Refilling coolant

Updated 2023-06-08

Coolant helps keep the combustion engine at the right operating temperature. The heat transferred from the engine to the coolant can be used to warm the passenger compartment.

When refilling coolant, follow the instructions on the package. Never fill the cooling system with only water. The risk of freezing is increased with too low or too high amounts of coolant.

If there is coolant under the vehicle, smoke from the cooling system, or if more than 2 liters (about 2 quarts) of coolant has been added to the system, there could be something wrong with the cooling system and starting the vehicle could damage the engine. Call a tow truck and do not attempt to start the engine.

Warning

The coolant may be very hot. Never unscrew the cap when the coolant is hot. If coolant must be filled, unscrew the expansion tank cap slowly to relieve overpressure.

P5-1617-XC90/XC90H Overview engine coolant — Coolant expansion tank.

Lift the rubber strip by pressing it inward into the engine compartment.

Remove the plastic cover by folding out the catch and lifting the cover upward.

Unscrew the expansion tank cap and fill coolant as needed. The level should be between the MIN and MAX marks on the expansion tank.

Important

Mix the coolant with water of acceptable quality. If you are unsure of the quality of the water, use a Volvo-recommended premixed coolant.
Make sure the coolant mixture is 50% water and 50% coolant.
Only use coolants with corrosion protection recommended by Volvo.
To help ensure sufficient corrosion protection in the system, only use new coolant when replacing larger components in the cooling system.
Never run the engine unless the cooling system is properly filled. An improperly filled cooling system could lead to high temperatures and cracks in the cylinder heads.
High levels of chlorine, chlorides and other salts may cause corrosion in the cooling system.