ETS/ETM warranty HELP !!!!

sideout2002 · Post by **sideout2002** » 28 Sep 2005, 14:10

Can anybody help me out here. I have a 1999 Volvo V70 with 99k miles. The ETS just came on and although it is out of warranty I bought the car used from carmax with their ValueMax warranty. CarMax is saying that they are not covering the repair because it is a "normal maintenance item". In the warranty it says that all electrical parts and sensors are covered. Since this is an electronic throttle system It should be covered right??
Is there any information out there stating that the reason the ETM fails is because of electronics??

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Post by **kelvin6** » 28 Sep 2005, 21:48

The electronic throttle body doesn't really require maintanance, except for an occassional cleaning. I don't see how this is a normal maintanance item though. If it was a normal maintainance item, how often does it need to be inspected and replace (c'mon)? Who the hell wants to replace a expensive as hell electronic throttle body? If it was a normal maintance item, it would have been listed in the manual.

The electronic throttle body usually fails because the wipers on the potentiometer get messed up (I can't think of a better word). Potentiometers are ELECTRICAL items, therefore the failure is caused by a ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. I would argue that with them.

Post by **matthew1** » 28 Sep 2005, 23:08

kelvin6 wrote: If it was a normal maintance item, it would have been listed in the manual.

Bingo. I'd take the case back to them. Put the ball back in their court.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 29 Sep 2005, 19:12

A very good explanation of the failing Electronic Throttle Modules on 1999-2001 Volvos can be found at:

www.VEXEDvolvo.org

A retired engineer took the time to dig into the problem and find the cause.

It is not a maintenance item, it is a design and/or manufacturing defect.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 30 Sep 2005, 10:29

Are there any sensors that are BUILT INTO the throttle module??? I was on the phone with carmax and they are saying that if the word throttle is mentioned in the diagnosis it is not covered. But if the problem were to be the "so and so sensor" which just happens to be part of the throttle module, then it is covered.

Any ideas??

Post by **matthew1** » 30 Sep 2005, 11:38

Anonymous wrote:...if the word throttle is mentioned in the diagnosis it is not covered.

Time to break out the original contract you signed. Look for this. If it's not there, they have no case.

Sorry, I don't know if there's a sensor in the ETM itself. I think they're trying to throw curves at you, hoping you'll go away.

I will be sure to make this carmax issue known to MVS users, however, if they refuse to pay out when they should.

Post by **DonWillson** » 31 Oct 2005, 23:33

Anonymous wrote:Are there any sensors that are BUILT INTO the throttle module??? I was on the phone with carmax and they are saying that if the word throttle is mentioned in the diagnosis it is not covered. But if the problem were to be the "so and so sensor" which just happens to be part of the throttle module, then it is covered.

Any ideas??

There are 2 throttle position sensors in the ETM. See vexedvolvo.org.

Don Willson
[email protected]