VOLVO
ECM-3542 - Misfire, emission. Faulty signal. Permanent fault
System
Engine Control Module (ECM)
Volvo models this fault code applies to
This fault code has different meanings depending on model, model year or engine. Select the meaning that applies to your car.
Applies to the following models:
5 modelsC70 Cabriolet (1998–2005), C70 Coupé (1998–2002), S70 (1997–2000), V70 (1997–2000), V70 XC (1998–2000)
Show models by year and engine (5)
What does this fault code mean?
The engine control module has detected that cylinder 4 is misfiring, and the misfire affects emissions. The fault is permanent, so it is present right now. The cause can be related to fuel or ignition, but air leaks and uneven compression can also produce the same fault.
Possible causes
- Blocked or leaking injector
- Uneven compression in the engine
- Air leakage into the engine
- Faulty fuel pressure
- Low fuel level, or contaminated or incorrect fuel
- Repeated cold starts without the engine reaching normal temperature between them
What you can do
- 1Check the engine oil level
- 2Read and note that the code refers to cylinder 4, clear it and road test
- 3Check the spark plug in cylinder 4 for damage to the insulation and for moisture in the plug well
- 4If you have a diagnostic tool: read the misfire counter for cylinder 4 at idle and see whether it rises
- 5Look for air leaks at the intake hoses and joints, especially where a hose may have come loose
- 6If the fault remains, have a workshop measure fuel pressure and compression with diagnostic equipment
Symptoms you may notice4
- The engine misfires
- The engine is hard to start
- Performance is reduced
- Idle is uneven
What the fault can affect3
- Catalytic converter diagnosis is switched off
- Leak diagnosis is switched off
- Rear oxygen sensor control is switched off
General guidance for car owners. Diagnosis on the car can point to a different cause.