1999 V70xc - start,idle, ETS - ongoing May 2015

[precopster]

The fact it shuts off in 8 seconds is very promising in any case regarding firmware.

Looks like the ETM is faulty.

Upgrading the firmware will make it less susceptible to throttle angle errors from the contact films. It has a greater delay time from reading error reported to MIL notification.

If the contacting films are worn newer firmware may fix the problem but only if codes are 9150 or 9160 or P0120 or P0121

[hubble_xm]

I'd be surprised if the films are worn. I reconciled the vehicle service dates to km's and provided the ETM was new when installed, it has to have less than 15k km on it. That is what the car has done since 2011.

Looks like the software upgrade is worthwhile.

I should also note that since having made the connection between the position of the Climate control module and rough idling when the ETS light is on, I have been reliably able to start the car. If I have the fan control on manual (previous I had it on Auto) and turn the key to PosII, the ETS light (along with other dash indicator lights illuminate). After some time (perhaps the 8 secs or so that I indicated a couple posts back) the ETS light goes off and I start the car without a hard start. I think it is linked. How, I have no idea, but it seems to work.

[precopster]

Abscate's advice to clean grounds then sounds like a good first step.

Updating software as stated really ONLY helps where there are worn films.

[hubble_xm]

Latest.

Had the dealer reload the ETM software and also got my VIDA/DICE delivered! The ETM info is below

Serial No 113811715646
Hardware number 0008644347 B
Diagnostic version 30785388 A
Software number 0009471552 A
Software number 0030785180 A

So far so good. Have not had any ETS light yet and starts first time - although my current starting method is to turn key to PosII, wait for ETS light to illuminate for bulb check and then turn off before starting.

I guess my next thing is to run the ETM test and also check grounds if problem persists?

[precopster]

In case you're curious the ETM s build date is on the yellow sticker. Starts with year as 2 digit number and then states week of build with a W prefix.

Also it's stamped on the base as a round stamp with year and month.

ETM test is in Communication-ETM Activations-ETM test.

[hubble_xm]

Just thought I'd post back an update on this.

It has now been a month since I had the dealer reload ETM software. In that time there has not been a single hard start or ETS fault thrown. I've been meaning to do a sweep test with Vida/Dice but not sure I need to now. The car is performing perfectly - in fact better than it ever has in my short ownership.

Thanks to all those who have offered advice. Great community.

[JRL]

Leave it alone now and just drive it.
Don't upset the apple cart!