I've a 1999 XC70 non-turbo. When I put coolant into the coolant receptacle, it leaks INTO THE CAR, dampening and staining the carpet underneath the floormat. My mechanic says it probably needs a new heater core, the repair of which, as I understand it, can get expensive very quickly. Any OTHER ideas as to what this might be? I also am open to suggestions with regard to good repair shops here in L.A. Thanks!

 

Are you handy with a Wrench?

The screw holding the pipes into the heater core might have come loose.
The pipes are next to the gas pedal under the dash.

 

Like Tech said, check the pipes that go into the heater core under the dash on the drivers side. They are two aluminum pipes, you can't miss them. beware of the little forked clips that hold them in. They bend quite easily. If you need new ones they are really cheap from volvo.

Pull back the carpet a bit. Turn on the car, see if the coolant is leaking from around the heater core or out from the pipes and you will have isolated the problem.

 

Tech,
I hope that you can help me, I have a leak of some kind that is wetting the passager side. Do you have any idea of what that can be. If you have quick solution that be great. I just spent a lots of money changing the abs system. I have v70xc-2001. Thanks in advance. If there is any other member that had this problem, please feel free to share.

Thanks,

 

I just changed the heater core on my 99 xc70. and it was very easy to do. took me about a hr.

 

If you search the Internet, you can find great instructions to change the heater core yourself. Unless you are very handy, I would reserve half a day for the job, which may include mopping up alot of old coolant from the foam padding and insulation under the carpet. Nonetheless, it is a relatively easy job that can save you some bucks if you do it yourself