What does the new software actually do?

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 06 Apr 2006, 15:44

There is much discussion on numerous boards (swedespeed, volvospeed and here) in regards to what the "new program" for the ETM actually does. Many are running, not walking to their dealer for it and with mostly good, but at times, mixed results. Those who have had their ECU's modified with either new software or a chip are unknowingly having their car's ETM software upgraded while they are in for other dealer service. This upgrade in turn erases their expensive code, as the new software seems to over-write it. This for them is just as expensive as having to have paid for an ETM replacement and upgrade (like just a few months ago).

Others are stating that the new software is better because the metal arms that rub agains the mylar don't have to travel as far to pick up a signal so the mylar in the potentiometer lasts longer. My understanding is that the arms are allowed to travel over a larger area of the mylar so that the potentiometer lasts longer. In other words, the metal fingers are no longer digging into the same small area over and over. This is good, but the unit will still ultimately fail.

Don, or anyone who knows, what does this new software actually do?

Post by **mom** » 06 Apr 2006, 20:30

I think I won't go for the upgrade too soon. I just want to be sure to have my ETS light on. I suspect they hide these codes and they want to clean TB,change O2 sensors, check for leaks in your intake, you know, things like that.Because nobody knows what this software is all about. I posted a thread in february about that, since then I had zero answer.

Post by **JRL** » 08 Apr 2006, 09:41

mom wrote:I think I won't go for the upgrade too soon. I just want to be sure to have my ETS light on. I suspect they hide these codes and they want to clean TB,change O2 sensors, check for leaks in your intake, you know, things like that.Because nobody knows what this software is all about. I posted a thread in february about that, since then I had zero answer.

You're wrong.
This software is good, good for Volvo and good for you and your car.
They run better, smoother and quicker. The ETMs will last much longer, everyone wins, EXCEPT the prople with flashed (modded) ECU's
This software DOES flash over your existing set up and WILL put your car back to stock. Besides, if you go to a Volvo store for service your car WILL get flashed automatically as this is a FEDERAL recall. TELL them you have a modded ECU, if you don't you WILL get this whether you want it or not.
(Don't worry, my 00 V70R has never run so good and so fast as it does now)
No one yet, (ipd, BSR et al ) has even SEEN a car with this reflash much less taken the codes and worked on a new flash. It may be several months before this happens as they have to do ALL the years and models all over again
JRL

Post by **mom** » 08 Apr 2006, 09:44

Do you work for a dealer ?

Post by **JRL** » 08 Apr 2006, 09:44

mom wrote:Do you work for a dealer ?

I AM a dealer

Post by **mom** » 08 Apr 2006, 09:46

Volvo dealer ?

Post by **JRL** » 08 Apr 2006, 13:21

mom wrote:Volvo dealer ?

No

JBRollo · Post by **JBRollo** » 09 Apr 2006, 18:44

In engineering terms we call this a workaround. It's just a a bandaid fix. You simply can't fix a mechanical defect (mechanical feelers in this case) with a software modification. The problem will just come back later.
This principal also applies to the so called software fix for the transmission flare on 99-2002 models.

The failure mode is already known. So why doesn't Volvo just pony up to a redesign before the NTSB forces one?

Post by **JRL** » 09 Apr 2006, 19:02

JBRollo wrote:In engineering terms we call this a workaround. It's just a a bandaid fix. You simply can't fix a mechanical defect (mechanical feelers in this case) with a software modification. The problem will just come back later.
This principal also applies to the so called software fix for the transmission flare on 99-2002 models.

The failure mode is already known. So why doesn't Volvo just pony up to a redesign before the NTSB forces one?

Not quite true but I'm not going to get into an argument. BTW, the software made my 2000R SCREAM

howardc64 · Post by **howardc64** » 22 Apr 2006, 09:04

When I heard Volvo announcing a updated ETM software a few months ago promising to "reduce the ETM failure rate". I wondered what they could do given the potentiometer problems in the ETM itself. Most people that read Don's research probably thought the same.

The following was a guess I made. I have no actual software insight to what these softwares are doing. Just a guess based on the technical knowledge I learned from various online sources. I'll post this as there doesn't seem to be any theory of operations.

Please remember this is conjecture at this time, not fact.

I searched and found the following Volvo's ME7 engine management unit info. It doesn't have a lot of details but one begins to make some guesses

http://www.volvoclub.org.uk/volvo_workshop-me7.shtml

ETM seems to have 2 main functions besides any error code house keeping functions.

1. Motor to move the throttle. The amount comes from pedal position sensor -> ECM to compute for the final load after taking into account of various engine conditions + other load on the car (like AC? I figure that is why I don't feel AC on power drop on this car)

2. Potentiaometer to measure the throttle position.

I wonder what #2 is for other than as a feedback loop to check for error. I asked myself, what if ECU ignores the throttle position? Or perhaps interpret it with less conservatism (any kind of signal spike from bad pot thrown out or filtered out, or maybe compared the 2 pot to figure out how to throw/filter out the bad one)

Perhaps the old software is too conservative attempting to prevent the throttle from going wild (for example, what if the motor is bad). Maybe in reality, both pots would be throwing really bad signals if the motor was going bad. If not, driver can always decrease the demand by letting up the foot.

JRL said in another forum that his Volvo dealer said it works a lot like a mechanical throttle now. Well, we can't replace the motor with linkages+cable like a mechanical one, but it seems throttle position can be filtered by software.

Just a guess. I wish I had more insight to have firm answers. Certainly interested if anyone have something definitive.