06 S60 Low coolant light in extreme cold weather

toxtreme · Post by **toxtreme** » 23 Jan 2014, 06:59

So I started my S60 this morning (-5 deg) outside and car was on a slight decline (engine on downward point in parkinglot) and the "low coolant" red triangle appeared, I let it run for like 1 minute then turned the car off, waited about 30sec and restarted car, light didn't come back on, I drove the car for about 35 minutes to work and checked the level, it was about 1/2" above min, I see on other google searches that people mention that the coolant may be contracting in the extreme cold weather, just wondering if anyone else has encountered this issue and if it is normal and what I should do?

Post by **oragex** » 23 Jan 2014, 07:16

it is contracting however the level is a bit low anyway, you may add a bit of distillate water or coolant mixture about 5oz

it doesn't hurt the engine to have the coolant low for a moment

Post by **vtl** » 23 Jan 2014, 09:17

Add VOLVO coolant. It comes in concentrate, mix it 50/50 w/ distilled water.

toxtreme · Post by **toxtreme** » 23 Jan 2014, 11:31

So I'm no where near a dealer to get Volvo coolant, is there another type of coolant that I can use or should I just put distilled water in?

Rocky · Post by **Rocky** » 01 Feb 2014, 22:43

Same thing happened to wife when in middle of nowhere she got some no name coolant.., it was at minimum so barely needed to add anything.
I would just go to parts store buy something "ok for Volvo" name brand type.

toxtreme · Post by **toxtreme** » 03 Feb 2014, 07:55

Thanks, I did just that, I even called Volvo dealer and asked them what to do, he said O'riely Auto Parts carried Zerex G-05 and that it would be fine to put that in, seems to be working fine.

Post by **oragex** » 03 Feb 2014, 08:25

I'd keep an eye on the coolant level. if it drops a little it might be leaking somewhere. if mileage is higher than 150k, it'd be a good idea to check the water pump for leaks.