ECM Failing

Bandaid069 · Post by **Bandaid069** » 14 Aug 2011, 08:37

First post: I recently took my S60 in to a highly trusted mechanic. The symptoms are rough starts, rough idling, recent stalling and intermittant lurching / rough idle when coming to stop. There have been trouble codes indicating the ECM is failing. According to the local dealership, it appears you cannot re-use and ECM (buy one from a wreck). Does anyone have any input on this? I really can't afford to put $1400+ into a brand new ECM.

Thoughts?

537playing · Post by **537playing** » 14 Aug 2011, 09:14

I would look at your MAF sensor first! These do fail over a length of time and ex it's your symptoms. Just disconnect it and see if it runs better.

Bandaid069 · Post by **Bandaid069** » 14 Aug 2011, 10:36

Wouldn't that throw a code too? The code it's currently throwing documents intermittant ECM communication failure (or something very similar). Many thanks!

Sam

jda2000 · Post by **jda2000** » 15 Aug 2011, 07:33

Sounds indeed like the ETM is failing.

You have 2 options:
buy a yellow sticker used one '99-'01, should work, but need to be yellow sticker not white.
or, if you are keeping the car for a few years, then send to Xemodex for upgrade, about $600.

Neither of the above options require software download.

Bandaid069 · Post by **Bandaid069** » 15 Aug 2011, 07:37

My local junk yard has ECM's for $100 but it's an AS IS, no returns policy. So, what you're saying is if they have one with a yellow sticker it should be plug and play with no programming needed to function properly?

Lead Chalcogenide · Post by **Lead Chalcogenide** » 15 Aug 2011, 08:44

No, the yellow sticker is for the ETM, not ECM. This is the electronic throttle module, not the engine control module. It is very common for the ETM to fail, and the yellow sticker ETMs have been dealt with to some degree (I think a software upgrade) by volvo. The white sticker ETMs are from the factory, so are more likely to fail. As I understand it, the yellow sticker ones fail too, just might last a bit longer.

ECM from the junkyard will not work. I actually dont know if an ETM from the junkyard would work either. I think they require a software reprogram with installation into a different vehicle.

Bandaid069 · Post by **Bandaid069** » 15 Aug 2011, 10:05

Thanks, I'll do some more digging... the performance company you recommended for an upgraded ECM, does it require upgraded exhaust as well or can I keep the car stock?

Lead Chalcogenide · Post by **Lead Chalcogenide** » 15 Aug 2011, 12:18

xemodex sells upgraded ETMs. They do not require any other upgrades. And by upgrade, it is only meant that it is less prone to failure, not any sort of performance part.

To be clear. The ETM is an entirely different part, the throttle. The ECM is the central computer. You started this thread with a central computer fault code, and jda2000 was mearly stating that RATHER than the ECM, it may be a thottle (ETM) problem. My guess would be that it is in fact an ECM problem, but I am no expert. I did have the ETM issue, but it did not manifest itself like your problem, and it threw ETM codes, not ECM codes.

If its a communication failure, maybe the wires to the ECM have lost some insulation and are not functioning.... Just a guess.

Bandaid069 · Post by **Bandaid069** » 15 Aug 2011, 13:23

We're on the same page... I'll get a formal opinion from the dealer just to be sure prior to going in one direction or another (of course until it's figured out I'll only be taking in locally).

Many thanks for the input, I'm glad I signed up!

Sam

Post by **JRL** » 15 Aug 2011, 14:59

Let's get something straight
A yellow stickered ETM does not mean anything except that is is a replacement.
THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE WHATSOEVER BETWEEN A WHITE STICKED ETM AND A YELLOW STICKERED ETM
If you can afford $600 or so, buy A XeMODex
http://www.xemodex.com/