Volvo Rough Idle Problems (ETM issues) - how to fix

[Eastsidegeorgiaboy]

The Stock Volvo White and Yellow Label ETMs typically only last from 15,000-30,000 miles before they go bad. WHile these may seem like a lot, it is not, especially when each ETM costs $1100.00 minimum at the dealer.

[Eastsidegeorgiaboy]

The ETM cleaning is just temporary, and the ETM WILL go bad. The cleaning should be used to get you by untill your Xemodex ETM(that hopefully you ordered) comes in the mail. Once you get your Xemodex, install it, and never look back at your stock ETM again. Its been close to 2 years now and I havent had any problems with my Xemodex unit.

[Eastsidegeorgiaboy]

Everyone, if you are having this problem, get a Xemodex ETM. Xemodex Works Awesome, and will fix your problem. Cleaning stock ETM is a waste of time, and it will still go bad on you.You are stupid if you have a 1999 or newer Volvo and dont put a Xemodex ETM in the car. Take the time now and go order one. It costs less than half what the dealer wants and has lifetime warranty. Thats a Win Win in my book. But seriously people, get a Xemodex if you have 1999 or newer Volvos.  Xemodex.c0m

[TybaltC]

My mechanic had me replace my gas pedal which did nothing to fix this issue. I told him about cleaning the ETM and he did. After about five minutes of driving, the car looses acceleration on the road, does not go above 1,800 RPM's or 5 MPH. Anyone know what else it could be?

[timetotravel]

@TybaltC

I've never heard of that issue.perhaps post this to a few Volvo news groups, you may get a solution. I use these two often

volvoforums

or

volvospeed

these are .com sites

[TybaltC]

@timetotravel I was just told the new code was "Throttle Sensor Offset" and that I absolutely have to buy a new ETM... Found nothing on the .com sites above other than things about recalls and that this is a common problem for Volvo's.

[TybaltC]

@timetotravel I found this:

htt p://home.comcast.net/~donwills­on/VEXED_won.html

It says 2001 S80 is recalled (among other) for the ETM issue. It's 200k miles 10year extended period to bring it in (I assume?). Being 2012 do you think I'll get any flak from the Volvo dealership?

[timetotravel]

@TybaltC

I'm not sure what the recal policy is, but if I personally would not leave Volvo without the replacemnet, they agreed to replace it, who should care when it's done.

[coloradowashere]

@TybaltC i check all ur vaccum lines because i replaced mine and the ideling stopped:)

[Deac14u]

@TybaltC This is an ETM failure. meaning the throttle body has to be replaced. cleaning only works if there's alot of black build up on a newer model.

[lewisscott8848]

I cleaned the ETM on the s80 t6 and it idles like new

[borjaagm]

@lewisscott8848  My S60 too ;)

[vidri850]

The Italian body is not good, but it does not help with dirt in the valve housing. If old software, upgrade will mask out some of the error messages given in the earlier versions.

[vidri850]

but it does not help with dirt in the valve housing. If old software, upgrade will mask out some of the error messages given in the earlier versions.

[vidri850]

The throttle valve also goes to fully closed position. Before cleaning, try to gently push approx. 5 mm to fully closed and you will see if it gets stuck, shall go back to normal position by the spring force. Mine got stuck closed. If throttle body is dirty it can get stuck long enough for ECU to read mismatch between throttle valve and the pedal sensor. This can also happen (as far as i understand) to the Bosch body if running a car with worn turbo. The Italian body is not good, but it does no

[sklaterjd]

This looked great. Got a question. I've got a 2002 s60, would this be in the same spot on the motor to access the ETM? I'm having the same problem. Sometimes, at idle speed (like at a light or something) it will idle so low it dies.

[AwakeDude911]

i save my old tooth bursh to do these type of job....works just as good.....

and cost nothing.....

yeah volvo are special !

[Antnoscrub]

Works like magic. Thanks for the advice. Major improvement to my 2000 S80.

