2001 S80 2.9

[June]

This S80 only has 80k miles. Since I've owned it (10k miles ago) I've had to replace the timing belt kit (when the tensioner exploded), water pump (because I was there) front calipers, front struts, alternator, radiator, MAF and ETM (this is the second ETM). This may be a 17 y.o. vehicle but it was driven by a cautious old woman and garage kept all of it's life. Other than the emergency brake boot the interior looks close to new. Only the normal fading of the black plastic and vinyl around the windows reflects it's age on the exterior.
I will be contacting Volvo about the diagnostic charge too, thanks.

The timing belt was due in 2011. Maintenance items are not unusual. Look in the owners books that came with the car. Timing belt due every 10 years or 110K whichever comes first for example. There are other requirements laid out in that booklet like the break fluid must be flushed every 2 years or 24K which ever comes first. Really the alternator is the only surprise as I believe Bosh alternators are generally reliable, as mine is original on my 2004 with 170K without issue. The black applique around the windows is replaceable. Mine needs it replaced as the applique has deteriorated in the last couple of years from sitting out in the sun and age. June

[SuperHerman]

wizbang: At this point you have already spent a bunch of money, and the car appears to be worth saving. It appears you know your way around cars and understand how to run diagnostic computers and own one or have access to one.

Here is a link to how to run the built in diagnostic features built into newer Volvos: http://mr-fix.info/volvo-hidden-menu-dtc-check/

ETM is listed on the list so the test should tell you if the ETM is seen by the Volvo's self test. I don't think it will tell you much more than that. For that information a code reader is needed. It appears you need to look for codes P0121 and/or P0120.

Here is what I would do. Replace the MAF and see what happens. If you are still having problems that point to your ETM having issues (codes P0121 and/or P0120) then I would proceed to the ETM. But first run down your codes for other possible issues so they are eliminated.

Unfortunately your 2001 S80 has the Magenti Marelli (MM) ETM. They are an known issue, and were recalled by Volvo in some capacity. Do a search and see if you qualify for any type of service or reimbursement.

If this is a dead end you have a couple options, but need to use your automotive wisdom and budget to pick your path.

The Xemodex solution converts the MM ETM to a contactless design as you know, plus repairs other parts that may be an issue. If I recall you send your ETM to them, they convert it and repair what other item needs fixing. Your software is still in there so they don't need to load anything. It is PAY - then plug and play. I have used Xemodex for CEM repair and they are a great outfit.

Your other option is to do the contactless conversion yourself. I did it on my 2001 XC70 that had the MM ETM without issue. It was not difficult and solved my issues.

Look on eBay for "Contactless ETM Volvo" and you will find several places selling the kit for around $100-130.00.

Search this site and you will see a few posts on the subject. Here is a good one to start with: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=79469

Hopefully this helps.

[matthew1]

2001 S80 Maintenance Schedule

[wizbang]

I do understand the age has a big bearing on everything. It just frustrates me to sink a lot of money into an old car that is worth less than the sum of the parts installed. I tried to use the hidden DTC (ign in II, hold 'read', press fog light switch twice) but nothing happens(?). Up until about two months ago the car ran great after the ETM was replaced just over 2 years ago. It's been here since my daughter dropped it off with this running issue, blown Volvo strut, blown upper motor mount, leaking radiator and needing an inspection in less than 24 hours. I bought her a 2015 Honda Accord V6 Touring instead. That car is very nice. If I can get this S80 up to speed it will remain as a back-up vehicle until it dies again or gets nailed in an accident.

[June]

I do understand the age has a big bearing on everything. It just frustrates me to sink a lot of money into an old car that is worth less than the sum of the parts installed. I tried to use the hidden DTC (ign in II, hold 'read', press fog light switch twice) but nothing happens(?). Up until about two months ago the car ran great after the ETM was replaced just over 2 years ago. It's been here since my daughter dropped it off with this running issue, blown Volvo strut, blown upper motor mount, leaking radiator and needing an inspection in less than 24 hours. I bought her a 2015 Honda Accord V6 Touring instead. That car is very nice. If I can get this S80 up to speed it will remain as a back-up vehicle until it dies again or gets nailed in an accident.

Now this makes more sense. The car has been treated in a unknown fashion out of your hands. It went form a garage and a old lady to a young driver who in all likelihood would rather have the Honda like her friends. A 2015 car is way more sensible than a 2001 for a young driver.

That repair ticket I showed you from last week on the 07 C70 is the car that I bought my ding-a-ling daughter to have away at college. I call her a ding-a-ling because she damaged the car and hid it and simply was going to drive it until it stopped. So $3,700 later the mechanical damage is fixed... oh and a strong warning from me about automotive responsibility! Unfortunately young drivers are not required to understand and respect the machine itself. I definitely fell short teaching my daughter. June

[wizbang]

That action may be typical of many young drivers but not my 22 yo daughter. She has been driving since 12. That was offroading in some incredible environments. She's been licensed since 16 and has never had any violation or accident. In fact, she had only driven that S80 for 4 months since buying my wife a LR4. She's well aware of how a vehicle operates and how it should sound or behave. The times she's called me due to the slightest questionable noise or behavior is admirable. She has saved more than one vehicle knowing when to stop driving it. For what it worth, she drove a 1994 Accord EX and several Land Rover Discovery I or II since turning 16 until we gave her the Volvo. I have many friends that wouldn't let anyone drive their trucks offroad but would hand her the keys in a heart beat.

[RickHaleParker]

Don't get ahead of yourself, fix the IAT before you dump time and money in the ETM.
Do you really think the S80 is a POS or are you just overwhelmed with maintaining too many vehicles.

[wizbang]

The MAF (integrated IAT) is on order from IPD. This S80 isn't really a POS so much as a PITA. Things like being forced to go to the dealer for ETM programming is ridiculous to me. While my rovers are a whole different breed of troubles at least I can purchase handheld tools that allow me to talk to and modify parameters for around $500 or less. If there is anything available for Volvo's I'd like to know. I remember fondly downloading VARIS years ago to work on this car for my mom. It took a rebuild of my PC to rid myself of the dang virus that came with it.

[RickHaleParker]

I'm sure the software you downloaded was Volvo VADIS. The VT2000 hardware interface that was used with VADIS was hard to find and it was expensive when you did find it. Volvo VADIS VT2000 has been replaced with Volvo VIDA DiCE.

Volvo VIDA DiCE will let you change settings and IF ...,emphasize IF, you could get the upgrade software it will do programing. You can get DiCE hardware interface clones for $80.00, The VIDA software is on the internet. Vida 2014D_RePack is the one to use, not the software package that comes with the DiCE unit.

Software upgrades, that takes a Volvo dealer. Even authorized independent service centers must go through a Volvo dealer for software upgrades.

There are Volvo Magneti Marelli Electronic Throttle Module tools that allow full testing, cloneing and programing. One needs to copy the software from a ETM with a working mother board. About $330.00 .. when you can find them.

[oragex]

Sometimes is perhaps wiser to just let go a car.. In particular when we start to feel stressed about it (mostly because of the repairs needed). There are S80s out there doing much better with even more miles, but sometimes, hey it happens.