Overheating all of a sudden?

TJJETER87

MEMBER
2009 VOLVO S40
2.4L
5 CYL
AUTOMATIC
183 MILES

Got the car with some codes, mass flow air sensor and 02 sensor bank 1.

Purchased parts had them installed, the 02 sensor was the wrong one and would reach the connector, so awaiting the new part. As soon as I start the car it immediately goes into the red zone and gives me the warning that says the engine temperature is too hot and to turn it off immediately. Wasn't having that issue prior to removing the 02 sensor. Now I know it’s not plugged in as it won’t reach, so when the new one is able to be connected with this issue go away? Oil was changed as well as all fluids. Prior to any of the parts arriving, I drove the car 2 hours consecutively without this issue or warning?

8 Replies

MIKE H R

MECHANIC
3,094 POSTS

When you get the new parts and installed you need the car scanned, OB2, without the O2 sensor hooked up it cannot read it and is sending the code that the engine is overheating. When you get the correct parts in and start the car the codes will come up but you can should be able to clear them. Mike

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Wednesday, March 15th, 2023 AT 11:42 AM

TJJETER87

MEMBER
11 POSTS

I understand but I don’t. I’m sorry for being so naive about it all. Just to be clear, I can't afford to have anything scanned via a dealership, so what is my alternative? And once everything is properly connected. Will this issue go away? I legitimately did not have this issue prior to changing the mass flow air sensor nor the 02! Is the overheating happening due to improper installation? Again my apologies for being so naive about it all. I sincerely don’t know what to do next and I don’t have money to keep investing into the issue.

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Wednesday, March 15th, 2023 AT 3:56 PM

MIKE H R

MECHANIC
3,094 POSTS

Once the 02 sensor is connected you can go to most auto stores, they have a scanner and will scan the car and let you know if there is any codes.

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Friday, March 17th, 2023 AT 6:37 AM

TJJETER87

MEMBER
11 POSTS

Okay so, I looked at the parts and the 02 (that was too short to reach) is the one that produces heat (after Catalytic converter 02 is what is says in the description and the note says “heat)

The one I actually needed was the “before catalytic converter 02”

Could that have been the issue?

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Friday, March 17th, 2023 AT 7:10 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi,

I noticed we haven't been in touch with you for a couple of days. Have you been able to make any progress? We're interested in knowing.

Let me know,

Take care,

Joe

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Sunday, March 19th, 2023 AT 8:54 PM

MIKE H R

MECHANIC
3,094 POSTS

Yes, there are two 02 sensors, usually one before the converter and one after. Did you get the O2 sensors yet? And have you put them on? After you do will probably have to rescan the car and reset the computer.

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Monday, March 20th, 2023 AT 9:19 AM

TJJETER87

MEMBER
11 POSTS

Yes, two new ones were placed on. The coolant gauge was still reading hot, and the check engine light was still on. We disconnected the battery for about 10 minutes and everything went back to normal. But then the check engine light came back on. Not sure why I haven’t had the time to get it plugged in to see what codes have popped up. But I will and I’ll post them here for some more input! I thank you kindly for your replies and patience in my truly not know what to do!

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Monday, March 20th, 2023 AT 12:02 PM

MIKE H R

MECHANIC
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When you disconnected the battery, you cleared the codes. With the engine light coming on again when you scan the car it will let you know where the problem is. After thought, check your coolant level. Let me know what you find.

Mike

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Monday, March 20th, 2023 AT 1:48 PM