High Fuel Pressure Warning

[MVMischief]

Hi all,

2017 R-31S, Volvo D4-300. On a trip south on the ICW today and while throttling up to high speed, I got an engine alert that said "Check Engine", and "High Fuel Pressure" and something about impacting engine performance. The engine went into limp mode, immediately and throttled back to 1500 RPM. We quickly found a spot to anchor and attend to the problem.

We're 2 days and 150 miles into the trip with no previous problems. The engine is due for it's annual service.

Not knowing what else to do, I changed the primary fuel filter which looked dirty. I couldn't loosen the secondary without a strap wrench (note to self...). After bleeding the line and restarting the engine, the warning was still present, but after eating dinner and starting up a second time the warning had cleared.

Honestly, I had little hope the primary filter would be the culprit. Did I just get lucky? Has anyone else had this occur?

Ben

 

[dbsea]

Definitely change the onboard filter, that's the one that feeds the high-pressure fuel pump. Other than that, you'll probably need to have the high-pressure fuel pump looked at. In usual Volvo fashion, they seem difficult to find and are bloody expensive!

 

[Ralf H]

Hi Ben,

As Dave mentioned, a clogged fuel filter can cause this, but if that is not the case, the fuel pump or obstruction elsewhere will be your most likely culprit. Based on your report, the fuel filter was apparently the issue this time. You should be ok, but if it occurs again, a call to Volvo would be in order. Hope this helps.

Cheers,

Ralf

 

[MVMischief]

Thanks all. Ran another 70 miles today with no problems. I'm going to get the secondary filter changed ASAP.

Ben

 

[scross]

It only takes a few gallons of contaminated fuel to cause problems. I try to follow the advice I was given and only fuel up at high volume fuel docks.
Good luck with the rest of your trip!