1999 S70 Heavy Idle ETM & Check Engine Lights

JoelXXXXX · Post by **JoelXXXXX** » 15 Jul 2015, 21:02

Hello --

I started my car a couple days ago and the ETM and Check Engine lights came on and the engine immediately started idle hunting. Fortunately this happened with my car in the driveway. I took it for a quick drive around the block and it won't accelerate faster than about 25 MPH. I've done a lot of research online about the topic and I purchased a OBD II code reader, but I'm a bit "lost" as to where exactly to start next. First, the codes I have are P1108, P1031, P1017, P1026 and P1021. My car has approx 293K on it.

I am going to clean the throttle tomorrow. I have also ordered a new MAF sensor which I am awaiting to come in the mail. I also plan on changing the spark plugs while I'm under the hood although I'm pretty sure that's not the problem, but I figure it can't hurt. I've been reading a lot about the ETM Sensor and I have called Volvo to run my VIN, and the ETM was replaced after recall in 2006. I'm hoping that after I clean the throttle and replace the MAF things will improve, but I'm feeling pretty confident that I will need to get a new ETM and from what I've been reading, XeMODeX is the place to go.

Anyway, I have reviewed the codes online, but honestly, they don't make a lot of sense to me; I have little experience with such things. I was hoping someone might have information that I might better comprehend? Perhaps give me a more definitive answer as to what the codes mean? Also, does anyone have any advice on this topic, and am I trouble shooting properly and looking in the right direction? I've grown quite attached to my little S70 and it's been well taken care of; I hope to get many more miles out of it. I'd like to at least get another year out of it.

Any advice/assistance would be much appreciated.

Post by **abscate** » 15 Jul 2015, 21:18

Welcome to MVS!

First thing to do is clear the codes with your OBD reader and see what comes back first.

On the 1999 models the ETM has to be matched to the car so it's not just a drop in.

Xmodex is probably the right route if you want 1-2 more years

JoelXXXXX · Post by **JoelXXXXX** » 15 Jul 2015, 21:50

@abscate

Thanks for the quick reply. I should have noted that I did clear the codes and then went back and got the above listed codes (the ETM light came back one, but check engine light didn't). Also since it had been a couple days since the 1st time I noticed the problem and by the time I got the OBDII reader, the engine was no longer hunting, but the engine was still idling hard at about 1K. I have not tried to drive the car again today; will see how things go after cleaning the throttle.

Marilyn99 · Post by **Marilyn99** » 16 Jul 2015, 11:42

Just an FYI - this happened to me several years ago. It happened intermittently for quite a while, then got steadily worse. What it turned out to be was the ABS control module. Bought one from IPD USA and it took care of the problem. It does make the check engine and ETM lights come on, it tamps the engine performance down to practically nothing while the event is going on. Then all the lights will go off and the engine returns to normal. But it does get worse over time. Just something to keep in mind.

JoelXXXXX · Post by **JoelXXXXX** » 16 Jul 2015, 12:24

@Marilyn99

Thanks for that input; it helps a great deal. I had some problems with the ABS/Trac Light about a year ago. I got in touch with "Matt" who repairs them. At the time, the issue started appearing after using the cruise control which seems to cause ABS/Trac warning light issues. After exchanging a couple e-mails with Matt I decided to see if the problem would resolve itself and it did. Then about a month or so ago the ABS/Trac lights began coming on intermittently, so I've been "keeping an eye on the issue"; it was my intention to actually change out the the existing module this summer. To be honest, the ABS light did come on briefly the other day along with the EMT and Check engine light, but after turning the car off and on again the warning light went out. One way or another, I will be changing that out soon. So, I definitely appreciate that input; it only reinforces my belief that swapping out the old module is much needed.

Also, if anyone has info on those warning codes I posted, I'd be most appreciative!!

Post by **abscate** » 16 Jul 2015, 14:43

All of those codes are Electronic throttle body error codes. It looks like it has kicked the bucket

Post by **precopster** » 16 Jul 2015, 15:32

Is this a non turbo? In less than 5 minutes you can do the following.

Remove the rubber tubing leading to the ETM and manually operate the brass flap from fully closed to fully open. If it catches along it's travel the motor magnet has expanded and is rubbing against the armature.

There is a fix for this which I can explain however let's see what you find first.

JoelXXXXX · Post by **JoelXXXXX** » 16 Jul 2015, 20:00

@precopster

I'm just seeing this msg, but it's almost 10:00 PM here. I will have to wait till morning to do this check. I will let you know what I find. Oh, and yes, non-turbo 2.4L L5 DOHC 20V

Thank you!

JoelXXXXX · Post by **JoelXXXXX** » 17 Jul 2015, 08:13

@precopster

I accessed the inside of the throttle and accessed the brass flap. It didn't seem to catch at all when I opened it. I was also able to push in the opposite direction and it closed against it's "stop" (about a 1/2'' or so) and the disc snapped back to its resting position upon release. I'm now going to remove it completely and give it a cleaning, although, it doesn't appear too grimy it could use cleaning.

Post by **precopster** » 17 Jul 2015, 16:58

Too bad that means you may need to replace or refurbish it.