What to do about a Volvo coolant indicator light?

My Volvo 850 coolant indicator light comes on occasionally.





The heat gauge is up a little more than usual.





The reservoir has some coolant in it.





I noticed that there is no radiator cap.





I also noticed the sticker says to only use Volvo coolant. Is that true?





With fluid in the reservior why would the indicator light be coming on?|||The reseviour is the overflow, the radiator may be low.





Volvo probably uses one of the new coolants that does not mix with ethelene-glycol. Check with your dealer's parts department to make sure. My Audi used G12.|||Your coolant expansion tank has a level sensor in it.Fill the resevoir to the max level.If the light remains on check the sensor plug.Lift the expansion tank straight up and check that it is plugged in.If it isnt plug it it.If it is you may need a new sensor.


You can used regular coolant i do it all the time.


I have worked in a shop where we specialize in Volvo repair for 11 years now.|||get a cap to make sure you don't lose any while driving and also get some coolant both from volvo. when the level is on max and you have a cap if the light still comes on then it will be a faulty level sensor. it is a common fault as it is electrical. very cheap and only a five min job.|||If the light is coming on than it may be low even if there is coolant in the tank. get it checked out.|||your loosing coolant as U drive w/out a cap,,, thats why the light is on ,,, U may need to change the thermostat and flush the system and bleed it to get out any air,,,get the cap|||#1 without a radiator cap..pressue builds as water pump works and you lose your fluid. There could be fluid in the over flow as there is no presure w/out a radiator cap to pull it through to your radiator. I do not believe that you must use VOLVO only coolant, but check where you buy your auto parts, they can check the book. You can get a new manual for your car at volvo.cars.usa they will have links to everything. The origional will have a lot of needed info..and trouble shooting guide. *****oh, by the way the heat guage may be going up just a little as your radiator cap may have the thermastat in it...I would check that! Good Luck