I have a 2000 s80 volvo with low coolant. When i add it to the overflow tank,, it doesn't want to draw down into the radiator. Also, the top radiator hose collapses some. If i drain the system, how will i refill properly?

 

If the expansion tank is full, why do you think you have low coolant?

 

The expansion tank on these cars is pressurized- they don't have a conventional radiator cap/ overflow tank setup- the expansion tank is directly connected to the entire cooling system, so filling it directly fills the whole system through the bottom hose on the tank. The top hose is an air bleed.All you do is fill the tank until the level stops dropping down. Then, run the car until it reaches normal operating temperature, shut it off, allow it to cool for several hours, then top off the tank.

As for the hose collapsing, sounds like your thermostat might be stuck. Change it

 

Yes, I did change the thermostat, drained the entire system (drained block from the back side of the engine, closest to the firewall) then refilled, and still the car only drinks between 1 to 1 1/2 gal of coolant. the specks call for 2 1/2 gal. light still on the dash indicating that the coolant level is low. Also i have no ac/heat function. any ideas?

 

Have you checked the wires going to the expansion tank?

 

yes, wires are plugged in and secured

 

If the expansion tank is full you likely have a bad sensor, float, or some other wiring problem.

Is the car overheating?