Possible ETM failure?

bluey · Post by **bluey** » 10 Feb 2009, 09:17

I have a 2003 UK spec V70 SE (170BHP) which is pretty perfect in every way execpt that it suffers similar symptoms of earlier models with the engine cutting out when coasting at low speed. This happens once or twice a week at most.
I have had several diagnostic checks, none of which found any faults or problems. I have read many similar postings for P1 V70s but not so many for the newer models. Any ideas?

Post by **matthew1** » 10 Feb 2009, 11:51

The affected ETMs were only used 1999-2002 model years. So unless the UK market is different than the North American market on this, the problem lies somewhere else.

How are air filter, spark plugs, spark plug wires, fuel economy, etc.?

bluey · Post by **bluey** » 10 Feb 2009, 12:14

Thanks for the reply. Will check those and let you know. I have read on some of the other forums that some early 2003 models have the old ETMs fitted - this may be where the cars are manufactured to the 2002 spec but not registered until 2003. How do I tell if this is the case on mine? How do I find out if it has the old ETM fitted?

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 10 Feb 2009, 15:37

Very true and on your side of the pond, things were labeled a year earlier than for us, so check on your build date.

Post by **VCA** » 10 Feb 2009, 16:42

bluey wrote:How do I find out if it has the old ETM fitted?

Quite simple: do you have an ETS light on your dashboard? If so, you have the troublesome Magnetti Marelli ETM. To confirm, examine underhood: locate the intake manifold (directly in front of you as you open the hood). To the right of the manifold is the throttle. If it looks like the throttle on this page: http://www.xemodex.com/xemodex_012.htm it's the troublesome throttle.

Note: according to VIDA, both the B5244S and B5244S2 naturally aspirated engines had ETMs through 2004 and part of 2005

in the right-hand drive market.

bluey · Post by **bluey** » 11 Feb 2009, 13:26

OK so I guess I have the bosch unit on mine? There is no ETS light and the throttle module is a lot more compact than the one in the photo. I have not actually taken it off, so I couldn't see a manufacturers name on it to make sure.

It was suggested by the main dealer that the problem could lie with the engine breather system. Does that sound plausible with these symptoms? The problem always occurs when coasting towards a junction or roundabout, there is no noticeable fluctuations in revs and the idle is pretty stable. When the car does cut out, there is no juddering or hesitation - it happens very smoothly so the first thing you notice is that the steering has gone really heavy and then you look at the dash and the whole thing is lit up like a Christmas tree. Restarting fixes the problem.

Post by **VCA** » 11 Feb 2009, 14:14

bluey wrote:OK so I guess I have the bosch unit on mine? There is no ETS light and the throttle module is a lot more compact than the one in the photo. I have not actually taken it off, so I couldn't see a manufacturers name on it to make sure.

And I made a minor mistake--not all P2 cars had an ETS light even if they had a Magnetti Marelli ETM. However, if your throttle looks like the one below, the problem not an ETM problem, as you have a Bosch throttle.