[Eastsidegeorgiaboy]

Best thing to do when experiencing this problem is to go to wwwXemodex,com and purchase their ETM. It is the only true fix out there. The factory Volvo ETM's WILL go out, even after warrantied replacement. The problem will occur again, as Volvo did not fix the problem. Xemodex will fix the problem. $500+$100 core charge. Plus it comes with unlimited lifetime warranty. They will also take off $ for any additional ETM units/cores that you may have. It is a must for 99+ Volvos. You cant lose!

[samueldrdr]

Jees I feel like an idiot.

I had this issue for a year, going from mechanic to mechanic. Two days ago I got to dealership to clean ETM and this morning my car got a heart attack. Engine light is flashing, car shakes valiantly, smell of burning. Had I googled it earlier I would have probably save myself $1500.

Moral, make sure to check out forums before going to the shop.

peace.

[Eastsidegeorgiaboy]

@samueldrdr Best thing to do when experiencing this problem is to go to wwwXemodex,com and purchase their ETM. It is the only true fix out there. The factory Volvo ETM's WILL go out, even after warrantied replacement. The problem will occur again, as Volvo did not fix the problem. Xemodex will fix the problem. $500+$100 core charge. Plus it comes with unlimited lifetime warranty. They will also take off $ for any additional ETM units/cores that you may have. It is a must for all 99+ Volvos.

[dickaldor]

Ah thanks for sharing this video Sir! Got a 02 v70 that is doing what your engine was doing but much faster, sometimes it sound like an old moped. Gonna give this a try. Again, thanks for taking the time and effort to put this vid out!

Dave

Sweden

[bob333336]

So you get this issue at around 120-140k miles? Good, I have 75k miles on my 2002 S80 T6, a  long ways to go.

[timetotravel]

@bob333336 Actually I get this issue every 50K miles or so. I had Volvo "repair" the issue under a recall at around 50K miles. It acted up again around 120K, cleaning worked fine, then again at around 160K.

Cleaning helps but the real issue is a faulty ETM.

[bob333336]

@timetotravel Well my idle is steady, what I'm having issues with is my acceleration, it's being uneven, so for every 1000RPM the 300RPM after it is sluggish, does it all teh way through the RPM range, as if it's coming in waves, you can hear and feel it. At first we were thinking the huge turbo hose was just old and flexing and chocking the engine replacing it didn't help much, the mechanic said it might be the ETM. So you think just cleaning it might help it? If not FFFFUUUUUUUUU!!!

[paintballme2]

Ahhh hmmm "some people" just have to do the "hard way".... In my 2001 Volvo S80 I just took the top half the of the intake manifold and got easy access to the throttle plate. I cleaned it with a wire brush and "throttle body" cleaner and also cleaned out the oily and dirty intake manifold too. I did mine about a year ago still runs great with 132000 miles on it!

[timetotravel]

OK folks.....

My 01 S80 started acting up again. Surging but not idle pulsing. I chose to clean the ETM again. This time it took 60 minutes, but that's because I'm now a seasoned pro.

This seems consistent, about every 18 months the ETM needs cleaning.

The car now runs fine.

[MrTruls75]

@timetotravel

hello and thanks for this one...

my car have been doing this for four weeks now.was going to buy a new one,but here in norway this cost 2000 $,,then i found this video today, tryed it,and now the car runs 100% :-)

so again..Thanks.

[GregLindPDX]

Thank you so much. This is the first bit of wrenching I've done on my 99 S80. Without your video I wouldn't have had any idea what was wrong, nor would I have attempted to work on this car. This took me about an hour and a half, like you said. I think anyone with moderate mechanical skills shouldn't hesitate to do this job. IMO way easier than changing brakes. Also the total cost was less than $10.00 for a can of cleaner and some brushes. Car runs like new again. Thanks!

[UnitedRobot]

Just cleaned the ETM on my volvo s80. thanks a bunch for making this video! For anyone looking to try this these were my symptoms; I had a continual surging which bounced from roughly 500rpm to over 800rpm. it didn't affect highway driving but made city driving, traffic, and parking much more dangerous than it had to be. It was dangerous as the car would surge forward due to the increase in rpm. Nevertheless the cleaning took a few hours and the problem has disappeared!

