2000 S70 Still runs poorly after Xemodex upgrade

Chapelgirl · Post by **Chapelgirl** » 14 Dec 2014, 16:17

Suspected ETM failure after reading many posts. Low power, hunting at idle, etc. Decided to have the local Volvo dealer confirm ETM failure by doing a sweep test. I spent almost $200 on the diagnosis and they confirmed ETM failure. I removed and sent my ETM to Xemodex and they turned it right back around to me. The process was painless. However, I reinstalled the ETM today and much to my surprise the car runs just as poorly as before. I checked for codes with the OBDII scanner and had none. So, current symptoms are these:

1. Starts normally.
2. Idles normally.
3. Stumbles just a little when revving the engine but then will climb normally while sitting still.
4. When the engine is under load it simply lacks any power. Going up hills is next to impossible. Passing another car is very difficult on the highway. It can attain highway speeds but takes a long time to get there.

Repairs before the ETM changeout included doing a seafoam treatment, changing out the spark plugs, replacing the vacuum lines from the airbox to the intake manifold and one from the manifold to a switch up top over the radiator, cleaned the MAF sensor (at least the best I could - the one on the '00 doesn't come apart).

After spending $650 I'm frustrated and disheartened. Any ideas?

Post by **misha** » 14 Dec 2014, 16:38

Reset ecu with disconnecting negative battey cable for at least 15min.This will reset adaptives.
Then perform ecu relearn procedure(procedure is on the forum).

Chapelgirl · Post by **Chapelgirl** » 14 Dec 2014, 21:52

Found the ECU reset instructions and went through the procedure. Unfortunately that didn't help. Still very sluggish. Stopped and shut the car off numerous times, turned the car back on and went through the 1 minute in neutral, 1 minute in drive, etc. before pulling off. Drove it easy on flat roads for quite a while but then when attempting a hill I still have to just about floor the pedal and it struggles all the way up. I also have a very steep driveway and I can barely make it up. Still no check engine light, etc. I put about 30 miles on it during the process. Not sure what to do from here.

Post by **gmh** » 14 Dec 2014, 22:13

Call Xemodex in the morning. They have a good reputation for product support.

Post by **scot850** » 14 Dec 2014, 22:15

Maybe I missed it, but is your car a N/A or turbo?

Neil.

Chapelgirl · Post by **Chapelgirl** » 14 Dec 2014, 23:02

Non-turbo. I think I will call Xemodex as suggested. I followed their on-line troubleshooting guide, of course this is after the fact, but because I have no codes I went on to check the ETM fuse and it was good. I then turned the key to "on" and replaced the fuse and I heard the ETM whine and then click when the whine stopped. According to their flow chart that is pointing to the Engine Management Relay. I'll call them and talk it through and will report back. Thanks for the suggestions.

Post by **precopster** » 15 Dec 2014, 05:27

The whine should stop with a second click. This means correct firmware is loaded.

Did you reconnect that large tube in the rear of the flexible hose the MAF? It measures around 15mm inner diameter and will provide a huge air leak if left off.

Post by **northernlights** » 15 Dec 2014, 07:15

Chapelgirl wrote:Drove it easy on flat roads for quite a while but then when attempting a hill I still have to just about floor the pedal and it struggles all the way up. I also have a very steep driveway and I can barely make it up. Still no check engine light, etc.

Weird stuff like this with no engine code probably means something without wires is causing problems.

It sounds like a problem I haven't seen in years - a melted catalytic converter, blocked exhaust or similar. Can you or someone check the pressure anywhere in the exhaust, preferably upstream of the cat?

Post by **misha** » 15 Dec 2014, 10:15

northernlights wrote:...melted catalytic converter, blocked exhaust or similar....

Catalytic converters on these cars can't be melted.I had an opportunity to look at opened cat from these cars.It seems that they don' have a ceramic honeycomb inside,it's made from steel or some kind of metal.All is well made,made with quality and built to last.

So...it can go bad and can't do a catalyst purpose anymore,but it just can't be melted inside.

Chapelgirl · Post by **Chapelgirl** » 15 Dec 2014, 16:04

Talked to the Xemodex folks today who were genuinely trying to help me figure this out. He really felt that it could the MAF sensor even though I have no codes or possibly, as some of you are suggesting, the catalytic convertor has failed and is causing too much back pressure. The 2000 MAF sensor is somewhat a unique animal so trying to find a used one to test with will be a tall order. I don't have the tools to check exhaust pressure so I may have to have that professionally done. I'll keep at it and report back. Thanks everyone for your suggestions.