I am a new 2007 Cayman owner and have a problem that I wonder if anybody else has experienced. The very evening that I picked up my car from the dealership, my low coolant warning light came on. The light was coming on when the car was first started and then would go off after about 3 to 5 minutes of driving. I needed to wait until the next morning to check the coolant level and it was indeed below the minimum level indicator. I immediately took the car back to the dealer service for correction. They performed a pressure check, it checked out normal and they replaced the small amount of coolant missing. They suggested that it might have had an air blockage in the system that didn't allow a full filling of coolant from the factory. Everything was fine until a couple of days ago and the coolant warning light came on again. Same symtoms, the coolant was below the minimum level and I have returned the car to the dealer service. They ran an overnight pressure check and again it was normal. There is no observable coolant leak on the car or the floor. They have been in contact with Porsche technical service and they are suggesting to make sure that there is no coolant in the oil and something other to do with AC. The car only has 700 miles on it at this point. Has this issue been discussed or complained about previously? Any input is appreciated. It is obviously very bad if the coolant has infiltrated the oil lubrication system. The coolant has to be going somewhere! Thank you from a new member.
MisterHarleyDad

Welcome to the club!!!!

I would still take your car back to the dealer, but you might want to check out the link below and the subsequent jump after this link to read up on some other members that have complained of a coolant leak. Although you have said there is no noticeable leak, the coolant has to be going somewhere. Of course there could be a fault in the sensor or as the service tech suggested, air in the system, but a trip to the dealer is in order.

Coolant leak?

Good luck and let us know how things turn out.

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I had this. I think just bubbles in the system. After a few times it will reach the right level. Took me 3 times.

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2006 Cayman S - Speed Yellow, Black Interior, Yellow Seat Belts
Sports Chrono Package, 6 Spd, PASM/PSM, Bi-Xenon headlamps
Carrera S wheels 19" - Conti Sport 2, Colored-crest wheel cap
Auto climate control, Heated seats
PCM 2.1 Nav, Denision ICE-Ipod, Bose Surround
De-snorked, Evo V-Flow

Thank you for the responses...the car is at the dealership and they should let me know more information tomorrow. They will be checking the oil. I sure hope it is air in the system. Thanks again...I'll let you know!

Well, my worst fear has been confirmed. The coolant has gotten into the oil lubrications system somehow. The dealer is in contact with Porsche Germany and is getting specific instruction on how to deal with this issue. The service manager tells me that they need to determine where the problem is occurring. He said that they may need to take the cylinder heads off and inspect the casing of the cylinders. This doesn't sound good at all. This is a major repair for a car that only has 740 miles on it. As I mentioned, the original problem began on my drive home after purchasing the car. I'm not sure what will transpire. I feel as though I will always have a less than perfect car. I will know more tomorrow what they might have to do or intend to do. Ugh...disappointed doesn't begin to describe my feeling. Stay tuned. I sure wish somebody else out there had a similar complaint that was resolved satisfactorily.

Wow, that is a major defect! Check into your lemon laws just in case.

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resident comedienne

2006 Cayman S - Speed Yellow, Black Interior, Yellow Seat Belts
Sports Chrono Package, 6 Spd, PASM/PSM, Bi-Xenon headlamps
Carrera S wheels 19" - Conti Sport 2, Colored-crest wheel cap
Auto climate control, Heated seats
PCM 2.1 Nav, Denision ICE-Ipod, Bose Surround
De-snorked, Evo V-Flow

seems to me your gasket's busted, causing the coolant to leak into the oil or vice versa depending on pressure differences. Most probably both ways.

Considering the age of the car, an engine swap might be in order.

I actually contacted a lemon law attorney (I am in California). Apparently Porsche is one of the most difficult manufacturers to claim against for a lemon law issue. He specifically told me that they won't take a Porsche case unless there are 4 visits for the same problem. I've resolved myself to the issue and I will pursue a replacement engine and if not a replacement engine, then I will pursue an extended warranty. Clearly this is a major defect and I hope that Porsche will step up to the plate. I'm not holding my breath. More news tomorrow, I hope. Thanks for your comments.

I just talked to the Porsche service at the dealer and they were unable to locate the source of the intermix of coolant and oil. They had taken the engine out of the car and looked at all the areas that Porsche technical in Germany had directed. Apparently because they are unable to locate the precise problem, they are going to replace my engine. This is the best possible outcome because I would have always worried about the integrity of my original engine. My faith in Porsche is restored and I think they did the right thing. I have no complaint at this point...I should be able to pick the car up on next Monday.

Who did your service?

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resident comedienne

2006 Cayman S - Speed Yellow, Black Interior, Yellow Seat Belts
Sports Chrono Package, 6 Spd, PASM/PSM, Bi-Xenon headlamps
Carrera S wheels 19" - Conti Sport 2, Colored-crest wheel cap
Auto climate control, Heated seats
PCM 2.1 Nav, Denision ICE-Ipod, Bose Surround
De-snorked, Evo V-Flow

That must mean they have engines in a warehouse in the US. Otherwise, shipping from Germany and getting installed by Monday would seem nearly impossible to me (although I suppose with air freight, and working really hard (don't know how long installation takes) it could be done).

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Robert

Yes, there are engines in the warehhouse...it was to take a day to ship it to Carlsbad.

hmm... I just bought a 2007 Cayman on my birthday in 9/2007. I drove it home, and show it to my friend that night. We found out that the coolant is low! It's below the minimum mark. On the advice of my sales person, I added some coolant myself. A week later, I recheck it again in the morning before I head out to work. The coolant is below minimum line again! I am going to take it to the dealer tomorrow for a check up.