[DMSM2]

I too am having an S80 idling problem but not a continuous "surging" effect as in the video. Once my car is started (sometimes it takes a 10-second turn over, but other times it starts right up) it idles at 600 RPM for a while then will plummet to around 300 RPMs for just a few seconds, then shoot right back to "normal". The time interval of this is about once every 5 seconds and sometimes the RPMs fall too low for too long and the engine stalls. I get OBD II error codes: P0102, P2188

[timetotravel]

@DMSM2

There are a few Volvo news groups out there, post this question and you may get a solution. I use these two often

volvoforums

or

volvospeed

these are .com sites

[ninjamunky]

@DMSM2

Just Googling the codes brings up good enough results...

I'd start by cleaning the MAF with CRC Mass Airflow Cleaner and go from there. With any luck, it might be as simple as that. Otherwise, you might consider replacing the MAF Sensor or looking further into the problem. Since the first code you posted is MAF-related, maybe the second will clear once it's fixed.

Mike

[pelletiertimothy]

This was a breeze to do on my 99 V70. Thanks!

[timetotravel]

A comment came in asking if the gasket between the ETM and the intake manifold is needed. I'm willing to bet it's very important as it keeps a tight air seal. Also make sure the small vacuum line connected to the intake manifold is connected.

[hoodykt11]

what about Volvo C70 T5 ?? Does somoeone know how fixing this stuuf ???

[timetotravel]

All,

I'm glad this video was helpful. Thanks for posting comments--i'm sure others considering the repair find them useful.

[bantambouncer]

I've just cleaned my ETM on my Volvo S60 after watching your video, my car now runs like it's brand new, Cheers mate, thanks for the video.

[timetotravel]

Just an update. I cleaned my TB a year ago and the car still runs fine.

[AlertDuck]

Thank you for the video - did this on my 2002 S60 2.0T last weekend and the car now runs like an absolute dream. Such an easy fix been replacing MAF vacume hoses etc for the last year or so with no sucess. It was full of crud and sticky stuff all gone now and works lovely.

[nikkokofx]

Thank you so much!

[1959D356]

While your at replacing the throttle body, don't forget to replace the transmission and ABS control unit also.

[1959D356]

You do know at the end of the day you WILL have to replace the unit with the updated version and load software.....They are all junk.... Good video to show the procedure anyways.

[Eastsidegeorgiaboy]

@1959D356 You should only have to replace the ETM if the tag on it is white. The yellow tag ETM is the updated one, and should have the newer programming already on it. You can take it by volvo if you dont think it has it, but the software install cost about $150. If you had to replace a white tag ETM, or any ETM, then you will have to go to Volvo to get the software installed. Remember, that you must take the car to volvo, not just the ETM.

[noclouds111]

My wife's S60 @ 127k surges when cold between 1100-1300 rpm. During normal driving, you can feel it hesitate. We get that 'ENGINE SYSTEM SERVICE REQUIRED" w/orange triangle. Our ETM was replaced @ 35K. I'll try your suggestion and clean the TB.

I've had my mom's 94 Corolla wagon for 10 years. Other than tires, timing belt, & plugs, I've not spent a dime on it. By contrast, the Volvo has been a steady succession of sqeaks, rattles, & trips to the service dept.

[timetotravel]

@noclouds111

Yep...it only gets worse

[rudyba]

Thank you very much. I have a 2001 V70 and non turbo and have the problem thay was some times very difiult to start. I called my mechanic and he conected the scanner witch red the failure at the ETM. The mechanic told me that it had to be changed for a new one and I red about warranties for Volvo for 200k Milles or 10 years. I live in Guatemala and Volvo in Guatemala does not cover that Warranty. By doing this it started inmidiatly many times without problem, I hope it satys like this. Thank's..

