Air Con: Heater problems

[1946biker]

Hi there, first post so hope you established Volvo drivers can help. Brought my wife an 2001 S40 D a few months ago. Air con has worked brilliantly all summer problem is with heating. Takes ages to warm up (about 10 miles) and then isn't very hot, temp gauge reads halfway which is normal. If I start it from cold and leave it idling within 5 minutes the temperature gauge goes to red, turn engine off and on again and it "resets" also fan comes on and tends to stay on after the engine has stopped even if it is cool. Any one any ideas, it's a great car averaging 49-52mpg even when caned. Thanks John

[Baffler]

Takes ages to warm up (about 10 miles) and then isn't very hot, temp gauge reads halfway which is normal.

This sounds like the thermostat is stuck open.

If I start it from cold and leave it idling within 5 minutes the temperature gauge goes to red

This sounds like it's stuck closed ...or could be trapped air.

also fan comes on and tends to stay on after the engine has stopped even if it is cool.

On petrol models this can happen when the MAF sensor is faulty. The only way to diagnose this is to see if there are any error codes stored. This may mean a trip to the dealer.


I'd start by replacing the thermostat (the cheapest option) and make sure there is no air trapped in the system after refilling. I would advise you not to buy a cheapy off eBay and contact Rufe for genuine parts at a reasonable price. Alternatively, see if your local motor factor stock Motorad (Germany) parts as that is what Volvo will supply you with.

[1946biker]

Will give the stat a try, many thanks for your input - will post again when this is done. John