2000 V70R - ETM compatibility question?

[scot850]

I was at a pick-n-pull today, and there was a 2000 V70Xc with a white label ETM with the same part # that should be fitted to my 2000 V70R. The 'R' is actually fitted with a Xemodex unit by PO about 2.5-3 years ago ( less than 20,000km). As most of the front of the car was removed it only took a few minutes to remove (there are seldom 99-00 Volvos in the yards around here).

Having brought it home, and given it a really good cleaning (OOPs, noticed the don't spray unit directly too late with throttle body cleaner), the unit now looks presentable.

Having read a lot of the info on ETM's now, the questions are:

1) Does it make any sense to keep the ETM (white label) or return it in great haste?
2) Having sprayed the unit in the throttle flap area with cleaner and wiped down with a cloth ( it was heavily carboned up) does it make sense to keep it for any reason or return it for my $40. No issues currently with the Xemodex unit.
3) Should this unit be compatible as it has the same part number and is from same year, AWD and auto trans?
4) Is it still worth keeping even as a non-working spare for re-build purposes?

Thanks,

Neil.

[precopster]

Simply plug it into your car's loom then turn on the ignition to Pos II. After hearing the initial click there should be a high pitch whine then afew seconds later another click and it will shut off.

If the high pitch whine continues and the second click doesn't occur the programming is not compatible.

[scot850]

Thanks Mike. Is it likely I would have killed the unit by using too much throttle body cleaner and spraying it (it was coated in a thick layer of carbon).

In terms of compatibility, I could do the test although the car is in bits (removing the rear cracked sub-frame) and the connector is a real pain to undo and access on the front cross-member.

I don't use Volvo software, but do use Rica software in my car. Volvo accidentally re-flashed the software last year to upgrade the ETM software (which is not relevant to the Xemodex unit). I have now the Rica Softloader which reads the cars VIN and you can re-programme either the standard software or the performance software. Any idea if this would 're-programme' the ETM anyway?

Neil.

[precopster]

If the throttle cleaner was only sprayed in the throat there's more than a good chance it will survive.

It's highly unlikely that the Rica software will affect the ETM in any way.

ETM firmware and ECM firmware often need to be matched so Volvo did nothing wrong.

[scot850]

Thanks Mike.

I seem to recall talking to Rica about the software they supply, and if memory is correct, you are correct that it doesn't affect throttle settings of ETM. I was confused, as it was when Volvo re-programmed the ETM 'accidentally' for a recall, they wiped the Rica programming.

What I noticed right away, was a throttle that was harder to press and slower to respond it input. Basically the up-grade screwed up the throttle operation from where I liked it. Add to this they then said they can't programme backwards, it really p****d me off.

I tried yesterday to connect up the spare ETM as you suggested. A real pain if you are a big person with fat arms to get to the ETM connector on a turbo car. I cannot disconnect the 2 halves of the connector. I had a real problem with the spare one also. Had to place in a vice and use a pair of vice grips to pull apart. I used a little silicon oil on the sides of the mail portion and it is easier to separate (I cut the cable off in the wrecking yard as I couldn't separate the halves with tools I had).

Any suggestions on an easier way to separate the halves from your vast experience?

Appreciate the help.

Neil.

P.S. You are in Australia (large country I know) but have you heard of a company supplying reset tools for Volvos called Euro Software Technology?

Can't seem to find a web-page so maybe they have closed down?

Address is:

Tel is 07 55994555 / 0755994555
Euro Software Technology
48 Ourimbah Road,
Tweed Heads West,,2485,Australia

[scot850]

Well a further update.

After a hell of a battle, lots of Engineering high powered language, and tearing my right thumb nail half off, I managed to separate the 2 halves of the connecter using a spray of silicon oil on the connector, a long set of vice grips and my right hand depressing the latch.

Connected the spare ETM up and there was a whine (like my wife when I spend money at pick and pull. Actually she is pretty good about it!), the flap closed, sat for about 6-8 seconds, and then the whine stopped and the flap moved back.

Based on what you said in this and other posts, that should mean a compatible ETM that possibly works. But does this reflect on how it will work in use? I take it, the only way is to fit it (ain't going to happen anytime soon as I have the rear AWD cracked sub-frame to pull and replace)

So question for you, if it were your money ($45 CDN) would you keep the unit as a spare knowing it may sit for a long time on a shelf as a possibly good unit or take it back?

Many thanks again for your help!

Neil.

[precopster]

The throttle "feel" is governed by the return spring on the pedal assembly so that change in feedback to your foot is probably no more than your foot feeling robbed by Volvo 8-)8-)

There may be changes in throttle travel for the same throttle opening though.

I would keep it because you have fought one battle by fitting it and if you store it in a dry place with some dessicant (silica gel) in a sealed box it should be ok in a couple of years. My testing method involves rewriting my NA firmware to the ETM and road testing for a couple of days.

No suggestions on turbo ETM connectors. I cursed at Volvo's lack of engine space on turbo ETM models. You basically really need two hands in there for a quick disconnect.......or hire next door neighbour's teenage son

[scot850]

Thanks Mike for guidance.

Like I said, I will not be installing anytime soon (have a 30kkm Xemodex fitted) but will bag and tag it as a spare using a desiccant as suggested.

Access on a turbo is a pain and really can only be done to swap out an ETM by removing the fan unit which is fairly quick once you can loosen the intake pipe clamp. Fitting a new intake pipe recently ended up taking over an hour of fighting the dam pipe to get it over the ETM input as the new plastic was now very flexible. If I had to do it again, I'd heat it slightly in an oven to soften it.

I have scrapes on both forearms from getting the wiring junction separated and a half torn off thumb nail, so a teenager is a good suggestion. Actually I have one of those......!

Have you heard of the company I mentioned in your circles of repairers?

Many thanks for your support!

Neil.

[precopster]

I fitted an ETM to a S70 LPT and I couldn't believe how hard I made it for myself. XeModex's video shows a guy hardly breaking a sweat.

Haven't heard of the company you mention but that doesn't mean they aren't any good.