Limp mode/ ETS

volvolove · Post by **volvolove** » 12 Jul 2012, 08:57

The wife called the other night. She was in town and when she got in the car to leave, it wouldn't go over 10 mph. I figured it must be in limp mode. No lights were on (I recently discovered that my "check engine" light bulb had been removed. Shady people. However the rest of the lights seem to work.) So I went to town and first thing I did was unhook the battery. The first time it didn't do the trick, but I think I didn't leave it unhooked long enough because I did it again and left it unhooked for 10 minutes and hooked it back up. Now the engine ran correctly, but the ETS light came on and stayed on. Went to drive her home. Had to stop at the gas station. After I started it back up, the ETS light was off and the car still ran fine. Have driven it a little sense w/o problems. I understand that there are several problems that could occur w/in the ETsystem. WHere should I start? Replace the ETM? Maybe it was just a fluke? Don't have access to a code reader. Once again, the car is giving me trials, but did NOT leave us stranded. Thanks Volvo

Nick

Post by **rmmagow** » 12 Jul 2012, 13:41

Get this, necessary for Volvo ownership. Cheap and works fine.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001LH ... d_i=507846

volvolove · Post by **volvolove** » 12 Jul 2012, 15:23

Thanks for the link. That plugs into the slot in the console? Then when it throws numbers at me, I basically need to use the internet to find out what they are, or does the software help with that?

volvolove · Post by **volvolove** » 12 Jul 2012, 15:24

P.S. Is the arrow supposed to flash in limp mode, or is that just for trani troubles?

Post by **Fish stick88** » 12 Jul 2012, 18:42

In limp mode the Arrow does flash. I remember Jblackburn getting stuck one time with it. But yes. Read the codes, It'll tell you what you need.
It doesnt have the certain data for your car in the system, basically, all it does is correlate the numbers, and letters to your problem, which you then have to go look up.
Good luck.
AJ

Post by **precopster** » 12 Jul 2012, 18:50

jblackburn has a pre-ETM car.

These guys have been recommended by Matthew, the site's creator:

http://www.volvospecialists.com/contact/index.shtml

If you're near Denver this should be your first stop. Have the codes read. If they relate to throttle position you will need a rebuild of the ETM either by XeModex with a contactless sensor or a new one from Volvo (more expensive and still flawed by design)

XeModex are now listing ETMs on eBay and they have reduced their prices.

volvolove · Post by **volvolove** » 16 Jul 2012, 20:20

Update:
I have driven the car at least 300 miles since this problem occurred. The car drives great. I did however notice the slightest delay when I take off from a stopped position. Other that from a stopped position the car does not lag. Does this help point to anything? This is my family car, so i don't want to end up stranded. i haven't bought the code reader yet. I should get on that.

Thanks,
N ick

Post by **BEJinFbk** » 16 Jul 2012, 20:40

Here's a sweet WOOT deal on a scanner:

http://deals.woot.com/deals/details/121 ... ner-tool#0

I haven't used that particular unit, but for $19.99 and free shipping? C'mon!

volvolove · Post by **volvolove** » 19 Jul 2012, 19:17

Well, I ordered the code reader a couple of days ago. Low and behold, this evening I went to back the car up and the symptoms returned. When I start the car it idles normally - 850-900rpm. When I give it gas it is like the engine governs out at 1500 rpms. I guess i will get the code reader next week.

byeboy · Post by **byeboy** » 19 Jul 2012, 21:48

Well, Darn! That site is down now...must have been a one day special. I'll buy one at that price, too!