Date: Wed, 04 Feb 1998
From: Sean McMullen <volvo_p1800@hotmail.com>
I have a 1961 Volvo P1800 and only 2 problems:
1) I don't know how to reset the trip meter. I don't see a button. Any help appreciated.
2) My car either runs really hot or my temperature gauge is wrong. Please tell me is it unrealistic for my car to be running at 170 degrees when it's 40 outside and I'm going 60-70 mph, because that's what it usually says in the morning when it's cold and I pull out onto the highway.
Thanks!
Sean
Sean - The trip odometer reset knob should be secured to the bottom of the dashboard about five inches left of the steering column. It's not a pushbutton like many cars have, but rather a small knob that looks like a metal tire valve cap. To operate it, push and turn the knob clockwise. If you don't find it under the dash, maybe it has come loose. See if you can locate it behind the dash. The knob is attached to the end of a short cable that hooks up to the rear of the speedometer.
My water temperature gauge shows 175 degrees as being the minimum operating temperature. That is, when the car is fully warmed up, the temperature of the coolant should never be less than 175 degrees. The operating temperature of the thermostat bears this out, as it is rated at 180 degrees. Sounds like your car is very close to normal. I wouldn't worry about it. -Glenn.