Fuel cannot be transferred from the tank to the engine if the fuel pump has died. Consequently, you can’t start your Volvo with a dead fuel pump. In fact, you can’t start any automobile with a dead fuel pump. European Fix is going to list the signs that your fuel pump is going bad below. If you suspect your Volvo or other European automobile’s fuel pump is dying, we’d be happy to inspect it.
Engine Sputtering
Sometimes, even though the fuel pump is malfunctioning it still manages to push some gasoline or diesel fuel into the engine. This allows your automobile to start and the engine to run. Unfortunately, the engine will not run efficiently, however, because it doesn’t have enough fuel. It will sputter and struggle to operate at high speeds that demand extra fuel.
Stress Power Loss
You will also notice that your vehicle struggles when the engine is under stress. The power loss will be noticeable. You may lose power when you are driving up steep hills. You may also lose power if you have your Volvo loaded with heavy items or if you are towing a trailer behind the Volvo. Anytime your vehicle is under stress it needs more fuel.
Low Fuel Pressure
The reason why your Volvo is struggling under either one of these conditions is that you have low fuel pressure. In other words, as we mentioned above, there isn’t enough fuel making its way into the engine. You can test your fuel pressure to see if it is within the range specified in your owner’s manual. If it is below the minimum amount of pressure required, your fuel pump is dying.
Overheating Engine
Your Volvo’s engine may also overheat if the fuel pump is not drawing enough fuel out of the tank. The fuel that is drawn out of the tank cools the fuel pump motor as it runs over it. A lack of fuel will cause the motor to overheat. Many times, the hot fuel pump motor causes your engine to overheat because the heat is added to the existing engine heat.
Poor Fuel Economy
Finally, a malfunctioning fuel pump causes poor fuel economy. Your engine is struggling to run in it is burning what little fuel is found in the combustion chamber. Because it burns the fuel quickly, your engine actually uses more fuel with the malfunctioning fuel pump. This causes a noticeable reduction in your Volvo’s gas mileage.
Again, European Fix in Clinton Township, MI, would be happy to inspect the fuel pump in your Volvo or other European automobile if you are experiencing any of the problems listed above. We can replace the fuel pump if it needs it.