ETM Tranny saga...

[Gianni2012]

First I want to acknowledge Howard Cheng for posting the ETM removal instructions with pictures so that even I could change out the original ETM for the xemodex version.

My 2001 V70 XC has 189,000 miles on it and the transmission was changed out at 73,000 by Volvo. Transmission was working fine before the hunting idle and symptoms of ETM failure showed up about 3 months ago. I changed the ETC sensor cleaned up the MAF and realized the ETM had to be the problem. Surging at the light etc.

Problem is during this 3 month diagnosis period I lost third gear and my ATF turned black! I was having no slippage or any signs of Transmission problems before the last month actually.

Howard was surprised that I still had the original ETM on my car it lasted over 11 years and 189,000. However I believe during the 3 month failing period it sent faulty info to my transmission and caused the PO375 solenoid failure of my third gear. It's hard for me to believe that it's a coincidence. Now I have installed the new ETM and instantaneously the idle issues and etm failure signs have been cured.

What I am asking is does anyone know of a provable link between ETM failure and transmission problems? I still have the old etm and was wondering if there was a way to prove the relationship?

I feel Volvo has at least partial responsibility here---in the 2006 software upgrade they made it so that the ETM would never throw codes--so I was in the dark as far as wondering what was wrong with my idle--It took me to long (3 months) to figure out the problem and by than the tranny was damaged.

Any ideas on proving the link?

[regent]

I would not like to discourage you but... From 73 k to 189 k, I would not believe you changed the fluid after 116,000 miles for the first time. If so, I would not blame the ETM for a transmission failure.
On your question, yes, both electronic modules talk to each other, but I am unaware of a provable link like cause and consequence. Maybe other members will chime in, no?

[Gianni2012]

The xomodex whatever guy said that once the ETM starts going it can send the transmission faulty information that can cause damage. I only have coincidence or suspicion since it happened when my etm started to fail. Perhaps there simply is no way to prove it. Are there codes that would prove it? I only got the PO875 solenoid code. Do codes leave a paper trail--perhaps only a Volvo dealer could get those codes? I don't know--it is dubious of Volvo in the 2006 software upgrade to stop the ETM from throwing codes altogether is it not?

[regent]

I am not aware of trends or relevant codes that can prove your scenario of the ETM destroying the transmission by 'lying to it', but I am also positive that Volvo will most likely deny its possibility. There have been instances where they have maintained similar posture in the past... sadly.
You could ask XEMODEX to give you more specifics about how this could have happened and what codes to look for, no? If they made a statement to this effect, they probably had grounds to do so.

In addition, codes can be pulled with VIDA DiCE, but they can also be cleared while talking to the car (intentionally or not ). I suspect that the "electronic evidence" may have already been wiped clean during you last visit to the stealership.
If you want to argue your case, I would suggest pulling the codes yourself or using an independent entity.

[Gianni2012]

Turns out the "foreign car mechanic" put the Transmission Oil additive in the Transaxle compartment. That big bolt is the Band Anchor Bolt--removing the bolt causes the band to fall out of place---and you lose third gear! Everyone should know about this or am I and this mechanic the only knuckleheads who remove the Band anchor bolt to fill ATF? Either way it's good info--

[regent]

Only use the dipstick tube to fill fluid.
Sometimes we learn the hard way...
And yes, please have that Wise Master Mechanic pay for all your expenses and find himself an alternate line of work that does not require mechanical aptitude