V70 doesn't warm up

rswaty · Post by **rswaty** » 30 Jan 2012, 04:10

Hi folks,
I'm sure this has been discussed, but I couldn't find the answer. My 1998 V70 T5 does not warm up all the way when it's below 30 degrees F so the heater isn't very warm and the mileage is down. We drive mostly highway miles, which is part of the issue it seems as the beast does warm up sufficiently in town.

So, should I stick some cardboard over the radiator? If so, over just part of the radiator? Change the thermostat (less than 1 yr. old) or ??? Your ideas appreciated!

Cheers,
Randy from da Upper Peninsula of Michigan

Post by **jimmy57** » 30 Jan 2012, 04:37

Change the thermostat. Even in subzero weather the engine will warm up pulling the car down the road.

Post by **JRL** » 30 Jan 2012, 05:58

Change thermostat AND also your coolant temp sensor would be a good idea

Post by **BEJinFbk** » 30 Jan 2012, 09:53

rswaty wrote:Hi folks,
I'm sure this has been discussed, but I couldn't find the answer. My 1998 V70 T5 does not warm up all the way when it's below 30 degrees F so the heater isn't very warm and the mileage is down. We drive mostly highway miles, which is part of the issue it seems as the beast does warm up sufficiently in town.

So, should I stick some cardboard over the radiator? If so, over just part of the radiator? Change the thermostat (less than 1 yr. old) or ??? Your ideas appreciated!

Cheers,
Randy from da Upper Peninsula of Michigan

30 above ? If so, +1 on the thermostat.
30 below? Different story.

DO NOT block the radiator unless it's below 0.

jdmack · Post by **jdmack** » 30 Jan 2012, 12:59

Buy a good quality unit from a trusted parts supplier, don't be tempted by the $2.99 unit on the rack (ask me how I know). Also be aware that multiple temp ranges are available for your vehicle and to be sure you have the correct one, double check by finding the temp rating that is stamped on the thermostat.

Post by **taxi** » 30 Jan 2012, 14:24

With the correct thermostat there should not be a problem keeping engine at correct temperature down to at least -35 degrees celsius, but any colder than that I guess the anti freeze starts freezing

Post by **BEJinFbk** » 30 Jan 2012, 16:37

A 50/50 mix is good to at least -60 F.
Ask me how I know...

Post by **regent** » 30 Jan 2012, 16:51

To test the thermostat on the car, start the engine cold and grab the radiator hose coming from the T-stat. If it starts getting warm immediately (within a minute or so), then the T-stat is stuck open.
While looking for the part, if you do the "cardboard on the radiator"-trick, keep one eye on the temp gage at all times - you can easily overheat while idling!
Here is a procedure how to test and replace your T-stat - see attached.

Post by **erikv11** » 30 Jan 2012, 20:52

It is also pretty easy to test the t-stat by taking it out. If it is open when you remove it, well, it is stuck open. Not so relevant for this post but if it is closed, then drop it in boiling water, see if it opens.