Won't start when warm

[capt jack]

Oops - please ignore last post. Just seen in your sign-off that your car is a 20v! Note to self: Must engage brain ahead of typing in future!

Jack

[Cookeh]

Originally Posted by capt jack

Oops - please ignore last post. Just seen in your sign-off that your car is a 20v! Note to self: Must engage brain ahead of typing in future!

Jack

Still accurate on the 20v engines. Nothing wrong with your post aside from the figure before the "v". Engine related codes can't be read with OBDII.

Alpine, for goodness sake, please just change the coolant temp sensor. It's the only thing that meets all of your symptoms dead on.

[chelle_belle]

Out of intrest, where is the coolant temp sensor?

[volvo again]

Usually under the thermostat housing...

[Cookeh]

Correct, which makes access a ballache if your thermostat housing torx screws are stripped. Doable though, ask me how I know...

[Alpine]

many thanks all, I've ordered a coolant temperature sensor

I'm going to have a go at changing it myself. It looks as though you can get good access by removing the hose from the radiator, where it joins the thermostat housing. That would save having to remove thermostat housing. Is that right?

[volvo again]

Might be possible, I think you may still have to remove the thermostat housing for access. You will need a torx bit, think it's 30 or 35. If you can get a long one it makes it easier, while you're at it it's worth replacing the 'stat.

[Cookeh]

Originally Posted by Alpine

many thanks all, I've ordered a coolant temperature sensor

I'm going to have a go at changing it myself. It looks as though you can get good access by removing the hose from the radiator, where it joins the thermostat housing. That would save having to remove thermostat housing. Is that right?

That's the way I was forced to do it. Not easy by any means. I would try and take thermostat housing off. Much less work, much easier.

If you do decide to do it without removing the housing then you will need to remove the radiator hose as well as the bolt on the back of the power steering reservoir support bracket. Then, you either have to try and get a 19mm spanner 'end' on and use an extension to apply the necessary torque. Alternatively, if you don't mind playing with connectors you can remove the connector on the back of the sensor and get a stepped 19mm ring spanner on it. Connector just pops off once you undo two clips on the side of it.

Dont forget to remove the old aluminium crush ring and to install the new one.

[Alpine]

thanks both

I've got a full set of tools, so have the torx to get the housing off.

final question hopefully, as I am planning on doing this tomorrow night.

I was hoping not to drop the coolant level in advance. If I decide to pop the hose off or take the housing off, will it be full of coolant that I will need to catch?

[Cookeh]

Originally Posted by Alpine

thanks both

I've got a full set of tools, so have the torx to get the housing off.

final question hopefully, as I am planning on doing this tomorrow night.

I was hoping not to drop the coolant level in advance. If I decide to pop the hose off or take the housing off, will it be full of coolant that I will need to catch?

Yes it will. Drop the coolant. Makes your life much easier. If you don't drop the coolant you won't be able to catch it where it is.

Volvo rads make draining coolant very easy as you don't actually have to remove the plug, just unscrew it and the coolant will drain through the centre of it.