XeMODeX, or stay on the Volvo ETM path?

[TedWPost]

This thread was very interesting to me as I had very similar circumstances with my 2000 xc70 (even a fuel pump and pressure regulator replace - which is very expensive on a 2000 xc70 because of the early design AWD). It also is one of the newer threads I could find on ETM failure.

The threads on ETM were all listing "hunting at idle" and a few other things that were very strong signals it was the ETM gone bad. Just like you guys, I did not have a hunting a idle issue and could not get the car to show similar issues. I had two symptoms; 1) flucations from 1500-2000 RPMs for no reason but really only when it was a cold start and 2) the classic "wind hitting the car". So I figured perhaps I didn't have a bad ETM.

I took the approach to change less expensive parts first and walked through this series:

1) Fuel pump relay. The shop that did the fuel pump replacement didn't do this so figured inexpensive and easy to do.
2) Absorber - kind of a fuel pressure damper. Again, associated with the fuel system so figured, for $50 this was a good thing to do.
3) MAP sensor. From what I've read this can produce similar symptoms when it goes.
--- starting to get better information now ---
4) MAF. Pulled it and cleaned it using MAF cleaner
5) MAF. Full replace
6) ETM replacement with XeMODex.

#6, replacement of the ETM did the trick. I was hating driving the car and now it is back to normal. No "hunting at 1500-2000 rpm" and no more windy spots to contend with. Now I remember why I still own and like this vehicle so much.

Ted

[EverRespect]

I know his is an old thread, but I would like to thank everyone for the contributions. I just bought a 2000 C70 a week ago with only 57k miles for a steal. Apparently I didn't take it for a long enough test drive for the vehicle to totally warm up and exhibit the above symptoms. Took if for a 250 mile trip to the Outer Banks and back last weekend and it bucked the entire way when I was maintaining between 50-70 mph. It idles perfect, accellerates hard perfect, and when I hit cruise at 71+ MPH there was no bucking. Since I got back, the bucking has gotten worse in that it does it at lower speeds, but still a flawless idle. Symptoms only act up when the engine is completely warmed up.

ETM has a white sticker and according to service receipts that the previous owner saved, ETM was cleaned 10,000 miles ago, and the MAF was "rebuilt" 2,000 miles ago by a dealer shop.

So far, I have only tried Seafoaming the fuel and the intake... no improvement.

Because of the horrors I am reading here and accounts of being taken to the woodshed by Volvo, I'm going to just skip all the garbage and order the XeMODeX unit. Rolling the dice a little on this one, but figure even if it is something else, the ETM is going to go at some point in the near future anyway and might as well do it while the vehicle is drivable, albiet not enjoyable. 57,000 miles with a white sticker seems about right.

[petermetzger]

Sounds like an ETM problem to me. Pay attention to the RPM when the issue happens - it is typically within a fairly narrow band about 200-500RPM wide if it's an ETM issue. I do also seem to remember that the issue was worse the warmer the engine (and outside air) was. We lived with it for a few weeks, then I ordered a XeMODeX ETM and the issue was completely resolved. I've put something like 30,000 miles on it since then and have never noticed the symptoms I had before.

[EverRespect]

Sounds like an ETM problem to me. Pay attention to the RPM when the issue happens - it is typically within a fairly narrow band about 200-500RPM wide if it's an ETM issue. I do also seem to remember that the issue was worse the warmer the engine (and outside air) was. We lived with it for a few weeks, then I ordered a XeMODeX ETM and the issue was completely resolved. I've put something like 30,000 miles on it since then and have never noticed the symptoms I had before.

Thanks, good to know. Got the vehicle at such a good price that even if I sink $500 in the XeMODeX plus paying someone to install it (I don't trust myself to do it), I won't have any remorse if it fixes the problem. I did call my local indy shop specializing in Volvos and they said they would install customer provided parts (my buddy the mechanic will not). He suggested cleaning the existing unit and warned that an aftermarket unit will not work without the dealer installing the software and had never heard of XeMODeX when I explained (which was tough to do over the phone given the guy had an extremely thick Europen accent). That didn't exactly give me a warm fuzzy on the shop, even though I have heard positive things about it through word of mouth, but it is literally 2 miles from my house and 2 miles from my office and it is the only Volvo indy shop in town.

