Volvo Water Pump, Radiator and Thermostat Repairs

Cooling systems are your best friends on hot days.

Cooling systems perform a primary function in your car by moving coolant throughout the engine to dissipate heat and pass it through the radiator to eventually cool it. A thermostat controls the flow of the coolant and in some Volvo models, there may be an external fan to control temperature.

The coolant system is composed of three parts:

Water Pump

Your car’s coolant is moved around through a water pump. Even though the primary water pump gear is belt driven, in modern vehicles an electric pump may be used for better flow.

The drive belt is essential for effective pump operation. While in older cars the pump and belt were externally run off the main crankshaft through ‘V-belt’, on latest vehicles, this is the timing belt.

When it comes to maintenance for external types of water pumps, tension adjustments or drive belt replacement may be needed. For modern Volvo cars, all you need to do is replace the coolant at the right time.


The hosing system consists of multiple parts like the control valves, the radiator and expansion tanks. Due to the materials present in the coolant, all parts here deteriorate faster than others.

Maintenance here includes but is not limited to coolant replacement, periodic replacement of hoses and repairing any leaking parts.

Check all hoses once a year for cracks, abrasion and flexibility. Expansion tanks, radiators and heater cores are only replaced in case there is plugging or leakages.

Volvo Radiator, Sensors and Thermostat

The coolant system temperature controls the thermostat, radiator and temperature sensors. While all these parts are independent of the engine, they do however play a key role in maintaining appropriate engine temperature or by sending signals to Volvo’s electronic systems.

The radiator cap also includes a spring-loaded valve that adjusts itself according to the pressure.  When replacing it, make sure you only purchase radiator caps that are designed for your vehicle.

Some of the most common sensors on Volvo cooling systems include thermo-time switch, fuel injection sensors, warning light sender and others. One or more of these sensors might need to be replaced, depending on the extent of damage.

Cooling system maintenance is easy, provided you keep it clean at all times. Always remember to use original Volvo auto parts to ensure that the cooling system keep running efficiently.