Problem with 2002 S40 1.9T, Auto transmission

[AngusKeenan]

I've never owned a Turbo before - this one has 63,000 miles. We bought it with 59,000 and my wife just started noticing the issue around 62,500.

Essentially, any time she gets up to speed, generally above 60 on the highway, if she presses even remotely hard on the gas, the car lurches and sputters a bit, almost as if it has run out of gas, but as long as she backs off the gas, the car runs fine. It has never stalled out or anything. This made me think it was a turbo or overdrive issue.

Anyone ever have this problem or have any suggestions?

[MadeInJapan]

Welcome to MVS. I'm thinking that if you haven't changed your spark plugs, do it. Check your owner's manual for the correct plugs and gap- this is very important.

[AngusKeenan]

Thanks MIJ. I'll check the Manual as soon as I can pick one up. I had read that this might have been the problem (after I posted this earlier today). I'll update the thread with the results, although it may be a while...

Cheers.

[billofdurham]

You can see a copy of the owner's manual at:

https://www.customers.volvocars.com/own ... v40_00.htm

Bill.

[AngusKeenan]

Okay. So I did replace the spark plugs, and everything seemed to be running smoothly - but I waited to post the results in case it was just luck.

It seems as though the problem is creeping back in. It only happens sometimes now, but even though it was my first time changing out spark plugs, I'm confident that I gapped them correctly and am using a plug of good enough quality.

Is there any way that this could be a fuel filter issue? I wouldn't think so with only 63,000 miles on it. I believe the manual suggests it gets changed out somewhere around 105,000.

[MadeInJapan]

What plug did you use?

[AngusKeenan]

champion RC12PYP - not the OEM, but I could not get that locally. Was told that this would do the trick. The gap was .030