I've been having a jerky time of it lately, engine-running-wise, when my tank gets to within 1 to 1-1/2 gallons of fuel remaining. Recently had a bad wire from the ignition distibutor to ignition module replaced and I thought that had cleared everything up.

Upon filling the car up, all is fine. Let it get low and here comes trouble. Could the in-tank pump have gone on the fritz? I replaced it (and the sock)soon after I rebuilt the engine and replaced most of the fuel distribution components 10 years ago. All fuses check fine.

Any help would be appreciated.

Gilb
1980 GLE with a 1977 B21F/M46 drivetrain

Thanks to everyone who repsonded. Turned out to be the ground wire connection on the top of the fuel sender unit. Too corroded. Cleaned it, re-established a ground and the in-tank fuel pump works great. No more jerky car on a low tank of gas!

Gilbert

Almost certainly, if the pump is running, it is the black connector hose that is defective. Replace it with the real thing, or the best fuel resistant (proof) hose you can get. Lousy hose swells and loosens for another repair in a year.

Yes, I agree. Might as well get the Volvo black hose if you're going into the tank anyway! I got the factory hose from FCPGroton.com for about $4. A Volvo dealer might even have it a little cheaper.

When I replaced my rusted sending unit, I figured that since I was going into the tank anyway, I'd replace everything possible so I wouldn't have to go in ever again - hopefully! I replaced the sending unit, in-tank pump, filter sock, black hose and the bung nut. Did this 4 years ago and haven't had a problem since...
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90 244DL 271k - All original drivetrain :)

You can listen for the pump running at the fuel filler. Disconnect the main pump and jump fuses 4-6 (I think) to make the pump run.

Fuses 4 & 6 would be correct for '85 on. Prior to that it's 5 & 7.
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'80 DL 2 door, '89 DL Wagon

And by pulling fuse 5 then jumpering to the right side (output) contact, only the Tank pump will (should) run.

With no Main pump noise, you can usually hear the Tank pump from the fuse panel.
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Bruce Young
'93 940-NA (current), 240s (one V8), 140s, 122s, since '63.

Thanks for the tips - I remember now about fuses 5 and 7 being jumpered for the test. As a bit of further info, this jerkiness started right after I had driven too fast over a drainage dip in the road (how in the world the car didn't bottom out I don't know) and the tank was also within that magic zone of 1 to 1-1/2 gallons remaining.

I'll check out the fuel sender/pre-pump unit soon and get back.

Gilb 80 GLE w/77 drivetrain