Volvo trucks are one of the most reliable trucks on the market. However, like any other commercial vehicle, they also experience several ignition and fuel injection problems that cause inconvenience.
Fuel problems involve faulty ignition, fuel ignition, and other parts in the fuel system. If these issues occur, the fuel cannot power up the engine.
In this article, we discuss common problems related to a Volo truck’s ignition and fuel injection system and some tips to help you solve them.
A Short Summary of Common Volvo Truck Fuel Problems to Expect:
Typical Volvo truck fuel problems occur due to faulty components such as ignition switch, fuel filter, fuel pump, fuel tank, fuel injector, and injector sleeve. If any of these parts are damaged, it will be hard for you to start your Volvo truck and may cause sudden stops when driving.
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Volvo Truck Ignition Switch Problems
Ignition switches vary in design. The newest additions are the push-start and keyless ignitions.
There are still Volvo trucks that have a traditional ignition switch. It is the one where you need to put a key inside and swing it to start the truck. But regardless of the ignition switch build, they all still serve similar functions.
The problems relating to faulty ignition switches amongst Volvo trucks are rare.
Problems with the ignition switch can cause engine stalling. It often occurs after ignition but may also happen while you are driving.
Engine stalling is dangerous since the truck suddenly loses power and can cause severe accidents on the road.
Power delivery issues may also be encountered. Aside from turning on the engine, the ignition switch also prompts other systems in your truck to function.
Thus, the truck’s electrical components, such as the lighting, may also not work if it fails.
Here’s how you can fix ignition switch problems:
- Check on your fuel level if it is already empty and refill as needed.
- Check if the battery needs to be replaced and buy a new one.
- Consult with your automotive to diagnose properly since engine stalling, and power delivery can also be caused by other broken mechanical parts of the truck.
- The ignition switch itself may be defective and needs to be replaced.
Volvo Truck Starter Problems
There are many reasons why your truck will not start. The most common cause is the battery, faulty starter motor, broken wirings, and, of course, empty fuel.
You know what to do next if it is just empty fuel. If the cause of the starter problem is more technical, you can do a primary troubleshooting method on your Volvo truck using a digital multimeter.
You can check it on your service manual for a complete guide on the measuring points.
Here’s how you can do it:
- Check if the battery cable terminals on the starter motor are 12.4V. If not, the battery is the problem source.
- Ensure the cables on the batteries are in proper order and tightly attached. Wipe out visible dirt as well.
- Before running the test, remove the engine ECU fuses as they may run down.
- Unplug the starter relay. Then use a digital multimeter to perform the test. Head on to the service manual to know the measuring points and the possible cause of the problem.
Volvo Truck Fuel Problems
Fuel runs every vehicle. Without it or the lack of it will result in many issues. The most common ones are failing to start, rough idle, and running lean.
The common causes of problems with the fuel system are clogged fuel filters, malfunctioning or dirty fuel injectors, and failed fuel pumps.
Here’s how you can fix fuel problems with your Volvo truck:
- Replace the fuel filter if it is already too worn out from different contaminants and debris.
- Repair the fuel pump or replace it with a new one to ensure it will not go awry again.
- Clean the fuel injectors regularly to prevent leakage and excessive waste of fuel. If you have already used them for several years, consider replacing them.
Volvo Truck Fuel Filter Problems
A fuel filter plays a crucial role in protecting the fuel from contaminants and particles such as dirt, dust, and rust, which may damage the fuel injector.
Suppose your Volvo truck is already experiencing problems with its fuel filter.
In that case, you may experience poor engine performance, difficulty starting the engine, frequent stalling, rough idle, random misfire, and failure with the other fuel system parts.
The best solution to fix it is by replacement. Depending on the severity, it only costs up to $50 and can be fixed within an hour or less.
If you have the proper tools, such as the primer or hand pump, you can do the fixing yourself.
Volvo Truck Fuel Pump Problems
As its name suggests, the fuel pump helps transfer the fuel tank to the engine. Thus, if it malfunctions, the fuel will not be distributed well in the system, causing several issues.
Fuel pump problems can lead to poor engine performance, overheating, difficulty driving on uphill slopes or carrying heavy loads, poor gas mileage, and unusual engine noise.
When you encounter this problem while driving, you can conduct a temporary fix using a test gauge to prevent any issues. Here’s how to do it:
- Remove the vacuum line and check if there is fuel inside the line. It is an indication of a failed regulator.
- Connect the vacuum line after inspecting the regulator.
- Look for the protective cap and remove it. Then connect the fuel pressure gauge hose.
- Ensure the gauge is fitted correctly with the adapter and the line is fixed to the test port.
- Attach the gauge and turn the ignition key. You should check if the gauge is between 45 to 58 PSI and the throttle body injector is within 13 to 17 PSI. If you get it right, it indicates that the fuel pump is still working well with the electrical components of the fuel system.
- Untie the hose and remove excess fuel. Reinstall the cap, and do not forget to clean that area.
Since this method is only temporary, you should check with the automotive repair shop for fixing or replacement. The entire cost is a maximum of $1400, including the labor.
It may be expensive, but it is worth it since your truck will have a good fuel pump.
Volvo Truck Fuel Tank Problems
Make sure your truck has enough fuel to run; the fuel tank holds it up to the truck’s maximum capacity.
The most common fuel tank problem you may experience is that the fuel won’t fill up due to a clogged or broken evaporative emissions control or EVAP system.
The best way to fix it is by cleaning. But if the issue is way more severe, you might need some parts replaced.
Here’s a simple way to fix the most common fuel tank problem:
- Get a scan tool and run a diagnostic test.
- Ensure the fuel tank cap is clean.
- Look for the EVAP canister.
- Remove the hose connected to the EVAP canister and clean it.
- Head to a gas station to fill the fuel tank, but remember not to overfill it as it can further clog the EVAP canister.
- If it is still not working, replace the EVAP canister.
Volvo Truck Injector Problems
The fuel injector works by delivering the fuel to the engine. Once the engine has a fuel supply, it starts to run, and you can quickly drive your truck.
But just like other parts in a vehicle’s fuel system, clog and dirt are the leading cause for an injector to malfunction.
Some noticeable signs you may experience with a faulty injector are engine misfires, rough idling, poor gas mileage, and difficulty starting.
To fix it, you can follow these steps:
- Check on your truck’s manual or consult a mechanic for a cleaning solvent you can use for your Volvo truck.
- Link the cleaning kit to the fuel port.
- Disconnect or disable the fuel pump from the engine.
- Insert a U-tube to loop back the fuel to the tank.
- Ensure you turn off the pressure regulator.
- Connect the compressed air hose to the cleaning package. You can adjust the pressure if needed.
- Let the cleaning kit absorb all the cleaning liquid before you start the truck and wait for the engine to shut down.
- Remove the kit, and activate the fuel pressure regulator and the fuel pump.
Volvo Truck Injector Sleeve Problems
The injector sleeve is responsible for helping cool the injector. It allows the water from your vehicle’s cooling system to flow around it.
Some common injector sleeve problems are cracked, causing the fuel to enter the cooling system. Leakage on the injector sleeve can also cause an external leak in the coolant.
The best way to fix the injector sleeve is by replacement to ensure it can function properly again and prevent other damages to your truck’s engine.
