ETM throttle plate difficult to move

chv3ch · Post by **chv3ch** » 23 Mar 2021, 13:48

Hi guys,
My 01 S60 2.4T went into full limp mode with ETM code. Not too many miles ago I cleaned it, so I figured the sensor has finally crapped out. New contact less sensor arrived today so I took out ETM and began installation. But I noticed the spring cannot easily return the throttle plate. Seems when I took this thing out in the past the throttle plate was easily moved and sprung back into place. Does anyone know what might be causing excess friction. I attached some pics

chv3ch · Post by **chv3ch** » 23 Mar 2021, 14:01

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chv3ch · Post by **chv3ch** » 23 Mar 2021, 14:20

Video attached now

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EngineeringBloke · Post by **EngineeringBloke** » 06 Apr 2021, 19:16

It should not do that. Of course. You would not want to have the car stuck with a wide open throttle - it's not a Toyota or an Audi (unintended acceleration reference).

You may just need a new ETM, not just the sensor part. Or there may be some cleaning or lubrication that fixes your issue. I don't know. I would rely on expert advice here to avoid damaging your ETM.

Perhaps give Xemodex a call in Canada. They may give you an idea although they sell repairs for ETMs. https://xemodex.com/us/product/electron ... r-service/

MrBrian2000 posted that perhaps air pressure variations in the turbo engines caused excessive wear in the ETA plate gears. The gears are plastic and he noted worn teeth that resulted in two gear disks jamming or slipping. He commented that VW use the same part (Bosch ETA) but his sisters car did not have this problem (no turbo?). He has a 2006 S60 2.5T as do I.

I think this problem would be more likely in the mid range, rather than the wider open position that you see.

I just saw a video that showed an ETM opened freely the full 90 degrees, so wider than where yours is jamming.

My 06 uses an ETA, rather than your ETM, and I installed a replacement at one point. These clearly have a return spring and both of my units moved freely with no sticking.

I inspected my ETA gears which were easy to access but I don't know it that is the case for an ETM.

thorv70t5 · Post by **thorv70t5** » 21 Oct 2022, 08:42

What was the verdict on your problem with the throttle plat being sticky?. Having same problem with mine.

Post by **firstv70volvo** » 21 Oct 2022, 09:32

thorv70t5 wrote: ↑21 Oct 2022, 08:42 What was the verdict on your problem with the throttle plat being sticky?. Having same problem with mine.

Based on the year of your car, 2001, you have the Magneti Marelli ETM and years ago I saved some photos of a problem not associated with the well-known position sensor problems. This problem was the cover of the armature rubbing on the windings, see photos. I don't know if the cover swelled up and deformed or the throttle plate shaft bearings went bad, but you can see the contact and this would certainly cause the throttle to stick. Not sure how often this happens and there could other reasons for the throttle to be sticking but thought this might be helpful. I also recall reading that Xemodex replaces the throttle shaft bearings with stainless steel ones when they rebuild these ETM's so they must see some problems with the original bearings.

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chv3ch · Post by **chv3ch** » 21 Oct 2022, 09:51

I was not able to repair my throttle body. I ended up buying a new etm with yellow label from an 02 C70. Replaced my white label etm and it worked perfectly without sw mods. Still running today

Post by **abscate** » 23 Oct 2022, 06:09

See the ETM room

You can buy the latest Volvo contactless one on eBay for $150 and it bolts in with no software needed.

Running 4 1999 cars , I have two in my parts locker, although the last one I replaced on the Kat was misdiagnosed , the problem was much more sophisticated.