10 Common Volvo D11 Engine Problems
I’ve had a great experience with the Volvo D11 engine and it’s widely popular amongst the Volvo community for its power, light-weight, and fuel efficiency. But, like any other engine, this is bound to show problems after some years. So, what are the most common Volvo D11 engine problems and how can you fix them?
The most common problems of the Volvo D11 engine include engine overheating, engine not getting enough power due to blockage, smoking from the engine, humidity, rust in the engine, leaking radiator, blown head gasket, sputtering engine, worn-out spark plug, and a faulty thermostat.
The fixes mostly depend on the parts involved. But, I’ll try to share my experience on how I handled these problems and give you some insights about useful troubleshooting tips.
Volvo D11 Engine Problems Owners Report
The Volvo D11 is a reliable engine. It can generate power and save you some extra bucks with its fuel-efficient mechanisms. However, the engine can involve various issues over time. Users experienced these issues years after they started their journey with D11.
Below are some of the most common problems with the D11 engine that I’ve come across during my professional career.
- Engine overheating
- The engine not getting power
- Leaking Radiator
- Smoke coming out of the engine
- Excessive humidity in the engine
- Engine sputtering uphill
- Passive regeneration not working
- Spark plug issues
- Faulty thermostat
- Head gasket failure
Issue #1: Volvo D11 Engine Overheating
The most common problem many Volvo D11 engine users face is the overheating issue. It involves a wide range of probable underlying reasons. You might notice that your engine temperature has risen excessively even after a short drive.
How To Troubleshoot Volvo D11 Engine Overheating?
Before trying to fix the issue, let’s learn about the causes that can cause engine overheating.
- Broken radiator
- Blown head gasket
- Jammed hoses
- Insufficient coolant level
- Faulty plugs
- Other engine components malfunction
Most of these problems require immediate professional help. In other cases, you first begin by checking the above-mentioned parts. Check the coolant, the radiator, and the head gasket.
Pro Tip: Always keep your car under a shade. Keep an eye on the radiator and coolant level.
Issue #2: Volvo D11 Engine Not Getting Enough Power
Sometimes your Volvo D11 might not start at all. This can be due to several problems.
Inadequate fuel and electricity supply is the root of this problem. If there’s any fault in the battery, power supply cable, or fuel line, your engine won’t get the power it requires.
How To Fix This Issue?
If your engine is not getting enough power, check the battery first, if the battery runs out of charge, you might need to charge it. Replace your battery if necessary.
Check the fuel pump and the fuel line for any clog. Make sure the starter is working.
These will be enough to ensure enough power supply to the engine.
Issue #3: Volvo D11 Engine Leaking Radiator
A radiator is an essential part of an engine. It helps in balancing the excessive heat produced by the engine. Since it helps in the emission of heat from the byproducts of fuel, it accumulates sediments and debris that can cause leaks in the radiator.
Any problem with the coolant and thermostat can also cause the radiator to leak.
How To Fix A Leaking Radiator In Volvo D11
Using a leakage stopper can be a temporary solution. But, it won’t be of great help since the underlying cause will keep increasing the leak. So, it’s better to take your car to a mechanic.
Issue #4: Smoke Coming Out Of Volvo D11 Engine
Smoke coming out of the engine or through the exhaust pipe is a serious issue. There can be two types of smoke, blue or black and white.
Black smoke can be a sign of fuel problems, either contaminated oil or poor performance of the fuel compartment. It can also occur due to any damage in the valve seals, any problem in the piston ring, or a faulty air filter.
White smoke comes out of the engine due to a defective head gasket, or burnt coolant.
How To Fix This Issue
The first thing you can do is detect the type of smoke coming out of your engine. Try changing the fuel station, the radiator water, and the coolant. If nothing works, take your car to the mechanic.
Pro Tip: Always remember to change your D11 air filter every year.
Issue #5: D11 Engine Keeps Sputtering Uphill
This is another complicated issue that many D11 engine users complain of. The engine keeps sputtering uphill and it stops after shutting down and restarting the engine.
The problem can be associated with many factors.
How To Troubleshoot the D11 Engine Sputtering Issue?
The first step is to figure out what’s causing this issue. In most cases, it’s due to contamination in the fuel or any clog in the fuel tube or fuel tank. A mixture of water in the fuel can be a reason.
Many people reported that a damaged engine wiring harness could be the root of this issue. A bad turbo or injector cup can also be a reason.
Try talking to a mechanic if changing the fuel doesn’t work.
Issue #6: Engine Passive Regeneration Not Working
If your engine’s passive regeneration is not working, it can be a big issue. The car will blow smoke and show other symptoms of a bad engine.
How To Fix This Issue?
It’s a tough problem to come up with a solution. The mixture of air and oil can be a reason. In most cases, your car will not show any negative result in the PTT test or snap test. Make sure to clean the bellows pipe.
Check the temperature and boost pressure sensor for any problems.
Issue #7: Worn-out Spark Plug
Spark plugs are an important part of the engine. If the spark plugs are worn out, they will fail to generate enough sparks.
So, if you notice that your engine is not starting, stalling or misfiring, you might have to change the spark plugs.
Issue #8: Faulty Thermostat
The thermostat controls the temperature of the engine. If you see a sudden fluctuation in the temperature gauge, the problem is likely to be involved with the thermostat.
If you notice any problem with the sensor, it’s an emergency to replace the thermostat to keep the coolant flowing.
Issue #9: Volvo D11 Engine Head Gasket Failure
Head gasket failure is a major problem. Most of the problems of the D11 engine involve the head gasket. Unfortunately, there’s only one way to solve it and that is to replace it with a new one.
Issue #10: Humidity In Engine
Humidity can ruin the engine. Excessive humidity can be due to excessive heat production. If you want to keep your engine safe from rust and leaks, make sure to control the internal temperature of the engine.
Conclusion
Volvo D11 is an excellent engine, with the torque and amount of power it generates, it’s everyone’s favorite. But like any other engine, the Volvo D11 engine problems will be visible after using them for several years.
Always keep your engine clean, and make sure there’s enough coolant and water in the radiator. Keep the tubes clean and pay a visit to your mechanic every year.
