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

If your Volvo has irregular idling or your car surges when slowing down, it may be your ETM. This short video shows the symptoms, how to clean the unit, and the results. Cleaning ETM's takes simple tools, off the shelf cleaner, and about 1.5 hours. Sure beats a $400 cleaning job from the dealer for a $1500 new unit. These instructions are for a 2001 S80.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Repair
• And Operations

[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 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.

[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.

[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

[borjaagm]

@lewisscott8848 My S60 too ;)

[coloradowashere]

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

[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.