My 96 960 has been running great ever since I bought it two years ago, but today just started running a little rough while my daughter was driving it home from school. She just filled it with gas the night before. The check engine light is on and I haven't checked code yet but has anyone ever used seafoam in the tank to remedy the problem? Thanks

 

I have not but have read of others that have run it, not sure if it remedied any problems but it sure can clean things out.

Check your code and go from there.

 

Turns out that it is a misfire in cylinder 3. Any idea's, where do I go from here?

 

Well, why don't you find out what's causing the misfire (plug, wire, coil) and fix it?

 

Pull the plugS and see what they are gaped at? Better yet, if they are older than 30,000 miles (or you don't know), change them. If you still have a miss after that, check the wires that go into the back of the coil pack. If the wires are good there, you likely have a bad coil pack (they usually last about 150,000 miles).

My guess is that will do you for now.

 

Thanks for your replies, I have never worked on a Volvo before, other than oil change . I will go through what you have suggested and get back. . Are the plugs on the side with the injector's? I can't see where they are from looking at engine. Its a 2.9L DOHC

 

The motor has that cover in the center of the motor with about 6 or 8 screws. Pull that cover and you'll see the coils. Each coil has 1 screw in it and when you pull it you'll have access to the plug.

 

Thanks rspi, I pulled the plugs and all but the number three cylinder looked the same. The number three looked a little more burnt than than the rest. Do I count the cylinders from front to back to get to the number three? Also, my coils have two bolts in them. The car seemed to run much better with the new plugs in, but after my daughter came back from running to the store, it seemed to have a miss every once in a while. If I need to replace the coil for the number three, do the coils all have the two holes in them to bolt onto? I am seeing a lot of coils on line that say they will fit from 95 to 99 or 2000 year models? Thanks again for all your input, it really helps a lot.

 

Yes, count from front to back. Check out this guide and tell us which one is you.

Secondly, try swapping COP (coil-on-plug) from # 4 to # 3 and see if if misfire jumps to # 4 or not. Just make sure, you don't mix up the wires.

Yes. IIRC early coils had one bolt, later ones had two.

 

I plan on doing the swap today. I just got a code reader, so this might narrow it down for me. I'll post results after I'm finished. I went to a salvage yard yesterday to get a coil and they wanted $35.00 a piece for them. They are selling new aftermarket one's on e-bay for less than that.

 

I might get a used one from the jy but not an after market one. Volvo's ignition system does not play well with after market stuff.

 

OK, I will take your advice, I just swapped #3 to #4, and engine threw a code for misfire on cylinder #4 so this must mean it is a bad coil right? I will bite the bullet and spend the $35.00 on the used one. I just didn't want to buy the used and have it fail sometime down the road.

 

LOL, $35 is a bullet? If you get a new OEM one from the stealer at $145 each, might be a bullet.

Here is one from iPd for under $50, try it:
Product Search: IGNITION COILS

Make sure you plug in your car.

 

I hear you on the $145.00. I did find new ones on e-bay for between $50.00 and $75.00 with free shipping. I just can't stand the waiting. I ordered a turn signal lens from a guy in Delaware, and Im in Pennsylvania not one hour drive time away and its been five days already with priority shipping through the USPS and I still don't have it.

 

rspi, with my coil having two bolts in it, could I still get the one's with one bolt hole to fit properly?

 

The PO is getting real bad with shipping but I usually get stuff in 2 days if it's within 200 miles. A holiday will really mess you up. Wednesday, holiday, slow day, weekend, and there you have it, 5 or 6 days.

But I darn sure wouldn't pay $35 for a used one if I could get a new one for $50. If you're on the east cost, check with www.FCPEuro.com, they are closer so you'll get it sooner.

 

Yep, they have them as well, with free shipping:

Volvo 960 Ignition Parts | FCP Euro

 

Oh, you can likely talk them down on the used coil pack if you tell them you can get them new for under $50 OEM. I do it sometimes when they are out of line with their part pricing because new parts prices have come down.

 

Woop, there it is!!! FCP just posted a coupon for their parts for Cyber Week:

https://volvoforums.com/forum/volvo-...de-here-67130/

 

Just like Rspi said, get the Genuine Volvo coil, if you plan to keep the car. Otherwise, the $ 35 brand-new POS is good dumpin'.