Coolant Failure Indicator - sensor replacement on 987.1 2.7

[JMR]

Last couple of times I've drive the Boxster after a few minutes the car beeps and the display reads "FAILURE INDICATOR" and the temp gauge on the dash reads cold and the red light near max flashes.

When the cars up to temp after about 10 minutes the gauge rights itself and responds normally.

Don't seem to have any engine issues, no abnormal running.

I've bought a new coolant temperature sensor from Design911 to see if this fixes the issue.

Anyone have any advice how to fit it, what to do, what not to do.
I've read on the US forums and seen on YouTube that it is accessed easily from behind the seats behind the vertical engine cover.
Looks unavoidable that some coolant will leak out when I pull the old sensor out.

Don't want to be draining down 20 odd litres of coolant.

Suggestions appreciated guys []

 

[JMR]

Should note this is when the car has been sat unused for a few weeks.

I drove all the way from Lincoln to Whitby and spent a few hours there and when doing the 'return leg' the gauge read normal right from startup

 

[malarcy]

Possibly dumb question - have you checked the coolant level - I though the flashing indicator was a coolant level warning.....

 

[JMR]

Possibly dumb question - have you checked the coolant level - I though the flashing indicator was a coolant level warning.....

I've had low coolant before when I had the water pump replaced, I had to top it up when I arrived home from the dealership.

Then the red bar flashed next to the coolant temp, but the gauge didn't drop to 0degC

I've not checked the coolant in a while but it was fine a few months ago and the cars not moved more than 3 times.

And there's no puddles in the garage lol

 

[David Walker]

I had the same problem

If the sender switch has not fixed the problem. Mine turned out to be the header tank

Porsche did not have any so had to find a alternative maker

The header tanks are different between 2007 and 2008 so check part numbers

David

 

[JMR]

Thanks David

I'm pleased to say I fitted the new coolant temp sensor a few weeks ago and it cured the issue straight away.

Lost a fair few glugs of coolant when I removed the old sensor, and of course sods law dictated that the rubber o-ring from the old one remained in the coolant pipe so I had to let a few more slugs out while I fished that out.

Test drive was fine, no issues, no red lights, and the temperature on the display was spot on right from the start.

Added 700ml of coolant the following morning though !!

 

[JMR]

Took the Boxster out for its final spin of the year yesterday and 5 mins into the journey the instrument binnacle beeped and the coolant light started flashing, the temperature dropped to below the '0' line and FAILURE INDICATOR flashed up on the display.

Stayed off all the time I was out in the car, about 1 hr, didn't go back to normal when I stopped for a coffee and got back in either.

Will report this back to Design911 where I got the gem (not genuine Porsche) part from as I think they have a 1yr warranty.

Probably should have bought the genuine one for £40, but at the time I didn't know whether it would do the trick, so it was easier to buy a £20 to see if that fixed the problem.

Been driving out and about since April and had zero issues ????

Failing replacement, I'll ask Cavendish to have a look and plug the car in when I have it service in Feb/March