Got the "Low Coolant Level" alarm the other day at cold start. Powered down and took a look. Sure enough, the Coolant reservor was empty. I refilled which cleared the alarm. My question is, without any noticeable leaks or spots on ground, is this anything to be concerned about? Where did it go? [sm=WTFsgign.gif]This is a 2005 2.5 with 27,500 miles on it. The level has maitained since with about 5 hours drive time.

Also got the Maintance Required prompt for 27,500. Is this highly recommended dealer work or belt, hose, fluid level type of stuff that you get ripped off for?

 

Have the cooling system pressure-tested, preferably at a shop that specialises in Swedish/European makes. If there's a leak, the pressure gauge reading would drop and you would see a leak. If the head gasket is shot, you may notice the exhaust gas is white (cold winter is an exception) and you would smell a hint of coolant.

>Also got the Maintenance Required prompt for 27,500. Is this highly recommended dealer work >or belt, hose, fluid level type of stuff that you get ripped off for?

It probably is a rip-off indication. Oil+filter, visual inspection, minor lubrication kind of stuff, most of which you can do on your own. Refer to the owner's manual to see if it mentions anything about the rip-off interval. Even though it may be a rip-off, I would have all the items listed in the intervals replaced. Scheduled maintenance is neglected by 85% or more drivers and many of them realise its importance when it's too late.

The timing belt, if so equipped, should be replaced on XC90s. The owner's manual may state that it is due at every 100,000 miles, but Moderator Tech states that it should be replaced at every 70,000 miles or 5 years, which I agree.

I hope this is of some reference for you.


JPN

 

About a year and a half ago when I first got my '03 XC90 T6 used, on several occasions I got the coolant low message. Not spending the time to check it out I would refill it and in a few weeks I would get the coolant low message again.
Anyways, I was busy at the time and didn't put much though into it. Later .... on several occasions while sitting idle I would hear a what I would decsribe as a "constant soft pitched" belt squeal (I wish I had a better description). So I decided I better take it in for a checkup.

Here is what they find -:
The timing belt was rubbing against the thermostat housing and created a small hole. This caused fluid to escape and leak onto the timing belt. The mechanic did not stop telling me how lucky I was that the timing belt did not snap or slip because it was so spongy due to all the coolant that leaked onto it. Needless to say, I did not feel lucky $1200 later and car only had 85000 miles on it.

Bottom line - If you don't know where the coolant is going, have them check it out early before you end up with a costly repair as I did.

 

it is very common for volvos in general to use an bit more coolant then usual.(in winter time)in my professional history, i have seen coolant leaks causedby a hoseclamps, hoses, radiators,
turbo chargers, and on a rare instance, replaced a 07 engine with 8k for excessive
coolant consumption. the others who have spoken are correct, i can however assure you that this is not a "rip off light" take it to the dealer, mark the coolant level yourself and see in a week how far it has dropped (if at all) and the dealer will most likely do the same unless their pressure test comes up with something diffrent.

 

Are the D5 XC90 hard to bleed when the coolant has been changed, are they prone to air locks?