I live in Dallas where it does not normally get cold very fast or very deep...except for this weekend. My wife drives a 2000 V70 (no turbo) station wagon. Not the crossover models that come later, literally the 2000 V70 wagon.

She did not "winterize" the car and failed to tell me that I needed to.

The car was parked facing into the storm when it started to hit the Dallas area late Saturday afternoon. We went from 65F to an overnight low of around 16F with sub-zero windchill. Sunday was sunny but only reached 30F and again an overnight low in the mid teens with a subzero windchill.

The car was never started during this entire period.

She went out this morning to go to work and this is what happened: keys in ignition, turn car over...plenty of battery power, car runs for 2-3 seconds and stalls. The Low Coolant light comes on (that seems odd) and at this point I get involved. I know my way around cars. I look for freeze plugs, none found, water under the car from something broken and we have slowly melting ice coming out still nothing...I try to start the car, it turns over just like it wants to start but barely catches and then dies. I do that a few times then stop deciding that prayer would be more appropriate.

Then I remembered the wonderful people who run Brickboard so here I am. What do you guys think? I am listening to any and all suggestions. Thanks!

j

1991 Volvo 740 White/Tan 435,000 miles
1990 Volvo 740 Turbo Silver/Grey 540,000 miles
1998 Volvo S70 T5 (all options) Black/Tan 174,000 miles (daily driver)
2000 Volvo V70 Wagon Black/Tan 150,000 miles (the car in question)
1987 Porsche 944 Azure Blue/Tan 180,000 miles 2nd owner, purchased w/ 61,000 miles on it.

Thanks again for any and all help....