Boxster temperature light stays on

[TimR]

Now that it has gotten cold outside, the temperature light on my '99 boxster comes on as soon as I start the car. I don't even rev the engine when started and it comes on. Even after the engine has warmed-up, the light remains on. If I turn the ignition switch off and then restart the car (after the engine has warmed up), the temperature light does not come on and stays off. I checked the coolant fluid level, and it is good.

Should not the temperature light go off after the car has sufficiently warmed-up? Any ideas as to the problem? Thanks.

[Dharn55]

Check your coolant level. The light does not go on when the temperature is low, only when the coolant level is low or the temperature is to high.

[CJ_Boxster]

Sounds like the sending unit for the temp gauge is had it. Usually there are two sending units... One for the ECU and the other for the Temp Gauge on the dash, you'll probably want to call a indie porsche repair shop for suggestions as well.

[TimR]

Check your coolant level. The light does not go on when the temperature is low, only when the coolant level is low or the temperature is to high.

The coolant level was the problem. I thought it was a temperature related problem because the light only came on once the outside temperature dropped. However, the level was just below the minimum mark, so I add a little bit of distilled water to bring it up above the minimum mark, and the light has not come on since.

Since I was adding such a small amount of fluid, I added straight distilled water. After reading many of the threads discussing the "correct" type of anitfreeze to use, I was so confused and concerned about adding the wrong type, I decided it would be safer to add straight distilled water (since it was such a small quantity) and not risk adding the wrong type of anitfreeze.

I will keep an eye on the level to make sure it does not drop again.

Thanks for you help.