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coolant warning light V70-XC70 1999

posted by  someone claiming to be cjeden on  Mon Nov 24 09:08 CST 2003 [RELATED]

My coolant light came on.

The car is not running hot or cold--needle is due east --just a touch over.

Coolant is at prescibed level at temperture--is this a phantom like the the check engine light that comes on and off once or twice a month--or is there a verifiable diagnosis out there that I should be clued into.

Thanks

cje








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    coolant warning light V70-XC70 1999

    posted by  someone claiming to be Peter on  Tue Nov 25 05:37 CST 2003 [RELATED]

    On my 1999 V70 T5, the coolant light will come on if the level is even slightly low. Try adding coolant before you do anything else.

    The sensor is apparently not available separately from the reservoir. You have to buy the whole unit for a large pile of money. (Mine was replaced under warranty when the car was 8 months old, and I asked why they replaced the whole reservoir rather than the sensor. That's what they told me.)








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      coolant warning light V70-XC70 1999

      posted by  someone claiming to be jbos on  Tue Nov 25 06:45 CST 2003 [RELATED]

      The light shouldn't come on if the coolant is only slightly low because the float sits at the very bottom of the reservoir where the tank narrows... The coolant level would have to drop well below the add mark before the float would start to sink.

      The dealer quoted me $60 for the sensor alone, so I believe the part is available at least. Installing it may be another story...

      The cost-effective solution appears to be to disconnect the blub from behind the dash.








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        coolant warning light V70-XC70 1999

        posted by  someone claiming to be cjeden on  Wed Nov 26 06:49 CST 2003 [RELATED]

        I fiddled with the float and that fixed it--check engine light is back on now

        darn thing

        cje








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          Replacing 'Level Guard' V70-XC70 1999

          posted by  someone claiming to be jbos on  Mon Dec 8 05:17 CST 2003 [RELATED]

          I finally got around to replacing the sensor this weekend. It was quite a lot cheaper and easier than I expected. The sensor only cost $21.95 CDN. The sensor is a 3" plastic pipe that fits beneath the magnetic float.

          Sensor removal and replacement doesn't even require tools. The only trick is to remove the coolant reservoir without damaging the delicate plastic tabs. Prying from above with a screwdriver opens the tab enough to lift out the reservoir.

          The sensor pulls out of the bottom of the tank. Installation is the reverse.

          The Volvo part is called "Level Guard". I found an amusing story where one fellow retrofit one to fit the 740/940 series.

          http://brickboard.com/ARCHIVES/1999OCT/20052534.shtml








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    coolant warning light V70-XC70 1999

    posted by  someone claiming to be jbos on  Mon Nov 24 09:34 CST 2003 [RELATED]

    I have the same light on my '99 S70. If your coolant level appears to be correct you may be getting a false reading from the sensor. This appears to be caused by either a sticking float in the coolant reservoir or a bad electrical connection at the sensor. Gently tapping the float in the reservoir turns the light off for several days. Then it comes back on.

    I was at the dealer to ask about this a few days ago. The service manager told me the coolant level sensor needs to be replaced. The tech said simply cutting the wire to the sensor could damage the computer and disconnecting the sensor would cause the light to stay on all the time.

    The only solution they could suggest was to replace the sensor. It seems like a waste of money to fix. Most cars don't even have a coolant level sensor -- seems like over-engineering to me.

    Other than electrical tape over the light, I'd be interested if anyone can suggest a simpler solution..








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    coolant warning light V70-XC70 1999

    posted by  someone claiming to be Ray N. on  Mon Nov 24 09:31 CST 2003 [RELATED]

    It is not a phantom light. When the coolant level drops the
    light may start to flash when you accelerate. Eventually it
    stays on. This is the more "normal" occurance (coolant may need
    topping off every couple of years on some cars -- both of our
    Volvos need it about every two years).

    I'd check the wires to the sensor that is in the overflow tank
    lid and make sure they are correct. I think the sensor floats
    in the tank, too. Maybe it is stuck?

    Only open the overflow lid when the engine is cold!






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