Sputtering in R and D
 

While accelerating to pass another vehicle, my '01 S40 started sputtering badly and the CEL came on. I had just replaced the spark plugs a couple days before in response to some minor sputtering issues i was having so i was pretty sure it wasn't plugs.

I bought a code reader and the reading came back p0303 (cylinder 3 misfire), p0700 (Transmission control system malfunction), and p0705 (transmission range sensor circuit malfunction).

I've read almost all of the posts pertaining to sputtering and the general consensus is Plugs, Coils, Wires.

I replaced the coil for cylinder 3 and i'm still having the sputtering issue but only while in R or D. i'm only getting the p0303 code now though

do i need to replace all of the coils, or just the one for the cylinder that's misfiring.

is it significant that the sputtering is only in drive modes?

That still sounds ignition related. What engine do you have and what plugs (brand and model#) did you install?

Did you verify the proper gap and torque them to spec?

You can switch the new coil over to the other set of cylinders and see if your misfire cylinder changes.

1.9L 4 cylinder turbo w/ about 64000 miles

i used bosch platinum +

they arent torqued to spec though

I switched the new coil over to cylinder 4 and kept the wires in the same position but that didn't seem to accomplish anything. However, when i rearranged the wires so that they matched up to the coil switch (1-4 <--> 2-3) the sputtering issue was alleviated somewhat. now it doesn't sputter anymore while idling, but it does still sputter if i accelerate with anything more than a light depression of the gas pedal.

Any thoughts?

Did it throw a different code?

now i'm showing a new code: P0352 (coil b primary/secondary circuit malfunction)

What is this?

You need another new coil I think.

P0352 Ignition Coil B Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction

installed new volvo spark plug wires. still only the one new coil on three. tried to drive but the engine sputtered and died on me.

opened the car back up and noticed the electrical plug on coil 3 looks pretty tore up. i think the electrical plug needs replacement too.

Got the car running again but now its idling strangely in P. it'll idle at 1200 and gradually slow down to 800, and then start sputtering around 800, then jump right back up to 1200. Is anyone familiar with this issue?