Volvo 2001 S60

kschaffner · Post by **kschaffner** » 10 Nov 2008, 08:35

I have recently had the software upgrade done to my car and experienced the same failure as prior to the software upgrade...that is the car goes into the "limp home mode". It seems to do this after 20 minutes of driving.

The dealer is now telling me that the Breather System is clogged and they need to replace all the hoses, clamps and oil trap ($900) before they can determine if the ETM is the issue.

My question is that, will a clogged breather system cause the car to have the same issues that we have all had with the Faulty ETM module? How do I test for a clogged system?

It appears to me that they just want to get some money out of me now that the car is in their hands.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 10 Nov 2008, 14:40

After the car has run for awhile, turn it off and then pull the oil dipstick...if smoke comes bellowing out, your PCV (breather) system is clogged. $900 is absurd even if it is. Get an independent to do it for much less. We can post up the parts you need for this...parts will be less than $150. It is however a 4 hour or so job, even for those who know what they're doing. Btw, unless the clogging is severe it would not cause the same symptoms as the ETM- besides, it would come on slowly. ETM issues tend to be sudden. Which was yours?

kschaffner · Post by **kschaffner** » 10 Nov 2008, 14:54

Thanks for your reply! The problem has suddenly come on....it has shut down into limp mode 6 times now over the last three weeks. I let the car set for an hour and it starts back up.

Is there any method to reset the ETM so the car can restart?

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 10 Nov 2008, 15:01

Btw, I forgot to welcome you to our site, so welcome!
I think you're just going to have to argue with the dealer- use logic that if it was a clogged/clogging system, it would have come on more gradually, not suddenly like a dying/dead ETM does. I'll try to think of some other differences too. If you do have a clogged PCV, you really do need to get that taken care of too...but don't pay the price the dealer wants. If you let it go and don't deal with it, the excessive pressure can cause your main engine seal to begin leaking.

kschaffner · Post by **kschaffner** » 10 Nov 2008, 17:06

Good to have found the site.

I have been religous about changing the oil every 3-4k miles since I have had the car at 36k miles....it is now 125k. I have no problems...replaced the brakes and front right wheel bearing myself....so I do know a little about how things work. Also in sales and realize what the dealership is doing to recoup the costs of the warranty item.

That said....they are insistant about the breather system potentially causing this problem. It is in the hands of the regional technical manager for Volvo. I just need to get a couple ex-volvo technicians to give me some more proof.

kschaffner · Post by **kschaffner** » 10 Nov 2008, 17:06

Oh...BTW...go titans!

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 10 Nov 2008, 20:55

Yeah, go Titans!