Volvo Spark Plug Ignition Coil Replacement

Volvo Spark Plug & Ignition Coil Replacement | DIY

If your Volvo check engine light is on and codes P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, and P0305 are present, there is a good chance that you have a bad spark plug or ignition coil. Learn how to fix the problem by replacing your Volvo’s spark plug/ignition coil.


This guide provides instructions on replacing the spark plugs on a Volvo. While the spark plug and ignition coil part numbers vary between models, the instructions are practically the same for all Volvo models, including XC70, V70, S60, S40, V40, V50, XC60, XC90, S60, S70, S80, C30, and even 240.

Spark plugs are worn components and should be replaced at the recommended interval (see owner’s manual). Don’t wait for the check engine to come on.

Symptoms

volvo check engine light on due to bad spark plugs
  • Volvo shakes, and the check engine light flashes.
  • Misfire code present when reading Volvo fault codes
  • Reduced fuel economy
  • Can’t pass State emission test
  • Rough idle
  • Unexplained engine vibration

What you will need

  • Ignition Coils for Volvo
    • Some Volvo owners prefer to replace all the coils when changing the spark plugs. Please remember that coils do not need to be replaced unless they fail.
  • Mechanic Toolset Metric
    • 3/8 Ratchet Wrench
    • 3/8″ Extension
  • 5/8 Spark Plug Socket
  • High-Temperature Anti-seize
  • Torx Socket
  • Torque Wrench

Procedure

  1. Park your Volvo in a safe workplace and allow the engine to cool down for about thirty minutes. Make sure to engage the parking brakes and remove the key.
  2. Next, pull the hood release under the dashboard and open the hood.open volvo hood
  3. If your Volvo engine has an engine cover, pull it off by pulling up the plastic cover.Volvo 3.2 l engine spark plug diy
    • Turbo models: If necessary, remove the crossbar over the engine and the turbo charge air pipe (boost pipe) with a T-25, 10mm, or 8mm bolt.remove volvo boost pipe
  4. Remove all T-30 Torx bolts on top of the engine.volvo engien cover removal
  5. Pull out the cover over the spark plugs.volvo engine cover removed
  6. Next, remove the cover near the timing chain.remove volvo spark plug cover s40 s60 v50 c30 s80 c70 v70
  7. Remove the 10mm bolts from each ignition coil.remove bolt from volvo c70 spark plug
  8. Disconnect the wires to the ignition coil by pressing then pulling on the connector.remove volvo xc90 spark plug
  9. Lift the coil and remove it from the spark plug.volvo ignition coil removed
  10. Remove the spark plugs using your spark plug removal tool. Turn the ratchet counterclockwise to remove the spark plug.volvo spark plug removed
  11. Apply high-temperature anti-seize to the threads of the spark plugs. Install the new spark plugs and torque to 30Nm. Start threading the new spark plugs by hand to not cross-thread them as you install them.
  12. Install the ignition coils. Use dielectric grease inside the boot before seating them back onto the spark plugs. Make sure that the ignition coil connectors are not switched around. For example, your connector going to cylinder two is now moved to cylinder 3. You will end up with multiple cylinder misfires, P0300, P0302, and P0303, even if the ignition coils are not switched but the connectors are. The key is not to switch around the ignition coil connectors. volvo spark plug installed

If your Volvo check engine light is on, clear it with an OBD2 scanner. The YOUCANIC Full System Scanner can read and clear fault codes through every control module of a Volvo vehicle.

YOUCANIC UCAN2 SCANNER

Spark Plug Replacement Interval

The typical spark plug change interval for most Volvo vehicles is 60,000 miles. This range can vary based on the spark plug type. See the owner’s manual.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Volvo spark plug gap?

The typical Volvo spark gap ranges from 0.008 to 0.043. Check the spec sticker under the hood. Genuine Volvo spark plugs come pre-gapped.

Can’t remove Volvo spark plugs

If the spark plugs are on very tight. You can warm up the engine and then try to remove the stuck spark plug. Use gloves and be careful, as you may get burned by the hot engine block.

Getting cylinder misfire after changing Volvo spark plugs

Ensure the connectors to each ignition coil are not switched around.
It is possible that when you installed an ignition coil, it slid to the side of the spark plugs instead of going on top of the spark plug. Remove the ignition coils and install them over the spark plugs.

We hope you find the Volvo Spark Plug & Ignition Coil Replacement | DIY guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your Volvo.

Author

  • Rushit Hila • ASE Certified

    Rushit Hila, an ASE-certified engineer (G1 Automotive Maintenance and Repair), brings over two decades of hands-on experience in the automotive world to his writing. With a strong educational background, including a Master of Science in Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, he has honed his skills and expertise through years of practical work. As a respected authority in the field, Mr. Hila is dedicated to offering insightful and valuable content that resonates with both vehicle owners and mechanics.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *