Newbie seeks advice---Gas gauge not working

[jlong00]

Hello All -
We have a 2001 xc70. We have a love/hate relationship with it. Right now...not happy as we recently put in over $1K into it (during an especially tight financial situation - economy and all...). Anyway, gas gauge and digital info re: "miles to empty" suddenly stopped working. Anyone have any suggestions on how to fix ourselves OR does anyone know an honest, inexpensive person to fix this in Denver, CO, US? Thanks.

[BillAileo]

There is an electronic sending unit in your fuel tank that is supposed to detect the fuel level. Its readings are sent electronically to what Volvo calls the driver information module which ultimately produces you fuel gauge reading and miles till empty readings. The problem could be anyone of a number of issues including:

- a bad sending unit
- a problem with the wiring harnesses
- a fuse
- the driver information module

You mentioned having recently had work done. Any possibility it involved work near the fuel tank or any other area that might have result in a wiring problem, e.g. disconnection of a cable connector and then forgetting to not reconnect it...?

Bill

[jlong00]

Actually, we recently had the oxygen sensor replaced...and although our mechanic friend is reasonable, he doesn't usually work on Volvos. He's in the hospital right now so we can't go to him to help figure out what's wrong.

Thank you for helping!

[20nic]

As a former Denverite and a long-time Volvo owner, I have had great luck with Volvo Specialists on S. Santa Fe north of Gates Rubber and with Elmer in N. Aurora between Colfax and 14th on Chester St in N Aurora. My dad still is a loyal Rickenbaugh Volvo guy and goes there for major services. Hope this helps!!

[jlong00]

Thanks, 20nic! Jeri

[jlong00]

I've recently realized that at about the same time that the fuel gauge stopped working so did the auto locking for the doors. I can't get the rear passenger or rear hatch to work via manual nor fob (although fronts will work both ways).

Seems to be too much of a cooincidence that both stopped working (fuel gauge and auto doors locks) at the same time. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find an specific info about possible fuse issues that are related to both...any one have any ideas?

[Art]

Your problem could be related to the REM (rear electronic module) which handles various functions including both the rear doors/hatch locks and fuel level. If the REM is not properly grounded or powered, those functions will not work. Can you get the rear windows and rear demister to operate? You can check if the REM is powered by switching on the rear fog lamp or by activating the brake lamp.

Your dealer would be able to check if any related DTCs have been stored in the module.

[jlong00]

I'll double check, but I believe the rear windows are working....

[jlong00]

Ooops...posted too quickly.

I'm not certain what a "demister" is...Canadian v. American talk and all.

Is that the wiring in the rear window to clear fog/ice? Or is it the spray to clean the window w/rear wiper?

[jlong00]

Okay...I went and checked. Rear windows are working, lights in rear are working, rear windshield wiper & spray is NOT working, rear window defogger is NOT working.

[yminkc]

Help...my gas guage on my 2001 V70XC only goes half way up on a fill up. The computer tells me I only have about 215 miles until empty. Anyone got any idea what may be going on? You can post here, but would appreciate it if you send it via email. [email protected] Thanks.

[yminkc]

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Help...my gas guage on my 2001 V70XC only goes half way up on a fill up. The computer tells me I only have about 215 miles until empty. Anyone got any idea what may be going on? You can post here, but would appreciate it if you send it via email. [email protected] Thanks.

[Omega5]

NOT on a Volvo, but on a Pontiac, I had a similar problem except it was only going up less then a quarter. I bought a new one for nearly 300$ and proceeded to replace it, only ti find out the old one was working fine when moving the little float by hand, but there seamed to be some corrosion and some sort of buildup on it (yellowish stuff, I'm tempted to say calcium but there is no way that's what it was) In any case, I cleaned it up, made sure the float moved freely, and put it back, worked perfect, but i could not return the one I had bought for full refund, I lost 25% restocking fee, and that was after begging because those guys don't take electronic parts back. I was lucky it was still sealed in a plastic package.

On that car, the sensor and float and pump and all was right under the rear seat, it took all of 15 minutes to get to it. On an XC70, I don't know where you'd have to look, but if it involves removing the tank, I'd suggest you get used to it showing half tank, at least it let's you know when it's empty :) That's a bonus! LOL