2008 Volvo P0303: What It Means & Is It Safe to Drive?
P0303 on the 2008 Volvo: Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected. Here's what it means, what usually causes it, what repairs typically cost, and whether it's safe to keep driving.
What this code means
The PCM has detected a misfire specifically on cylinder 3. Diagnosis follows the same steps as P0301—swap parts to the same position on a known-good cylinder to isolate the fault.
Common causes on the 2008 Volvo
- Worn or fouled spark plug on cylinder 3
- Failing ignition coil on cylinder 3
- Leaking or clogged fuel injector
- Low compression on cylinder 3
Symptoms
- Check Engine Light, often flashing under load
- Rough idle or shaking
- Loss of power, hesitation
Typical fixes
- Replace spark plug and coil on cylinder 3
- Test and replace fuel injector
- Compression test if ignition parts don't resolve it
Repair cost range
For a 2008 Volvo, repairs for P0303 typically fall between $150 and $900, depending on the root cause and labor rates in your area.
Known issues on Volvo
Volvo B6294T inline-six P0303 is typically a failed coil-on-plug on cylinder 3. The B6294T uses individual COPs rather than a cassette. Swap the COP to confirm the fault. On high-mileage T6 engines, also check for oil consumption that could foul the spark plug.
Most commonly affected models