2000 S80 overheating

I just purchased a used 2000 S80 6 weeks ago from a dealership and am
having issues with the engine overheating. It's happened to me twice
now but since it's not a powertrain issue, the dealer is refusing to
fix it. The most recent occurrence happened on a drive from New Jersey
to DC, where the entire ride was perfect until I hit traffic in DC.
The temp needle jumped from normal straight up and down to pegged in
the red in under 5 minutes. I pulled over and turned the heater on
full blast which knocked it down a notch but noticed that the fan
wasn't running**. Still very high but at least out of the "danger"
zone and it's since been working correctly. Since it's an intermittant
problem, I am thinking that it's a faulty thermostat that is the
culprit. Does anyone have any experience changing this out? I've been
quoted a service time of 2 1/2 hours to replace (at $99/hour) and since
it's only a thermostat I didn't think it would be this big a deal.
However, I cannot find a Chilton or Haynes manual ANYWHERE for this
year/model of Volvo. If anybody could point me to a link to either
purchase the manual or with the thermostat replacement procedure
listed, I would really appreciate it.
TIA, Dave

**Side note: the dealer did replace the fan from the recall
announcement. I have yet to verify if this is actually working since
it was not at the time of the overheating. I would think it would be
but since it's an automatic fan and I'm new to Volvo and am not sure if
this is "normal" operation or not.

 

There's a recall on the fan motor.

 

If you just purchased from a dealer six weeks ago you should return as
the car should still be covered by the CPO warranty & should be repaired
if you purchased from a non Volvo dealer then your complaint is with the
selling dealer
As for the thermostat it is behind the timing belt cover it comes in a
kit with a thermostat & gasket for the housing you do not have to remove
the timing belt to perform just make sure that the car is cold & you
release any pressure in the system before removing it
Also post back & let me what happens so I may be able to advise on the
next step
Glenn
Volvo Master Technician
ASE Certified Technician

--
"*-344-*Never Forgotten"
Is for the New York City Firemen who lost their lives on September 11,2001.
The official count is 343, but there was also a volunteer who lost his life
aiding in the initial rescue efforts. And I will never forget them as
long as I live,
nor should any American.

 

thanks Glenn. Do I have to drain the radiator since it would appear
the thermostat is set lower then it? Also, do you know where I can
find a repair manual for this vehicle? It would seem as if Chilton
stopped making volvo manuals after 1998.

 

Were you in stop and go traffic at the time of the overtemp? This would
point more to the cooling fan rather than the thermostat since you had no
problem until you slowed down.

Allen

 

could be a faulty guage...does it seem actually
hotter than usual under the bonnet?

 

Oh yeah, that thing is COOKIN' under there. It happened again last
night and the message center gave me a message saying something like
"Engine service is critical". I opened the hood and the engine
compartment was very hot.

 

heat can do massive damage to the volvo's
....i would not drive it any more...have it
towed to the dealer or your volvo shop and
let them take a look....

 

Well, good news. The dealer has agreed to take the car back and
perform what ever repairs are necessary. Do you think I could get them
to cover future repairs for say, a year out in case something else is
wrong or will the past repair record serve as proof the car was not in
good working order at purchase?

 

what was the problem?

 

how many miles on the odo?