I need you guy help translated this code for me since I am not fimiliar with this issue. My wife took the car to the shop and this is what he found and I am not sure whether I should fix this myself or have mechanic fix it.

I would greatly appreciated helping me so I can get this car to pass smog check.

Eddy

 

I have a code on my S-80 P0303 which is #3 cylinder misfire. This info on the site says that the spark plug coils is the problem, they sit right on top of the spark plug. The plug order is 1-2-4-5-3-6 with the #1 plug closest to the timing belt on the engine. I have 2 being shipped from KOPERFORMANCE for $47+change for Bosch coils. My symptoms are the car has a studder or misfire at idle. The car has 140,000 miles on it and I guess its time they are all goingn to start to fail. I expect the coils to arrive tomorrow via FedEx and will let you know my outcome. You can do this yourself they have, 1 -10mm bolt that holds them wdown on top of the plug and has a plug in comnnector.

Good luck

 

OBDII code P0304 is the same as Volvo code ECM-3543 (don't ya just love cryptic codes?)

I guess you could try changing the plug and if that doesn't work then change the coil. How easy it is depends on your previous experience and comfort level. It shouldn't be too hard if you've done plugs before.

 

Yank,
Thanks for the prompt respond. If this code was just a spark plug issues then I will fix this myself since I already purchased the spark plug last week.

I hope there are no major issue beside this since the guy from Volvo shop say this is the only code that came up.

Please do let me know how yours went.

 

Crito, I am an idiot when it comes to fixing car but I will try to fix it myself if I can. Thanks

 

The plug is recessed so you'll need a couple extensions and/or an extra long socket, but otherwise it's just like any other plug change.

And as far as being an idiot, at least you're not the guy who decided all these code numbers were a good idea. I guess it would have been too confusing if "misfire#4" just popped up instead. Everyone would be asking what the code number for that is, or what the code numbers for that are, as the case may be. :slapself:

And while I'm ranting... how come it only costs US$181 to buy this Volvo code reader http://www.ppc-diagnostic.com but Volvo couldn't display the same data on the car's own LCD screen? It's like they're trying to force me to go to a dealer, whether I want to or not. :|

 

The coil packs are easy to change If you get a misfire it is 99 times out of 100 the coil pack You may as well change them all if they have not been changed out. I just went thru this with my 2001 S80 Changed 3 one at the time and then with the fourth changed the rest of them

 

Eddywyb,
I replaced the #3 cylinder coil to cure my P0303 code, which was #3 cylinder misfire. Your code would be the 4th cylinder from the timing belt side of the engine, which facing the engine from the front would be the left (passenger side). Good luck

 

Yank,
Thanks for the help. So, you did replaced the ignition coil and not the spark plug correct? If this is the case, I will have to order the ignition coil then since I already ordered all the spark plug set.

#4 coil would be the first plug looking from the front of the engine, next to the timing belt correct?

 

The engine is transverse, in other words it sits sideways in the engine compartment. If you are standing in front of the car with the hood up looking at the engine, the left side will be the passenger side and the right side will be the driver side. The timing belt and accessory belts will be on your left side of the engine. The #1 cylinder will be the first spark plug on the left closest to the timing belt and accessory belt. The #2 cylinder will be the next one from the left and so on. The cylinders are numbered left to right as you are standing in front of the car looking at the engine. I did replace my spark plugs, all 6 of them not because of the misfire problem, but becuase they had 35,000 miles on them and it was time for them to be replaced. By the way the connector to the coil can be a bit tricky to figure out how to get it loose from the coil. The connector has a "U" shapped plastic piece sort of on its side. If you look at it carefully you will see that it clips over a small nub on the coil. if you take a small screw driver and pry the under side of the "U" clip up you can pull the connector out of the coil. I accidently broke one clip becuase it was very brittle from the engine heat, I just put the connector into the coil and used black electrical tape to tightly wrap around the connector to the coil. Good luck

 

I just want to say I really appreciate all the smart posters on here who help us not so smart car repair people. We were able to go to Schucks and borrow their little gizmo and figure out that we just needed to replace one of our coil cylinders. Just plugged it in, it said #4 bad, went home and followed you guys directions on taking it out, moved it to #3, went back to Schucks and bammo, #3 was bad. Went to our Import parts store, got a Bosch replacement for $42 plus tax and now my car drives like a dream again. So glad we didn't take it in to Volvo to have them figure out the problem! My car is a 1999 Volvo s80 2.9. Thanks again!