I was told one year ago that there was a crack in the radiator (at the dealership) and we should have it replaced. Since both my husband and I have been without a job for over one year we have been able to maintain by just adding coolant about once per month (if even). However, now it is bad. Having to fill every 2-3 days so I guess we have to bite the bullet. My question is -- what price can we expect at the dealership? Does this have to be done at the dealership (we were told it was very difficult and labor intensive) or can this be done at a local garage for probably 1/3 of the price?
Thanks!

 

No it does NOT have to be done at the dealership, just like most of the work that your car requires. Is your husband at least a little mechanically inclined? If not, maybe some friend etc. If that is out of the question, call Volvo independent shops, see if someone can recommend one for you or call on craigslist adds and see if they are competitive on the radiator replacement. When replacing radiator I'd recommend at least check the hoses (especially if there's lots of miles and/or abuse on the car) for weak spots, show of stressed/hardened rubber. I know it's hard when you got no job, believe me , but you really don't want to get stuck somewhere because your hose blew up.
Thermostat would not be that hard to replace as well & it's peanuts compare to hoses.

 

Here's a "generic" procedure, different car but at lest gives you an idea what's involved.
btw, if you can see where it's leaking and it is in the plastic part of the radiator, you may be able to put a glue patch on that spot. I've seeing it done, just not sure how long it held.
Good luck.
as far as new radiator prices, you can order it on-line like fleabay

 

Yeah, find an indie shop to do the work for you.

 

Thanks for such informative and quick answers! My husband was told (by Volvo) that it was very labor intensive. It was not a matter of just dropping the new radiator but rather that the whole grille/frame had to be removed. So, he was wondering if this was special because of the R-model (which sucks by the way the turning radius on this thing makes me look like I just learn to drive)?
Thanks again - I will try and convince him that it can be done at a garage.

I don't want to not make it to an interview because of an overheated car...

 

The front of the car does not need to come off.
But the radiator and intercooler do get dropped as one. It is a little labor intensive but not all that bad. I believe book time is like 2 to 2.5 hours labor.

 

Just think about it. Dealership service "advisor's" JOB is to get the most money for the dealer by:
a. making sure they do the most jobs possible per time alloted
b. by charging you the most amount of money possible per job
I think they have at least a little incentive to make the job sound more complicated?
btw, what did they quote him for the job and how much they have already charged him for the diagnostics - just curious.
Thx

 

Hi Tech & nmikmik - Thanks for your input!

nmikmik - it was over 1 year ago so my husband doesn't remember. I am going to call there tomorrow morning to get a quote. They actually pointed it out one time when we had it in for the covered service that it was something we had to do and they have been mailing us reminders ever since. The odd thing is that they said that it was not clear where the crack and/or leak was from so feeling a bit suspicious!!
Thanks again!
Birgitta

 

Oh boy,
Dealing with the year old here-say is going to be hard. So yea, call them and ask them - I am sure they have it documented some where, or at least they should have.
If dealer says they can not tell where is the leak, don't even bother with them. Guess what I'd say if i'd be in their shoos "bring it back we'll retest and we'll tell you if that's what it is" - and of course charge you an hour to do so. Just call around for a quote on "cooling system pressure test" and see what the independent shop will tell you. I suspect it could be the head gasket if you keep adding the coolant and don't see any leaks on the garage/driveway. That's a big $$$$ job and not for the unemployed to handle.
To the rest of Volvo enthusiasts - especially the Tech
Can we test this system ourselves - i.e. is there some kind of expansion reservoir adapter to attach the pressure tester? Maybe they can just go to the nearest Kragen/PepBoys whatever and they'll loan them the pressure tester? I'd hate to have them pay even $50 for the test.

 

Maybe you can rent one. The adapter for the pressure tester alone is $75.00.
Some places you can buy a universal one but not sure on the price of it.

 

I am having the small drip issue now.When you start the car can you see the leak? When the car is parked where is the stain from the fluid? The radiators in these car a know to leek at the seals.I would be willing to bet that its time to replace it .Read this its a step buy step with Pics on how to replace the Rad Not as bad as it may first look.also Look at http://www.fcpgroton.com/ They are the best place to get a After market .This is a very doable job for most handy guys and if your husband is not one and you do not have a friend that can help out a smaller Volvo shop is your best bet.Just do yourself a favor i understand that $$ is tight but going to a cheep shop is not always the best idea.Try to find a place that works with Volvo's.Good luck i hope it works out.

 

Same car, same issue, been a year as well. I was quoted $850 at dealer and ~$650 at an indy or three. All said it was labor intensive... I also see no coolant but that is mainly do to the splash guard, fluid gets in there then when you hit a bump, it's gone, so its common not to see it. The radiator on these cars going is another common thing, so don't think you will get it fixed and be good for another N number of miles, it could crack pretty quickly again. I loved this car, but the cost when things break is ridiculous. Next major thing to go wrong I am getting a Lexus IS 350, done with Volvo's and their high maintenance costs.