"reduced eng performance" msg 02 S80 T6

Cale · Post by **Cale** » 26 Mar 2007, 20:50

I have a 2002 S80 T6. I passed a car yesterday (using the great power) and when I made it around I had no more engine power. I pulled over and the car was idling rough and the check engine light came on and the computer message center had "reduced engine performance" displayed. As soon as you tried to accelerate the rpm's would only go up to about 1500 rpm's and it would cut out then drop to about 1000 rpm's then go up to 1500 rpm's and drop down and so on. It is almost like it is in a safe mode or governed and will not let the rpm's go over 1500 rpm's. It was the longest 6 mile drive I have ever taken to get home moving at a top speed of 15 miles an hour. I unhooked the battery over night thinking something might reset itself but to no such luck. Any ideas or thoughts? It is a 80 mile tow to the nearest Volvo dealer or if I started out about 5 am I should make it by 2pm

(lol). Thanks, Cale

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 26 Mar 2007, 21:02

Your car went into "limp home mode." I suspect that either a MAF sensor or the ETM (electronic throttle module) went out. All '99-'01 Volvo's had the bad ETM as well as some '02's. I suspect that yours might have been one of these. The good news is that the ETM is warranted to 10 years or 200K miles. That said, take your car, or have it towed to the dealer.

Cale · Post by **Cale** » 26 Mar 2007, 21:36

I do have access to a 99 S80. Are either of the two parts that you described interchangeable, where I could just switch? If I do get the correct part replaced do I have to bring it to a dealer to have dash lights reset? Thanks again, Cale

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 26 Mar 2007, 22:46

More than the dash lights reset...If you change out the ETM on your car, the dealer has to download a program to your car to "marry" the new ETM to your car. Instead of trying to guess if it truly is the ETM that went bad, let me suggest you take the car to your dealer, after all, if it is the ETM, it's under warranty, and repairs should not cost you a penny.

Read this for futher understanding of the possible issue:
www.vexedvolvo.org

Also, Don Willson the author of the above website is moderator of the ETM section of this site, here: https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/chat/p ... m.php?f=12

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 26 Mar 2007, 22:55

Well, I just looked at Don't site myself and realized that the S80 was only affected through year 2001 (although some V70's were affected in year '02 as well). Sorry to stir the hornet's nest. It appears that you have some other trouble. I suspect the MAF. Get your engine codes read at most auto parts stores (AutoZone, PepBoys, etc.) and report them back...this will help further diagnose your issue.

Cale · Post by **Cale** » 26 Mar 2007, 23:00

Thanks so much for the advise and information. I just started to look into the links you posted. Very interesting

. I will post the outcome.