Hi all,

My 2001 S40 has been giving me some problems lately. The engine feels like it's misfiring whenever you put it in gear. When you accelerate, it jerks and shudders its way up to speed and it accelerates extremely slowly. Today as I was accelerating up a hill, the check engine light flashed for about three times, until I finally got over the hill and let off the gas. I've been reading that it may be the spark plugs or the ignition coils, and I plan on taking it in, but the main problem is that I've been out of town with the car for a while and I plan on returning tomorrow. Do you think the car will make the 3 1/2 hour trip on the interstate? Not sure how serious the problem is and what risks I would be taking by driving this car home tomorrow. However, I'd REALLY like to get this car to my mechanic who specializes in Volvos, as opposed to risking someone putting aftermarket spark plugs in the thing. Opinions? Any help is appreciated...

 

Had the same thing happen on my 00 S40 - pulled the codes and it was the generic P030X misfires. Swapped plugs, inspected the coil connectors, filled with 93 and that took care of mine. First thing I'd do is stop by a local Autozone or similar store, who will read the codes for you for free. Regarding the plugs, Volvos seem to prefer copper core - I've used $2-3 Bosch, Champion and Autolite copper cores with good luck. They may not last as long as the way platinum/iridiums etc, but they resist fouling better. The biggest risk of running with a misfire you may foul up your catalytic converter. Can't say how many miles it would take for that to happen - if driving easy on flat highway is certainly better than in the mountains. Likely causes are plugs, coil packs, a spark plug wire or the connectors to the coil packs. Swapping out the coils is very straight forward, there are two coils each snaps on one plug and jumpers to the second. they are held down by two small bolts then clip onto a connector. Any shop should be able to handle in no time. the Coils go for about $50 each, a set of wires is $30 and some Bosch Bosch 7955 FR7DC Super plugs can be had for under $2 each.

 

Well? Did you drive it home?