Ever had your heart sink as your car coughed, sputtered, and hesitated while you were cruising down the highway? If you’re a Volvo XC90 owner, there’s a fair chance that such moments of automotive distress might be attributed to one little component with a big job, the ignition coil.
With an increasing number of owners reporting Volvo XC90 ignition coil problems such as rough rides and engine misfires, it has become essential for every Volvo enthusiast to understand what lies beneath this issue.
Don’t worry, we are here to illuminate the path towards understanding these issues, their causes, and potential solutions for these pesky Volvo XC90 ignition coil issues.
Volvo XC90 Ignition Coil Problems
Numerous Volvo XC90 owners have reported experiencing malfunctioning or complete failure in their vehicles’ ignition coils. The most common issues related to the ignition coil are discussed below.
Engine Misfire
There are a significant number of Volvo XC90 owners who complained about engine misfiring. This mostly happens down the road and so the issue becomes more hassling. Sometimes owners notice P0300 Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected messages on the dashboard and the car rides are too rough.
At times, the Check Engine light also flashes on and off. The occurrence of this engine misfire issue is not restricted to any specific mileage or age of the car. Even relatively new Volvo XC90 models with low mileage have reported such problems.
When drivers are accelerating, they may experience a greater loss of power which can make overtaking or climbing hills particularly challenging.
In such cases, it’s highly advised to verify the ground connection with a multimeter. To do this, attach one terminal to the pin corresponding to the black wire (the 3rd pin on the connector when positioned towards you with the plastic clip tab facing upwards).
The other terminal of your multimeter should be in contact with the engine block’s bare metal (preferably where ground wires are fastened down).
Take your reading in ‘resistance’ mode, aiming for less than 0.8 ohms. Ideally, there should only be around 0.4-0.5 ohms resistance between the pin and block. For best results, we suggest using crimp butt connectors complemented by heat shrink heat shielding.
Avoid using electrical tape; instead, opt for automotive-grade silicon tapes without adhesive due to their superior performance under engine bay heat conditions as they don’t contain glue that can fail under high temperatures.
Vehicle Stumbling
Some Volvo XC90 owners reported that they experience minor idle issues and some occasional stumbling. This ignition coil-related issue is quite common when hard accelerating.
The main cause of the issue is due to a malfunction in the ignition coil system, which can lead to inconsistent spark delivery and misfiring. The problem often manifests as rough idling or lack of power when accelerating.
This issue is typically indicative of worn-out spark plugs or damaged ignition coils, both crucial components for maintaining a steady idle and smooth acceleration. These components are responsible for igniting the fuel-air mixture within the engine’s cylinders, thus creating combustion that allows the vehicle to run.
Overheating Coil
A horrifying issue has panicked many Volvo XC90 owners. As they stated, the coil pack was overheated, and one ignition coil caught fire and melted. After replacing all the plugs and coils, the car dash lights up but does not turn over.
This issue has caused great concern among Volvo XC90 owners, as it poses a significant safety risk. The overheating of the coil pack is not an isolated incident, but a recurring issue that many have reported. It seems that the ignition coils are susceptible to catching fire and melting, leading to severe damage.
Upon discovering this alarming issue, the majority of the owners opted for the immediate replacement of all plugs and coils in an attempt to rectify the situation.
How to Diagnose Ignition Coil Issues in Volvo XC90
Now that you’re acquainted with the common ignition coil issues in the Volvo XC90’s performance, let’s take a hands-on approach to identifying these issues. The journey towards diagnosing ignition coil problems involves an exciting blend of investigative work and mechanical knowledge.
First things first, don’t forget that symptoms like engine misfires, erratic starts, or decline in power output often signal complications in the ignition coil before any visual diagnostics even begin.
Engage your senses, listen for unexpected sounds from the engine bay, or observe if there’s an unusual exhaust smoke color. Meanwhile, keep an eye on your vehicle’s mileage, a sudden increase in fuel consumption can also hint towards malfunctioning coils redistributing energy inefficiently.
Check the resistance levels using an ohmmeter – unusually high resistance indicates faulty ignition coils. Test both primary and secondary windings; erroneous readings in either one signify that you have ignition coil issues.
Finally, use a scan tool to identify any fault codes related to the ignition system. This will help you pinpoint exactly where the problem lies in your Volvo XC90’s ignition coil system.
Ignition Coil Replacement in Volvo XC90
Replacing the ignition coil in your Volvo XC90 can seem daunting, but with the right guidance, it’s more straightforward than you may think. Here is how to get the task done.
The first step involves locating the engine cover and removing it to access the ignition coils. Gently unplug the connectors from each coil; they’re typically found on top of your engine. It’s essential to be careful not to damage these connectors, as they ensure your vehicle functions smoothly.
After unplugging, you’ll need a socket wrench to remove the bolts securing each ignition coil in place. Once removed, pull out the faulted coil with a slight twisting motion. Inspection for physical signs of damage is advised here – dark soot or a cracked body are clear indications of a faulty Volvo XC90 ignition coil.
Replacing this is straightforward: Insert your new ignition coil into its slot and replace all bolts carefully. Remember not to over-tighten them, which could further cause issues down the line.
Finally, plug back the connectors onto each coil and align everything properly before replacing and securing the engine cover. After following these steps, the meticulously heartening sound of smooth motor purring will mark the completion of a task well done!
Final Words
Despite Volvo’s reputation for quality and reliability, the XC90 model has its share of issues, particularly concerning the ignition coil. Owners should be aware of potential problems such as engine misfires, poor fuel economy, and reduced power output, symptoms indicating a faulty ignition coil.
Regular maintenance checks are critical to ensure the vehicle’s optimal performance and durability. We recommend that you consult with a certified Volvo mechanic if you experience any signs of ignition coil failure. Remember, acting promptly can prevent more severe damage and save you from costly repairs down the line.
