Recently my wife went to fill up our '04 V70, since the needle was just about down to the 1/8 of a tank mark. Well, once about a half of a tanks worth of gas had gone in, the gas pump handle kicked off. This seemed odd, so she gave it a another try and this time gas came pouring out. Being in a rush, she just put the cap on and pressed on with her day. The fuel guage read 1/2 tank. Yesterday she tried putting in more gas and the same thing happened. I got home and took it to a different gas station, thinking something was faulty with the particular pump/station she used. The gas guage indicated about 1 line below 1/2 tank. I was only able to put in 1.5 gallons, before gas overflowed. I was not squeezing the handle fully, just enough for gas to pump out. When I started the car, the needle was now on the 1/2 mark. Also the "miles to empty tank" read out coinsides with what I would get on a half tank.

So with all that said, I gather I am looking at a faulty fuel level sensor. My intent was to access the sending unit and give it a good wack, however, I can't get to it. I can see the access cover that is partically blocked by the rear seatback. My question is how do I get the rear folding seat out of the way?

Also, has anyone else run into this before?

Thanks

Thanks

 

Don't know if this would be the same for your particular car, but see if it looks familiar.
1998 volvo v70 Wagon fuel gauge not working always reads emp - JustAnswer

Also, I doubt the wacking will do much good even for a short term. Usually the part that fails is inside the tank, not where you can see the cover.
GL

 

Thanks for the link. It is very close to what my 04 is like, except the access panel in at a slant, heading under the seatback. I cna get about 2 of the cover's bolts off, but that's it. Obviously the seat has to come out, so that's where I am on that. I wish it was as simple as what was shown in the link you provided.

If I can get it out, I would fiddle with it and see if I can get it working properly.

 

yea,
it'a a PITA sometimes to get the simplest things...

See if maybe dropping or partially dropping the fuel tank is the easier solution.
And if you don't want to mess with it, try taking it to the local Volvo junk yard. Those guys know this cars in and out and most of the time know the shortcuts, regular mechanics don't even think of.

 

Dropping the tank is not an option for me. There has to be a way to remove the seat. Unfortunately there are no Haynes/Chiltons manuals available for the 2000 and up V70. Well there are manuals, but only in the UK. Haynes publishes a manual for the 2000-2007 V70s, but only in England. I have been debating whether to get it or not. Bodywise, the cars should be the same, but it's the electronics/electronic systems that will be different.

I suppose I will have to get an online subscription with All-Data. I just perfer a book in my hands.

 

Before you do any mechanical work, try adding some Techron Concentrate Plus to the fuel tank. This may fix the problem by removing deposits from the resistance element in the sender.