LoveMyS60 Posted December 5, 2007 Report Share Posted December 5, 2007 Good morning,The Car: It's an 03 2.4t w/ about 60k on the clock. I bought it used in June. 1. Since it's gotten cold out, I've noticed that it cranks a bit longer before turning over. It's garage-kept at home so I only notice this when I leave work. Not terrible, but noticeable, and I'm sure it puts more strain on the battery. Is this normal? Should I be servicing something? I do let it sit for 2 mins or so after these cold-starts before putting it in gear, and I go gentle on it for a few mins after that. 2. My Real Question:Yesterday after work was the first cold-start in under-30* weather. When it turned over, the yellow triangle was lit and the DIM showed "Low Coolant - Stop Engine." Since the car was just turned on and clearly in no risk of overheating at that moment, I sat for a minute thinking about how to handle it and within 30-45 seconds the message and yellow triangle went away. I kept an eye on the temp and it never deviated from it's usual centerline position. I know that coolant expands in warm weather and contracts in cold weather. Should I add coolant? If so, do I need to drain some off when it gets warm in the spring? Also, should I check this when the engine is cold? If so, should I park it outside and check it? My garage is usually kept around 50*. And finally, if I do add coolant, what should I add? I searched around here and I've seen people say that any EG-based coolant w/ Low Silicate and No Phosphates should be OK. Is that the consensus? Another posted said that Stealership coolant runs $24/gallon. Should I bite the bullet for it, or is a trip to AutoZone adequate? Sorry! I know NOTHING about cars! Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ihatespeedbumps Posted December 5, 2007 Report Share Posted December 5, 2007 Take your battery to an auto parts store, have them check it to see if it's still good.As far as the coolant issue, if it went out shortly after you turned the car on, the coolant fell just low enough for it to trip the level sensor. Top up the coolant and check for leaks. You probably don't have any, but check and make sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LoveMyS60 Posted December 5, 2007 Author Report Share Posted December 5, 2007 Take your battery to an auto parts store, have them check it to see if it's still good.As far as the coolant issue, if it went out shortly after you turned the car on, the coolant fell just low enough for it to trip the level sensor. Top up the coolant and check for leaks. You probably don't have any, but check and make sure.Thanks! Do you know if I can use coolant from the Autoparts store or do I really need to drop $24/gal on Volvo Coolant from the dealer? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SkyWriter Posted December 5, 2007 Report Share Posted December 5, 2007 As far as the coolant issue, if it went out shortly after you turned the car on, the coolant fell just low enough for it to trip the level sensor. Top up the coolant and check for leaks. You probably don't have any, but check and make sure.i get this every couple of season changes. top off, and you're fine if you watch the temp gauge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TBM Posted December 5, 2007 Report Share Posted December 5, 2007 i get this every couple of season changes. top off, and you're fine if you watch the temp gauge.Oddly enough, today is the first time I got this light too. Turns on only when I put my foot down a bit, and then goes off. Which coolant (that Wal-Mart sells) is good for Volvos? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 850T-5 Posted December 6, 2007 Report Share Posted December 6, 2007 If it is Volvo Type C coolant in there, which you won't be able to tell, and is what is most likely in there, DO NOT mix with other coolants. They are not compatible and Volvo recommends against this. If the coolant looks in good condition, especially since it's just a little bit, top off with distilled water. Topping off with distilled water won't hurt anything, especially if it is down just a bit, in just the reservior. This is way better than mixing coolants. The new Volvo Type C coolant is blue, the older Volvo Type C is green. If it is green it could still be type C though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LoveMyS60 Posted December 6, 2007 Author Report Share Posted December 6, 2007 If it is Volvo Type C coolant in there, which you won't be able to tell, and is what is most likely in there, DO NOT mix with other coolants. They are not compatible and Volvo recommends against this. If the coolant looks in good condition, especially since it's just a little bit, top off with distilled water. Topping off with distilled water won't hurt anything, especially if it is down just a bit, in just the reservior. This is way better than mixing coolants. The new Volvo Type C coolant is blue, the older Volvo Type C is green. If it is green it could still be type C though.Thank you very much. That would've been a very costly $7 jug of Peak Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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