2001 XC Multiple Coil Failure

Hi

I had severe running problems (2001XC) and had the ETM replaced under the

2006 10yr/200k mi. program but was advised that the ETM wasn't my main problem...and that every one of the 5 coil housings was cracked, and arcing. I saw the old coils and they did have a hairline crack in each, in exactly the same place...the cost was about $750 for the 5 coils plus other assorted parts and labor.

It seems odd that 5 identical parts would fail at about the same time, unless there was a domino effect with one failure causing the next, causing the next and so on, but this wouldn't be the case here.

Has anyone heard of a similar incident?

Regards,

Gerry

Reply to
Gerry
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Most likely there were misfire codes also stored in the engine control module as for 5 coils going bad it is possible but does not happen often in the dealership we try to repair the Volvo the way we feel is the best way which is not always for the customer experience has shown that if 1 or 2 coils are bad the others are not far behind yes it is expensive this way but as had happened to us in the past we would just replace the defective coil or coils & then the car comes back a few days later with the same customer complaint check engine light is on & car not running right codes show misfire codes for the coils that were not changed so we try to effect the repair correctly " Fix it right the first time" even for my own car which has the same set up coils for each spark plug I changed all 5 @ the same time to fix the problem right the first time Glenn K Volvo Certified Technician 2008 ASE Certified Technician 2008

Reply to
Glenn K

I used JB Weld to (temporarily) fix the cracked fuel injector rail in my

245. Strong smell of gas in the cabin one day. Pop the hood and find fuel spraying all over the engine compartment. Everything nicely degreased...

For sure, I'd pay a visit to the local pick-a-part. Find some uncracked used ones.

Reply to
clay

A fuel rail and an ignition coil are two entirely different things. A fuel leak under the hood is extremely dangerous, a cracked coil may "leak" electricity, but it will harmlessly discharge to the nearest grounded metal object.

I've repaired cracks in CRT TV and monitor flyback (line output) transformers that were arcing on several occasions by filling the crack with clear silicone caulk. Those in which the windings were not damaged to the point of arcing internally held up. I wouldn't hesitate to try it on an ignition coil, but then I don't mind messing with it again later if my fix doesn't work.

Reply to
James Sweet

No, really? Why would you think a high pressure, fine mist of raw fuel spraying around under the hood could be a problem?

Seriously, when I lifted the hood and saw gas dripping off everything under there, I was surprised it didn't go up in a ball of flame driving down the highway. Cloud of fuel, plenty of airflow... Should'a gone boom. Must not have any leaky coils arcing under there. *g*

Reply to
clay

Sorry to put it to you this way as I guess you work for a dealer, you are probably honest and fair but dealers are not in general. My dealer has no "good will" I was under warranty and he wanted 350 just to go over the car to " see" what was needed on 5 issues. 5 coils you would replace if one is bad, so I guess when one window breaks you replace all openers? When one bulb burns out do you replace all 20? If one speaker blows do you replace all 8? Thats a bs attitude to replace all

5 coils if one is bad, and at 750 its criminal for a lousy coil or coils. The dam coils are defective anyway or they would not crack. A coils is just copper wire around a steel core and isnt worth more than 20$. No wonder my Volvo dealers repair shop is empty, and my local with 6 bays has 30 cars in his lot and a 5 day wait. Something I go by and its been correct, you can see a honest mechanic, his lot is full and he cant work on your car for days, even if you beg him to. Sure dealers have multi million dollar showrooms, mine has a free phone, tv, coffee, dognuts and ac. But after the warranty is over only suckers use dealers for repairs. Its also funny how coils were excluded near the end of my warranty. Im going to seal mine, and then buy an aftermatket coil and pay a friend 20$ to pop it on. $750.00,, a dam joke.

Mark,

Glenn has been a great wealth of information here over the years, his hands-on experience is not something to take lightly. If he says to change all the coils because the rest will soon fail then I would do that. If you don't think the quality of the part is up to snuff or the price is too high at your dealership take it up with Volvo Customer Service as he suggested. Don't drive him out of our group!

Reply to
Allen

Reply to
Jon Robertson

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