Failing fuel pump?

Tiny
YK16
  • MEMBER
  • 2010 VOLVO XC60
  • 3.0L
  • 6 CYL
  • TURBO
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 129,000 MILES
My car usually takes a few tries to start in the morning plus there's a whistling sound coming from the fuel pump area, so I'm assuming the fuel pump is going. (I could be wrong). The tachometer needle just started bouncing while accelerating. Could that be connected?
Sunday, April 21st, 2024 AT 8:43 PM

13 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Hello,

If the fuel filter is clogged it will make the fuel pump strain which can make it noisy as you have described so I would change that first here is the location, as far as the tach jumping this might help it but if not I would do an engine tune up because if the engine misfires it can back-feed the tach signal causing the jumping. Here is the location of the fuel filter and how to change it out. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
Images (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, April 22nd, 2024 AT 10:42 AM
Tiny
YK16
  • MEMBER
  • 40 POSTS
I will order a new filter and let you know what happens. Thank you!
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, April 22nd, 2024 AT 10:56 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Sounds good, try to blow through the filter as well to see if it is clogged to help confirm the issue.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024 AT 9:55 AM
Tiny
YK16
  • MEMBER
  • 40 POSTS
Will do. Thanks.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, April 24th, 2024 AT 6:00 PM
Tiny
YK16
  • MEMBER
  • 40 POSTS
Was looking for fuel filter but turns out it's located inside the gas tank connected to the pump.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, May 1st, 2024 AT 5:09 PM
Tiny
YK16
  • MEMBER
  • 40 POSTS
Would replacing the fuel pressure sensor be a possible solution before taking out the fuel pump?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, May 1st, 2024 AT 5:10 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
It shows the fuel being near the fuel tank, can you please recheck the images above? Here is the fuel pressure sensor but fuel pump noise comes from a clog in most cases. I did notice they call it an extra fuel filter so maybe our car doesn't have it. I would remove the pump for inspection and replace it if needed. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
Images (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, May 2nd, 2024 AT 12:54 PM
Tiny
YK16
  • MEMBER
  • 40 POSTS
The images above of the filter are for the diesel xc60. The regular gas xc60 has it in the tank. The noise stopped on its own so for now I'm going to leave the fuel pump alone especially because I would have to cut an access panel under the rear seats to access the pump which I'd rather not do unless I have to. I really appreciate the help, thanks!
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, May 2nd, 2024 AT 1:01 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
It looks like it is the same instructions for both diesel and gas engines. So, you don't have the access port under the seat?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, May 3rd, 2024 AT 12:07 PM
Tiny
YK16
  • MEMBER
  • 40 POSTS
My model doesn't come with the access port.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, May 3rd, 2024 AT 12:15 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Okay, you will need to drop the fuel tank, I would not cut a hole in the body. Check out the images (below). Let us know how it goes.
Images (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, May 3rd, 2024 AT 12:22 PM
Tiny
YK16
  • MEMBER
  • 40 POSTS
Thanks!
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, May 3rd, 2024 AT 12:29 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
You are welcome, please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, May 4th, 2024 AT 8:26 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Engine Not Running Content

Car Cranking but Not Starting? Try This
VIDEO
Car Cranking but Not Starting? Try This
Instructional repair video
Engine Not Starting
GUIDE
Engine Not Starting
Over the past 20 years at 2CarPros we have identified the top problems that are easily fixed. This guide can save you a trip to the repair garage or calling a tow truck and...