I own a 1999 S80-T6 with 90K miles. The fuel pump relay has failed four times over the past 16 months. I went 12 months without any failures, and last week it happened again while crusing at 70MPH on the Mass Pike. When this problem occurs, the computer shuts down the fuel pump which causes the car to act like it out of gas. The part is $14 plus a few hours of labor and towing costs. But the hassle and safety factors are obvious. If the car is running, it stops and i need to get towed to the nearest Volvo dealer for repairs. If it is stopped, it will not start till the relay is replaced.

I called my local dealer and asked them to do some research on the root cause of this problem. I love the car, but I travel alot and can not risk and inconvience of future failures.

The dealer told me that I need a new fuel pump which is $500 installed. They believe that my fuel pump is causing the system to overload, whcih causes the relay to pop...and shut down the fuel pump.

Has anyone out there experinced a similar problem? Any trusted advisors out there in Volvoland? Before I throw another $500 into this car on top of my scheduleded 90K sevice I may think twice and dump this car.

I am a longtime Volvo owner, but I am considering bying a Lexus for my next car.

 

I personally have not experienced any issues with the fuel pump, but I have seen similar posts from other Volvo owners on this forum. "Tech" would be a great opinion to get regarding the issue.

 

The fuel pump being bad sounds about right.


And for the Record Lexus really isn't all that much better.
We now work on Lexus as well as Volvo's.

 

Tech, The strange thing is the problem has been intermittent and has not occured for a year since the most recent failure (> 20K miles).

I will fork over $500 to replace the fuel pump based on your second opinion.

 

Tech in your experience, would you say volvo has lesser problems then lexus or BMW ?

 

This is my opinion only from what I hear and see.

The worse is BMW then Lexus then Volvo.

 

Replaced Fuel Pump for $500. I bought a spare fuel pump relay ($14) and the Volvo dealer showed me how to install it. I will keep it in my glovebox in case this issue occurs again....i can fix it myself.

 

You should be fine.
I have done many Pumps and never any relays.