ETM light - 1999 V70 x/c

reedd · Post by **reedd** » 31 Mar 2025, 08:38

I have a 1999 V70 turbo x/c of unknown provenance that I've been rehabilitating for a while now. The ETM light has come on at various times over the year I've had the car without much effect. Recently it's been coming on regularly and the cruise control has stopped working - no other problems noted, and no ETM related code shown on a generic OBD2 scanner. I do get a check engine light with a p420 complaining about the non-volvo cat I put in, I'm guessing.

I thought the ETM contact-style sensor would be the likely issue, but when I took it out, I found the ETM was a white label from 2017. Looking closer, I found a dent and a crack on the mating side. Under the intake manifold there is a corresponding casting protrusion. (pix)

Is it worth opening the ETM to check for damage? Should I just get a new/used one or maybe spend the money to get a real diagnostic?
Thanks!

Post by **abscate** » 31 Mar 2025, 09:19

The definitive way to check an ETM is a sweep-test in VIDA, not really a good subsitute for this.

The white label 2017 sensor is contactless and shouldnt be failing in 8 years, so I would check connectors and other stuff first.

reedd · Post by **reedd** » 31 Mar 2025, 10:28

Thanks for the quick reply!
Yes, I think the sweep test is a good next step, even though I have to put everything back together again. (sigh)
What do you think of the mounting problem? Whoever installed the replacement ETM had to really crank on the 10mm bolts to make the gasket work; in doing so, the ETM was deformed. According to the diagrams I have, the ETM is in the right orientation. Could the manifold be incompatible or are the later ETMs a little wider? Thanks again for your knowledge.

Post by **Sveedy** » 31 Mar 2025, 10:37

Label should be facing out. When the ETM was installed backwards like that, it could have damaged it internally. A lot of force to put that dimple in there.

reedd · Post by **reedd** » 31 Mar 2025, 10:58

Yep, the label was facing in. I got brave or foolish, and just now opened the ETM and found the inner black plastic plate pretty bulgy. I can't see any obvious other issues, but the deformed plastic does not seem right.
There's a White label 2014 vintage ETM on ebay right now - If the 2017 one I've got now works, the 2013 should work, right?
Thanks, Sveedy!

Post by **scot850** » 31 Mar 2025, 11:53

If it is from a LPT turbo engine it should work on your car. These later ones I understand from around 2014 had the wipers changed to contactless from the earlier contact versions. So from a GLT/ V70 XC/ AWD.

Good luck.

Neil.

Post by **abscate** » 31 Mar 2025, 12:11

See the thread on the ETM room Forum for the right part number - you want the same one you have above.

reedd · Post by **reedd** » 31 Mar 2025, 12:47

Thanks everyone - Very helpful!
I've buttoned up the ETM I have now (2017) and will reinstall. Then to my Volvo guy to check its operation. If it's bad, I'll get a later, non-contact ETM. I'm also going to get a new MAF sensor to check against the existing one. If I understand correctly, that sensor can also "wear" trying to accommodate a failing ETM (like the one from 1999) While the standard symptoms are not present, I do use cruise control a lot and miss it when it's not working.

Post by **abscate** » 31 Mar 2025, 13:59

The cruise is out because of the ETM fault. The cruise control takes over the ETM to control torque, so some/most/not-all ETM codes will also disable cruise control as a safety measure