2006 xc70 ECT sensor and cooling fan

[Volvoadventure17]

I recently got my 2006 xc70 out of the shop for an oil leak repair. The day after a check engine light with a P0116 (temperature below recommended operating range) code was read. Cleared code and temperature returned to normal (just below center hash). Check engine light returned shortly after and temp gage dropped and wasn't reading any temp. Engine ran otherwise with no noticeable symptoms but I didn't have any heater(big deal for me as we're dipping below the 20s now).

My dad owns a dealership (no I didn't purchase the car from him) and was able to help me look into it further. He pointed out the cooling fans were running constantly on high from the time car started never allowing car to get up to temperature. We used the thermo laser to read temp and it wasn't above 90 degrees anywhere on the block. He cleared the code and we compared the TIC reading to that of the OBD and after holding the RPMs around 2k the temperature finally increased and fans kicked on at about 190 degrees. He thought something maybe got "sticky" and sent me on my way. Same check engine light and code came back on after about 30 miles and gauge went back to showing no temp reading.

I ordered a thermostat kit (housing, thermostat and sensor, because they aren't recommended to be replace individually) but the inconvientant placement of the bottom housing bolt left me to only replace the ECT sensor as the thermostat itself seems to be working properly when the sensor is reset and reading correctly.( However, I've scheduled time in his shop to replace it.)

Are there other components of the sensor (wiring, fuses ect.) that I should check/look for? I didn't see any flaws to the wires themselves but that doesn't mean I didn't miss something.

I appreciate any advice that's out there!! Thank you:)

[oragex]

Hi and welcome.

You may just split open the stat housing and replace only the stat itself youtube.com/watch?v=P4ctUJY_nnA

It has to be replaced at 13y old. It is also the time to replace the PCV and to test the awd is working now that the winter is gere. I think the 2006 was still prone to the haldex failure

Does the temp needle climb steadly now?