Hi there,

I have a 2001 V70 plain ole' NON-turbo wagon. I've gotten the LOW COOLANT message on my dash several times now. Starting back about 2 months ago. Added coolant and about a month later the light comes back on and I need to add again. There are no spots underneath the car in the driveway. So I'm not sure what's going on. Any input would be greatly appreciated. I'm NO mechanic but I can certainly do easier minor repairs. The car has approx. 60k miles.

Sharon

 

Probably need to do a pressure test to see where it's leaking. Has to have some small leak somewhere if you adding coolant once a month.

 

Thanks so much for your quick response. Is this something that has to be taken to a shop to be performed?

Sharon

 

Normally most any shop could do a pressure test, but the Volvo has a strange size cap on the tank so you will have to take it somewhere where they have that size cap to put pressure in the system. The Volvo does not actually have a radiator cap which is where they normally put the pressure cap, so they have to go with the reserve tank cap.

NOTE: I am basing this on 98 and older though. Since yours is an 01, it may be different.

Call any local shop and tell them what car you have and ask if they can do a coolant leak pressure test. If you can find a place that specializes in Volvo's that would be the best though. No need to really hurry since you are keeping the tank checked and full. Just make sure you keep an eye on it.

 

Are you noticing white smoke coming out of the exhaust? At 60K I doubt it, but it's worth checking?