How do you remove COOLANT LEVEL SENSOR?

[J_STATUS]

I've searched all around....found a couple of thread...

1) http://sharkwerks.com/porsche/technical-articles/184-is-your-996-coolant-leaking-could-be-your-coolant-expansion-tank.html

2) http://www.6speedonline.com/forums/996-turbo-gt2/216001-diy-replacing-coolant-expansion-tank-996tt.html

But it doesn't really tell me step by step how to.....

Does anyone have a link or any help?

[1schoir]

After you disconnect the electrical plug, the coolant level sensor is easily removed by pressing it in slightly and turning it counterclockwise by 1/4 of a turn.

Regards, Maurice.

[J_STATUS]

What else has to come off?

[J_STATUS]

What else needs to come off?

[Loren]

It is a 5 minute job - Maurice told you how to remove it.

It is on the bottom side of the tank - if you have small hands it might be easier to reach.

BTW... the 996 TT link you referenced is a totally different engine and coolant tank. Similar but not the same.

[J_STATUS]

I meant the coolant reservoir

[Loren]

I meant the coolant reservoir

[J_STATUS]

Okay we were able to replace the coolant level sensor. Put everything back and test drove it for 60 miles round trip. On our way to the destination (30 miles) my gauge temp did NOT blink at all. Then on our way back it started blinking. Before we test drove it, we burped the system.

I don't know what else is wrong why it's blinking.....

I replaced the coolant level sensor

I burped the system

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

[DBJoe996]

Describe the blinking...it blinks differently for different reasons. That will help with the diagnoses.

"Four functions of the coolant warning light:

1. Engine coolant level too low -- light flashes slowly (0.5 Hz)

2. Engine compartment temperature too high -- light flashes slowly (0.5 Hz) (engine compartment blower might be faulty)

3. Engine coolant temperature too high -- light is lit; pointer on the right

4. Temperature sensor at water outlet faulty -- light flashes rapidly (1 Hz) ; pointer on the right

Note: The temperature warning in point three is indicated if the conditions "engine coolant temperature too high" and "engine coolant level too low" are present simultaneously."

[J_STATUS]

My situation is....

- The coolant level sensor has been replaced

- The gauge temperature is at 180-190 when driving. Normal driving temp range.

- The gauge temperature blinks about every 2 sec. or 0.5Hz.

- The coolant level is topped off

- The coolant system is burped

- The engine compartment blower fan works 100%.

What else could I diagnose to narrow down and target the problem. I drive it like this but it's irritating. Very irritating.

[Loren]

Have you checked to if the engine compartment sensor has fallen out of it's holder and it laying on hot engine parts?

Usually when that happens the engine compartment cooling fan runs all the time once the car is warm.

Item 12 below - between the intake ports on the right side.

[J_STATUS]

I will check tomorrow for that. Thanks that can help me narrow down this issue.

[DBJoe996]

New coolant level sensor bad? Connected wrong? I really like the other ideas here as well. Read one thread on here about the older style coolant tank sloshing during spirited driving and causing the light to blink. That would indicate a low coolant level false alarm. I did my water pump/thermostat, filled the coolant tank, burped the system, ran the engine, refilled the coolant tank to correct level, drove about thirty miles and the coolant light was flashing like that, checked the coolant level again and had to add a lot more coolant. I had to do that about 3 times over. These are notorious for difficulty in "burping" out the air and finally getting the correct coolant level. If all else fails and the coolant level is correct in the tank, you might try disconnecting the battery for 20 minutes, reconnect and then drive and see if the coolant light stays off. How do you know the engine compartment fan works? Mine never runs even when it is 98 or more. I've only ever heard the fan run once, so maybe Loren's suggestion is absolutely on the right track..the engine compartment temp sensor is laying on the engine.

[J_STATUS]

Thanks for all the input. Definitely will check soon today. I hope that's it and finally fix this issue.

[J_STATUS]

Loren, I looked it up and there was nothing there but the "C" clamp that holds the harness. The harness itself isn't there.

Have you checked to if the engine compartment sensor has fallen out of it's holder and it laying on hot engine parts?

Usually when that happens the engine compartment cooling fan runs all the time once the car is warm.

Item 12 below - between the intake ports on the right side.

[J_STATUS]

Loren I took this pic just a minute ago. Here it shows that there's no harness locked into the C-clamp OR rubber grommet. Where item 12 is suppose to be which it isn't. My car is a 996.1 1999.

Edited September 27, 2012 by J_STATUS

[Loren]

As I said it can fall out of it's holder and then lay on the engine. You need to feel around and find it - then put it back in the holder.

Here is mine (what a dusty engine!)... MY1999 C2

[J_STATUS]

Found it! So I temporarily placed it by the a/c line away from the engine. As I found out that the rubber grommet that will hold it is missing. So I need to go to Porsche Walnut Creek to order the rubber grommet. Once I get it I will put the sensor back where it's suppose to be.

I drove about 30 mins so far so good. No more blinking, but I'm waiting for tonight to drive this longer (30 miles) and see if it really doesn't blink anymore.

Thanks again!

[J_STATUS]

Loren, no more blinking. That was definitely the issue. Thank you for pin pointing that out. I would have never figured it out.

[Loren]

:thumbup:

You are welcome.