Parts for your 2017 Volvo Xc60-Radiator cap

2017 Volvo XC60 radiator cap — do they have one?

For the 2017 Volvo XC60, a traditional radiator cap on the radiator itself isn’t used. Volvo’s factory literature describes a sealed, pressurised cooling system that’s filled and vented via a coolant expansion tank with a pressure cap, not via the radiator. This setup is detailed in Volvo’s XC60 2017 Owner’s Manual (Cooling system: checking and topping up), the Volvo VIDA service information for the P3-platform XC60 (Cooling system, design and operation), and the Volvo Genuine Parts catalogue which lists a coolant expansion tank cap for this model, but no separate radiator cap.

Why the change? Modern Volvos, including the 2017 XC60, run a “degas” style cooling system. The cap is fitted to the translucent expansion tank under the bonnet. That cap regulates system pressure, allows trapped air to purge continuously, and provides the only approved fill point. The radiator itself is part of a sealed circuit with no service cap. This improves cooling efficiency, reduces the chance of air pockets after servicing, and keeps the radiator packaging simpler and more reliable.

Owners looking for a “radiator cap” on this XC60 should instead check the coolant expansion tank cap. It does the same job as old-school radiator caps: holding pressure so the coolant’s boiling point stays high and venting to the overflow chamber as needed.

• Functions of the XC60’s expansion tank cap:
  • Maintains the correct pressure (typically around 1.5 bar, per Volvo platform specs, always match the rating shown on the original cap).
  • Vents excess pressure safely into the reservoir section.
  • Seals the system to prevent air ingress and coolant loss.

Service tips: inspect the cap seal at each scheduled service (every 12 months or as per kilometres driven). Look for perishing, cracking, or coolant crust around the cap neck. Replace the cap if the seal’s damaged, if hoses look collapsed after cool-down, if there’s unexplained coolant loss, or if the system won’t hold pressure. Only open the cap when the engine is cold, if it must be opened warm, cover with a rag and crack it slowly to bleed off pressure. Refit the cap hand-tight until it seats—don’t overtighten. Always use a genuine or OE-quality cap with the correct pressure rating and Volvo-approved coolant.

Technical sources referenced: Volvo XC60 2017 Owner’s Manual (Cooling system), Volvo VIDA 2017 service information (Cooling system overview and filling), Volvo Genuine Parts catalogue (coolant expansion tank cap for XC60 MY2017).

Popular questions

Does a 2017 Volvo XC60 have a radiator cap?
It doesn’t have a cap on the radiator itself. The system uses a pressurised coolant expansion tank with a pressure cap, which handles filling, sealing and pressure control.

What pressure cap does the 2017 XC60 use?
Volvo specifies a cap around 150 kPa (about 1.5 bar) for this platform. Always match the rating printed on the original cap or verified by a Volvo parts listing for the exact engine variant.

Where is the cap located and how should it be opened?
The cap is on the translucent coolant reservoir under the bonnet, typically near the front corner of the engine bay. Open only when cold, if warm, cover with a rag and loosen slowly to release pressure.