Bad Thermostat
#1
11-11-2006, 12:48 PM
Bad Thermostat
All,
I suspect my wife’s 01 XC70 has a thermostat that is going bad. For the last year that we have owned it, as soon as it heated up, the needle on the temperature gauge would go to the middle of the scale on the gauge and stay there. Yesterday, on a 400 mile round trip, the needle never got above the first or second tick mark, and the car put out what I considered a weak amount of heat. Even with the heat turned on full blast, it never felt overly warm.
The temperature ranged from 35 degrees at the start of the trip to 60 at the end, and at highway speeds the gauge needle would always stay at the first tick mark. If I had to slow down or stop, the needle would climb to just above the second tick mark, but as soon as I sped up, it would drop down to the first mark again.
Looking for some feedback on what to check before I order a new thermostat. Thanks,
Glenn
I suspect my wife’s 01 XC70 has a thermostat that is going bad. For the last year that we have owned it, as soon as it heated up, the needle on the temperature gauge would go to the middle of the scale on the gauge and stay there. Yesterday, on a 400 mile round trip, the needle never got above the first or second tick mark, and the car put out what I considered a weak amount of heat. Even with the heat turned on full blast, it never felt overly warm.
The temperature ranged from 35 degrees at the start of the trip to 60 at the end, and at highway speeds the gauge needle would always stay at the first tick mark. If I had to slow down or stop, the needle would climb to just above the second tick mark, but as soon as I sped up, it would drop down to the first mark again.
Looking for some feedback on what to check before I order a new thermostat. Thanks,
Glenn
#2
11-11-2006, 01:36 PM
RE: Bad Thermostat
most likely it is the stat. i have an '00 and i will be replacing the stat today. it seems like a very simple job. my symptons are much likes yours except my will reach normal operating temp in 60 degree weather or idling at a stand still. i suspect my problem is that the stat does not close all the way, but partially. your case, i would suspect the stat is stuck wide open.
does the operating temp reach normal when the car is idling at a stand still?
the other thing to check is make sure your coolant is at the proper level. if there is no coolant in the system then there is no fluid for the temp sensor to sense.
if the coolant is good, then i would say replace the stat. just about 10 bucks at the local auto parts store.
does the operating temp reach normal when the car is idling at a stand still?
the other thing to check is make sure your coolant is at the proper level. if there is no coolant in the system then there is no fluid for the temp sensor to sense.
if the coolant is good, then i would say replace the stat. just about 10 bucks at the local auto parts store.
#3
11-18-2006, 04:13 PM
RE: Bad Thermostat
Well, I replaced the stat today. Ordered one from FCP Groton, as all three of my local auto parts stores did not list a thermostat for an 01 XC70. In fact two of them told me I must be wrong on the year as Volvo didn't make XC70's until 03......
Anyway, took about 15 minutes to R & R the stat. Started the car and in about 8 minutes of driving the car warmed up properly and had excelent heat.
Looks like the problem is solved.
Glenn
Anyway, took about 15 minutes to R & R the stat. Started the car and in about 8 minutes of driving the car warmed up properly and had excelent heat.
Looks like the problem is solved.
Glenn
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