Volvo C70 This sporty coupe has a three-piece retractable hardtop for unsurpassed fun whether the the top is up or down.

weird idling

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Old 07-24-2006, 08:20 AM
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Default weird idling

So after failing my 1st inspection for bad tires and brakes. I went back for my 2nd with a bad MAF and the CEL on.

I got to the shop. Unplugged the battery and reset the light. I figured by the time the CEL came on, I'd be long gone and have passed the inspection. Well I was TOTALLY WRONG! Apparently if your computers aren't online and ready at time of inspection.....YOU FAIL!!!! NO SOUP FOR YOU!!!!!

So 200 dollars and a new MAF later. I replaced the part and reset the light. 270 miles later and no CEL. However, now the car keeps going up and down from 800-900 rpms at idle. What can be the cause of that? And how can I fix that? Its not that big of a deal, but I don't want to let it develop into something big (and expensive!)

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Old 07-24-2006, 09:04 AM
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Default RE: weird idling

What year is your car?

I suggest if your car is 99+ it is your ETM going bad. Have it replaced it should be free as well as the new software installed which should be free but if not less then $100.
 
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Old 07-24-2006, 09:12 AM
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Default RE: weird idling

its a 1999 C70 with just about 70K on it. What is the ETM? Can I do it myself? How can I tell if that is whats wrong with it?
 
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Old 07-24-2006, 09:55 AM
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Default RE: weird idling

Volvo recently announced a recall and warranty extension for problems related to what you are describing including failing emissions.

Have you registered with Volvo if the car was bought used? If not haven't, you will not recieve the notices.

I have to schedule mine for a hunting idle problem, which is also one of the symptoms.

Best wishes,
Ron
 
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Old 07-24-2006, 10:42 AM
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ORIGINAL: snulma1

its a 1999 C70 with just about 70K on it. What is the ETM? Can I do it myself? How can I tell if that is whats wrong with it?
1. ETM (Electronic Throttle Module) A.K.A. Electronic Throttle Body

2. No you cannot do this yourself. This is a VOLVO ONLY fix. Go to your local dealership and have the ETM replaced and the new software installed. It should be under warranty so you wont have to dish out the $1k + like $100 for the software for everything.

3. An idiot light on your dash should come on and say ETS (Electronic Throttle System). If it comes on and goes off your ok, but BEWARE this is probably the start of the ETM problem. This is how mine went. It came on and went off, then the idiot light came back on and stayed on. If the idiot light stays on your ETM is bad.

However you need to have it replaced anyways, if it hasn't gone bad it will go bad. If you haven't replaced it yet do so.


 
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Old 07-24-2006, 12:25 PM
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Default RE: weird idling

so how do I register my car with volvo? I bought it used from a dealer in FL, and its a 1999 with just over 70K on it. So would it still be covered?

My ETS light hasn't come on. It just hunts for the right idle @ 900-800 rpms. And sometimes its rough to start and shut down. Could that be related too?
 
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Old 07-24-2006, 01:40 PM
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ORIGINAL: snulma1

so how do I register my car with volvo? I bought it used from a dealer in FL, and its a 1999 with just over 70K on it. So would it still be covered?

My ETS light hasn't come on. It just hunts for the right idle @ 900-800 rpms. And sometimes its rough to start and shut down. Could that be related too?
My ETM went bad at around 75k miles. My idle was weird when I got the car as well always surging.

It is related believe me. Take it to Volvo have them replace the ETM and install the new software. Your idling problems should be fixed for sure. Your car should be covered if not, expect to pay around $1200 or so to have the ETM replaced and the new software installed. Also a reminder this is a VOLVO repair ONLY.

Are you the first owner of the car or second owner? If your the second owner and you have all the record look at them to see if there is anything about the ETM mentioned as going bad and being fixed. If your the first owner well then there wont be any records of it.

However my suggestion is take it to the dealer tell them your problem. Also mention to them that you think it is the ETM and they will take a look at it. Also they should replace it, if not tell them to and to put the new software in as well.
 
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Old 07-24-2006, 03:10 PM
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ORIGINAL: S70driver

My ETM went bad at around 75k miles. My idle was weird when I got the car as well always surging.

