volvo 850 low coolant light, bumpy ride.

[DBrim]

have an 850glt with 176k. Was driving on the freeway, noticed that my car was vibrating quite a bit. One of my shocks is broken so I figured it was a minor suspension problem and kept going. 40 miles later, the car started feeling really sluggish and whenever I attempted to accelerate, the low coolant light would come on.

I stopped then. Coolant is a hair low but resovoir is 25 percent full or so. No leaks since parking. All other fludis fine. My catalytic converter was replaced about a month ago, check engine light has been on since with oxygen sensor codes.

would like help with this before tomorrow if possible.

post written on a cell phone so pardon all of the typos.

[vjaneczko]

There's a sensor in the expansion tank for the fluid level. There are MIN and MAX lines that are a bit faint to see on the engine side, so it sounds like you just have to top it off. That wouldn't cause sluggish behavior, though.

Any other work done besides the cat? And was the CEL on because the CAT was replaced? That don't sound right at all!

[shegarty]

first and foremost - go back to where you had the catalytic replaced and demand that they complete the job - there is absolutely no reason why you should be throwing O2 sensor codes tripping the CEL unless they goofed somewhere

the lack of power also supports the notion that the shop goofed when putting on the catalytic - sounds to me like your converter is plugged up (or maybe even installed backwards!) - did they offer an engine tune up or injector cleaner at the same time?? these products are well known for causing fouling of sensors and clogging catalytic converters

hope this helps