2002 S40, ignition wire set, ignition coils
 

I recently asked on this forum whether I need to change the ignition wire set and/or the ignition coils when I change the spark plugs.

The answers I got stated that I should do this.

However, I noticed that the prices, especially for the coils, were very expensive ($80 CAN per coil, for example) for something that would be considered regular maintenance, so I decided to enquire further. I contacted a Volvo mechanic through www.justanswer.com, and he told me that I did NOT need to do this unless there were driveability issues (there are none with my car).

I am not criticising anyone on this forum, I just thought I would post this.

Any thoughts/comments?

If you have high milage and or the coils are cracked it will save alot of hassle if you change them now.

We are trying to save you trouble in the future.

i killed my 850 late one night on the interstate. Check engine light came on, then the light started to blink. I made it to the next exit, but as soon as I did the engine started blowing out a bunch of smoke. When I got it towed home I pulled the codes and turns out my coil went bad and was causing a misfire.

The car has 116,000 km on it. I don't know if the coils are cracked or not. I also have no idea how to check the codes (I assume I would have to take it to the dealer for that).

From my experience, you probably need to explore replacing the coils. The price of them has dropped a bit in the last couple of years.

My car was misfiring, and I replaced one coil, only later to have the issue return, and had to replace the other, which made a world of difference (it would have been less of a hassle to replace both the first time). I have just over 96,000 miles on it.
I love this car when it runs correctly!