It is related believe me. Take it to Volvo have them replace the ETM and install the new software. Your idling problems should be fixed for sure. Your car should be covered if not, expect to pay around $1200 or so to have the ETM replaced and the new software installed. Also a reminder this is a VOLVO repair ONLY.

Are you the first owner of the car or second owner? If your the second owner and you have all the record look at them to see if there is anything about the ETM mentioned as going bad and being fixed. If your the first owner well then there wont be any records of it.

However my suggestion is take it to the dealer tell them your problem. Also mention to them that you think it is the ETM and they will take a look at it. Also they should replace it, if not tell them to and to put the new software in as well.

I think I may be the 3rd owner. Not sure. But if I'm reading the carfax report correctly I'm the 3rd. will that matter? I really don't want to pay 1200 dollars to get this fixed. I've already spent more to get this car to where it is then I really should have. I love this car. But this is really killing me. I guess I will call volvo and see what they say. Thanks
 
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Old 07-24-2006, 11:22 PM
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Default RE: weird idling

There should be a change of owner card with the manual. If not, call the dealer to get your address associated with your car.
After leaving you the message today, I called my Volvo dealer and they are going to correct my hunting idle problem tomorrow as part of the recall. (Along with the headlight switch recall)
The emissions warranty is extended to 10 years/200,000 miles. not bad.
Mine is also a 99 C70 Convertible.
Let us know how your conversation with the dealer goes.
Best Wishes,
Ron
 
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Old 07-24-2006, 11:35 PM
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Default RE: weird idling

So I called my volvo dealer. And he said that yes they did issue a recall or a notice for the ETM, however, they wouldn't replace it unless my ETS or CEL came on! What is the deal with that? I'm gonna try another dealer and see what they say. Is that odd to anyone else?
 
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Old 07-25-2006, 06:35 PM
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Default RE: weird idling

Just an update:

Brought my 99 to the dealer this morning and 30 minutes later the hunting idle was gone. Seems the software upgrade is to eliminate false faults and the potential of activating "Limp Home Mode" unnecessarily.
It also addresses a problem of the throttle body getting a bit dirty over time which causes the uneven idle.

TECH, You were correct in saying I should clean the throttle body! I guess the new software compensates for this.

According to the service writer, the extension covers the full electronic throttle system for 10 years/200K miles.

Should cover you!
 
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Old 07-26-2006, 08:30 AM
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Default RE: weird idling

So does the ETM need to be replaced or just the software upgraded?
 
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Old 07-26-2006, 03:05 PM
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Default RE: weird idling

In my case just the software. But, the throttle body IS covered for the extended period.
My only complaint was hunting idle (800-900-800, etc.)

Tech had suggested I clean the throttle body some time ago. Never got to it.

The software eliminates the idle hunt. I also think the overall throttle perfofmance has improved along with eliminating what lately felt like a rough start-up.

P.S. If yours does not have it yet, there was a headlight switch recall which was also done (replaced) during yesterday's visit.

Me thinks I have a pretty good-honest dealer, Prestige in East Hanover, NJ.
 
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Old 07-26-2006, 08:53 PM
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Default RE: weird idling


ORIGINAL: gasman59

Me thinks I have a pretty good-honest dealer, Prestige in East Hanover, NJ.
I will be up that way Next Friday. I will be in Chattam
 
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Old 07-27-2006, 05:40 PM
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Default RE: weird idling

Tech, What brings you here? Basically my town!
Ron
 
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Old 07-28-2006, 12:05 AM
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Default RE: weird idling

Buying a Car from my Brother and Flying up to drive it back.

Have you seen any charter busses up there Celebration travel and tours?
He live next to Passiac Valley Charters.
 
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Old 07-28-2006, 08:27 PM
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Default RE: weird idling

Well...........pity me TECH!! I'll be starting my fourth week of trial in Jersey City!! Until you have traversed Jersey City you just haven't seen the 8th wonder of the world!
REG
 
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Old 07-29-2006, 12:13 AM
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Default RE: weird idling

Been there done that before though.

Had to go to Jersey city to pick up Lawsuit Check and then Cash there and Walk down the street with 15K in the front of my Pants.
 
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Old 07-29-2006, 10:04 AM
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Default RE: weird idling

Yep, I know exactly where PV Charter is.
Much nicer area then Jersey City!
You aren't related to S Brady are you?
 
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