My "Check Engine" light came on and the code pulled points to a fault with the air pump. My 97 850 GLT has 135,000 miles and this will be the third pump I will be replacing in my 115,000 miles of ownership, so needless to say, I am somewhat frustrated since I live in an emissions testing state. I will be attempting the next replacement myself and I have a few questions.

Before I purchase the pump, is there a way to check whether I also need the valve?
Should I avoid used or rebuilt pumps if available?
Since water intrustion back into the pump seems to be a design flaw, is there a recommended work around since alternate pump or hose locations?
Will I hurt any other part of the emissions system by not addressing the pump immediately?

Answers to any or all would be greatly appreciated.

 

When is the last time you replaced the pump? Have you seen any of the otherones that have been replaced in your car? I just can't help but wonder if there is some other reason that you're getting that code and CEL. I mean you hear they die from time to time, but 3 times in 115,000 miles?

Did you try clearing the code and seeing if it came back?
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The last one was replaced in the summer of 2005 (along with the O2 sensors). I was getting the feeling that the mechanic was shooting in the dark becausehe couldn'tdetermine whether it was the O2 sensors or maybe I needed a new CAT converter. He ended up taking it to another dealer to check what code they pulled. The pump was replace and the code stayed gone until now.

In this instance I have not tried to clear the code, probably because in the past that would not work for more than a few hundred miles. I guess I am resigned that it is the same old thing happening again. The first replacement came from the area dealership, the second and independant mechanic. Now, I figure I might as well try it myself. I plan to pull the pump this weekend to see if it is truly in-op, but i can't hear it on start up and figured I should start there.

 

Drill two small holes in the bottom of the air pump to let the water drain out. If you go to volvospeed.com Bay 13, it gives very good instructions on how to do it yourself and tells you right where to drill the small holes. I personally bought a used air pump from a junk yard for $150 and I'm not getting the code anymore. I replaced the valve with a used one also. My relay was fine, but it was on my 98 V70 and the relay is in the fuse box. It's not a very hard job, but the parts are way too expensive.

 

Thanks for the link. I will check it out. I think I might try the used route on the pump. I just want to confirm that there is no risk in running with this code for a few weeks. I know this is primarily an emissions thing, but I just don't want to risk other things getting flakey.

 

There is no problem at all.

I drove mine for two years before fixing it. All the pump does is pump fresh air into the exhaust for 30 seconds when the engine first starts up after sitting for a fairly long period of time for cleaner emissions. What a waste if you ask me. Especially for what it costs to fix it. I have never heard of anybody whocame up with a way to bypass it either.

 

Make sure you replace the Valve as well.

 

Thanks. I plan on it after what I have read here.