Water Temperature Light Blinking

[syoo8]

The coolant temperature light (at the right side of the coolant temperature gauge) blinks constantly, even when the engine is cold. Has anyone had this problem, and if so, what is the solution?

[derb]

A blinking light indicates low coolant tank level.

[LVDell]

Correct, low level. Could also be that your water pump is going and you are leaking. Also could be the engine compartment fan faulting.

[Macster]

Originally Posted by LVDell

Correct, low level. Could also be that your water pump is going and you are leaking. Also could be the engine compartment fan faulting.

Also, could be coolant reservior or what was the cause of my 02 Boxster's coolant warning light flashing was a leaking cap.

Signs of moisture (water droplets) around seal of fluids basin and under rear trunk area that covers this basin provided a hint. Upon close inspection of the tank and the bleed valve which turned up no signs of an leaking of coolant I replaced the cap and topped up low level with distilled water.

No more flashing light.

Sincerely,

Macster.

[LVDell]

Damn, forgot about the tank as well. You'd think I would have remembered having replaced mine

[syoo8]

Thank you guys!

I topped off the coolant reservoir with distilled water in a parking lot. When I looked underneath the car it was dripping, probably six inches fore of the rear right wheel-well. (!) But the blinking stopped.

Thirty minutes later I arrived home, no blinking, no dripping. Why would have started as I topped off the tank, then stop after driving for a half hour? Do I have a crack in the coolant reservoir near the top?

[Macster]

Originally Posted by syoo8

Thank you guys!

I topped off the coolant reservoir with distilled water in a parking lot. When I looked underneath the car it was dripping, probably six inches fore of the rear right wheel-well. (!) But the blinking stopped.

Thirty minutes later I arrived home, no blinking, no dripping. Why would have started as I topped off the tank, then stop after driving for a half hour? Do I have a crack in the coolant reservoir near the top?

Very likely. You need to have the car's cooling system pressure tested -- or the reservior tank visually inspected -- and the leak found and fixed.

These engines need a properly working cooling system to avoid more serious problems developing. Do not delay.

BTW, you can remove the oil filler tube cap, the coolant cap -- with engine cold -- and the dipstick and carefully pry/lift up the plastic panel that covers the bottom of the fluid basin to expose the coolant tank.

Right away put the oil filler tube cap back on the oil filler tube so you don't accidently pour water into the crankcase oil.

You can then check out the tank with a bright flash light, even pour some water into the tank opening and see if you can see any water leaking out.

Sincerely,

Macster.

[syoo8]

Thank you Macster (and LVDell!) for your advice. I appreciate it-- a lot!

[amondc]

You can pull up the carpet and cardboard in the rear trunk and see if there is water under there. Make sure you pull up everything because the cardboard sits off the floor and you can have water in there and the carpet not be wet.