Catalytic Converter ?

rhlee222 · Post by **rhlee222** » 21 Sep 2012, 19:34

Hi All,
according to my daughter, this started happening pretty quickly. My 2001 S40 turbo started getting a check engine light and lost power. I took the codes and test drove the car. Starts easy and idles but doesn't sound smooth. Extreme loss of power. When giving it some gas it hesitates really bad before picking up speed. Hard to get it to go faster than 25 MPH. Codes are as follows P0420, P0301, P0302, P0303. Sounds like a CAT doesn't it. She had no trouble codes before this happened.

Thanks,
Rick

Post by **zulu-v40** » 22 Sep 2012, 07:37

The last three 3xx codes you shared are cylinder misfire codes. If it were me, I'd be inspecting the two engine coil packs for damage (cracked rubber boots), inspecting/replacing the spark plugs, and inspecting/replacing the spark plug wires. Those codes account for the extreme loss of power while driving.

As for the P0420 code, you might have a bad catalytic converter. Some people will tell you that it should last the life of the car, but they do fail. Mine did at just over 100,000 miles. The bigger question is why has your converter failed? You might consider explore refreshing the PCV breather system. A clogged PCV system might explain the problem. Does the engine oil dipstick pop out while driving? Is there oil spatter on the bonnett? How many miles are on the car?

bobthecat · Post by **bobthecat** » 22 Sep 2012, 14:00

the misfires might have caused unburned fuel to then detonate in your cat, shattering the matrix.The power loss is likely to be related to the misfire and the debris from the cat blocking the exhaust system. If you replace the plugs and wires as suggested above and the car runs well, then you might be OK.If it still runs without any go,then the cat could be toast. You could tap it lightly and if you hear rattling or it sounds like there is debris in there,then you have the prob of replacing it. If you are mechanically minded,they are not too hard to take off and check if you are careful with them.

rhlee222 · Post by **rhlee222** » 22 Sep 2012, 15:25

Thanks for the responses. Although there is no oil splatter, the dipstick is pushed up sometimes and I had planned on doing a PCV service soon. This car has 127000 miles and is way over due for an oil change, and probably the original plugs and wires. Tomorrow I will be replacing the plugs and wires and also the coils if I can get them. Do you have any recommendations on adequate plugs and wires that I can get at Autozone or Advanced Auto Parts? I know some work better than others in these cars. Thanks for the help.

Rick

Shemp · Post by **Shemp** » 22 Sep 2012, 16:37

Just went through a similar problem with my brother's 2002 s40, the car would hesitate badly at low rpm then would be fine at speed. Started by replacing the plugs and wires, but no change. Once I replaced both coils, the problem was fixed, and on close examination you could see small cracks on the bottom of the coil packs. Used volvo plugs and bougicord wires, but the coil packs were from Auto Zone, and were only $35 a piece after an online coupon. Would have preferred to use oem ones, but my brother didn't want to spend the money, and they're working good so far.

rhlee222 · Post by **rhlee222** » 23 Sep 2012, 10:41

Well, I pulled the coils and althought the boots look fine both coils have cracks running down the shaft leading down to the boot. I'm on my way to look for coils/plugs/wires.
Rick

rhlee222 · Post by **rhlee222** » 23 Sep 2012, 13:08

Update: Because this is Sunday, my options are limited. Found a set of aftermarket coils but no wires ot Bosch OE Plugs. I replaced the coils. No more missing. I can't tell yet if the catalytic converter is clogged. Doesn't seem to be. If I have to replace it I will wait until I replace the timing belt and the PCV system. On my way out to change the oil (full synthetic, Bosch filter) and tomorrow will pick up Volvo OEM plugs and wires. Thanks to all who helped.
Rick