2001 V70 ETM issue. What else is new? Topic is solved

[jesstho]

First time poster, hardcore lurker. MVS has provided me with so much information regarding my new to me 2001 V70 NA! We are a bit of a Volvo family, my Mom has a 2009 S80 and my grandfather owned a number of Volvo’s in the 60s and 70s. However, I seem to be having an issue that is different from the rest...

I recently purchased a 2001 Volvo V70 2.4L NA with 241,000KM. The car came with many service records and was generally well maintained. According to the paperwork, the ETM was replaced by a shop after a total failure in February 2018. It was replaced with a used unit yellow sticker unit from a 2002 Volvo S60. Part #8644344. In the service records, it states that the V70 was idling high after the new throttle body was installed. It was removed, reprogramed and reinstalled with no change. The notes state that the idle may decrease with drive time. I called the Indy who did the repair and they state that they only transferred the software from the old ETM to the new and that no updates were installed as they don’t have the equipment.

Since I have brought the car the high idle, 1500RPM in park and neutral and 950-1100 in gear, has been more of an annoyance than a performance issue. The car generally drives great, although the revs do surge 200-300RPM when stopped in gear. Interestingly enough when I start the car in the morning (-1 degrees out here in Canada!) it idles at 850RPM in park and neutral and doesn't start idling high until the car is warm after a short drive, 5mins. I have cleaned the throttle body with no change to the high idle.

From my research, I discovered Xemodex and their troubleshooting flow charts. I pulled and reinstalled the fuse for ETM and the ETM clicks once but doesn't stop humming until the car is started or ignition shut off. While the ignition is on and the ETM humming I am able to open and closed the throttle with the gas pedal. When the ignition is shut off the throttle plate clicks like it does when the fuse is reinserted. I have unplugged the MAF and there is no change in idle or performance. I have also searched extensively for vacuum leaks.

I emailed Xemodex, inquiring about one of their remanufactured ETM’s and they felt that it was a programming issue between my ETM and ECM and a reload at Volvo would be required. They don’t seem to think that buying a remanufactured and programmed through them will solve my problem without first having the ETM and ECM reloaded. Has anyone else encountered an issue such as this? I’m happy to spend the money on this car as I didn’t pay much for it and it runs and drives great save for the idle. I just don’t want to throw money where it won’t help!

Any insight is appropriated!

[abscate]

It sounds like a botched ETM job. You can get a lifetime one from FCP and then get software to match from Volvo. If you knew you had the right software you could clone it, but it sounds like it isn't right.

[jesstho]

That’s what I’m thinking too. I’m having the software updated on Tuesday at Volvo. To the tune of $250... But at least I know where I’m starting with potentially getting a lifetime ETM.

[Lewis]

Jesstho, how did the software update work out?

[jesstho]

I’m headed in tomorrow after work. I’ll report back once it’s done!

[jesstho]

Update! So I took it into my local Volvo dealership and they performed a ETM software release with the latest software. $88 for the software and $130 for the labour... but it has solved the issues! Clearly either the software was not transferred properly at the Indy or the new unit would not take the old software. I think the service advisor who booked me in was a bit surprised that it worked... The car performs much better, throttle response has improved significantly. I’m a happy camper, and so is Gus my V70. Cheers

[abscate]

Whose got the Volvo horns? Send em back