Hello All,


I have a 1999 XC with 163,000 miles on it. Last August this car was involved in a serious collision when my daughter, sneezed, lost control of the car and drove off the road. In the process, she struck and split a boulder and then went on to hit two trees. Thankfully she was not hurt and got out of the Volvo, upset and crying, but unscathed. When the police officer arrived, he said: “Your daughter was not hurt because she was in a Volvo, I drive them too.”

The car was severely damaged in the front. The engine was removed so the front fenders, nose, hood and sub frame could be replaced with parts off a donor car. The frame was straighter out too. I noticed after I got the car back, the ambient temperature “ran hot”. That is, it register temperatures that were between 20 to 25 degrees hotter than the actual ambient temperature. I had my private garage check to make sure the temperature sensor was put back into its proper place, and wasn’t sitting on top of the engine block. It was in the correct location. Recently, my mechanic gave me for free, a sensor off another “parts car” a 2000 S70, which had the exact same temperature sensor (Volvo Part # 9125603) as my ‘’99XC. I installed it, hoping it would fix the problem of the elevated temperature readings. It didn’t. There is a possibility the ambient temperature sensor is bad on my ’99 XC and the sensor off the 2000 S70 may also be bad, and all I have to do is purchase a new Volvo sensor (cost $35). Before I do, I wanted to ask if any one else has had this problem, or is there another reason besides the ambient temperature sensor itself that might be the cause for these elevated temperatures. Thanks to all who reply.

Hugh