C30 Sputters at high RPM - No codes Topic is solved

nelaco · Post by **nelaco** » 14 Nov 2020, 07:09

Hi everyone. My son's '13 C30 with 64k miles started acting up about two weeks ago. Basically it sputters at high RPMs, mostly when changing gears at freeway speeds. I replaced:

FPS (Volvo) and made no difference
Coils (aftermarket) and seemed better for a day, but then it got worse and it sputters at idle as well.
Spark plugs (Volvo) are only 6 months old but I am about to replace them just in case.
The check engine light has not come on at all, and there are no codes.

I need to double check no vacuum hoses are cracked/disconnected, and fuel pressure at the rail in case it is the PEM.
Throttle body was cleaned also 6 months ago.
Can you think of anything else I should check?
Thank you everyone in advance!

nelaco · Post by **nelaco** » 14 Nov 2020, 17:37

Update: I just used the scanner again and got Code P0299. I have a good TCV. I'll try to install it tomorrow.

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 14 Nov 2020, 18:16

Check for leaking Charge pipe, Intercooler ... anything along the path from Turbo to the head.

nelaco · Post by **nelaco** » 15 Nov 2020, 08:09

Thank you Rick, no leaks but I found the problem.

I had decided this morning to change the plugs just in case since I had ordered new ones from FCP. Plugs for #4 #5 had half their ground electrodes gone. First time this ever happened to me. I vacuumed, used a magnet, and cranked the engine without the plugs to make sure nothing was left in there. I used a scope camera to see if parts were still in the chamber, and to check the condition of the pistons. Thankfully they looked fine, but I could see where the piece had hit it a few times. I then did a compression test and got 165 all across.
I torqued the new ones to 21lbs. I installed the Volvo coils since obviously wasn't the problem.
Test drove it and it feels great again. P0299 is now gone.

Thank you again!