After a 20 minute drive on the freeway at legal speeds I stopped for about 5-10 minutes. After that when I started the car again, it immediately started overheating. I could see the needle move to the red zone and then ENGINE HOT warning came up.

What could have caused this? I suspect I might have blown off a hose of some sort?

 

Are you sure it was actually overheating?
Maybe the ECT is bad and telling the engine computer it is hot when it actually is not.

 

I forgot to tell you guys that I noticed that when the heaters inside the car were on full blow the needle stabilized itself where it usually was(in the middle). Although if I went over 2000 rpm the needle started rising again.

So because I didnt see any loose hoses or had any leaks I assume this is an thermostat issue?
It all came so sudden though and at the very worst time. At round 4AM on the freeway + a lot of rain.


I called my mechanic and he said that some s60's have a "newer" type of thermostat that costs around 150-200 dollars. But he thought since mine is a 2001 s60 t5 it would have the "old" one for around 10-15 dollars. Is this correct? I searched google and got a couple of hits for the one that costs 15dollars so I guess that is the one I need.

 

Thank you for your answer tech, seems we both wrote at the same time.

I dont really know if it is overheating, because when I opened up the hood it really didnt seem that warm. I touched a couple of hoses but wasnt bad at all.

Is that ECT a common problem? How much would it cost?

 

Its somewhat common.
I would change the ECT and thermostat.
Check on FCPgroton.com for the price on the sensor.

 

You can also check www.IPDUSA.com for your Volvo parts. I use these guys always & they are very helpful if you need to speak with someone for a part needed. I wouldn't ask questions to diagnose a problem, but you can call or check their website for specific parts. Good luck!

 

ECT sensor & thermostat changed... works perfect now!

 

Glad all is good!