99 V70glt: Oil change then coolant/radiator light?

ekapus · Post by **ekapus** » 13 May 2007, 22:26

My princess doesn't know how close it is to getting replaced by a Mazda6 or a used G35...

I've got a pretty constant check engine light (thanks MAF sensor - I love you buddy!) on, but now I've got another fun indicator on my Christmas Tree of a dashboard.

I had my oil changed by a competent Volvo shop (K&S in Baltimore) and they mentioned the coolant looked kinda low.

Next morning, I fire up the beast and the radiator light is on. I check, the coolant is about the right level, but I add a touch more, but it's still on.

I've been watching my temp gauge and it holds just fine in middle as it's always done (after warmup, of course), but this damn coolant light just doesn't want to go off.

Now before I take it back and it costs me an arm and 3/4 of a leg to fix, I was hoping there'd be a nugget of info like "oh, just tap the radiator cap three times with a phillips (not straight) screwdriver and it'll go away".

Am I in luck?

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 14 May 2007, 07:30

The float switch is located on the bottom of the coolant overflow tank and it could just be stuck. I would tap the bottom of the overflow tank rather than the cap to see if it unsticks itself.

...Lee

ekapus · Post by **ekapus** » 14 May 2007, 07:46

Thanks Lee! I'll go smack it around at lunch.

ekapus · Post by **ekapus** » 14 May 2007, 12:50

Here's the follow up:

Lee, you rock.

Before heading off to lunch, I popped the hood, and while I had an audience of coworkers, I shook and smacked (with my shoe) the coolant overflow tank.

I got in, turned the key and no more warning light.

Ahh the joys of Volvo ownership.

Thanks!

Ed

ekapus · Post by **ekapus** » 25 May 2007, 11:54

The light keeps returning.

Is there an easy way to clean the thing, or am I probably going to need to get it replaced?

ekapus · Post by **ekapus** » 29 May 2007, 13:17

Anyone?

Post by **mom** » 30 May 2007, 07:45

I would remove the tank(easy), and wiggle the connector. You'll see the wires are very thin, be careful with it.

Good luck.

sixdown · Post by **sixdown** » 30 May 2007, 09:52

It's really usual wear and tear. I had the same problem and just replaced the unit myself. It actually happened a month after I bought it used (1998 S70). Tapping it is a temp solution because the switch usually gets stuck again due to its age. Thats the wonder of the volvo...temp fixes are all over and the parts are quite common.