Login Register

'04 T6 overheat/coolant loss issue

A mid-size luxury crossover SUV, the Volvo XC90 made its debut in 2002 at the Detroit Motor Show. Recognized for its safety, practicality, and comfort, the XC90 is a popular vehicle around the world. The XC90 proved to be very popular, and very good for Volvo's sales numbers, since its introduction in model year 2003 (North America). P2 platform.
Post Reply
User avatar
FLXC90
Posts: 1132
Joined: 18 August 2014
Year and Model: 98 V70 T5
Location: Florida Panhandle
Has thanked: 16 times
Been thanked: 45 times

'04 T6 overheat/coolant loss issue

Post by FLXC90 »

Hey gurus, my 04 T6 is acting up.
179k miles, timing set wp etc done by dealer at around 120k. Radiator and overflow tank replaced in Dec 2015.
Car is usually local area soccer mom special. Last week took 400 mi ea way trip, on return towed utility trailer with motor for kid's jeep. No cooling system distress noted.

This past weekend, Wife was in traffic and got coolant low light, she pulled off and allowed to cool, added water. She said,( and instances since jive ) temp guage went about halfway between "normal" and start of red zone. Also, when driving I have heard what sounds like the coolant system, "burping". It sounds like a hose being sprayed under the hood. Each squirt is about half-a-second in duration. There is some evidence of tank pressure release in engine compartment. I swapped cap from the T5 but I don't know it to be excellent.

Another issue is that the fan will run like crazy now (the high-speed I've never heard it in before)

I am thinking of ordering a cap, and a thermostat housing kit, (t-stat and ECT included) Does this sound logical?
Also, out of fear, I'll check for combustion gas in the coolant.

Thanks for the input
Current Volvos:
1998 V70 T5, 112k sat 5 years, still in mechanical coma (finally at the top of the pile )
2004 XC90 T6 AWD: 186k, 60 on transaxle ( traded in )
1998 POS70 N/A: DD/training aid, 236k but really about 240k, I think...ABS module( passed on to son who sold it)
Top
User avatar
FLXC90
Posts: 1132
Joined: 18 August 2014
Year and Model: 98 V70 T5
Location: Florida Panhandle
Has thanked: 16 times
Been thanked: 45 times

Post by FLXC90 »

BTW- no relevant codes, I have an evap purge to fix, and overboost, so more vacuum spaghetti, and lean on both banks (O2 or MAF). Nothing on ECT though
Current Volvos:
1998 V70 T5, 112k sat 5 years, still in mechanical coma (finally at the top of the pile )
2004 XC90 T6 AWD: 186k, 60 on transaxle ( traded in )
1998 POS70 N/A: DD/training aid, 236k but really about 240k, I think...ABS module( passed on to son who sold it)
Top
Masscomguru
Posts: 132
Joined: 18 November 2012
Year and Model: 2010 XC90 V8
Location: Massachusetts
Been thanked: 16 times

Post by Masscomguru »

When my fan died, I didn't realize how bad it was. Apparently the fan spins at different speeds to regulate temp, instead of just "On". Mine was always at a high speed and then it failed. The new one only kicks into high if I am sitting in 90+ degree heat in traffic. If your fan is not spinning right, it would cause the over heat issue.

As far as "burping" I am pretty sure these require a vacuum fill (?) to make sure all air is removed as filled. if she just opened it (especially while hot) to top it off, there is probably air in the system. Its probably best just to get it flushed and have the fan tested.
Top
User avatar
FLXC90
Posts: 1132
Joined: 18 August 2014
Year and Model: 98 V70 T5
Location: Florida Panhandle
Has thanked: 16 times
Been thanked: 45 times

Post by FLXC90 »

Hey Guru, glad I asked for you specifically! :lol: Sounds right on the money so far. Put on a new cap today and it is not much different. Appointment with Indie tomorrow to put it on diagnostics. Hope it's the fan, because the next item sounds like head gasket.
Current Volvos:
1998 V70 T5, 112k sat 5 years, still in mechanical coma (finally at the top of the pile )
2004 XC90 T6 AWD: 186k, 60 on transaxle ( traded in )
1998 POS70 N/A: DD/training aid, 236k but really about 240k, I think...ABS module( passed on to son who sold it)
Top
User avatar
FLXC90
Posts: 1132
Joined: 18 August 2014
Year and Model: 98 V70 T5
Location: Florida Panhandle
Has thanked: 16 times
Been thanked: 45 times

Post by FLXC90 »

The good news is, the fan module is OK... :|

Sourcing parts for head gasket change and top-end rebuild :cry:

Guess I get to buy a valve spring compressor and maybe a cam locking tool kit :lol:

And I can replace my turbo drain and return lines/O-rings, fix vacuum lines...........
Current Volvos:
1998 V70 T5, 112k sat 5 years, still in mechanical coma (finally at the top of the pile )
2004 XC90 T6 AWD: 186k, 60 on transaxle ( traded in )
1998 POS70 N/A: DD/training aid, 236k but really about 240k, I think...ABS module( passed on to son who sold it)
Top
User avatar
Roger_850T
MVS Moderator
Posts: 351
Joined: 31 December 2013
Year and Model: 854T 1995
Location: Frederick MD
Been thanked: 26 times

Post by Roger_850T »

FLXC90 wrote:The good news is, the fan module is OK... :|

Sourcing parts for head gasket change and top-end rebuild :cry:

Guess I get to buy a valve spring compressor and maybe a cam locking tool kit :lol:

And I can replace my turbo drain and return lines/O-rings, fix vacuum lines...........
So the conclusion was a failed head gasket? Ugh. Did you get any other insight?
11 XC60 137k
08 V50 Project... Still in pieces
05 XC90 V8 213k
95 854T 350k Still my favorite daily driver
02 V70 186k+ Gave to my daughter, still going strong
03 S80 111k (crashed, but driver walked away unhurt)
93 945T 217k (gone to be parted out)
87 245 300k+ sold, still going afaik
84 264 Diesel, RIP at 160k
78 242 manual everything.
73 P1800ES, fun until the rust set in...
Top
Post Reply
  • Similar Topics
    Replies
    Views
    Last post

Return to “XC90 1st gen 2003-2014”