Starts and stalls

[August]

Hello,

I have a 1998 XC-70 wagon with a little over 187,000 miles. It has run well as long as I've owned it, and before me it was maintained really well, anyway,my problem is that it starts fine and then stalls, like it is running out of gas or has run out of gas. I have listened for the fuel pump and what I hear is a hum. I've banged on the tank to see if I could get more than a hum out of it, but no just the hum. Should the pump sound stronger than a hum? I've looked at the alternatives on this site for reaching the pump on this car and found it's under the back seat with no access panel, correct? So I'm hoping I've overlooked something and the hum is the sound of healthy fuel pump. If its the right sound, what should my next move be? any suggestions.

Thanks for your help
Robert

[rspi]

All I have heard is a hum. You can check pressure to make sure it's not cutting out. The fuel pump access is behind the seat in my wagon.

Do you have a CEL?

People with '99+ have had problems with a key ring in the colum but I don't think the '98's had that. Check your plugs etc.

[August]

Thanks for the tip. But I'm wondering, does the hum indicate that the pump may be having trouble starting? I don't have a CEL, in fact I'm not quite sure what a CEL is.

[jblackburn]

Check for fuel pressure at the schraeder valve at the end of the fuel rail with a rag in your hand after the engine dies out on you. Depressing the valve with the tip of a screwdriver should get you a good spurt of fuel.

If that checks out OK, try unplugging the connector on the mass airflow sensor (just after the air filter box) and try starting the engine. This WILL throw a check engine light, but the code can be easily cleared...the important thing to note is whether or not it runs.

[August]

Thanks, I'll I try those suggestions this afternoon.