226F or 108C too hot for a 2002 XC70?

[precopster]

Our newly aquired XC70 is constantly going to 108degC or 226F while being monitored by Torque during mild warm weather and stop start driving. I set up an alarm at this temp because my non turbo cars have never seen more than 105degC.

Is it time to replace the thermostat and if this doesn't bring the temps down should I consider a radiator replacement? Radiator is original with almost 300, 000kms. Water pump is new, coolant is new and system holds pressure well.

[mikealder]

I would try a new stat as they don't cost much, after that if it is still doing it look at the radiator cooling fan/ speed control unit, it could be the fan isn't running at the higher speeds that it should do once you get to the higher temps.
The phase ones used to switch from low speed to high speed at around 106 Deg C but the phase two cars have a more variable fan speed control that isn't relay switched - Mike

[oragex]

There was a discussion on the temp,
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =9&t=65924

It's in stop and go traffic that the radiator (actually the radiator fan) must work the most because the radiator doesn't get any air flow from speed. It's a good idea to flush the whole coolant system, including the cabin heater, by disconnecting all hoses and pumping water/pressurized air at each hole. It should also indicate if the radiator is clogged.

As for the thermostat, 12 years is more than enough for a life span, if it's the original. However, usually the thermostat fails to completely close (the sliding rod inside gets corroded and doesn't fully close, the cabin temp takes a while before warming up), but it still opens widely if the coolant temperature goes up.

[jimmy57]

First, that is not too high in current think on cooling system performance as long as it comes down with fan operating.
I'm assuming this is not when running a/c compressor. Does it stay low when a/c is used?
If the fan comes on at the correct temp, 105 C and the temp climbs those few degrees briefly before fan running brings it down then there is likely nothing to be done.
If the time between fan cycles is brief and it goes back up quickly then I'd investigate rad for airflow issues.

There are a lot of things that have been happening all along that we didn't know about before the proliferation of scan tools for little money.

I have a friend with a 2009 S80 with 3.2 engine and he was concerned about the low oil message 2800 miles after oil change. I asked him if he checked oil regularly in his cars and he said, "not really, I don't need to". I suggested we go check oil in his 2008 Camry. It was more than a quart down 3300 miles after its last oil change. I told him he didn't have a problem with the engine in the cars just the reality check the Volvo's system was giving him.

[precopster]

Thanks folks for the excellent replies.

The issue occurs with a/c on or off and it has climbed once to 111degC. The fan operation is something I haven't checked or listened for because the peaks are brief and drop down quickly.

I have a new thernostat which on 2002 models is a complete unit and is pricey. Fortunately Volvo changed the housing design for 2002 MY to 2 bolts which are angled for ease of access. The PS pump may need to come off for the lower hole.

[jimmy57]

Use your can tool to view a/c high pressure. If it is PSI then when a/c is on and ambient temp is 85 or better then it should pretty quickly reach 220 psi(2000 kPa) and fan should come on. You could read high side pressure with gauges and comapre to a/c high side sensor reading also. I have seen those sensors fail and read much lower than actual. Usually the complaint was poor a/c performance.
If fan isn't running due to a high pressure sensor fault then it will run hot waiting for fan to trigger bu engine temp.
I'm in TX and I don't see coolant temps of 200F on 105F days if a/c is on due to the fan running so much for a/c purposes.

[precopster]

Thanks Jimmy. Will take a look at those pressures through Vida this weekend as Melbourne is having a cold snap again.

Now that you mention it a/c performance is not as good as I'd like however I don't have any history on the servicing.

[jimmy57]

P2's have GREAT a/c with little warming of vent temps when idling as with many vehicles. My v70 is my favorite summer car for 100+ degree days. Its a/c will be getting cold out of vents before I'm out of my drive on to the street. I do not have tint on the windows either so it has a tough job.