[precopster]

Corrosion in the ETM connecting plates (there are 6 stainless steel prongs connecting both wiper films to the end caps) is more likely the culprit than wear of the films at this mileage. Also corrosion of the contacting section of the film on the way to the wiper film is also a problem due to contamination of the unit with moisture and cleaners.

Notice the discolouration of the contacting film on the cream coloured areas. The Sacer replacement provided by XeModex and others does away with this contacting method and replaces output from both front and rear sensors and connects its output directly to the circuit board as it should have been when designed.

Mind you Volvo's next generation ETM by Bosch still uses wipers and film, though connection is direct.

[EverRespect]

Corrosion in the ETM connecting plates (there are 6 stainless steel prongs connecting both wiper films to the end caps) is more likely the culprit than wear of the films at this mileage.

The Sacer replacement provided by XeModex and others does away with this contacting method and replaces output from both front and rear sensors and connects its output directly to the circuit board as it should have been when designed.

Mind you Volvo's next generation ETM by Bosch still uses wipers and film, though connection is direct.

In layman's terms, are you suggesting I clean it rather than replace it? Mind you, the previous owner spend $250 having the throttle cleaned just 10,000 miles ago. If I have to have this thing cleaned every 10,000 miles and the film is eventually going to go if it hasn't already, am I not better off just replacing the unit? Don't really have the time/money to be dropping $250 and having my car in the shop every 10,000 miles.

[precopster]

I'm not suggesting you clean the throttle bore unless it's dirty. Hard to see the throttle bore on anything but a non turbo but they should stay clean for another 2-3 years at that mileage.

Once the films are corroded just get an XeModex and be done with it. The films can't be cleaned.

[EverRespect]

I'm not suggesting you clean the throttle bore unless it's dirty.

Once the films are corroded just get an XeModex and be done with it. They can't be cleaned.

Thanks for the advise and will do. Hopefully this will be my only issue for years to come.

[petermetzger]

Thanks, good to know. Got the vehicle at such a good price that even if I sink $500 in the XeMODeX plus paying someone to install it (I don't trust myself to do it), I won't have any remorse if it fixes the problem. I did call my local indy shop specializing in Volvos and they said they would install customer provided parts (my buddy the mechanic will not). He suggested cleaning the existing unit and warned that an aftermarket unit will not work without the dealer installing the software and had never heard of XeMODeX when I explained (which was tough to do over the phone given the guy had an extremely thick Europen accent). That didn't exactly give me a warm fuzzy on the shop, even though I have heard positive things about it through word of mouth, but it is literally 2 miles from my house and 2 miles from my office and it is the only Volvo indy shop in town.

Based on your situation I would recommend ordering the XeMODeX module and giving it a try. I do remember hearing something about the dealer needing to program the ETM as part of my initial research but I can't remember what the deal was with that. If it helps any I didn't have to have the dealer do anything special with my unit (though I did call them up for the radio code )

It also wan't terribly difficult to install; a friend and I did it in a couple of hours and the three biggest issues were 1) the ravenous mosquitoes on that humid summer evening, 2) not having the right tools on hand immediately, and 3) the sun went down on us and we had to grab a flashlight to wrap up.

[gmh]

Check the XeMODeX site, it specifys that the ETM is "pre-loaded with software".
http://xemodex.com/technologyimproved/v ... tle-module

You also have the option of sending your existing ETM to them to be re-manufactured for $60 less. That's what I did 4 years ago with my wife's 2001 V70. At that time they didn't have the ETM cores to ship replacements but it really isn't necessary now, the one they send to you will work without any programming from the dealer.