this may have already been covered, but this is my first time being here so i dont know. I just bought a 1998 s70 and the defrost works horribly. It comes on, it just doesnt defrost the windows at all. What do i need to do to get it working properly? Your help is appreciated. thx

oh yea, i also smell coolant too. problem?

 

If you smell coolant then the heater core is leaking and will need to be replaced.
That is most likely the problem with the defroster as well.

 

cool thx. I just looked up prices on a heater core and its only about $150. So hopefully thats what the problem is cuz its not that pricey.

 

You will not think it is so inexpensive when you have the labour bill in having the core changed out!!! I believe TECH has a posting on how to tackle the job yourself if you queery the "search" feature.
R.

 

You have to look at the car good. Some of them you can remove the heater core only without removing the entire dash to replace.

 

thx. This sucks. I dont want to spend $500 or more to get that fixed. daaaaamnit...

 

Well, I suppose you could try as a last resort........................some radiator stop leak. You will have to have the heater on "hot" so as to circulate the stop leak. Mind you............this would be a last resort attempt to save the heater core. On the other hand, I do not know if the Volvo heater leaks because the ends are plastic and that is where the leak is..............if so, then give it up! TECH may comment on this aspect. I know old 320 BMW's were plastic and it was the plastic ends that split and leaked and not the aluminum core................
R.

 

so it could just be that the plastic ends need to be replaced? If its not the ends and it is actually the heater core, is this something that should be replaced right away or is it something that can wait a little bit? If it needs to be replaced, does anyone know someone in northern california that could fix it for me for cheaper than a shop? Im in the sacramento area. thx

 

No............you cannot replace the plastic ends. What you may have is an aluminum core with plastic ends CRIMPED to the core. In the older BMWs the ends (plastic) would harden and crack...........allegedly from the antifreeze/ PH of the coolant and then you would have the mist on the windows and the sweet smell of antifreeze. TECH mentioned that perhaps you can change it out from under the dash...............I know on the old BMW I had, the entire lower dash and airconditioner evaporator had to be removed..........which included the centre console............it was a two day job! Let's hope that a Sacramento area member can comment on a shop.
R.

 

thx for your help

 

Try looking under the dash the heater core is just to the right of the gas pedal.See if you will be able to slide it out without removing the dash.

Also as another last resort to hold off on replacing it if you don't need heat.Then you can bypass it for now till you get it fixed.

 

You are right, TECH............those lucky bums that live in California and Florida really do not have to worry about heat to the extent we 'northerners' do..................... I would jump the heater hoses and be done with it!
R.

 

HEY HEY I am in Florida!!!!

It only gets to about 32 sometimes in the days during winter at times.

 

Yeah, TECH...........I know you are in Florida...........that's why I added it to california. I'll take your 32 degrees with sun to my minus 32 with snow!!! You have it made!!! I try cases in Florida and ALWAYS enjoy it when the client sends me to the sunshine state. Next week I am in New Jersey and will have to take my water wings with me.................
R.

 

I know all about Jersey I used to live there.

I remember at times it was very hard to get my car started it was so cold.