Today, January 22, 2009, we installed a XeMODeX ETM in a 2000 XC70 turbo (transverse 5 cylinder) and it works. The car belongs to my daughter-in-law and for the most part she had all the maintenance work done on schedule by the local Volvo dealer. The car had had the software recall performed earlier.
The work was done by Carl Duke in Fort Collins, Colorado, an independent Volvo repair garage withhis own Volvo salvage yard. Mark, the mechanic, had been with the shop for 14 years and had replaced a few ETMs.
Before we could test the installation the car need about $2000 in repairs, springs, brakes, timing belt and idler, serpentine belt and idler, and 90,000 mile maintenance.
I then made some initial tests, cold idle, warm idle, 0-60 and hot idle.
Then Mark replaced the existing yellow label ETM, that indicated that this is already a replacement. The first one had been replaced at 45,000 miles and 2 months out of warranty (though they did get the reimbursement for her out-of-warranty costs.)
It took him just an hour to make the replacement. The car started instantly. I hooked up my code reader/scanner and used it for digital RPM readings. We then took it for a test drive. The idle before surged from 855 to 925 RPM and after from 850 to 855 RPM. Three 0-60 full throttle runs were so close to being the same you would think we had used a 'calibrated' pencil. All about 12.5 to 12.8 seconds. The road was not level but it was the same road each time.
Comments:
The idle variation 'before' is an early symptom of impending failure.
At this time it looks like we now have the 4th R (see http://VEXEDvolvo.org) which is REDESIGN. I see no reason to give this XeMODeX ETM other than an A+. Since the rest of the Magnettl Marelli ETM is of excellent construction, and this replaces the only part that is subject to wear this should be considered a life-of-the-car module.
As far as a DIY job it is not that bad. I will try to have procedures on a new web site in a few days.
Only two size sockets (8mm & 10mm), one Torq (#25) are required. One precaution, do not cut the cable when removing your ETM. Originally it went behind the starter against the engine block. To remove the cable you need to remove the starter. If the ETM has been replaced, yellow label, the cable has probably not been placed behind the starter so the started does not have to be removed. But, if the cable is behind the starter the starter must be removed to get the cable out. If the cable has been cut the ETM is worthless (or worth less) as a rebuildable core.
I am still looking for Volvo forums, especially overseas. If you know of one where this information should be posted e-mail me at [email protected].
Don Willson
(The following is from the original post)
As the word is getting out about XeMODeM's modified Volvo Magnetti Marelli Electronic Throttle Module (ETM) I will try to keep the world (literally) up to date.
Because you are here you know that XeMODeX has announced that they have designed, built and tested a modification to replace the potentiometer Throttle Position Sensor (TPS). This device is form, fit and function identical, but uses a technology which has no mechanical contact to wear out. The result is that we no longer have to wonder when our beloved Volvo will leave us at the side of the road in limp home mode.
Because of the unknown on this new unit there are a lot of questions, such as.
- Does it work?
- Will it work on my Volvo?
- Will it only work if the ETM from my Volvo is modified?
- Will a modified ETM from a core of unknown origin work?
- How long does it take to get the rebuild?
- What is the cost?
- Is this a "do it yourself" project?
- Will Volvo Corporation participate in this replacement?
I am working closely with Christopher Golinski, the President of XeMODeX to perform this independent evaluation and answer the above questions.
As of January 7th, 2009 the status is:
- I have a 2000 Volvo V70 XC available for a test bed with 90,000 miles (about 45,000 miles on the yellow tag ETM)
- A well respected independent Volvo garage has volunteered to do the exchange.
- A retired electrical engineer will be assisting with validation.
- I have shipped 2 cores to XeMODex and they are simultaneously sending me 2 rebuilt units.
- I am writing a test procedure to be reviewed by XeMODeX so all bases are covered.
I only recently picked up on this at sweedspeed where there was a link to here. Unfortunately since I have an 01 V70 T5a, I was reading a different forum where this is not known on this sight.
please contact me if you need me.