[zaidusa]

Great video, thank you so much, I had the same problem and now its solved. keep up the good work. by the way, Im trying to reset the service light, it wont reset, do you know how ? thanks in advance

[timetotravel]

@zaidusa

With the key in the igntion, hold down the trip reset button. While holding the button down, turn the key to position 1 for 2 sec and the to position 2 untill the service light flashes 3 times. It's tricky and I always have to do this a few times to get it reset.

[MeClimbRocks]

@timetotravel

Awesome tutorial. About the reset. what do you do after the 3 flashes? Turn the key back to 0, or release the trip reset button? About the gasket mentioned during the instructions; In my experience Gaskets more often than not need to be replaced. If the EMT is removed gently, can this gasket be reused? Ours is a 2000 S80. I'm sure this been done in the past, but I'm not certain. A mechanic is asking for $800+. I'm going to take 2 out this weekend and take a whack at it. Cheers

[timetotravel]

@MeClimbRocks

1. i'll have to dig up my cheat sheet on resetting the service light--it's very finnicky. Give me a day or so to respond back

2.I've never replaced the gasket, it's always been in good shape--but as you say take care when removing. In one post someone did not put the gasket back in--this is a job that if you have parts left over, you didn't do it right.

3. $800 sounds very high, I remember paying Volvo $400 the first (and last) time.

[MeClimbRocks]

@timetotravel

Thank you for taking the trouble, but I'm happy to go with your best guess. The $800 quote was to my wife and it may have been to replace the ETM. She trusts this mechanic, I'm not so sure. Because it's her car, I've never messed with it. Always paid someone (mostly dealers) to perform repairs and maintenance. I keep ALL paperwork.Will check to see if this part has ever been changed. Will check color of tag (white or yellow).I won't see the car till Saturday. Will report back then

[roderbronx187]

Hi, thanks allot for posting this video, 4 different mechanics couldnt tell me what it was, I did it my self and works perfect.

[woodspur]

i have just done mine this morning, took around 3 hours cos i had trouble getting one of the etm housing bolts off. It now runs just like brand new. Thanks for posting this video.

[timetotravel]

@woodspur

Let me guess... the left rear bolt?

Glad this vid helped.

[woodspur]

@timetotravel

No it was the front left, could`nt get much leverage on it. My arms are now ripped to shreds from the pipes and the fan housing. Incidently i have an S60, but it was pretty much the same.

[mochaprince]

I tried to do this for my 1999 C70 and it's harder than this. getting the first bolt off is nuts! Unfortunately there aren't any write ups with specifics of the C70. However good write up for those with other makes with failing ETMs.

[timetotravel]

PS to all.... I cleaned my ETM around 6 months ago and it's still working fine.

[PokerJoker3]

Becker is right, they WILL fail around 60,000 miles, give or take. Cleaning them will helop but they will fail. There is a Co. in Canada that makes a ETM for the 1999-2002 Volvo's that will not wear out and is gauranteed for life.

[cattnipp]

Nice job.

[petar850421]

dude, it is a great write up !!! hopefully it will work on mine :)

[xxsheat]

AMAZING. Thank you!!

[TripleSix666]

did this today thanks for the walkthrough!

N_Vagrant on volvoforums 1999 S80 2.9 car's check engine went off and it's idling at 750 no vibrations or dimming. handled a good vacumn leak or two in the process.

[nyc1dxo]

Just a note. Never remove the wires from the ETM. If you want to, disconnect the cable from the connector which is down near the starter. Nice write up for a DIY.

[DrJohnBecker]

The ETM is not by Volvo. It is from Magneti Marelli in Italy. Cleaning it will only mask problems, the electronics on the inside are broken. I sent mine from my '01 S60 T5 to Xemodex in Canada. Shoot me a message if you have any questions. I also noticed your ETM has a yellow label meaning it has been replaced under the recall that is out on them. The new units are still the same crap that will fail again.

[timetotravel]

Thanks for the tips. I saw on the lablel it's made in Italy--totally agree with your last sentence.