Temp Gauge warning light

[PORKA]

Just taken the car out for a run after 8 weeks standing got about 3 mile up the road and the temp gauge stayed down to the left with the light flashing. Coolant level is OK and there appeared to be no water leaking out, oil pressure normal.
On my return the gauge worked intermittently from light flashing, needle to the left or registering various temps up to 80 Deg with no light flashing! Looked at Tech articles and can see some explanations but not mine.
Think it may be a sensor as a faulty sensor light comes up on the dash. Any suggestions Richard?

 

[macray]

Probably low coolant; usually is. Do check that you have the "Mk II' pressure cap fitted as the original one was prone to losing pressure. If there is, or has been a slight smell of methyl alcohol, that's an indicator that the cap is letting off a little pressure. My OPC caught mine a while back and whilst the warning light was not coming on, there was always that smell, or a hint of it, after a run. New cap cured it.
Best...
Ray

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

Depends on the frequency of flashing of the warning light, but I suspect you are correct. I guess you saw: https://www.porscheclubgb.com/forum/tm.asp?m=330170

The sensor has two sets of contacts - one for the instrument cluster gauge, and one for the DME. Although the link shows "rapid flashing - indicator to the right" it also seems to happen with the needle to the left. The sensors aren't very expensive (£15-20) and about 30-45 minutes to change it.

 

[PORKA]

Thanks Richard what I thought it be as everything else looks good, recent water pump, low temp thermostat, uprated cap fitted and all new rads couple of years ago.

 

[PORKA]

Seems to have sorted itself out after about 30mins after put on ignition and gauge registered around 60 then started engine and gauge went up to just under 80 (normal) after a short warm up. Went out for a drive all OK no water loss etc.[] will keep an eye on it. Could it be a sticking gauge?

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

ORIGINAL: PORKA
........ Could it be a sticking gauge?

I wouldn't have thought so, because the light was flashing, and I don't think a sticking gauge would cause that. Perhaps it is an iffy connection at the sensor. Hopefully it will stay working, but if not I would try disconnecting and reconnecting the sensor plug a couple of times to clean up the connectors. Of course, that will be a case of getting the car into the air a bit, and grovelling around underneath. Maybe it will wait for some better weather.....