Porsche Engine Cooling System
Dashboard Warning Messages Explained

Understanding Porsche Engine Cooling System Dashboard Warning Messages and Lights

If you see a message or warning light, such as a low coolant, on your Porsche dashboard that relates to the engine cooling system, it’s important to take the appropriate action. This section covers what to do when messages associated with engine cooling appear on your Porsche dashboard.

Common Porsche Engine Cooling System Warning Messages and Symbols

Engine health and performance relies in part on effective cooling. Engine overheating can be catastrophic and can cause expensive mechanical engine failure. If you have an engine cooling related warning message do not ignore it. Check our guide below to see how to react and what to do next.

Comparing Porsche Engine Coolant Consumption

Engines will normally consume coolant over a “service interval” period – maybe 10K miles for example. The later engines do tend to consume coolant a little more than the older versions, and it would not be unusual to have to top off the coolant level at regular maintenance time. It’s always best to document the coolant consumption to understand if it changes. More rapid coolant consumption than normal is a sign of a longer term engine problem.

If the dashboard messages are related to engine performance, see our page on engine performance messages.

Seek the expert help of one of our recommended Porsche specialists. And, if you see a message we have not covered please contact us and share it with us. If we helped you, please help us.

Porsche Engine Cooling System Warning Messages

Check Coolant Level

This message indicates that the coolant level in the engine has fallen below the correct level. The right volume of coolant is critical for safe engine running. Why is the coolant level low?

Here’s what to do – Do not open the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is hot. Let the engine cool completely. Add and document the amount of coolant needed to bring the level in the reservoir back to between the min and max markers.

Schedule an appointment with a Porsche specialist to identify where the coolant went!

Cooling System Fault – Service Required

This message indicates that the engine management has detected a functionality failure in the cooling system. You do not want to overheat the engine, so take action here quickly.

Here’s what to do – Engine cooling is critical. This message is unlikely to be coolant level related and more likely a failed component such as a thermostat. Driving the car is risky even if the coolant temp appears normal.

Seek the help of a Porsche specialist as soon as possible.

Fault Cooling System – Visit Repair Shop

This message indicates a component failure in the cooling system. It’s critically important to not overheat the engine, so take action here as soon as possible.

Here’s what to do – Engine overheating is the leading cause of engine failure. This message is unlikely to be coolant level related. It could be cooling fan, thermostat, or water pump related. Running the engine is risky, even if the coolant temp appears in the normal range.

Seek the help of a Porsche specialist as soon as possible.

Engine Too Hot – Park vehicle

This message indicates that engine management has detected a situation that is causing overheating in the engine. Significant damage can result if an engine gets too hot and you never want to see this message.

Here’s what to do – stop the engine immediately and do not drive the car. Have the car towed to a Porsche specialist immediately. Overheating is typically catastrophic for Porsche engines and repairs after overheating in some cases can exceed the value of the car!

Top Up Coolant Immediately – Do Not Drive On

This message indicates that the coolant level in the engine has dropped to a dangerously low level. It’s important to take immediate action exactly as the message suggests.

Here’s what to do – If the engine is hot do not remove the coolant reservoir cap. Let the engine cool down to completely cold. Our advice here is to not add coolant right away. You want to discover how much coolant was lost and where it went before adding any. We recommend you identify possible leaks before running the engine again. Get the car to a Porsche specialist as soon as possible.