Unstable RPM, s80 2001

[police44]

Car is not drivable, the exhaust smells as unburned fuel.
Recently (right before the problem) I washed an engine (guilty) and tanked gas.

The fact that you washed the engine immediately before the problem started and that you are now smelling unburned fuel in the exhaust leads me to believe that you've shorted something under the hood related to the spark - maybe a coil pack or trigger wire. I'd try to find those and make sure the entire area is completely dried out. Did you get any water down around the spark plug boots? Also, what do you mean by "tanked gas?" Good luck.

That was also my first thought that spark plugs are either shortened or wet, but everything was dry. To make it absolute sure I have changed all spark plugs to brand new, the old had dark ash-like sediments, which is an indicator of bad burning. I also checked an air filter, it is OK.

"Tanked" means that I was at the gas station (sorry for my language)

[MadeInJapan]

Somehow I missed the "washing engine" part. Even if things appear dry washing the engine has been a headache for many, especially on a Volvo... once again, double check everything...switch around the power packs next to the spark plugs if possible and also check the ignition wire that all of those power packs plug into...I've read your symptoms time and time again on cars what just had their engines washed.

[police44]

It's ETM. My car has been towed to the Volvo dealership last week. They've checked errors and told me that ETM needs to be replaced. It is going to be done this Monday for free, because it's a warranty item. Sound like to good to be true...

[vegasjetskier]

It's ETM. My car has been towed to the Volvo dealership last week. They've checked errors and told me that ETM needs to be replaced. It is going to be done this Monday for free, because it's a warranty item. Sound like to good to be true...

There's a "voluntary recall" out on the ETMs for some years of cars. Take it and run.

[police44]

It's done. You could not believe it! ETM, labor and software have been replaced for no cost from my side. They've just waited for part to arrive and then BOOM, done...

[MadeInJapan]

Glad to hear that everything worked out for you!

[subdewd]

actually it's not volutary at all, It was a settlement of a clas saction lawsuit,
I just got a copy in the mail yesturday
see Carole Trew, et al V Volvo Cars Of NA

[NickVanMaren]

hey ive got a similar type of problem, not as severe though. sometimes (appears to be random) at about 2500-2700 RPM the trottle will take a sharp dip of about 300-500 rpm. i can always fix it if i punch it and get it up to about 4000 rpm for a second, when i go back to normal throttle the problem is gone (usually the rest of the day). any ideas? its a 2000 S80 T6 with 130K on it.

[537playing]

Same problem as the others. It's the ETM. Replace or try cleaning it.