reduced engine performance 08 S40

prbent · Post by **prbent** » 21 Feb 2017, 11:29

I'm in the reduced engine performance mode - 1500rpm, does not reset with start.

Background -

130,000 miles original owner and first serious issue was the oil trap. got the dreaded whistle. Did the change out and went ahead and changed plugs as well. Car was parked for a while - 3 months or more during the different stages of the work. Finished and started the car. Took some effort, had to charge battery, etc, and after many attempts, got it to idle and start normally. The car went into reduced engine... (REP) immediately and also got the engine system service required message. Tried reading codes with a standard obdII and no codes indicated with indication that it was not a clean read? I do not have a VIDA. In an effort to troubleshoot without codes, I backtracked and tried usual suspects, checked plugs and connections, checked all connections, cleaned MAF, and then I removed the ETM and I was shocked at what I found. The thing is corroded on both the front and backside. I guess moisture entered the plenum when it was off - and its been raining consistently here in No CA - lots of moisture in the air!

So, want to avoid the expense of a new unit - Questions are:

Should the airflow valve open with finger pressure? Mine does not? Is mine seized?
what is best method or removing corrosion (aluminium) and other build up, without scoring the body and doing a thorough cleaning to restore functionality?
Should I be able to read codes with a standard OBDII reader on a Volvo or do I have a ECM, ECU problem?
Is Xemodex a viable after market solution .... and to avoid the dealer?

Thanks in advance!

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 21 Feb 2017, 19:14

I would try pulling one from another S40, V50 or C30...maybe even the C70's are the same for these. I'm not sure. I have never been in mine so can't tell you if you can move them with your fingers. A call to Xemodex wouldn't hurt though- they can probably answer all of those questions anyway and they're pretty nice folks!

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 21 Feb 2017, 19:16

Oh, and your question regarding the OBD reader- some read most of the codes and some don't...none read all of the codes like VIDA. I have one that networks wirelessly to my phone- I guess I got lucky for about $20. I can read and reset more codes than I thought possible on my S40.

prbent · Post by **prbent** » 23 Feb 2017, 16:21

Thanks madeinjapan for responding. Progress report - cleaned throttle body as much as I could. Still cant move the air valve (flap) (gate) and based on all research I think I should be able to. There is buildup between the valve and chamber at the hinge point that I cant get to. Reinstalled and started. A fair improvement in RPM, now runs up to 2100 rpm, but the idle and performance is erratic where before the clean it was smooth.

I will take this result as an indication that I am on the right track and my problem is the throttle body (ETM) - and believe that the gate is seized by the crud between the gate and chamber at the hinge point. Plan on removing again and getting the valve to move and finish the clean. Will advise results, if anyone thinks this is a bad idea (forcing the gate), let me know.

earthworm · Post by **earthworm** » 16 Jan 2020, 15:03

EXCELLANT posts here, prbent .
I do not think the problem is in the ETM .. BUT, who I to know .. The '1996 Saab 900 never had these problems as they used a previous (old) throttle body .. The newer ones, 1999 or 2000 were troublesome. Also, as I recall, the ETM could be removed and shipped out for rebuilding(this from 2010) AND, as I recall, the throttle valve was hard to move, a very strong will do this .