15 replies to this topic

[unban]

Hi everyone, first post here. I saw a few posts that looked to be about the same issue I am having but not quite...so figured I would give it a shot. My Volvo S60 (which has given me TONS of trouble since I bought it) randomly started showing the Coolant Low warning triangle about 3 months ago or so. This warning only started showing once I picked it up from a certified Volvo mechanic. I didn't have the money they quoted to fix that, stating it would cost about $200 because they had to replace the entire coolant tank enclosure for this, so just monitored my coolant. I definitely forgot to monitor it because as it got colder the light stopped coming on as much, and then about 2 weeks ago just stayed off for good. This morning I was replacing my windshield wipper fluid and noticed my tank was literally empty so I imediately ran out and put some coolant in it. As soon as I put coolant into the vehicle and turned it on the coolant warning came back! Anyone have any ideas on what's wrong with it? This isn't a turbo by the way. Any suggestions help! Just not looking forward to shelling out another $200 on this when I've spent about $1,500 since I bought it in July!

Thanks!

[JRL]

Find the money to fix it and hope you didn't do any permanent damage
Christ

[unban]

Thanks for the prompt and awesome reply to my problem of a sensor that tells me I have low coolant when the tank is full and doesn't tell me I'm low on coolant when I'm completely out. Awesome response from a supporting member to make me really want to stick around on the forums after my first post!

[Keaton85]

Get the ATF changed out and make sure all the updates are complete for the tranny!

$200 to replace the coolant reservoir? That costs next to nothing for the part and taking about 10min to replace with basic tools.

unban, on 14 January 2012 - 02:36 AM, said:

Thanks for the prompt and awesome reply to my problem of a sensor that tells me I have low coolant when the tank is full and doesn't tell me I'm low on coolant when I'm completely out. Awesome response from a supporting member to make me really want to stick around on the forums after my first post!

Don't worry about Jim, hes a little edgy most times. He will help you out though, so don't get grumpy...

[unban]

The part being the whole reservoir? Or was the technician messing with me and I can just buy the sensor and replace that alone?

[Keaton85]

This tank: http://www.fcpeuro.c...n-tank-30741973

Idono what else they would be talking about! Also you really don't explain what is really going on here, where the coolant is leaking from and so forth.

[unban]

Hmm I see. that seems easy enough I suppose. And I haven't even noticed it was leaking, I had been constantly checking the levels on it up until about 2-3 weeks ago and it was still at that full level. I haven't noticed any leaks anywhere regarding it, that's why I felt it was so odd. Looked around but it's too dark right now to see without proper lighting. I'll post back tomorrow morning once I can get a good look around to see if I spot leakage anywhere.

[bpray9223]

unban, on 14 January 2012 - 03:08 AM, said:

Hmm I see. that seems easy enough I suppose. And I haven't even noticed it was leaking, I had been constantly checking the levels on it up until about 2-3 weeks ago and it was still at that full level. I haven't noticed any leaks anywhere regarding it, that's why I felt it was so odd. Looked around but it's too dark right now to see without proper lighting. I'll post back tomorrow morning once I can get a good look around to see if I spot leakage anywhere.

Check around the radiator connection points as well as the drain plug petcock for the radiator. It could be a faulty sensor from running the coolant at various levels as well.

Also, your attitude and complaining about other maintenance costs is not going to get you much more help around here. $1500 in maintenance over a 6+ month period is by no means a startling number for these 2001+ Volvo's.

[NJGreenBudd]

Right on Bpray, what do you expect for $1500?? Certainly not a pristine, trouble free 10 year old Volvo. Lol.

Anyways, welcome to the boards.

It's hard to tell what you're askign really from your post, at first it sounds like just a faulty sensor but then you do mention the coolant tank being empty. Might be two different but related problems.The radiator itself is also a common leaking point for coolant, where the metal body meets the plastic endtanks. Sometimes the coolant leaks slowly and drips onto the skid plate so you don't notice it.

Edit, misread, $1500 in maitenance IS a bit worse than I was thinking. Sorry your having such bad luck with the car so far.

[jschaefer7406]

Hello,

Check for seepage around the water pump as well (will have to pull the upper and front timing belt covers if you're not familiar). Other than the above mentioned, that's where I'd start .

As for the sensor not reading when EMPTY, that is kinda odd (unless its stuck). I do believe the sensor is available separately, but the float is part if the tank. My laptop is dead right now, but I can check VADIS for a P/N at some point if you need. Not sure where you're located, but you could also pick up a tank and sensor cheap at a local yard (had to for the Wife's XC)...

Anyway, hope this helps. Welcome aboard .

Joe

[Ihatespeedbumps]

I'm guessing your erratic readings of the coolant level sensor are because the float is broken inside the reservoir. DO NOT BUY AN AFTERMARKET (URO brand) RESERVOIR FROM FCP. It's absolute shit.

Genuine Volvo only, and this is a pretty easy component to replace in the driveway with a couple clamps and hand tools.

[Daveybeee]

You should also be prepared to change the level sensor that is mounted in the coolant resevoir

[wizzard_al]

The radiators on these cars have plastic end tanks, and they start leaking after 8-10 years, if not sooner. Someone already mentioned that, and the way to look is to carefully shine a light down the sides of the radiator when looking in the engine compartment, or, better yet, look at the radiator from underneath. Often the leak is small, and doesn't leave any water on the floor, but you will see stains on the radiator. That means replace it now, before it starts to get worse and you lose an engine. There are several aftermarket radiators that are available, try www.rockauto.com; most radiators are under $200, and one is nearly $400. Most aftermarket places are going to charge around $250, if you are lucky. Don't wait, find the leak. Water pump can go, most mechanics don't change them when they do a timing belt at 105,000 miles, and my experience is that I always replace them, because I don't think they will go 200,000 miles before being changed. I had one on my son's car go bad at 160,000 miles, it had already had 2 timing belt changes, and it fried his engine when the seals completely let go and lost 80% or more of the water in a minute. Look for stains of water on the bottom of the engine near the front pulley, that is where the water shows up.

Both situation are FIX IT NOW! types of problems.

[S8ET6]

You mentioned $1500 in repairs - did you by chance need to replace any o2 sensors? And if so, were they chalky white in color? If you did then you could be loosing coolant during combustion. You may have a compromised head gasket if you don't see evidence of a bad radiator or leaking water pump.

[pcguru000]

not sure if this is a possibility but perhaps could the polarity of the sensor be reversed? I don't know how they work but if the lights on when full and off when empty ... maybe its just backwards some how? manufacturing error?

[Keaton85]

I think the OP is MIA!