'99 S70 Auto, NA, Base -- XeModeX ETM Appears to be Failing

Post by **E Showell** » 14 Feb 2016, 08:11

Along about April 2015 I sent my S70's existing ETM up to XeModeX in Canada for a rebuild. I installed it and it seemed to operate pretty well for a while, but about 3 months ago I started to get a surging idle on start-up, particularly on cold mornings. I thought it might be the result of a small vacuum leak, but had been unable to locate one and had not had the time to get the car smoke tested. Also, the problem seemed to go away after the car warmed up. Two days ago, I started to get bad hunting at start-up and a persistent surging throughout the rev range. At last, the ETS light came on and stayed on.

I sent XeModex an email and will call them tomorrow to pursue a warranty repair. I've got to believe their repair just didn't take and that they should fix the unit on a warranty basis. Still sucks since I'll have to take the car out of action for several days for the repair to occur.

I'll update on progress.

Post by **scot850** » 14 Feb 2016, 20:29

Sorry to hear about the problem Evan. The guys at Xemodex are very helpful, so I'm sure they will help out, but it does suck that the car will be out of action for a few days. Did you contact them on the Xemodex section of MVS? It is a holiday up here this weekend so most businesses are possibly shut tomorrow (Monday).

Let us know how it turns out.

Neil.

Post by **RussB** » 15 Feb 2016, 08:52

Have you seen the diagnostic flow chart?

http://xemodex.com/us/knowledgebase/etm ... 1999-2004/

Post by **E Showell** » 15 Feb 2016, 13:20

Thanks Russ, very familiar with the diagnostic flow chart. Throwing a generic P1108 code when I put the cheapo Actron reader on it. "Manufacturer Control Fuel Air Metering" is the description of the code. Could a bad MAF set an ETS code?

Post by **RussB** » 15 Feb 2016, 13:43

Post by **abscate** » 15 Feb 2016, 15:41

I wouldn't trust that generic description of that code from that reader It's A hostile witness.

My older AUTEX translated a CVVT solenoid failure as cylinder #8 too lean....LOL

Post by **RussB** » 16 Feb 2016, 17:45

When I bought the xemodex ETM I also bought a new Bosch MAF at the same time. I figured at 200k miles it may have been used up as well

Post by **E Showell** » 27 Feb 2016, 05:52

Not so sure it's the ETM now. Perhaps an undetected vacuum leak. Yesterday leaving work the idle started surging after first starting the car. I hopped out and unplugged the MAF for diagnostic purposes. After unplugging the MAF the idle swing was even more pronounced -- almost to the point of stalling. Plugged the MAF back in and the idle fluctuation disappeared. I am tempted today to throw a shot of contact cleaner on the MAF plug.

Any diagnostic information to be learned by an increasing idle fluctuation with the MAF unplugged? Does that suggest the MAF is working as it should? Any other thoughts?

Post by **abscate** » 27 Feb 2016, 05:56

I think that's indicative of MAF not dead, and definitely vacuum leak.

Can you make sir flow readings with your code reader?

Post by **E Showell** » 27 Feb 2016, 06:02

Steve -- My code reader's pretty basic. I don't think I can get air flow readings. I'll have to poke around in the engine compartment today and see if I can get a handle on a vacuum leak. Can I use a cigar for a smoke test?