S80: General S80 06-16 D5 2.4D cutting out randomly

[Dav31]

Hi
I'm new to this forum and somewhat of a novice when it comes to car mechanics.

Please assist me with this new problem which is baffling me. For the last few weeks, my 2008 D5 has been suddenly cutting out whilst being driven and getting more and more frequent now.

No error message on display, no starting or performance issues to date. I'm inclined to bite the bullet and take it to Volvo dealers but am hesitant as don't know what they might say needs doing. I have read up related issues on this forum and do not think it's anything mechanical but seems more like an electronic or software problem.

I did approach a local Volvo approved garage in Twickenham and they said they'll have to carry out a technical assessment at initial cost of £72.

I'd be grateful for any feedback or suggestions.

Thanks
Dav

[Olaf Els]

No-one is going to be able to identify the fault without using diagnostic software, for which there is normally a charge as it involves a mechanic's time. It's either that or locating somebody who has the software for their own DIY work.

I'd keep clear of dealers with a car of this age. Better to use a good independent Volvo specialist. I know of one in West Molesey, but haven't used them myself.

[Dav31]

Thanks Olaf.
I'm also vary of main dealers hence my reason for posting for suggestions.
I was researching Online and came across similar issue where someone mentioned fuel pump relay as the culprit of random stalling.
I was about to order new relay and went to check relay location on car (top right of engine facing from front) and pulled it out and re-plugged it.
I took the car out and drove it for about half an hour and same again today, over town and motorway driving and it never cut out where before it was beginning to cut out after few miles only.
I can only conclude there was perhaps a dodgy connection with the relay and replugging it cured it.
I shall try driving for next couple of days and see if it remains okay and post update soon..

[Tatsfield]

I'm inclined to bite the bullet and take it to Volvo dealers but am hesitant as don't know what they might say needs doing.

If you buy a VIDA/DiCE diagnostic software system for about £50 and run it on a laptop you can do what the dealer would do and ask the car's ECU what faults were reported to its log. You can then seek advice here about what would be the best way of dealing with these faults.

[Dav31]

As promised, here's an update on the issue I posted. I have been driving the car today and yesterday as well and not once it has stalled.

I'm pretty confident that there was a dodgy connection within the fuel pump relay switch - situated alongside the fuse panel compartment - that has become good as a result of resetting it.

In absence of of any clear and visible symptoms of any physical failing components, it's perfectly feasible that this relay was randomly cutting off power to the fuel pump causing engine to cut off midstream.

IMHO, the engine has been and continues to perform smoothly and therefore unlikely that there are/were any fuel related issues eg failing fuel pump or fuel pressure sensor and/or any throttle issues.

[Olaf Els]

Well done! Sounds like a bit of inspired DIY to me. Just the kind of fix I like best.

[Dav31]

Thanks Olaf.
I don't quite believe it myself but the issue totally gone now...
What will we do without the internet hey!