xc90 engine problems

cdei317 · Post by **cdei317** » 21 Feb 2013, 20:46

Hi, I've been having problems with my volvo 2005 xc90, I bought it during the summer and because I did not have a drivers license back then, it was siting there for at least a month and a half. When I finally got everything in order I noticed that there was something wrong with the engine. First off it needed the 90,000 mile service, so in the manual I read all the engine procedures the volvo service where going to do to the car and I did them, but that didnt solve the problem. The problem was that while driving on the highway, this happened in one second the car would lose power and decrease the velocity and then gained it back, again this would only take only one second. another was that while waiting for the light to turn green it would shake like one to two seconds and die on me, had to put back in parking and then restart the car and then drive. I think its really weird because I only use it to go to school and back and to try not to force the engine too much now when I am waiting at the stop light I would put on neutral so I dont use the engine too much, and in some rare occasions I would drive the car long distances and one out three times it would do the same about losing power and gained back in one sec. What do you guys think it is? I dont want to go to the volvo dealership and be like yes check everything and see how it goes and getting a huge bill and they found more errors than the one I am looking for.

Post by **JDS60R** » 21 Feb 2013, 20:49

Get the codes read and report back on what you found. Until then - we are just guessing.

cbotd · Post by **cbotd** » 22 Feb 2013, 10:59

I agree about reading the codes. It is the quickest, and most reliable path to corrective action.

Off the cuff though it sounds like a problem that has been discussed many times in the last 30 days on this board. It also seems that your vehicle is of similar age and mileage as the others having similar issues. I think you might be looking at a throttle body cleaning, Air leak, PCV system cleaning or possibly a Fuel Pressure sensor replacement.

As stated previously though until you get the codes read we're all just speculating.

cdei317 · Post by **cdei317** » 22 Feb 2013, 14:29

Hi sorry about that, I went to autozone and they told me the codes they got were P0193 and P0190. Hope this helps I know the codes represent something related to the fuel, but can it be related to the pcv system now that i have those codes?

Post by **jimmy57** » 22 Feb 2013, 14:42

There is a light grey sensor that is mounted in the end of the fuel rail where fuel injectors get fuel supply. It is held by one torx 25 screw.
The codes you have are for fuel pressure control circuit issues. This sensor is known for causing those codes and your symptoms.
The sensor is available from a NAPA parts store for $75 +/-. The last one I bought was a Bosch made sensor in the NAPA box so it is a high quality part.

cdei317 · Post by **cdei317** » 23 Feb 2013, 10:17

instead of buying anything yet, would it be more helpful if i check the pressure the fuel is being pumped, or how would i check if its really the sensor or the pump that is acting weird.

amf8352 · Post by **amf8352** » 09 Mar 2013, 13:21

I had a similar issue with my '04 S60 2.5t with 94,000 miles. In my case it was the fuel pressure regulator sensor that was starting to fail. I had codes read from Autozone that stated "fuel pressure too high/low at the rail." Took it to my Volvo dealer, diagnosed the issue, $80 for the sensor and I could do it myself, or pay them to do it. I went the easy way and had them fix it. Have it diagnosed properly and if you can, do it yourself. The Service team showed me how to do it if I chose to go that route, seemed easy enough.

cbotd · Post by **cbotd** » 11 Mar 2013, 10:24

To the OP,

If you are experiencing the drive ability issues; Reduction in fuel economy (noticeable reduction)? Rich fuel smell (the smell of gas from the exhaust)? Any shudder upon acceleration (like the power cuts out)? If you're at idle does the car seem like it wants to die out? If at idle in Park and you give it gas do you feel the power cut out and then hear a backfire?

These are all symptoms I had when my Fuel pressure sensor needed to be replaced. On my 05 2.5t it is on the right side of the fuel rail if you're looking at the engine. Had I known this was the problem and how easy it was to replace i would have done it myself. However it took some diagnosing and I had no idea on how quick and easy the repair could be so I had it replaced at a cost of $250 for diagnosis, parts and labor.

If you can get a Bosh part (I would only stick Bosh electronics in a Volvo engine BTW) and DIY you could save some money for sure.

iceman9001 · Post by **iceman9001** » 11 Feb 2018, 10:22

Hi Folks, does anyone have a diagram or picture of where the fuel pressure sensor is located? It will be a bit of a challenge not knowing where to expect the part that needs replacement without a diagram.

Post by **ggleavitt** » 17 Feb 2018, 10:48

Bigger challenge is to try and guess which year and engine you're referring to, in North America alone the XC90 was offered in 4 engines and 3 transmissions, the FPS is in a different location on each engine. If it's the 1998 in your profile, this is the wrong forum.

In addition to the possibility of the FPS, there’s also the chance the PEM (which controls the fuel pump) might be a contributor to this sort of a problem, the likelihood depends on the year (gets moved inside the P2s in 2006 maybe?) combined with where you live (salt and/or corrosion).