Let it cool down
Open the trunk
Remove the coolant cap (carefuly - in case it's hot/pressurized)
Shine torch down the opening in the tank
You should see fluid (green coolant)
If you look at the side of the tank, you can see a level indicator to judge fill level - the torch makes this easy to see.
No fluid = problem - top up with approved pre-mixed coolant
Low fluid = potential problem - top up with approved pre-mixed coolant
Keep an eye on it - Boxsters have two common coolant tank issues:
1) Coolant tank cap leaks - look for coolant residue in the rubber tray around the tank cap and a sweet smell in the trunk - get a new improved cap (may even have been a recall on the 99 for this?)
2) Coolant tank cracks and leaks coolant - needs tank replacement before you loose too much coolant and overheat the engine. Expensive because of the time it takes to swap out, but very necessary!
Chris.
Park the Boxster on a level surface
Let it cool down
Open the trunk
Remove the coolant cap (carefuly - in case it's hot/pressurized)
Shine torch down the opening in the tank
You should see fluid (green coolant)
If you look at the side of the tank, you can see a level indicator to judge fill level - the torch makes this easy to see.
No fluid = problem - top up with approved pre-mixed coolant
Low fluid = potential problem - top up with approved pre-mixed coolant
Keep an eye on it - Boxsters have two common coolant tank issues:
1) Coolant tank cap leaks - look for coolant residue in the rubber tray around the tank cap and a sweet smell in the trunk - get a new improved cap (may even have been a recall on the 99 for this?)
2) Coolant tank cracks and leaks coolant - needs tank replacement before you loose too much coolant and overheat the engine. Expensive because of the time it takes to swap out, but very necessary!
Chris.
06-06-2006, 12:13 AM
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Originally Posted by cdodkin
Get a torch
Park the Boxster on a level surface
Let it cool down
Open the trunk
Remove the coolant cap (carefuly - in case it's hot/pressurized)
Shine torch down the opening in the tank
You should see fluid (green coolant)
If you look at the side of the tank, you can see a level indicator to judge fill level - the torch makes this easy to see.
No fluid = problem - top up with approved pre-mixed coolant
Low fluid = potential problem - top up with approved pre-mixed coolant
Keep an eye on it - Boxsters have two common coolant tank issues:
1) Coolant tank cap leaks - look for coolant residue in the rubber tray around the tank cap and a sweet smell in the trunk - get a new improved cap (may even have been a recall on the 99 for this?)
2) Coolant tank cracks and leaks coolant - needs tank replacement before you loose too much coolant and overheat the engine. Expensive because of the time it takes to swap out, but very necessary!
Chris.
Park the Boxster on a level surface
Let it cool down
Open the trunk
Remove the coolant cap (carefuly - in case it's hot/pressurized)
Shine torch down the opening in the tank
You should see fluid (green coolant)
If you look at the side of the tank, you can see a level indicator to judge fill level - the torch makes this easy to see.
No fluid = problem - top up with approved pre-mixed coolant
Low fluid = potential problem - top up with approved pre-mixed coolant
Keep an eye on it - Boxsters have two common coolant tank issues:
1) Coolant tank cap leaks - look for coolant residue in the rubber tray around the tank cap and a sweet smell in the trunk - get a new improved cap (may even have been a recall on the 99 for this?)
2) Coolant tank cracks and leaks coolant - needs tank replacement before you loose too much coolant and overheat the engine. Expensive because of the time it takes to swap out, but very necessary!
Chris.
Lol, and when he says torch, i think he also means a flashlight and not gas supplied flame
06-06-2006, 12:16 AM
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LOL - That's my British English rather than proper American English! 
Yes - please use a flashlight - don't torch your car.
Damn language - sidewalk/pavement, trunk/boot, tomato/tomato......
Chris.
Yes - please use a flashlight - don't torch your car.
Damn language - sidewalk/pavement, trunk/boot, tomato/tomato......
Chris.
06-06-2006, 01:18 AM
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If you're low on coolant, check the part number on your coolant tank cap. It was replaced with a revised cap that ends in .01 so if you have a cap with a .00 as the last part of the part number you need to replace it.
Also check the floor of the trunk. Pull the liner up and see if there is any coolant on the trunk floor. If so, you probably have a coolant reservoir leak and it needs to be replaced. It's about a 4 hour DIY job if it's leaking.
Also check the floor of the trunk. Pull the liner up and see if there is any coolant on the trunk floor. If so, you probably have a coolant reservoir leak and it needs to be replaced. It's about a 4 hour DIY job if it's leaking.
