My recent ETM failure, part II ...

MikesS70 · Post by **MikesS70** » 25 May 2009, 13:55

Car: '99 S70; 2.4L non-turbo w/96K auto trans. Had my ETM replaced under the Volvo extended warranty. Went to pick up car today. After starting the car the ETS light remained on (this light *never* came on when the original ETM was going through its death throes). Car goes back into the shop for a diagnostic. Service rep says some codes are present ...says they are not sure if the original tech performed the install correctly ...says they will try a hard clear of the codes (remove battery, turn key to on and connect battery cables together). Codes drop and light goes out. Second attempt to leave dealership ...wife starts car and ETS light remains on. Now they are telling me this is *not* because of the ETM installation (because there are no ETS codes present) but rather a communications fault between the ECM and the ETM (even though they at first thought the tech didn't do procedure correctly ....car is in shop for further diagnostics.

During orignal ETM death throes the ETS light *never* came on ...only the Check Engine light came on. Now after the new ETM is installed I'm getting an ETS light but no CEL ...even though the advisor now thinks it's the ECM.

Has anyone had a similar situation and what was the result?

Post by **Brucebo** » 26 May 2009, 15:59

My understanding is the ETM is software keyed to the ECU. This symptom will occur if a new ETM is installed and the ECU is not informed of it by licensed Volvo software. The XeMODex upgrade gets arround this by rebuilding the *same* ETM. So yeah, the ECU will scream at you and light the ETS light if you put in a new "unknown" ETM, but not if the ETM malfunctions.

-Bruce

Post by **VCA** » 27 May 2009, 07:47

Brucebo wrote:My understanding is the ETM is software keyed to the ECU. This symptom will occur if a new ETM is installed and the ECU is not informed of it by licensed Volvo software. The XeMODex upgrade gets arround this by rebuilding the *same* ETM. So yeah, the ECU will scream at you and light the ETS light if you put in a new "unknown" ETM, but not if the ETM malfunctions.

-Bruce

Well, I wouldn't say that's true. My ETM failed with an ECM-9150 before the rest of the symptoms got too bad--and yes, it had the latest software upgrade. I'm thinking either the reload of the ETM on the OP's car didn't go well, or the new ETM is in some way DOA. If a new ETM doesn't have software loaded on it, it simply won't work...they come with no software on them (because they can be loaded into cars from different structure weeks with different CAN communication protocols and ECU programming).

ChrisatXeMODeX · Post by **ChrisatXeMODeX** » 27 May 2009, 07:55

There could be several reasons for it. I think that the dealer should come back to basics and go thru process of eliminations before condemning the ECU.
1. Verify that the correct ETM part number is installed in your car.
2. Verify that the correct software version has been downloaded.
3. Inspect ETM connector at the engine side for possible pushed out female terminals.
4. Remove ECU and inspect all terminals for damage and signs of corrosion.

If absolutely sure the above are correct;
1. Perform full throttle sweep and printout using VIDA.

If this operation is not possible;
7. Replace ETM again. It is not unheard of to have new defective ETM or one that fails 2 months down the road.

If the problem persists;
8. Replace ECU. Unlike ETM software in the ECU can only be downloaded once. This means you will be stuck with the new ECM even if it is not a problem. Trying used ECU is not an option either (immobilizer etc.)

This is all under assumption that the codes stored in your system are related to the communication problems between ETM and ECU. If there are any other codes diagnose and correct them first.

Post by **Brucebo** » 27 May 2009, 10:54

VCA wrote:Well, I wouldn't say that's true. My ETM failed with an ECM-9150 before the rest of the symptoms got too bad--and yes, it had the latest software upgrade.

Well my ETM was showing initial failure symtoms, and the ETS light was lighting. I had the software upgrade and the ETM was showing the same initial failure symptoms and the ETS light was NO LONGER lighting. I had the XeMODex upgrade and the initial failure symptoms went away. This is proof enough for me that Volvo hobbled their ETS monitoring in the software "upgrade". I'm not saying it fails to detect anything, but it definately appears to be less sensitive to actual performance issues.

-B

MikesS70 · Post by **MikesS70** » 29 May 2009, 21:08

Well as it turned out, the out-of-the-box-brand-new factory throttle body was defective. I spoke with the service writer who handled the car initially and based on the codes it was throwing they determined it was a bogus unit. This of course required high level confrences with the district service supervisor ...who did in fact say he has seen new throttle bodies that will not "mate" with the engine computer ...before the dealer could order another ETM. This particular dealership has some serious cusotmer relations problems with the service department and I am getting a face-to-face with the GM tomorrow when we pick up the car.

This is just another "nail in the coffin" so to speak for me to never consider purchasing another Volvo ...nor recommending them. Something as basic and important (especially from the safety aspect) as the engine throttle to be engineered to the point of unreliablility is unacceptable ...no matter how good the rest of the car is.

Mike