Have a decision to make...

Post by **FlyingVolvo** » 08 Dec 2010, 15:51

Hi all,

I've got a little decision to make here. My car is a 2000 XC with nearly 150,000 miles on the original ETM. It is still going strong and I've only ever had minor symptoms possibly related to its eventual failure:

-when coming to a stop (especially from high speed) the RPMs will dip below the normal idle level.
-every few start-ups (mostly when engine is cold and ambient is freezing), will turn on car and RPMs will drop very low and struggle to stay up, bouncing all over. After 5-10 seconds this goes away to a normal idle.
-these symptoms have been around for almost 2 years, never going away, but never getting worse.

The dilemma: I'm going to be going on a 4,000 mile trip (over about 5 days of driving) soon where I can't afford a breakdown. I'm already going to spend a nice chunk of change to make sure a lot of the other parts are in order. If I have the money, should I just bite the bullet on the XeMODeX route? Or do you think I would be safe waiting until after the trip is done?

I've already gone 1000s of miles with these minor symptoms. Also, has anyone heard anything from Vic Rocha lately? He offers to rebuild the ETMs using original parts for only $200 (much better for me), but it seems like his website it getting out-of-date.

Thanks for any feedback!

Ed

Post by **EstVolvo** » 12 Dec 2010, 20:40

It is very easy decision - get your ETM changed or go with a rental car.
ETM's design is unbelievably bad.
I have been wondering if Volvo is using the same ETM as a replacement that would leave us stranded?
Where are you going?

Post by **FlyingVolvo** » 12 Dec 2010, 21:52

x

And yes, your thoughts are similar to mine... I figure since I'm going to be keeping the car at least another 2 or 3 years, that it's worth it to fix it anyway.

Post by **EstVolvo** » 12 Dec 2010, 23:32

Who makes the best ETM?

Post by **FlyingVolvo** » 13 Dec 2010, 07:48

There are really only a couple options if I'm not mistaken.

#1: Go to dealer and replace with SAME unit for probably around $1000 or more.
#2: Buy remanufactured ETM from XeMODeX for about $550 that is a permanent fix.

http://www.xemodex.com/xemodex_013.htm

Post by **FlyingVolvo** » 14 Dec 2010, 10:57

XeMODeX ordered...

cknapp58 · Post by **cknapp58** » 20 Jan 2011, 00:01

I am in the same boat, My wife was turning our 1999 S70 turbo off on the freefway doing 5o mph and restarting, it now sits in the drive way all torn apart. I am up to 300.00 so far just in hoses and gaskets. I was looking fro some feed back on options on the ETM, looks like XeMODeX is the way to go. I also have to replace all the parts and hoses for the PVC system along with starter, and timming belt.

whats the best plugs to run in this thing and can I change to syntetic at 195,0000

Post by **FlyingVolvo** » 20 Jan 2011, 06:53

I installed my XeMODeX ETM and proceeded to do nearly 4,500 miles with no problems! I think my old one could have made it, but this unit really gives me some peace of mind.

Best plugs: OEM Volvo or the cheap Bosch Copper plugs. Either way, make sure the gap is 0.028!

You can switch to synthetic at those miles, however if there are any minor leaks already in place, it could exacerbate them. If you want to use synthetic, I would use one that is labeled as a "High Mileage" oil. They have added ingredients to help swell seals a little.