My dad has a 2000 996, and last week on the way home from work he said the light on at the end of the temp. gauge was blinking, even though the temperature was where it normally is, just past 180 degrees. After the car cooled off we checked the anti-freeze, and found that the level was extremely low, so we put some more in. There wasn't any liquid on the garage floor, so we know there isnt a leak in the system. Today, after washing the car, we checked out the level to find that the antifreeze is VERY watery and not of the usual Fluorescent green hue. the car had its 30K service this summer as well, which means they put antifreeze in then.

Could the dealer have put water in? (I can't believe this)
What could the problem be?
Any idea?

Thanks in advance
-Joe

 

First test that the system is holding pressure. This can be tested by letting the car sit for a couple of hours after you have driven it to full operating temperature and then slowly removing the reserve tank cap. You should hear a slight release of pressure when doing so. If not, you may have a bad cap. Get a new one. As far as whether water was added at the dealer, get an inexpensive coolant tester at Walmart (just a few bucks) and test the protection rating of the cooolant. This will tell you if your protection is within the proper range or not.

 

Thanks a million! I'll go try it out

Thanks again

-Joe

 

the expansion tank is known for cracking. if you are not holding up pressure, i'd look into that as a probable cause.

ps, i wouldn't be surprised if they dump water into your cooling system. porsche coolant is very expansive. if you do need new fluids, you can probly get new coolant flushed by the same dealer at a discount if you complaint about it.