2000 v70xc turbo ETM failure after head gasket replacement

pbob42 · Post by **pbob42** » 29 Jan 2014, 15:44

Just replaced the head gasket and now I am getting a P0121 error. Didn't have any errors prior to the head gasket failure and overheating. Did that overheat cause this failure? Did I mess it up putting back together or was it just getting ready to fail at 125K? Sure does seem to be a coincidence. Can I test this before I pull it off or do I just keep on wrenching?

FCPEURO · Post by **FCPEURO** » 29 Jan 2014, 17:27

It is possible that removing the intake manifold messed up the throttle body. Is your unit a yellow or white label unit? The white label units are know to go but the yellow (newer) label units seems to be a lot better.

Post by **burnout8488** » 29 Jan 2014, 18:54

If it's the original ETM, good chance it's gone at 125K. Did the ETS light come on as well?

Even if it isn't the ETM, replacing it wouldn't hurt.

You said "ETM Failure," has it exhibited any ETM failure symptoms other than the trouble code? How does it drive?

pbob42 · Post by **pbob42** » 30 Jan 2014, 07:06

Car won't start, but is trying to, real close. Have this P0121 code (only one), that if I clear comes right back. The ETS light is on but so is every other light. We did not have a P0121 before the head gasket failure. I am thinking that we did something wrong hooking up all the connectors, but everything looks right. Replaced most all of the wiring insulation when we were putting it back together, most had crumbled off before we got the car.

It is a white label unit. Don't mind replacing the unit, but I would be great to verify the failure before I throw the parts at it. See ways to test the TPS. No way to check these ETMs before you pull them off?

Post by **abscate** » 30 Jan 2014, 08:23

You have to have the engine running to confirm the ETS is indicating, it always comes on in the ignition on, not running case, as a check.

The units are fragile and it may well have died being pulled

pbob42 · Post by **pbob42** » 30 Jan 2014, 08:25

Could be it - this has been a father and son project - 17 year old is 6'4" lineman - not always as careful as he might be. I am going to pull it off and see if there are any yellow tagged units at ecology.

Post by **burnout8488** » 30 Jan 2014, 11:11

Yeah, just get a used yellow label for testing purposes. No need to go brand new here, at least for now.

pbob42 · Post by **pbob42** » 30 Jan 2014, 12:00

Well, got it off and there was some crud in there keeping it from closing. Hooked it back up and my error code went away. Going to bolt everything back up and see if she will start.

Post by **precopster** » 30 Jan 2014, 12:47

Goes to show that sometimes basic maintenance is the key. If I were doing a head gasket on any ETM car it would be a priority to remove and clean both sides of the throttle flap.

It's just too easy with the manifold removed

Post by **abscate** » 30 Jan 2014, 12:58

pbob42 wrote:Well, got it off and there was some crud in there keeping it from closing. Hooked it back up and my error code went away. Going to bolt everything back up and see if she will start.

Nice..Im in SFO but expect to hear the VROOM of joy all the way up here...