Prime fuel pump?

[F55MCS]

Hi. I have just changed the fuel filter on my 2004 V70 D5 (paper type), and now it won’t start. It ran for a bit then died so I’m assuming the pump needs priming. How do I do this? I’ve cycled the ignition on and off 10-15 times and then left it in position 2 for 1.5 minutes and it still won’t start. There’s about 1/4 of a tank of diesel left. Is it just a case of keep priming it or have I messed it up somehow?

ETA: there is nothing leaking from the filter housing while the ignition is on so I suspect the seal is ok.

[MarvinMitt]

Every time I change fuel filter I also test the intank pump.
Tray under, filter off and ignition on. If fuel comes then pump is ok.
10-15 times ignition on for 20 seconds would be enough to prime the fuel lines.
Try a little more but if this doesn't help I would remove the filter again and check if fuel is pumped to the filter when ignition is on.

[F55MCS]

Originally Posted by MarvinMitt

Every time I change fuel filter I also test the intank pump.
Tray under, filter off and ignition on. If fuel comes then pump is ok.
10-15 times ignition on for 20 seconds would be enough to prime the fuel lines.
Try a little more but if this doesn't help I would remove the filter again and check if fuel is pumped to the filter when ignition is on.

I just took the filter off again to check my work and the housing had diesel in it, so would suggest that the pump is fine. Do you think maybe I should put some more diesel in the tank and try again or just keep priming it?

Sorry for the slightly desperate nature of these posts but only half of my car fits under my parents car port and every time I sit in the drivers seat I am getting soaked! Very frustrating

[MarvinMitt]

Check if the pump has constant fuel flow.
On Euro 3 (D5244T) engine the HP pump can suck fuel from the tank itself but takes a very long time to prime the fuel line.
If the fuel level is under 20 liters, it needs intank pump to get to the other side of the saddle tank.
If your's is at 1/4 of tank it's exactly where the not working intank pump starts to cause problems plus it needs the pump to prime the fuel line without cranking the engine.


Just check if it has fuel flow and then there are next steps to troubleshoot your problem.

[F55MCS]

Originally Posted by MarvinMitt

Check if the pump has constant fuel flow.
On Euro 3 (D5244T) engine the HP pump can suck fuel from the tank itself but takes a very long time to prime the fuel line.
If the fuel level is under 20 liters, it needs intank pump to get to the other side of the saddle tank.
If your's is at 1/4 of tank it's exactly where the not working intank pump starts to cause problems.

Just check if it has fuel flow and then there are next steps to troubleshoot your problem.

Forgive my ignorance but what is the best way to check whether there is fuel flow?

Your help is also very much appreciated!

[F55MCS]

Well, I bled the injectors and it appears to live which is a good result. Could it perhaps be the low pressure pump not priming the system as it should? I don’t plan on running out of fuel but it’s something to keep an eye on, certainly before the next time I change the filter.

I very much appreciate the help folks and I am now much drier and warmer...