Ever had a moment when your car starts acting up, and you’re not quite sure why? If you’re driving a Volvo, one common troublemaker could be the fuel pump. This small component has a big job: it sends fuel from the tank to the engine to keep your vehicle running. But when this component becomes faulty, you might start noticing your car isn’t driving as smoothly as it should.
Let’s talk about what signs to look out for that tell you your Volvo’s fuel pump might need some attention and a few of the causes of failure so you can keep your ride running smoothly and avoid getting stuck on the side of the road.
What Causes Fuel Pump Issues In Volvo
- Overheating: The fuel pump needs fuel around it to keep cool when it’s working. If your car’s fuel tank gets too low, the pump might suck in air instead of fuel, which can make it overheat, especially if it’s already hot outside. Just like you wouldn’t want to run a marathon in the scorching sun without water, your fuel pump doesn’t like working hard without enough fuel to keep it cool.
- Electrical Issues: Electrical problems in your Volvo can mess with the fuel pump. If there are issues with the car’s electrical system, like bad wires or problems with the parts that power the fuel pump, it might not get the steady power it needs. This can make the fuel pump work poorly or even stop working altogether.
- Fuel System Contamination: Your car’s fuel system can get clogged up if things like the fuel filter or fuel injectors are dirty or blocked. When this happens the system will not be able to clean or control the fuel properly. This puts extra pressure on the fuel pump because it has to work harder to push fuel through the mess, which might eventually make the pump get damaged early.
- Excessive Wear: If you’re always in stop-and-go traffic, hauling heavy stuff, or driving on bumpy roads, it makes the fuel pump work overtime. This can cause it to wear out quicker than it normally would.
Signs Of Failing Fuel Pump
- Starting Trouble: If your Volvo doesn’t start or takes a lot longer to start, it could be a sign of failure in different parts. One of the possible culprits is a damaged or clogged fuel pump.
- Surging: When you take your dog for a walk, sometimes, out of nowhere, it pulls hard on the leash, making you speed up suddenly. That is exactly what happens when your Volvo fuel pump starts failing. The fuel pump randomly sends a burst of fuel to the engine, making the car speed up without you doing anything different.
- Strange Noises from the Fuel Tank: Another way to spot an issue in the fuel pump of a Volvo is through strange noises. If your car’s fuel tank starts making whining or howling noises, it’s usually the fuel pump complaining that it’s hurt or broken.
- Engine Misfires: If your Volvo isn’t getting enough fuel, it might cough and splutter instead of running smoothly, especially when you’re trying to speed up. It feels rough and not as smooth as it should be.
Ask For Professional Help
If you think your Volvo has fuel pump problems, after noticing any of the warning signs, it’s important to get it checked by a pro mechanic fast. Ignoring the signs will only make things worse. Take your vehicle to a good mechanic or a trustworthy car repair shop. They know the special tests to figure out exactly what’s wrong with the fuel pump and can tell you what needs to be fixed or changed. Sometimes, it might mean getting a new fuel pump, changing the fuel filter, or fixing other parts to get your car running again.
Where Should You Go For Quality Volvo Service?
At Peak Auto, we’re known for delivering quality 
service that is beyond what you might get from a dealership when fixing and looking after cars. If you’re driving a Volvo and have spotted any warning signs like those we talked about, or if you’re just worried your fuel pump isn’t doing its best, you can count on us to sort it out.
We’re located in Apex, NC, and we welcome drivers of European, Domestic, and Asian cars from all around. Need help figuring out what’s up with your fuel pump or any other Volvo trouble? Our experienced technicians are here to deliver a service that is as smooth as your ride should be. Book an appointment with us today, and let us give your Volvo the first-class treatment it needs.
