Hello everyone, I hope someone can give some pointers on this one or maybe you've experienced yourself. I have a 1999 S70 GLT (5254T) with approximately 85000 miles. Which I bought as a lease return from the local Volvo dealer and have been very pleased with it and I keep up with the regular maintenance schedule. About a year ago I started noticing (while at either in park or in drive while sitting at a light) the engine increasing in revs and then decreasing in revs where it actually ocsillates about 50RPMs in 1-2 sec increments. Now the last two times I had it at the local Volvo dealer for regular maintenance I explained the problem to them to see if they could find anything wrong. But both times nothing ever 'codes out' indicating a problem. They told me that it doesn't seem to be a problem for the vehicle mechanically. I agree with them on that. I've never noticed any problems with the performance or gas milage while living with this problem. At this point its more of an annoyance than anything but it's not supposed to be doing it...right? I guess my issue is that I take very good care of my car inside and out and I notice if there are problems. I can't believe that this reving issue isn't tying to tell me something now where I could avoid a more expensive repair later. Plus the extended warranty ran out this summer so my fear is that something might now be found. I'm scheduled for another maintenance visit on 10/21/05 (which I asked them again to see if they could find anything) so if anyone could educate me with some info before I go in I would greatly appreciate it. Also, as far as I know the timing belt has not been replced nor have there been any engine modifications done to the vehicle.

Thanks folks...

 

Ok so I'm going to reply to my own posting. After my original posting I started reading postings about the failure of the ETM's on Volvos such as mine. And reading about the failure analysis of the ETM with great interest on VEXED.com. Because for the last 16 years I've been in Quality Assuarance in the Semiconductor field. I now believe that I'm POSSIBLY seeing the early signs of failure in my own ETM unit. Because after reading about the symptoms I now realize that I have experienced a slight stalling effect in acceleration when turning from a stand still (like waiting to pull out into traffic-just when you need it to happen!). So could I be right or does one have to wait until a complete failure to be absolutley sure. As I mentioned earlier I'm scheduled for a maintenance visit on 10/21/05 to my local Volvo dealer. So what do I say to them that won't alienate me towards them. From what I've read, the dealerships have had no guidance from Volvo as to the proper counter/preventive measure to this problem. Or tend to blame the vehicle owner for improper care or bad gas. Which I assure you is not the case on my S70.
So is Volvo taking responsibilty for anything yet? Cleaning or replacement, or is it still up to the owner to shell out the cash? If the ETM is replaced, is it now from a different vendor. Wasn't the original an Italian firm? From my understanding replacing the ETM unit is nothing more than a band-aid fix. The real problem is a design flaw with the resistor strip and the repeated sweeping motion with the contacts in the unit itself. Other than those few parts the unit seemes to be constructed well enough for the life of the vehicle.
Another question - what is Ford's relationship with Volvo. Is it like GM/Saab?
Sorry to ramble on but I love my S70 and I still have some confidence in Volvo doing the right thing. But as in most cases with large corporations these days it's the bottom line that talks ($$$). Come on Volvo step up to the plate and do the right thing! I know, and you know that admitting that there is a problem with the ETM will 1) keep Volvo's reputation of safety and reliability with the buying public intact 2) will cost Volvo far less in the long run to fix the problem.
One last thing, if anybody in Oregon has experienced this problem let me know.

 

They will also act like this when they need to be cleaned.
It might be going bad but the first step is to have it cleaned.

Volvo I think is starting to replace them for free and reimburse for people that have paid. But im not 100% sure about that.