is this etm fault

[richard s]

i went to look at a car at weekend and had it idle for a bit and every now and then the revs would drop and raise for a second or two i went for a test drive and when pulling up to stop the revs did the same again. i left it to idle for a minute longer and it did it another 2 times. it didnt feel like it was about to stall and it was a small fluctuation.
does this sound like a etm on its way out. the car was a 2001 y reg s60 2.0t
cheers

[Jerseysteve]

Richard,

I have the same issues with my 2002 S60 2.4t. The revs pick up then drop, pick up then drop....... It does it when I'm slowing down, stopped or idling.

I'm assuming this is the same issue. I've only just had my car serviced and i've just noticed the problem since the service.

Not sure what can be done about it, other than request a new one be fitted by the dealership!

Best regards

Steve

Volvo.jpg

[RUTV70]

The problematic ETM's were all Magnetti Marelli.(Approx 1999-2001).....on a 2002 wouldn't it be a Bosch unit.?..which were not a problem.
If that's the case I'd look elsewhere.!..MAF sensor.?
Ideally..get the codes read.!

Neil

[RG_Toad]

My V70 T5 2001 was doing exactly this. I had the ETM software upgraded and it worked for a while, but one day the thing just packed up.
I had a new ETM fitted at Volvo and it works fine.

This was a major issue with the V70 and Volvo reduced the price of the ETM from silly money to around £140 as so many people were having to have it replaced. My new ETM cost me around £270 fitted at the local Volvo dealership.

The problem is a mechanical sliding pick up (so I was told) that wears out after a while and causes an intermitent and gradually worsening circuit break. There's a non Volvo ETM on the market which is totally electronic and will never wear out, but it's more expensive by a couple of hundred quid.

I also heard of people replacing the pick ups on their worn Volvo ETM with some conducting paint, if you wanted to research that...

One other thing - a Volvo specialist non dealership will charge you lots for the software upgrade. Volvo charge £1 plus labour - which might be cheaper...

[deathrider311271]

As already stated get your codes read with either VCT2000 or Vida dice, your problem may lie elsewhere ie ABS system as this is all linked thro the main ECU for the car.

Simon

[RUTV70]

Originally Posted by RG_Toad

My V70 T5 2001 was doing exactly this. I had the ETM software upgraded and it worked for a while, but one day the thing just packed up.
I had a new ETM fitted at Volvo and it works fine.

This was a major issue with the V70 and Volvo reduced the price of the ETM from silly money to around £140 as so many people were having to have it replaced. My new ETM cost me around £270 fitted at the local Volvo dealership.

The problem is a mechanical sliding pick up (so I was told) that wears out after a while and causes an intermitent and gradually worsening circuit break. There's a non Volvo ETM on the market which is totally electronic and will never wear out, but it's more expensive by a couple of hundred quid.

I also heard of people replacing the pick ups on their worn Volvo ETM with some conducting paint, if you wanted to research that...

One other thing - a Volvo specialist non dealership will charge you lots for the software upgrade. Volvo charge £1 plus labour - which might be cheaper...

Yours would be a Magnetti Marelli ETM then..!!!...I reckon a 2002 would have Bosch.?...the "luxury" fix is Xmodex...but you can get the original ETM refurbed by BBA Re-manufacturing which requires NO software download..as it's already married to the car....you just don't have your car for a few days.!
I think the current cost is around £300-ish

Neil

[mikealder]

Have a look at This Web page for more information on what goes wrong with the ETM - Mike

[GMad]

Originally Posted by RUTV70

The problematic ETM's were all Magnetti Marelli.(Approx 1999-2001).....on a 2002 wouldn't it be a Bosch unit.?..which were not a problem.
If that's the case I'd look elsewhere.!..MAF sensor.?
Ideally..get the codes read.!

Neil

My S60 has the Bosch unit on it, but did have an uneven tick over and eventually illuminate the management light!
When I took it off (a pretty straight forward job), there was a small amount of crud in there. So a good clean using carburettor cleaner and an old toothbrush, soon had it running correctly and extinguished the management light too.
It wasn't especially dirty, but I think the main issue was probably the crud around the edge of the butterfly!

[littonlad]

I have a 2000 V70 that has what I think is the ETM problem. It's a Marinelli ETM with a white sticker so I don't believe it's been replaced at all.
I get the ETM light on 'only' when the car is in D(drive) and I'm either pulling away slowly or stuck in slow moving traffic at that speed where the auto box can't quite make it's mind up whether to change down or not. When it's on the engine exhibits what I'd call rapid hunting. Sometimes the engine management light will come on, sometimes not. Either way if I stop, switch off, then start again the ETM clears and the car runs fine again till it happens next time. A battery disconnect clears the engine management light.
To circumvent the problem I've taken to driving it like a semi-auto. Instead of using D(drive) all the time I pull away in 3, then change up to 4 and D when necessary. When slowing down I drop it back to 4 and/or 3. It seems to work for me, but I'd like to get the problem fixed once and for all.
Also, I've seen several for sale on fleabay at various prices. One guy is saying that the one he has for sale is 'plug and play', ie for my car/year no programming is necessary. Is this likely to be true?
Any advice most gratefully received.
John

[RUTV70]

Have you tried cleaning the "butterflies" as a first step.?..get rid of all the carbon/crud build up.!
(do a search on here to see)
You certainly have the "problematic" ETM (Marelli)..and as far as I know you either replace it..or get it refurbed...either will cost at least £300..more for the replacement I guess as I understand they have increased in price recently. BBA Re-manufacturing will refurb it for you.
It HAS to be "married/programmed" to your specific car if you replace it like for like (main dealer or Volvo Indy) ..if you refurb, it doesn't. ('cos it's the same one being put back).
Have a read of the ETM problems history on here and you will get a good idea of the situation.

Neil