1999 S70 Volvo engine temperature gauge in the dashboard is displaying "cold". There is little to no heat blowing inside the car. The engine is not overheating or running hot. However the electric fan comes onwhile the engine is at idle (maybe when driving too). Does this sound like the thermostat gone bad? If this is the thermostat where is it located? If it isn't the thermostat, what else could be the problem?

 

I would say thermostat or coolant temp sensor.
They are both located where the upper radiator hose meets the engine.

 

Tech, thanks.
I'll check them out.

 

This message is thanks to Tech.
I changed out the thermostat this afternoon. Everything is fine now. Got Heat!

 

Glad you got it fixed.

 

Question: How long would/should it take to change out just the Thermostat? I bought the part and am dropping car off next to where I work in morning. Just trying to get a feel for the labor charge comming at me...

Thanks guys!

 

They'll probably charge an hour, but it should only take as long as it takes to drain out the coolant. (5-10 minutes?)

 

an hour seems excessive.

 

Sorry, I think most shops charge in half hour increments. Sometimes the mind and the fingers don't match up...

 

So a shop is installing a thermostat that you bought and took to them? Most shops would not even do this to be honest. I would think they would charge you an hour plus some shop costs. Did you give them the gasket too?

 

yes. and yes 1 hr plus 1.5gal coolant = $80. Heat is better, engine warmer and I believe fuel consumption should imrove a little as well.

Now - was it a bit expensive? A little.I would of attempted this on my own after work one day had the temps not been in the low 20s. However it was done at a shop next to where I work and didn't cost me time or inconvienience to family members having to drive me around etc...

 

$80.00 including the coolant sounds like a more than reasonable price to me.

I've been working on one of my cars in this 20 degree weather and it's cold, that's for sure. I do have a garage, but it's not heated. I don't stay out there for much more than an hour at a time.

 

Mission complete in 30 mins.
Two tool are needed.
Make sure that you have a metric torque bit and a screw driver (or nut driver).
Remove the radiator hose, removed the goose neck and take out the thermostat.
Swapped the gasket from the old thermostat to the new.
Seat the thermostat and replaced the goose neck. Reconnected the hose and topped off the coolant tank.
Make sure that you that you allow the engine to warm up for the thermostat to open and allow circulation to start.
Once again, check the coolant level in the tank.