driveable with new before programming?
 

Hi Guys,

If I fit a new ETM myself, is the car still drivable (even in limp mode)?

Since my V70 is non-turbo, its very easy to change the ETM, so my plan was to buy the ETM, fit myself at Volvo dealer and then they can drive it into the workshop to apply the software update. They tell me though the car will be completely undriveable - which I didn't think was the case?

Thanks,
Tim.

No it won't be drivable.

If you can drive it there with the old one and change it in their car park.

Just an update as I had my new ETM programmed at Volvo yesterday. I did as per my original post and fitted the new ETM in the dealer car park and then had them programme it - and seems to be driving ok at the moment.

A few points to note though:

1. The original ETM lead is run behind the starter motor which needs the starter motor removing to get the cable pulled through. You can therefore either do this in advance (as I did) or you could just cut the old lead to make removal easy - but this obviously screws up the old ETM. When replacing, obviously dont run the wire back behind the starter motor, just tie wrap it safely out of the way of the cooling fan.

2. The engine does run after installing the new ETM (and before programming). It idles at a fixed throttle position (about 3k rpm) so is driveable to some extent, and the volvo technician drove mine like that into the workshop.

Finally for pricing, this is what I paid:

ETM - £159.80
Gasket - £0.29
Programming Labour - £34.72
Programming sofware - £0.58

Grand Total - £195.39

Hope this info may help others.

Best Regards,
Tim.

don't need to remove the starter motor just the 2 nuts for the support bracket and loosen the bolt in the block then it will swing away.

used to cut the wiring all the time myself though if the ETM was being replaced.

Yes thats what i did, but you need to remove the bolt in the block also, as the starter motor will not slide back which is needed to swing it out enough to get the cable/connector past. Hence at that point you've pretty much removed the starter motor.