My 98 s70 has been sputtering off and on for a few weeks. I thought maybe I have a clogged PCv system. Well today on my way home from work it completely stalled and the car turned off. I can start it right up again but I'm afraid to drive it home on the highway invade it happened again. What do you guys think is the problem is? Could a clogged PCB system do that or maybe a fuel pump or filter. Please help me out.

 

Maybe fuel pump relay is bad.

 

Do they usually carry those at a local autoparts store or do you think I would have to order one? Also how hard is it to put in?

 

The relay maybe. I would pull yours and open it up and look for bad solder joints.

 

I just realized how broken up my first post is. Sorry about that, I was trying type it out on my phone right when it happened. Where is the fuel pump relay located?

 

Under the hood in the fuse box. You have to remove the 4 torxes 25 screws and then the cover. It should be a red relay. It should also say fuel pump relay on it.

 

Ok, I'll check it out tomorrow. Too dark to do anything now. Thanks for your help tech. You'll probably be hearing from tomorrow.

 

I pulled the relay out and the thing looks brand new inside. I was going through some maintenance records and the fuel filter was changed about 30k miles ago along with plugs and wires and distributor. Do you think that having a clogged PCV system would make my engine sputter and stall randomly? I drove my car for about 10 minutes today and no problem whatsoever.


edit: I didn't actually open up the relay because I wasn't sure if it's supposed to be opened. It looks like it's supposed to be sealed. Should I open it up and look inside. If so what's the best to open it without destroying it.

 

Yes open the relay up. By where the pins are you can pop that cap off. Carefully use a small screwdriver and pop the cap off.

 

Looks clean. Contacts and solder marks look new
What else could it be

 

Maybe fuel pump or something else. Is the check engine light on?

 

I wish the CEL would come on. Then I would have a clue about what's going on. Is it possible for the PCV system to do all of this?

 

I doubt it.

 

Is it possible the relay is bad but just not showing any visible damage? I have no records of it ever being replaced. If you give me the word I'm going to order a new one. If that doesn't fix it, I guess I'll spend the money on the fuel pump.

 

Where do you guys order parts from?

 

They can go bad and not show signs. But usually the solder joints crack.

Try FCPgroton.com for the relay.

 

Is it possible for fuel pumps to go bad over time? Wouldn't the car throw a code if the fuel pump was bad?

 

No codes will be thrown. The pumps usually work or don't.

 

Alright, ordering the relay hopefully this will take care of it.

 

I hope so to. I will wait to hear back from you.