So a few days ago my COOLANT idiot light came on when I started up the car. So I turned the car off then back on again. It came back on again but a few second later went off.

So I thought ok no problems. I didn't see my temp gauge going too high or anything.

So a couple days go by and it didn't go on.

Well last night it did, did the same thing.

So my question is, is my sensor messed up or could it be low on fluid? I am going to check the fluid today.

 

If fluid levels are OK and temp guage is reading properly it sounds like the sensor.

 

Fluid level is down. Close to the MIN line of the tank. The temp gauge is working fine as well.

Also there is a smell. Sweet smell at that. Comes and goes as I drive.

 

Iseems likeyour heater core has leak. Check for leaks and keep a close watch on your coolant level.

 

Yes it does sound like the heater core is leaking.

 

Hey thanks for the info. Where is the heater core located? I haven't seen any leaks though on the ground.

 

The leak would be on the floor, if it's bad. But it will be a fine mist at first. I think this is where your at now. Here is a link that will help. https://volvoforums.com/m_5414/tm.htm


This sounds crazy, but try this old school remedy. Put about5 spins of fresh ground pepperdown your radiator cap. The grinds won't hurt anything. The various sizes will find your pin hole, fine smaller ones fill the gaps around it. It's worked for me a few times. The best one was a 92' Taurus that was fogging the windows! The pepper lasted for years.

 

I had the same issue last week and the level of the coolant the expansion tank was below the MIN.
I was in hurry and had to add about 700cc of boilded water. I am going to flush the coolant in next few days, however I have a question, does anybody know if I have to use VOLVO coolant or any Brand name ( Good quality) of coolant works?
99 S70 AWD ( Used to be AWD, now it's FWD!)

 

Any coolant will be fine.

 

I'm filling it up tomorrow to see if it is just too low. But obviously there is a leak somewhere, why else would it be low.

 

"Also there is a smell. Sweet smell at that. Comes and goes as I drive."

Tiny pin hole in the heater core. It may even heal its self, on and off with debris. Try the pepper.

 

Well I bought some 50/50 coolant today and put it in. The idiot let hasn't come on.

However there still must be a leak somewhere. I might have this looked at sometime soon.

 

hi

my v70 awd coolant light came on and i added about 1.5 litres of tap water and next day the temp gauge hit red and the steam was billowing from the expansion tank. i stopped immediately and parked the car up... do i just need coolant or have i done damage??

thanks

 

If you was low on coolant you may have a leak somewhere. You could also have a bad water pump or bad thermostat. I would remove the thermostat and start the car and drive it (don't go far). If the temp goes pass the 1/2 way mark you likely have a busted water pump.

I recently replaced a water pump in a S90 that was broken.

 

If you have a bad water pump, I believe you will have to remove the T-belt to replace it. If that is the case, and the t-belt has not been replaced in the past 30,000 miles, you should do everything, t-belt, tensioners, pulleys, water pump, the works.