Failed ETM Bad News Story - Replacement Good News Story

mgambuzza · Post by **mgambuzza** » 03 Nov 2009, 16:38

In July my wife and I purchased our first Volvo - a 1999 V70 AWD (115,000). Loved the performance, driveability, and economy. It was in spectacular condition, and we had absolutely no hesitation buying the vehicle due to its condition and operation. After a month of ownership, I noticed the cruise stopped functioning. The next day I had difficulty starting the car, and noticed driveability declined substancially. I contacted the Volvo dealer and they said it may be an ETM problem, and they had replaced one on this car at 77k miles. They enlightened me about the recall, but unfortunately I was out of the warranty period by about 8 months. What they quoted me for repair infuriated me and I knew I had to find an alternative solution. Smaller shops offered similar service for slightly less, but it wasn't until I found one shop who had a strong reputation, and offered to replace the ETM with another one, with a Lifetime Warranty on the ETM - the cost was a 1/3 of what the dealership wanted to charge (with a 1 year warranty. I've regained my operability, cruise control, and overall driveability of this vehicle for substancially less money.

The moral of my story is not to accept the first estimate, and that there are good, honest mechanics out there who have a passion for this vehicle and keeping it in the best operating condition possible.

Post by **matthew1** » 03 Nov 2009, 17:27

Sounds like a good outcome. If you'd like to satisfy my curiosity -- and that of every regular MVS forum member here who reads this -- let us know who the repair shop is that did the work / offers the warranty... details details etc.

Checksix · Post by **Checksix** » 06 Nov 2009, 22:29

I had the exact same comment as matthew1. Are we going to keep the good shops a secret? Please provide the location and the shops name. This is a FORUM!

Jerry

mgambuzza · Post by **mgambuzza** » 11 Nov 2009, 21:04

OK - OK

After many requests, here is the information for my mechanic who did the work. Its been a couple of hundred miles so far and we're still working GREAT!!

Jeff Thomas, Owner
Upstate Imports Auto Repair
2123 Milton Avenue
Syracuse, New York 13209
(315)488-2044
[email protected] - Email

mgambuzza · Post by **mgambuzza** » 12 Mar 2011, 19:24

Update - at 122k miles we're still going strong. Acceleration, idling, performance all still flawless after almost a year and a half after installation. This along with the superb winter driving ability make this one of my favorite Volvos to own. No more alarms, indications, wild idling, and the cruise is fully functional.