Hi, My husband and I just bought a used 960 wagon. It is in great shape and has 126, 000 miles. The only problem is the heater doesn't work. I had read that if the heater core was bad there would be a sweet smell (coolant) when the heater was on. There is no odor, the fans are blowing hard, it just doesn't get warm. Any ideas? Thank you!

 

Check the heater control valve under the hood.
Make sure the hose has vaccum with the heat on.
Also make sure someone didn't bypass it.

 

Well, the HCV fixed that problem...but I discovered a new one. It now appears the heater core needs to be replaced (coolant in floor, smoke from vent, smell of coolant, etc.). Any steps on how to replace this would be helpful. Also, which book is best to buy...Haynes or Chilton? Thanks.

 

It isa pain because the dash has to come out to replace it.

 

The dealer wants around $1100 for the labor alone I have the same problem and have been putting the repair offdue to the cost.If you try and succeed please let me know, the actual heater core was not all that expensive. Also before you fixed the heater control valve was there any smoke or the puddle in the cabin?

 

I had a faulty heating core with other car that I have.
It did not leak any coolant. The control valve was fine.

In order to replace the heating core, you have to take out the dash and it's a lot of work.
1100 dollars to fix it sounds reasonable since volvo is high maintenance vehicle.

Take it to the private shop you trust, they will do the job at a lower cost.