My 2000 S40 started giving all the symptoms of a bad fuel pressure regulator - long start up cranking, whiff of gas smell, runs ok once started. It set the check engine with a P0303 (generic misfires #3) but once cleared hasn't returned. Since my son has the car 100 miles away for the summer, I may be doing a remote repair and need some help on which tools are required. Anything specific I should bring or know?

 

it is a star bolt to remove the actual pressure regulator. i had mine out and in in less then ten mins. not had but a good set of star attachments for your drill will make it very easy

 

dropped in a new fuel pressure regulator. Went Genuine Volvo to assure fit. Job took about 15 minutes - required a philips and torx bit to remove the throttle cable spool cover and a second torx bit to remove the bolt holding on the regulator. I also used a pick tool to help press in the plastic clip to remove the fuel line. I didn't bother to relieve the fuel pressure - just used a rag to catch about a tablespoon or two of fuel from the rail.

Happy to say the car now starts right away (ie 2-3 seconds) - hasn't done that for years so I suspect the regulator was compromised for a while and finally gave out. Cleared the codes a second time but I suspect they won't return as the car ran fine on a 30 mile mile drive.