2012 XC60 Overheating

vvvolvo · Post by **vvvolvo** » 03 Jul 2024, 10:50

My XC60 overheated last week. Hot day, medium city traffic, AC on, 15 min drive. Fan stayed on after shut off, but only ~5 mins.

Shop could not find a problem. Said there was nothing wrong with it. I asked them to test the Thermostat, Radiator Fan Assembly and Fan Control Module. They were reluctant to test the thermostat (labor to access it, may as well replace it) so I asked them to just replace the Thermostat anyway.
I picked it up, test drove it, and idled in park for 5 mins. I noticed the AC turned off while parked. This is not its usual behavior. I know the AC will shut off at red lights and back on when you drive again, but that’s not usually noticeable. This was noticeable and not normal. It was uncomfortably warm in the car. The fan was blowing air but not cold air. The AC started blowing cold again when I started driving again.
When I shut the car off, the engine fan stayed on for 5 mins. Also, not it’s usual behavior after a 15-20 min drive. Normally, the fan only stays on after shutoff after long trips in the heat.

The fans both spin and both eventually turn off. I have read that it could be the Fan Control Module if your fan stays on until your battery dies. I don’t have this issue.

So, I know the problem hasn’t been resolved, I just do not know how to ID the problem. Should I:
- Replace the Fan Assembly, including the Fan Control Module?
- Replace just the Fan Control Module?
- Recharge the AC Freon?

Thank you

Post by **scot850** » 03 Jul 2024, 13:23

I have a friend who had random overheating on a 2010 XC70 T6. After checking he found the fans were cutting in and out inconsistently.

Apparently (according to my Volvo mechanic friend) the fan control modules are terrible for failing, especially if you have the dual fans.

Fans also fail but not usually both. Single fan is harder to diagnose to know if the fan or controller are responsible.

I am not familiar with the P3 cars. When the thermostat was replaced is the ETC part of the housing? If it is it may have not been refitted or the connector fitted correctly or the connector has dirty/corroded pins.

Neil.

vvvolvo · Post by **vvvolvo** » 03 Jul 2024, 14:55

I don’t think the etc is part of the thermostat housing, but will check into that. I did sort of check the thermostat before having it replaced. I kept my hand on the top radiator hose, after starting the car, and waited for it to suddenly get hot. With the AC running, after 8 mins, it never did. I took that to mean the thermostat was stuck closed. After replacement, the hose does get hot, after the engine heats up, as it should. So, the replacement seems to be working. But, that didn’t solve the whole problem.
I’m going to order the Fan Control Module and install that on my Fan Assembly, and hope that fixes it. It’s easy enough for me to install it myself, and cheaper than the entire Fan Assembly Kit so it’s worth a try.
Thanks!

Post by **scot850** » 04 Jul 2024, 08:30

The ETC is pat of the thermostat assembly. I looked it up on Volvo of Toronto website and it fits into the side of the housing. It has a wiring connector on the end of it. If the old ETC was reused, it could be just a dirty connector. You could try (if accessible) to remove the connector, clean with electrical cleaner and refit. A little work, but fairly cheap to check.

https://www.volvocarstorontoparts.ca/a/ ... 86643.html

Item #5 on the drawing above. Looks like it could be 'fun' to access!

Good Luck!

Neil.

vvvolvo · Post by **vvvolvo** » 04 Jul 2024, 08:33

OK, I’ll see if I can reach it, thanks.

vvvolvo · Post by **vvvolvo** » 26 Jul 2024, 08:35

Just posting follow-up in case someone else has the same issue.
I replaced the Fan Control Module (attached to the dual fan assembly) and did not replace my dual fan assembly.
It is very easy to replace the Fan Control Module: Unplug cable, remove one screw, remove Module. Install new Module in reverse.
So far, my problem is solved.
I have heard the fan assembly can fail shortly after, if that was the problem all along. I will update if it eventually fails.

vvvolvo · Post by **vvvolvo** » 26 Jul 2024, 08:40

Also, don’t buy a cheap aftermarket Fan Control Module. I got mine at FCP Euro (OEM). The one I removed was the original and worked for 189k miles. I read that the aftermarket ones can fail within a few months.
Unless you can’t afford or wait for the OEM, of course.

Post by **scot850** » 26 Jul 2024, 16:18

Glad you were able to sort this out, and hopefully this is now a long term fix for another 189k miles!!

Neil.