V70 Non-Turbo only rev to 3,000 RPM, idle hops between 1,500 and 2,000 RPM

[whysone]

Ok, my son's 1999 V70 wagon has been a great little car until late last year. It would run fine, then (almost always when running more than 1 hour) it would go into limp mode (only run 1,000 to 1,500 rpm, wouldn't shift). If he would pull over, completely shut the car off, let it set 10-15 minutes and restart it, it was fine.
This problem continued to get worse and occur more often. Took it to a Volvo repair shop, he hooked up his Volvo scanner, and said the ECM wouldn't even communicate with his computer and he couldn't tell us anything until we replaced the ECM. I hooked up my el cheapo OBD II scanner and received the following codes: P1026, P1021, P1032, P1053, P1081. My concern is, XeMODeX wants around $650 for an ECM which I am fine paying for, if that fixes the problem. The other big problem I have heard these models have is the ETM, so I want to make sure to eliminate that first to determine it is indeed the ECM. After sitting a month while we scratched our proverbial heads about what to do, we started it and it ran fine for a few days. Now, even cold, it will not rev over 3,000 RPM and at idle it oscillates between 1,500 and 2,000 RPM. Thoughts? Suggestions? Magic Potions? Exorcists?

--Thanks

[abscate]

It I s much more likely to be the electronic throttle module , ETM , than the engine control module, or. ECM

You need a mechanic with VIDA , which is Volvo software that will tell exactly what is talking to what, and not

Based on symptoms, the limp mode is much more like an ETM failure , but that’s scant evidence for a $1000 gamble

[whysone]

Thanks for the reply! How do I find out if a non dealer mechanic has VIDA? Any sites to search online?

[abscate]

You have to ask or look for lots of Volvo’s out front.

If you are 1/4 decent with computers you can load Vida onto a laptop , buy the Dice interface and troubleshoot yourself. About $100 or so

[volvolugnut]

XeMODeX has some online troubleshooting help:
https://xemodex.com/us/product/electron ... 821-10-20/

They also have a phone help line. From my own experience, I agree your situation sounds like the ETM. If yours has not been replaced, it is likely wore the contacts in the ETM. I have had good experience with XeMODeX.

volvolugnut

[scot850]

I assume there are no Volvo dealers in your area? I know some have issues with dealers, but for this type of issue they can be a help in diagnosing the issue and saving throwing expensive parts at it.

Like the guys have already said, this does sound like a ETM issue. I have not had the issue with an NA, but turbos are more common from my experience to fail.

The choices are, 1) pay a dealer for the diagnostic, and hope the mechanic is competent for all the money, or 2) buy a Vida system for about the same as an hours labour, but have to wait for it to arrive sometime never these days from China.

Either way I wish you luck. If you get more info let us know.