Why Is My Volvo Engine Overheating Even Though the Cooling Fan Works?

When it comes to enjoying reliability and comfort along with top-tier performance on a regular basis, Volvo cars stand out as the perfect choice. Their engines are designed to work optimally even under the most severe stress. However, despite being equipped with a high-end cooling system, the engine may overheat, and the culprit might not be the cooling fan. So, let’s explore what else can disrupt the engine temperature and significantly reduce its efficiency, ultimately impacting the overall quality of the ride.

Why Does Your Volvo Engine Overheat Even With A Functional Cooling Fan?

• Insufficient Coolant: Since the coolant is responsible for absorbing and dissipating the heat from the engine compartment, low coolant can cause the engine to run hot even if the cooling fan works efficiently. This usually happens when the tank holding or hoses carrying the coolant or any other cooling system component weaken or develop cracks or holes, allowing the coolant to leak out. As a result, you may notice a low coolant level even after regularly topping up the coolant, and you may also see coolant stains or puddles under your Volvo while it is parked. Moreover, you may also notice that the temperature gauge remains elevated constantly, indicating a potentially dangerous engine temperature.
• Thermostat Issues: The primary function of the thermostat is to act like a door that opens or closes to pass the correct amount of coolant into the engine. So, when it fails and stays closed, it can prevent the coolant from entering the engine, producing excessive heat inside the engine compartment. In this case, apart from high engine temperature, the heater starts behaving abnormally, and the temperature gauge readings also fluctuate. This way, the stuck thermostat affects the cooling cycle and fails to maintain the engine at an optimal temperature, potentially causing permanent damage if left unattended.
• Blocked or Faulty Radiator: Over time, when the radiator comes in contact with dirt, debris, or corrosion, the optimal coolant flow gets blocked, ultimately elevating the engine temperature. Similarly, multiple cracks or holes in the radiator walls also weaken it, allowing the engine to run hot. Thus, with a clogged, damaged, or leaky radiator, your Volvo may experience abnormal coolant loss, physical wear on the radiator fins, or coolant that appears corroded or sludgy. Additionally, your car experiences comparatively less cooling, even with an operating cooling fan.
• Cracked Water Pump: The water pump usually pumps and circulates the coolant throughout the engine area. However, due to aging or frequent usage, it malfunctions or its impeller fails, which results in low coolant flow and poor engine cooling. In this situation, you may also notice coolant leaks near the pump, hear loud and unusual whining noises, or see steam coming from the engine compartment. The reality is that the cooling fan is sufficient to prevent the engine from overheating if the pump or impeller is dysfunctional.
• Air Bubbles in the Cooling System: When the cooling system traps air during repairs or coolant refills, the air pockets disrupt the coolant flow, ultimately causing engine overheating. Due to this, you may also track other warning signs like temperature gauge reading fluctuations, hot spots in different engine parts, and unusual bubbling sounds in the radiator or coolant tank. These air bubbles usually restrict the fan from maintaining an ideal temperature in the engine area.
• Poor Temperature Sensor: Although the cooling fan is working optimally, a faulty temperature sensor can send incorrect temperature data to the ECU, resulting in the fan not starting or spinning at the correct speed, even when the engine requires cooling. Thus, with a poor temperature sensor, the temperature gauge readings may appear inaccurate, causing the cooling system to activate when not needed or to turn it off while the engine is still running hot. Believe it or not, this sensor plays a crucial role in controlling the cooling fan, adjusting its operation according to the engine temperature.

Why Trust Us When Your Volvo Engine Overheats

At H & R Independent BMW Service, located in Hawaiian Gardens, CA, we have expertise in addressing complex Volvo car issues, particularly when the engine runs hot and the exact issue is unknown. As mentioned above, apart from cooling fan troubles, there can be several causes behind an overheated engine, ranging from low coolant levels to water pump issues. Don’t worry! Our Volvo experts are capable of troubleshooting the exact problem using our highly diagnostic tools and fixing it promptly, ensuring you won’t face similar issues later. Therefore, contact us today if your vehicle’s engine overheats, even with a functional cooling fan, and get all the engine defects fixed as soon as possible.