P0303 on Volvo
Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected
P0303 on Volvo vehicles indicates cylinder 3 misfire detected. Au7o has documented this code across 1 Volvo model — most commonly on C30. This code means your engine's computer detected a misfire specifically in cylinder number 3 — that cylinder isn't burning its fuel-air mixture properly or completely. The computer senses misfires by watching for tiny fluctuations in crankshaft speed each time a cylinder is supposed to fire. A misfire wastes fuel, can cause a noticeable shake, rough idle or loss of power, and can flood raw fuel into the exhaust where it may overheat and damage the catalytic converter. Because the fault is isolated to one cylinder, the cause is usually something specific to that cylinder's ignition, fuel delivery, or compression. Typical repair costs on Volvo range from $100 to $500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P0303
- •Worn or fouled spark plug in cylinder 3
- •Failed or weak ignition coil on cylinder 3
- •Bad spark plug wire or boot (where applicable)
- •Clogged or leaking fuel injector for cylinder 3
- •Vacuum or intake air leak affecting that cylinder
- •Low compression (worn rings, burnt/leaking valve, head gasket)
- •Wiring or connector fault at the coil or injector
P0303 on Volvo by Model
Volvo C30(1 issue)
- Rough Idle and Engine Hesitation2008-2013
Nearly 20% of C30 owners report rough idle issues according to Consumer Reports data. The rough idle can be caused by several factors: failing ignition coils, ETM (Electronic Throttle Module) issues, PCV system failures, and vacuum leaks. The 2.5L turbo I5 is particularly sensitive to PCV system degradation which causes positive crankcase pressure and oil ingestion into the intake. The 2.0L I4 models are less affected but can develop similar idle issues from ignition coil failures.
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View P0303 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0303 mean on Volvo?▼
P0303 stands for "Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected." This code means your engine's computer detected a misfire specifically in cylinder number 3 — that cylinder isn't burning its fuel-air mixture properly or completely. The computer senses misfires by watching for tiny fluctuations in crankshaft speed each time a cylinder is supposed to fire. A misfire wastes fuel, can cause a noticeable shake, rough idle or loss of power, and can flood raw fuel into the exhaust where it may overheat and damage the catalytic converter. Because the fault is isolated to one cylinder, the cause is usually something specific to that cylinder's ignition, fuel delivery, or compression. On Volvo specifically, this code is documented across 1 model.
What causes P0303 on Volvo vehicles?▼
Common causes on Volvo: Worn or fouled spark plug in cylinder 3, Failed or weak ignition coil on cylinder 3, Bad spark plug wire or boot (where applicable), Clogged or leaking fuel injector for cylinder 3, Vacuum or intake air leak affecting that cylinder. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0303 on a Volvo?▼
Repair costs on Volvo range from $100 to $500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Volvo models have P0303 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0303 on 1 Volvo model: C30.