Cooling system

[jssandidge]

I purchased a used 99 s80 2.9L from an individual about 2 1/2 years ago. The car has had cooling system issues since we've had it and then began to run hot when the A/C was on and we were sitting in traffic. I have replaced the thermostat, coolant expansion tank, and upper radiator hose within the last few days. Now there is a new leak (haven't quite figured out where it is, but possibly the lower radiator hose).

I can't seem to find the overall problem with the cooling system and that's really what I would like to know. Anyone have any ideas? I did read about a recall because of issues with the s80 cooling fan and some of its components, but do not believe this car has ever been serviced for that recall.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

js

[dcarlson12]

Call a dealer and give them the VIN and see if there are any outstanding recalls on your vehicle. Not sure if there are time limits/expiry date on any of the recalls???

[azroundboy]

check the heater hoses that attach to the core at the firewall, I had a leak for 8 months and couln't find it because in az it was so hot that it dried before I could find it. I actually put the die in it you can get at checkers or autozone and next day found it all over the firewall.

[BerniniCaCO3]

dye is a good idea. I presume that you know it is coolant leaking, i.e., the level goes down over the course of a week or faster?

The fan is the fan; it would have no effect on coolant level. But it would cause overheating when off the highway, and, it would cause very inefficient air conditioning once you came to a stop, as no air would blow past the condensor.
An easy way to check would be to let the car run until it's warm, sitting at idle in your driveway with the hood open, and watch and see that the fan DOES indeed come on when it's up to a certain temperature.
To speed things up a little, do the check after driving home from work, so the car is already at operating temperature.