NHTSA moves ETM investigation to an engineering analysis

Post by **DonWillson** » 10 Dec 2005, 09:17

This was just released to the press. NHTSA will be doing a through engineering evalustion as to why the ETMs fail. I was unaware of any 700 and 800 series being included.
Don Willson for VEXED

Report Date : December 10, 2005 at 08:29 AM
NHTSA Action Number : EA05021

NHTSA Action Number : EA05021 NHTSA Recall Campaign Number : N/A
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
VOLVO / 700 2000
VOLVO / 740 2000
VOLVO / 780 1999
VOLVO / 850 1999-2000
VOLVO / 855 2000
VOLVO / C70 1999-2002
VOLVO / C70 CONVERTIBLE 1999-2001
VOLVO / COTTRELL 1999
VOLVO / S40 2000-2001
VOLVO / S60 1999-2002
VOLVO / S70 1999-2000
VOLVO / S80 1999-2001
VOLVO / S90 1999
VOLVO / V40 2000-2001
VOLVO / V70 1999-2002
VOLVO / V70XC 1999-2001
VOLVO / V90 1999
VOLVO / VOLVO 1999-2001
VOLVO / X70 1999
VOLVO / XC70 2001
Manufacturer : VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.
Component :
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Date Investigation Opened : December 6, 2005
Date Investigation Closed : Open
Summary:
A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE05-041) WAS OPENED ON JULY, 26, 2005, BASED ON 136 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS TO ODI ALLEGING THROTTLE CONTROL MALFUNCTIONS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES. ODI HAS NOW RECEIVED 591 COMPLAINTS OF ETM FAILURES WHICH ALLEGE SYMPTOMS WITH POTENTIAL SAFETY RELATED CONSEQUENCES. THESE INCLUDE ALLEGATIONS OF ENGINE STALL, VEHICLE SURGING FORWARD WITHOUT ACCELERATOR INPUT, VEHICLE HESITATION UPON ACCELERATION AND SUDDEN AND UNEXPECTED TRANSITION INTO REDUCED PERFORMANCE OPERATION (LIMP MODE). VOLVO SUBMITTED OVER 2,900 COMPLAINTS CONCERNING THE ETM IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES DURING PE05-041. ODI'S PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS OF A SAMPLE THE VOLVO COMPLAINTS IDENTIFIED APPROXIMATELY 55 PERCENT WITH ONE OR MORE OF THE SYMPTOMS DESCRIBED ABOVE. ODI IS CONTINUING ITS ASSESSMENT OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THE VOLVO COMPLAINTS. IN NOVEMBER 2005, TO RESOLVE AN INVESTIGATION BY THE CALIFORNIA AIR RESOURCES BOARD, VOLVO ANNOUNCED THAT IT WOULD EXTEND THE WARRANTY COVERAGE TO 10 YEARS / 200,000 MILES FOR THE ETM IN APPROXIMATELY 356,000 MODEL YEAR 1999 THROUGH 2002 PASSENGER CARS SOLD IN THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA. UNDER VOLVO'S POLICY, VEHICLES THAT EXPERIENCE ETM FAILURES WILL RECEIVE A VARIETY OF REPAIRS INCLUDING ETM CLEANING, REPROGRAMMING THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE AND/OR REPLACEMENT OF THE ETM. THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO CONTINUE TO ASSESS THE SAFETY CONSEQUENCES OF ETM FAILURES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.

LarryP · Post by **LarryP** » 10 Dec 2005, 12:22

Don,
Thanks for the welcome update. Is there a hope that this investigation may result in Volvo replacing the ETM with an updated design instead of the old failure prone design? I understand that the Bosch ETM used since 2002 is not a 'drop in' replacement. Do you think the promised software update will really help? How could that update stop the ETM from wearing through the resistor?

Thanx, LarryP

digital_dreamer · Post by **digital_dreamer** » 10 Dec 2005, 14:28

LarryP wrote:Don,
Thanks for the welcome update. Is there a hope that this investigation may result in Volvo replacing the ETM with an updated design instead of the old failure prone design? I understand that the Bosch ETM used since 2002 is not a 'drop in' replacement. Do you think the promised software update will really help? How could that update stop the ETM from wearing through the resistor?

Thanx, LarryP

I don't believe the software will address any of the physical flaws. It's simply there to lower the sensitivity threshold to ETM errors.
As an example, I have a 99 S70 that has already had the ETM replaced. However, in just the past year, I've already had the ETM light come on after starting when there was no issue that was fatal or permanent. I simply reset the code with my OBDII software.
Now, most people in the same situation would feel forced to drive the car to the dealer for diagnostics and repair, only for the tech to find nothing and simply reset the code. It was a glitch. Something did happen (or didn't happen) during startup, but it wasn't a permanent or fatal issue.

The software will, IMHO, address these glitches and reduce the false alarms. Interestingly, this doesn't have anything to do with the failing ETMs, it will simply reduce the number of "panicking" drivers who think their ETMs are failing.

regards,
MAJ

Post by **DonWillson** » 10 Dec 2005, 19:07

I don't believe the software will address any of the physical flaws. It's simply there to lower the sensitivity threshold to ETM errors.
MAJ

I think you are right, I too am afraid that the software update will reduce false alarms. When I contacted CARB Karen was unaware that the replacements were failing. I told her of my concern on the software.

NHTSA is also aware of my concerns on the software and the 'no code' failures.

Don Willson

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 11 Dec 2005, 02:39

I think you are right, I too am afraid that the software update will reduce false alarms. When I contacted CARB Karen was unaware that the replacements were failing. I told her of my concern on the software.

NHTSA is also aware of my concerns on the software and the 'no code' failures.

Agreed! Volvo has a real opportunity here to prevent these cars from going to the 'limp-home' state without prior warning. Why not give a warning in the message window and a yellow warning light when the diagnostics detect some of the 'no code' flaws. The message should send the driver to the dealer with the appropriate urgency.
LarryP

Ernesto · Post by **Ernesto** » 02 Oct 2008, 06:00

I'm wondering how this could pertain to the 850 which was discontinued
in 1997, even though it's listed. Anyone know if my '97 is affected?

Thank you.

Ernesto
1997 850 GLT Wagon

Post by **matthew1** » 02 Oct 2008, 09:47

Ernesto wrote:Anyone know if my '97 is affected?

1997s do not have ETMs.

C@lvin · Post by **C@lvin** » 02 Oct 2008, 14:57

Just had 2000 V70 na (100K) diagnosed with failing ETM and VNA approved warranty coverage BUT, the dealer tells me there is a huge backorder from Sweden and they really have no idea how long it will take.

1. The car drives OK so far, just throws the ETS light on. Will it deteriorate gradually or suddenly (wondering about wheter to just park it or continue to drive it for now)?

2. Anyone know anything about this shortage situation? The dealer says it is not normal.

3. I read the VEXED site, but a lot of that information was posted a while back. I was wondering if the replacement ETM will be an improved design or just he same old faulty one?

Thanks!

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 02 Oct 2008, 15:25

Yes, I read elsewhere of the back order from Sweden. Just sit tight until it comes in. In the meantime, if you can drive another car, do so. A catastrophic failure of the ETM while making a turn on a busy highway could be disastrous. I would personally ask the dealer for a "loaner" while this is being taken care of.

C@lvin · Post by **C@lvin** » 02 Oct 2008, 18:07

Good suggestion. Wouldn't hurt to ask.....

Are you aware of whether the new ETM will have an improved design or will it still be the same defective design?

Thanks,