AutoCodes – Volvo – P0303 Volvo

P0303 Volvo Code - Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected

Quick Answer

When a misfire occurs, engine speed will fluctuate. Common causes include Faulty Spark Plug #3, Clogged or faulty Fuel Injector #3, Faulty Ignition Coil #3. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: P0303 Volvo indicates Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Spark Plug #3, Clogged or faulty Fuel Injector #3, Faulty Ignition Coil #3.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

Save to My Repairs Step-by-Step Diagnostic Guide My Repairs

AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat

Code Popularity 34,092

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jun 14, 2020

Description
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Guide
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
Add Comment

💬 Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers — it's free!

Code P0303 Volvo Description

When a misfire occurs, engine speed will fluctuate. If the engine speed fluctuates enough to cause the Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor signal to vary, the Engine Control Module (ECM) can determine that a misfire is occurring.

OBDII Code P0303 Volvo - Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected - AutoCodes.com — P0303 Volvo Code - Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0303 Volvo?

Faulty Spark Plug #3
Clogged or faulty Fuel Injector #3
Faulty Ignition Coil #3
Fuel Injector #3 harness is open or shorted
Fuel Injector #3 circuit poor electrical connection
Ignition Coil #3 harness is open or shorted
Ignition Coil #3 circuit poor electrical connection
Insufficient cylinder 3 compression
Incorrect fuel pressure
Intake air leak

How to Fix the DTC P0303 Volvo?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What does this mean?

Code Tech Notes

The P0303 code means that the cylinder 3 is misfiring or is randomly misfiring. Start by checking for intake leaks and if no leaks are found the next step is to replace the spark plugs on cylinder 3. If the problem persists more tests needs to be done to diagnose problem, see "Possible Causes"

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0303 Volvo code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the P0303 Volvo code?

Need more information on how to fix the P0303 Volvo code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P0303 Volvo code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P0303 Volvo Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0303 in a Volvo?

- Common symptoms include rough idling, loss of power, engine hesitation, and potentially an illuminated check engine light.

2. What are the possible causes of a cylinder 3 misfire detected in a Volvo?

- Common causes include faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, fuel injectors, vacuum leaks, or low compression in the cylinder.

3. How can I diagnose the source of a cylinder 3 misfire in my Volvo?

- Diagnose by checking spark plugs, ignition coils, fuel injectors, vacuum leaks, and performing a compression test on cylinder 3.

4. Can driving with a misfiring cylinder 3 damage my Volvo?

- Continuing to drive with a misfire can potentially cause damage to the catalytic converter or other engine components, so it's best to address the issue promptly.

5. How can I repair a cylinder 3 misfire in my Volvo?

- Repair may involve replacing spark plugs, ignition coils, or fuel injectors, fixing vacuum leaks, or addressing any underlying engine mechanical issues.

6. Is it safe to continue driving my Volvo with a cylinder 3 misfire?

- It's not recommended to drive with a misfiring cylinder as it can lead to further damage and potentially unsafe driving conditions.

7. How much does it typically cost to repair a cylinder 3 misfire in a Volvo?

- Costs can vary depending on the exact cause of the misfire, but repairs may range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars, including parts and labor.

8. Can a DIY enthusiast fix a cylinder 3 misfire issue in a Volvo?

- Depending on the skill level and tools available, some DIY enthusiasts may be able to address a cylinder misfire by replacing spark plugs or ignition coils, but more complex issues may require professional assistance.

9. Will resetting the OBDII code P0303 in my Volvo make the issue go away?

- Resetting the code may temporarily turn off the check engine light, but it will not fix the underlying issue causing the cylinder 3 misfire.

10. How often does a cylinder misfire need to be repaired in a Volvo?

- The frequency of repairs for a cylinder misfire can vary depending on the cause and driving conditions, but it's important to address the issue promptly to prevent further damage.