My 1998 V70 still looks and drives like new at 130K. Yesterday the air pump came on and it is making eratic noises. No engine light yet, but I think the electric motor part of the pump is dying. Could the check valve wipe the pump out if it goes bad? How do you check the valve to be sure the exaust is not running back into the pump? Does this pump matter? Can I just plug the exaust line off and forget it? Or will this **** the computer off?

Also on cold mornings the pass front door is causing the interrior lights to stay on. If the door is opened and closed several times the light goes out. Warm days this is not a issue. Where is the light swich located on these cars? Thanks for any replys! June

 

Hi June. Not sure about the air pump but the light switch is inside the door latch. Those cost about $175 but I believe that the light can be unplugged. The door panel will have to come off.

 

 

Well with the air pump under the batt tray I just unplugged it and it drove just fine with no engine light so far. I think it just puts extra oxygen in the exaust to fire the cat off faster. At any rate I want it fixed since Volvo put it there for a reason. Has any one dealt with one of these failing? And will it hurt anything being disconnected? Thanks, June

 

It won't hurt anything. You are correct, it is just there to warm up the cat faster. It is very common for the check valve to fail and cause water to get in the pump.

 

So water causes the pump to make terrible noises? Should I buy a new one and check valve or just leave it be? I don't want to dammage the engine or cat. That cat looks like a high grade converter. Thanks, June

 

It could, if water causes the bearings of the pump to rust. Most of the time the pump eventually seizes.

When I replace a pump, I always replace the check valve.

It won't damage the cat but if you have emissions, it can cause the car to fail I'm some areas.

 

Thank You, I will replace both. June