Hello Mia,

I apologize for taking so long to anwer your question. The fuel odor doesn't necessarily mean that your fuel pump is at fault. The odor can be something as simple as a canister vent tube that can be leaking the fumes/vapor and not the actual fuel liquid. I would recommend allowing a qualified technician raise the vehicle and inspect all of the fuel lines to determine your fault.

Frank,

I apologize for taking so long to answer your question. Your problem could be caused by a couple of different senarios. On your GMC truck, your fuel pressure is very crucial to be exactly what the manufacturer specification recommends. Depending on the engine your truck is equipped with, 60psi minimum, is approximately where you need your fuel pressure to be. The engine will not start up properly without this pressure. Keep in mind, badly worn plugs, restricted fuel filter, or even wrong inputs from various sensors on your engine, could be the culprit. I would recommend having an Engine Performance diagnostic performed to determine your fault and to prevent unecessary parts and expense. Thank you.

First, I want to apologize for the delay in answering your question. The purge valve on your vehicle is located in the rear of the engine near the coil pack. Keep in mind, under the hood, there is a sticker that also shows the location of various emission components. If you should have any further questions, please feel free to write back. Thank you!

Hello!
I apologize for the delay in answering your question. It would help if I knew the type of vehicle you were having the problem with but I can give you a common problem that we see on a lot of vehciles with surging problems. Most fuel injected vehicles are equipped with some type of idle solenoid that compensates for any type of load that could affect the idle (a/c, power steering, alternator load, etc.). You could be experiencing a faulty idle solenoid or a sensor input that is requesting the idle solenoid to change the idle. You could be experiencing something as simple as a vacuum leak. I would recommend having an Engine Performance Diagnostics performed to eliminate any guess work or unnecessary exppense.

Mr. Mooney,

I'm glad to hear you solved the thermostat problem with your van. As far as your Beretta goes, is it setting an evaporitive/purge trouble code? A lot of purge system problems that we see end up being a leak in the purge emission system. If it is setting a code, I would recommend having the system diagnosed which will check the solenoids and related components, electronically, mechanically, and pressure test the system. Sometimes it's as simple as a bad gas cap. Email me back if you have any further information or questions. Thanks!

Hello Philip,

The problem you are describing does sound like a thermostat problem. Sounds like it could be sticking open and not letting the vehicle stay at normal operating temperature. Another thing that could be causing this problem is an air pocket in the cooling system or a low coolant level. If you haven't had the coolant flushed and a thermostat replaced in the last 2 years, it would be a great service to have performed for the upcoming summer months. After the service is performed you can see if this has taken care of your problem. Hopefully this has helped you out. If not, please feel free to write back. Thanks.

Hello Bob,

There are several factors that can affect gas mileage. One item that a lot of consumers overlook is the correct air pressure in their tires. Tire pressure alone can affect fuel mileage up to 2 miles to the gallon. Another item that can affect your mileage would be your air filter. A restricted air filter will starve the combustion chamber of air and not allow for a proper air/fuel mixture. Your oxygen sensor is also a very important sensor that determines fuel mixture. If it has not been replaced and you have an excess of 80k miles, I would recommend replacement of the sensor with an original equipment sensor. Unless your ignition system is having problems, such as worn plugs, skipping due to wires or coil packs, you're not going to really notice a difference in fuel mileage just by changing those parts. The wires and plugs are a good maintenace item to change when the owners manual recommends them. These are just a couple of factors that can effect fuel mileage. A full engine performance diagnostics scan of your computer system, could determine the items needed to improve your mileage. I hope I have shed a little light on your concern. Please write back if you have any further questions. Thank you!

Don, I searched our Volvo information site and did not see any technical bulletins or recalls concerning reoccurring oil leak problems with the Cross Country. We have a coulple of customers that own the same vehicle and have not had any oil leak problems. Are the leaks you're experiencing coming from the same area/source? If they are, I would definately recommend investigating a little deeper. You will have some normal engine oil moisture accumulation over the years, but you should not have an actual fluid leak. There are several tests that we can perform to determine the source. Please write back if you have any further questions. Thank you.

Provided that you have maintained the maintenance schedule your vehicle recommends, your 75k mile service doesn't require very much. The oil, lube, and filter is due to be replaced, tires roatated, and several items to be inspected (clamps, hoses, exhaust, belts, etc). I would imagine you could expect to spend around $75.00. I am going off approximately what we would charge. The dealer could be different. Be sure that your service records indicate you have had the 60k mile service performed. That was one of the major services that required services such as tune up, transmission, fuel filter, etc. If that has not be performed I would strongly suggest catching up with the required maintenance. Also keep in mind your 80k mile service is coming up that will require the brake fluid to be flushed along with some minor adjustments and inspections. Hopefully I have answered your question. Please write back if I can be of further assistance. Thank you!

Most 4 cylinder engines use the 1-3-4-2 firing order. On rare occassions, such as VW beetles or boat engines, they use 1-4-3-2. In your case, I would go with the 1-3-4-2. Thank You!

Usually, when you mention "purge valve" on a vehicle, you are referring to the evaporative system. If this is the system you have in question, there really is no way to manually actuate the purge valve solenoid without using a diagnostic scanner or jumper wiring with a system schematic. If you are referring to a different system (fuel?), please write back. Thank you!

The fuel pump could definately cause your vehicle to have a delay in starting right up. You could also have a fuel pump relay that may not be energizing the pump correctly. But, keep in mind, there are several other components and systems that could also cause the same problem. I would recommend having an engine performance/fuel system diagnosis performed to be absolutely sure that this is where the problem lies. Thank you!