Hi,

I just bought 2005 S80 and after couple days of driving, I get a red exclamation in the dashboard and the message says "coolant level is low, please stop safely". I filled the coolant but the message still keeps popping up.

On top of that, yesterday the car heater stopped working. Even if I have the temperature at MAX, I do not get heat. Any reason why it might not work except the thermostat?

Can this be related to the "coolant level low" message?

I am new to Volvo and this is my first thread.

Thanks.
KP

Well, after hours of watching the engine heat gauge and the coolant level, it appears that the sensor is fine but somehow the coolant level goes down dramatically. I filled up the coolant tank last night and this morning I got low coolant sign so I open the hood and bingo.....found that coolant level is low again. I think it must be leaking somewhere. I cannot spot the leak but it sounds like a leak.

K

If it's leaking fast enough to significantly go down overnight (presumeably with the engine off), it must be quite a substantial leak.

But where? Coolant can't just disappear* ...
[* it can be vaporized, though, if it's leaking into a combustion chamber, but that would only happen if the engine was running, and I'm sure you didn't leave the car running overnight]
... so when you write that you cannot spot the leak, I have to ask if there is, at least, a big puddle underneath the car? I sincerely hope so, because if, instead, it's leaking into the mechanicals (engine via a bad head gasket, or transmission via the heat exchanger in the radiator), you've got a really expensive problem -- engine coolant is not supposed to mix with engine oil or transmission fluid, and such mixing will cause tremendous damage if not stopped early!

And along with those questions, have you checked your engine oil and transmission fluid levels (and color) on the dipsticks? Should we assume that you already have, and they are normal color and at the proper level (not overfilled)?

One less serious alternative (in terms of repair bills, but still a big headache) is that it's leaking into the passenger compartment (via a leak in the heater core) -- don't forget to check the carpeting under the dash and your seats (although you would most certainly smell the antifreeze).

You wrote that you just bought the car -- this may be the reason why it was put up for sale. Do have any warranty (it is only 2-3 years old)?

Write back and let us know....

After driving your car for 5 minutes, the temperature on the dash should be up to half way between hot and cold. If it is still cold, your thermostat needs to be replaced. If it is still cold after 10 minutes, then check the engine coolant sensor.
The S80 engine layout is particularly hard on the coolant system. Find out where your antifreeze is going. The level in the overflow bottle should NEVER go down.
If the coolant message comes up when you are turning or braking, but the level is not low, then it could be that you just need a new sensor, or the wires are loose at the sensor.

Klaus
--
The 164 has a new home, all I am left with are a 95 854T and a 98 V70R :)

Well, after hours of watching the engine heat gauge and the coolant level, it appears that the sensor is fine but somehow the coolant level goes down dramatically. I filled up the coolant tank last night and this morning I got low coolant sign so I open the hood and bingo.....found that coolant level is low again. I think it must be leaking somewhere. I cannot spot the leak but it sounds like a leak.

K

Check your oil level, if you have a bad headgasket. If the oil looks muddy...

Otherwise, check all visible coolant hoses with a clean/dry paper towel. Dont forget the radiator and make sure the coolant cap has zero cracks and is holding pressure. Also, check the front floor mats for a leak inside the cabin.

Klaus
--
The 164 has a new home, all I am left with are a 95 854T and a 98 V70R :)