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Tip - add coolant sensor to 940 900

posted by  GAcyclops on  Thu Oct 21 13:19 CST 2010
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last visit: Sun Jun 29 13:55 CST 2014
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I want to add a low-coolant sensor to my 93 940 using the steps listed in the FAQs ... but with one modification - no idiot light.

Instead of connecting the sensor to a panel light or other light, I thought - why not just use a buzzer? Radio Shack sells 12v piezo buzzers that I have used in other cars for headlights-on warnings, so ...

Couldn't I just run ignition-on (switched) 12v from the fuse panel, through a buzzer under the dashboard, through the firewall grommet, to the sensor, to ground?

It could be tested at each oil change, or other routine maintenance, using the FAQ tips.







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    Tip - add coolant sensor to 940 900

    posted by  rstarkie on  Sun Oct 24 01:59 CST 2010
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    last visit: Fri Oct 24 10:14 CST 2014
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    Our Volvos (currently six) have low coolant sensor circuits. Over the years they have saved us from three probable overheating situations.

    The 240's are the easiest to install, but the 740/940 series is a bit more of a challenge. Getting the wiring through the firewall on those cars is easiest for me on the driver's side through one of the rubber grommets.

    The round reservoir on the 740's is easy to get the switch in place by simply drilling a 3/8" hole and threading the wires through the cap opening. The rectangular reservoirs don't allow that method.

    The bracket that holds the reservoirs is different for the rectangular ones. On one application I removed the round reservoir and its bracket (spot welded in place) from a 740 parts car I had. I removed the bracket that held the original rectangular bracket on the 940 I wanted the sensor circuit installed on and attached the 740 bracket with heavy sheet metal screws. Then I installed the 740 reservoir with the switch.

    Some rectangular reservoirs on the 940s already have the float portion of the sensor set up in them. You can figure that out by simply removing the reservoir and shaking it. If you hear/feel a rattle it has the float and all you have to do is buy the switch from Volvo and snap it into place.

    On my first sensor circuit install on a 240 I included a buzzer with the warning light. Even with an adequate coolant level the sensor switch would close the circuit when the coolant splashed around during sharp turns. The buzzer was very annoying and was quickly disabled.

    Randy








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    Tip - add coolant sensor to 940 900

    posted by  Will740turbo on  Fri Oct 22 18:53 CST 2010
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    last visit: Wed Oct 22 16:09 CST 2014
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    Sounds good, but why not both a buzzer and light?
    --
    1990 740 Turbo, on its way to stock specs, maybe beyond








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      Tip - add coolant sensor to 940 900

      posted by  GAcyclops on  Sat Oct 23 17:20 CST 2010
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      last visit: Sun Jun 29 13:55 CST 2014
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      Call me lazy ... using a lamp would require more dismantling of the dash, or switch panels.
      Also, to me a buzzer is more noticable, and would not depend on the light bulb staying intact.

      I just pulled the coolant tank in my 940 to clean the gunk off the insides, and noticed that it has the hole on the bottom where the sensor fits. But no float in the tank. But at least I can now see the coolant level through the side of the tank .........

      As for using a float from a brake resevoir, I can't see a way to get one into the coolant tank - the tank is divided into 2 compartments, with only small holes allowing fluid flow from one side to the other.


      Seems my choice is $35 for a 960 coolant tankwith sensor at the yard, or a new one from the parts house for $35+, plus another $28 for the sensor.

      But I can't tell from the FCPGroton catalog whether their #9122997 tank includes the float
      Anybody know ??








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        Tip - add coolant sensor to 940 900

        posted by  spook on  Sun Oct 24 01:57 CST 2010
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        last visit: Fri Oct 24 08:06 CST 2014
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        Dear GACyclops,

        Hope you're well. You should contact Tasca Volvo (www.tascavolvo.com). I think you can get coolant overflow tank, with sensor, for about $43 + shipping.

        These tanks were made with, or without, the float installed. If the float was not put in when the tank was made, there's no way to retro-fit it.

        I'd go with the Volvo item: a coolant tank failure, while rare, can do a lot of damage.

        Hope this helps.

        Yours faithfully,

        Spook








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    Tip - add coolant sensor to 940 900

    posted by  Koos on  Thu Oct 21 14:04 CST 2010
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    last visit: Sun Oct 31 09:37 CST 2010
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    Yeah I imagine that's not a bad idea. You'd still probably get an idea of if it;s low (intermittent buzz in turns etc) or really low (full buzz).
    I'm thinking of doing similar- some of the 940's 740's have a sensor on the brake fluid reservoir, I was thinking of finding one of those at the pnp and rigging something up.
    Take some pics!

    Happy wrenching
    K








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      Tip - add coolant sensor to 940 900

      uid 55's pic
      posted by  john sargent on  Fri Oct 22 16:36 CST 2010
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      last visit: Wed Oct 22 09:07 CST 2014
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      960 Coolant Reservoirs already have the float, and if you use one of those there is no need to modify the Coolant Reservoir by adding a float from the master cylinder. See the 700/900 FAQ.
      --
      john








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        Tip - add coolant sensor to 940 900

        posted by  Koos on  Sat Oct 23 03:38 CST 2010
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        last visit: Sun Oct 31 09:37 CST 2010
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        Right but there's not too many 960's in the junkyards usually, so it's nice to have (know of) an alternative. If I ever get around to doing that mod I'll take some pics
        Happy wrenching,

        K







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