Month: September 2022

What To Do If You Find Your Volvo With Forced Acceleration?

Posted on September 26, 2022 by - Volvo Repair

Volvo Sudden Forced Acceleration

Volvo is a durable European automobile that is known for its premium engineering. The vehicle is designed with drivers’ safety in mind and to give car owners the best driving experience on the road. As a Volvo car owner, having total control of your Volvo is important to your safety as you drive on the road, so it can be startling (and terrifying) when your Volvo suddenly accelerates on its own while driving or when trying to come to a halt.

In recent years, there have been multiple incidences of unexpected acceleration in the United States, and while these events are rare, the consequences are often severe. Although the majority of the reported unexpected acceleration incidents haven’t been substantiated, many drivers have reported a loss of braking ability during a forced acceleration.

However, most car makers have put in place measures to prevent unintended acceleration, and when it does occur, it’s typically due to driver mistakes.

What exactly is Sudden Forced Acceleration?

Sudden forced acceleration is a malfunction that occurs when the car increases its acceleration without the driver’s input. This sudden acceleration can be caused by a lot of factors which we’ll mention below.

What Factors Contribute to Acceleration Issues?

In most instances, sudden unintended acceleration is said to happen while the automobile is moving. As previously stated, there has been much debate as to why this might occur; in most investigations, driver error is usually proven to be the reason for this.

The issue arises when a driver steps on the throttle instead of the brakes. By being careful of where you step, you may easily prevent pedal misapplication, which is said to be the common cause of sudden acceleration.

Here are some more things to know about unexpected acceleration:

  • If you have a cable-operated throttle with cruise control, and the car begins to accelerate as you try to slow down, there might be an issue with your brake input to the cruise control system.
  • If you accelerate forcefully and discover that your accelerator has been trapped beneath the floor mat, quickly adjust the floor mat.
  • When using a cable-equipped throttle, the throttle plate can become stuck in the throttle body because of sludge, and the pedal can feel quite firm and unyielding during acceleration. Also, the vehicle may experience uncontrolled acceleration if the car is in reverse when your foot pressure is increased.

What To Do If You Find Your Volvo With Forced Acceleration

Unintentional acceleration is manageable regardless of the source, but you must maintain your calm. When driving and your automobile suddenly speeds out of control, what are you going to do?

  • Avoid turning off the engine; otherwise you’ll lose steering and brakes, which you need to bring your Volvo to a halt and navigate off the road safely.
  • Ensure that your foot is on the brake pedal and not throttle— this is the most repeated driver error.
  • To stop the vehicle from moving forward, switch the transmission to neutral or compress the clutch. Don’t be scared if the engine begins to race, as if it’s about to burst from beneath the hood.
  • If your brakes fail, use the emergency brake to slow your vehicle down.
  • As the automobile begins to slow, pull over to the side of the road. Turn off the engine once you’ve brought the car to a safe halt.
  • Set the parking brake, shift into the park, and get out of the car.

Get Help For Volvo With Forced Acceleration

Your Volvo vehicle should be kept in top condition to avoid forced acceleration when driving. Maintaining your automobile Volvo Throttle Body Check will also help to ensure that you enjoy all of the advantages of having a premium European vehicle like Volvo.

When you bring your vehicle to us at Carotech Automotive, you are sure of getting the best service possible. We serve our clients in Los Angeles, CA, with the highest quality automotive service for Volvo vehicles. Our highly skilled automotive technicians have years of expertise dealing with Volvos, so you can be confident that your car is in capable hands.

If you sense acceleration fumbling in your Volvo, please contact one of our friendly specialists to schedule an inspection or a periodic maintenance plan.

Mini Fuel Pump Failure: Causes & Symptoms

Posted on September 9, 2022 by - MINI Repair

MINI Low Fuel Efficiency

Minis are reliable cars, but they are not immune to mechanical issues. One problem that can occur is fuel pump failure. Fuel pumps are responsible for delivering gasoline to the engine, and if they fail, the car will not be able to run. There are a few signs that may indicate a problem with the fuel pump, including loss of power while driving, strange noises coming from the engine, and the car stalling unexpectedly. If you notice any of these issues, it is important to take your car to a mechanic as soon as possible so they can diagnose and fix the problem. Catching fuel pump failure early is crucial, as it can prevent more serious damage from occurring.

What is a fuel pump?

A fuel pump is a vital component of any vehicle that uses gasoline or diesel fuel. Its purpose is to move fuel from the tank to the engine, where it can be combusted to power the vehicle. Fuel pumps must be able to withstand the high pressures that are generated by the engine, as well as the corrosive nature of gasoline and diesel fuel. As a result, they are typically made from materials such as stainless steel or aluminum. Fuel pumps can either be located inside the fuel tank or outside of it. Internal pumps are less likely to fail, but they are more difficult and expensive to replace. External pumps are easier to access, but they are more susceptible to damage from debris or corrosion.

Fuel Pump Failure Symptoms

It is important to know the signs of fuel pump failure, so that if it happens to your Mini you can catch it early. Catching fuel pump failure early can help prevent more damage — and more expensive repairs. Some signs of fuel pump failure include:

  • Loss of fuel efficiency: If your car suddenly seems to be using more gasoline than usual, it may be due to a failing fuel pump.
  • Engine misfires: If your engine starts to misfire or stall, it may be due to a lack of gasoline reaching the cylinders.
  • Strange noises: Grinding or whining coming from the fuel tank area may indicate fuel pump failure.
  • Engine running roughly: A lack of fuel may cause your Mini to run rough.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to get your vehicle into a mechanic as soon as possible in order to prevent any further damage.

Causes of Fuel Pump Failure

There are several different reasons why a fuel pump might fail, but one of the most common is simply due to wear and tear. Over time, the moving parts in the pump can become worn down, resulting in reduced performance and eventually failure. Another possible cause of fuel pump failure is contamination. If dirt or other debris gets into the pump, it can damage the sensitive components and cause a loss of pressure. Luckily, most modern vehicles are equipped with filters that help to keep contaminants out of the pump. Finally, fuel pumps can also be damaged by electrical problems. If there is an issue with the wiring or connector, it can prevent the pump from getting the power it needs to run properly. Regardless of the cause, a failed fuel pump can lead to big problems for your engine, so it’s important to be aware of the signs of failure and have the pump replaced if necessary.

Maintenance can help keep your fuel pump in good operating condition for longer. One of the most important things to do is to regularly check the fuel level in the pump. This will help to prevent the pump from running dry, which can damage it. It is also important to check the hoses and connections for any leaks or cracks. If any are found, they should be replaced immediately. In addition, the fuel filter should be replaced every few months to ensure that it is not clogged. By following these simple steps, you can help to keep your fuel pump in good working condition.

Trust Carotech Automotive with Your Mini

When you suspect your Mini’s fuel pump MINI Fuel Pump is failing, it is important to get it taken care of as quickly as possible. If you live in or around Los Angeles, CA, Carotech Automotive is your go-to for European and Japanese auto repair. Call or stop by today to learn more about how we can help!