Volvo S40 cutting out problems can be a huge hassle to deal with.
After all, you simply want to get things to work and not have to encounter some inconveniences along the way.
Unfortunately, this happens to a few people. And when such circumstances arise, you may find yourself uncertain about what to do next.
So, why does this happen, anyway, and what can you do about it? Here are some reasons behind this situation and things you can do to get it straightened out.
Reasons Behind the Volvo S40 Cutting Out Problems
You may have been driving your Volvo S40 without any hassles or issues. But for some reason, it suddenly stalled and the power was cut out. What gives?
Stalling issues when you are on a stop or when idle can happen for a number of reasons. For instance, this may happen when your engine is not quite idling at a fast speed or the idle speed is a tad low. Then, your engine is lugged down by some load in your vehicle. It could also be a problem caused by your alternator or air conditioning compressor.
Another reason behind this cutting out problem is that your fuel mixture is too lean or too rich. Hence, your engine tends to run inefficiently.
There are also a few other reasons behind these Volvo S40 cutting out problems such as the AC compressor binds up because of poor lubrication or your air conditioning system is overcharged because of excessive refrigerant. This causes your engine to be lugged down when engaged.
But if you notice that the issue only happens when you have the air conditioning system turned on, it means there is a problem with your compressor.
When your battery is old and worn and your alternator is working very hard just to recharge it, this also maximizes the load on the engine. Thus, the idle RPM is pulled down to the point that makes your engine stall and the power cuts out.
This is why it is important to check your battery’s charge rate and see if your battery is failing or cutting out. When you have a low battery charge, you can use a charger to get it recharged. Or, you can drive at a faster speed for about 30 minutes or so. However, if this does not change anything and the battery still fails and is unable to hold a charge, you need to replace your battery.
Also, keep in mind that a low voltage can impact the ignition system’s and the fuel injector’s operation. As a result, your engine may misfire and stall. You need to make sure that your charging system is capable of producing as much as 13.5 up to 14.5 volts when at idle.
Volvo S40 Cutting Out Problems While Driving
Now, your engine may also stall not only when at idle but also while you drive.
If this is the case, it may be due to ignition issues or when your engine loses a spark. The problem can be caused by a malfunctioning crankshaft position sensor, as well as an ignition coil issue. The latter can arise when you only have one coil in your engine.
Another potential culprit could be a bad ignition switch. When this component loses contact every now and then, this can also cause cutting out problems all of a sudden.
When this issue happens, be sure to inspect the hood and look for spark. Pull off the plug wire when your engine has one, then place the end close to the block while another person cranks your engine.
But never hold the wire since this can cause a shock if all of a sudden the ignition system works again. When there is no spark or the plug wire does not snap even when you crank the engine, the issue is with the ignition system.
On the other hand, if you notice a spark in the engine, fuel pressure loss may be the reason for the power cutting out. When your fuel pump just stops working, this may occur without any warning. You won’t be able to restart your engine, and the only thing left to do is to tow your vehicle for a repair.
Check for a buzzing sound in the area around the fuel tank when you turn the ignition on. When you do not hear any buzz, it means that your fuel pump is not working. It could be due to a blown fuse or a faulty relay. However, if you have an older vehicle, this can usually be due to a faulty fuel pump.
Read More: What To Do With The Volvo S40 Radio Not Working
Conclusion
Volvo S40 cutting out problems can be caused by a number of reasons such as a bad relay, ignition switch, and even a fuel pump. If the culprit is your fuel pump, make it a point to inspect or change your in-tank fuel pump. This way, you can further look into the filter sock.
When your in-tank filter sock is worn, fuel pumps can get clogged with dirt, which leads to further issues. So, it is best to inspect potential causes of the issue and address it appropriately by checking all possible culprits as we have shared in this post.