XC90 2020 Engine coolant warning light on then off

[OysterOyster]

Have a 2020 diesel XC90 that’s done around 38,000 miles. I got it from Volvo Selekt as a used vehicle around 9 months ago, having done around 6,000 miles in that time - it is still under warranty. Today I went around a roundabout and a low engine coolant warning flashed up but went off shortly after. I suspect that means it’s low-ish but the sharp cornering prompted a brief early warning.

Is the need for a top up normal for the age and mileage of the car? Presuming they’d have checked levels when I bought the car, should it be low after 6,000 miles, or would they not have checked? Could it be a leak? Obviously if it were a leak, the warranty would cover it but should a warranty also cover me for topping it up so soon?

TIA

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by OysterOyster

Have a 2020 diesel XC90 that’s done around 38,000 miles. I got it from Volvo Selekt as a used vehicle around 9 months ago, having done around 6,000 miles in that time - it is still under warranty. Today I went around a roundabout and a low engine coolant warning flashed up but went off shortly after. I suspect that means it’s low-ish but the sharp cornering prompted a brief early warning.

Is the need for a top up normal for the age and mileage of the car? Presuming they’d have checked levels when I bought the car, should it be low after 6,000 miles, or would they not have checked? Could it be a leak? Obviously if it were a leak, the warranty would cover it but should a warranty also cover me for topping it up so soon?

TIA

You suspect its low? Have you actually lifted the bonnet to check?

If you bought the car from a dealership, it should have had a "health check" before it was sold. I wouldn't have thought a car that age with that mileage would need coolant top-ups. Its possible that there's a leak. Being honest though, I wouldn't presume anything. It needs looking at professionally.

I'd advise booking it in for them to check the car over, especially as the car is under warranty. In the mean time, make sure the level is above minimum, top-up as necessary and keep your eye on it until the appointment... don't let it get too low. Fill no higher than max.

I don't think a warranty would suddenly become void because you topped your coolant up. Just make sure you use Volvo coolant.

[OysterOyster]

Originally Posted by Kev0607

You suspect its low? Have you actually lifted the bonnet to check?

If you bought the car from a dealership, it should have had a "health check" before it was sold. I wouldn't have thought a car that age with that mileage would need coolant top-ups. Its possible that there's a leak. Being honest though, I wouldn't presume anything. It needs looking at professionally.

I'd advise booking it in for them to check the car over, especially as the car is under warranty. In the mean time, make sure the level is above minimum, top-up as necessary and keep your eye on it until the appointment... don't let it get too low. Fill no higher than max.

I don't think a warranty would suddenly become void because you topped your coolant up. Just make sure you use Volvo coolant.

Thanks for the advice. Car still too hot to check levels (I can’t see any min / max lines on the outer plastic). Frustratingly I’m currently away with the car in Portugal as opposed to home in the UK, to make warranty and servicing that little bit more complicated or lost in translation! What’s more, my service is due today and my Volvo OnCall subscripton ends today until I can get to the UK for the free service included in my purchase!