Volvo vehicles 99-02 generally have the Magneti-Marelli unit which is a very precise unit, but prone to failure. I wanted to share my experiences as a dealer selling mainly Volvo vehicles for the past 20 years.

We are an independent dealer in Birmingham AL and have dealt with a lot of these units. There are people who will try and install a used unit, but it will never work properly since the module itself is coded to the vehicle's VIN and associated equipment. The software for the module lives in the module on this vintage throttle and impacts the transmission shift points, climate control, ABS and other vehicle modules. Swapping in a used unit is a waste of time since it will never be "right" and will probably fail like the one that you just removed.

Another option is where people attempt to have their unit rebuilt. This may or may not require a download of software from the dealer. My experience says that this route is iffy and the cost is virtually the same as the original throttle module.

The best option is to acquire a new ETM (electronic throttle module) from your dealer (or someone who can supply one) and have it programmed. In most cases, the vehicle will run good enough to get you to the dealer but if not, you're towing it in.

 

Buying a new, faulted Volvo part and having it married to the car is one simple but expensive way to go.

Many have removed their ETM and sent it off to Xemodex for a rebuild of higher quality. This company eliminates the mylar wiper with contactless hardware.

The programming is untouched and you get your ETM back.

This seems the way to go since pricing seems to range from $450 to $600.

Going the dealer route for a new, weak unit is $1,100 to $1,400.

 

The units are no longer very expensive and I can buy them for less than the Xemodex.

However, please do what makes you feel good.

 

Hello, It's not a question of feeling good. It's one of affording one's self an economical alternative.
Also, it's nice to be able to avoid an "automatic ripoff" from anyone. No need to single out car dealerships.

And one more thing. You say the units are no longer expensive.
Hurray for that but I'll bet you wouldn't have to look long to find a dealership which will gladly charge you the old expensive price.

Really though, thanks for the info. Cheers, G&K