I have a 1999 s70 non-turbo with 279K miles on it. Recently the ETS and CE lights came on and it went into limp mode. I live about 60 miles from nearest larger city and 200 miles from Volvo dealership so I did a lot of reading/testing and (wrongly??) decided it was the ETM. Ordered and replaced ETM with an Xemodex. Car started fine and went to normal idle so took out to test drive. Sputtering and shaking occured but no ETS or CE lights and car accelerated OK except for that. Tried cleaning the MAF (unluckily have the Denso model so can't take apart to do a proper cleaning) and checking resistance across pins on plugin. Seemed to be OK. I should also mention that the Volvo software update was done in 2006 and Xemodex knew about that so I don't think it is a software issue. Any suggestions?? I know this has been a recurring problem with that vehicle but I'm stumped.

 

You mentioned the CEL was on before but didn't say what codes were set; do you have a scanner to read them?

Xemodex publishes a diagnostic flow chart to help differentiate between a bad ETM or MAF; did you follow that by chance?

Here's a snippet from the flow chart:
Mass Air Flow (MAF). A defective MAF can produce very similar symptoms as the ETM. Connect the OBDII scanner and check for codes. If there are any MAF related codes, replace the MAF sensor. In the monitoring function of the scanner select MAF signal and observe the MAF value. The reading should be around 14 Kg/Hr at idle.

 

That was part of the problem, I don't have a reader and live pretty remotely so wasn't able to take it to a garage.

Through some further diagnostics and some input from Xemodex, we have pretty much determined that it is the MAF sensor and I have one ordered. Will post the results here after I get it and install it.

Thanks for the input.

 

Let us know if that fixes your problem..

Also, being so remote (and even if you weren't) I would recommend you get yourself a scanner; good diagnostic tool to have at the ready.

 

I ordered and installed a new MAF. Test drive started to go well with nice acceleration. Then at about 55 mph, it appeared to cut out. Continued acceleration to about 70 and slowed down to about 20 with the car loping a bit and appeared to be cutting out without stopping or generating any codes. I drove it back home and no codes were generated. I now have an OBD code reader so will repost as soon as I have some codes.

Suggestions?

 

Hmm; loping is indication of engine running rich; does that sound accurate? Any black smoke or other symptoms? I'm assuming this is new symptom; yes?

Basics: have you done Stage0 (full complete tune-up including filters) in recent history? Compression test; etc.? Do you have a fuel pressure gauge?

 

Full tuneup was done about 20K miles ago. Fuel filter was not replaced at that time however. Do not have a fuel pressure gauge. This symptom is consistent with the original problem so has not been evident before ETM and MAF problems. No black smoke evident. It's like the engine is searching for an idle speed. The cutout at higher speed actually shakes the engine/car. ??

 

Just got some CEL codes of: P1017, P1025, P1017-p, P1021-p and P1025-p. Give anybody any more clues?

Thanks,

 

Unfortunately any P1xxx codes are manufacturer (volvo) specific. I would ping Xemodex again with that info before you go to the dealer to have them tell you what those codes mean; they (xemodex) may have seen this before.

 

Latest status: Being I was stumped and had already changed out the MAF sensor, main engine relay at the request of Xemodex without any change in performance. I contacted Xemodex again and they shipped me another ETM. I reinstalled the new ETM and again had no change in performance. Xemodex informed me that I had done everything that a DIY'er could do and suggested that I get the car to a professional. I towed the car 70 miles the closest non-Volvo affiliated mechanic that has over 30 years of Volvo experience. He is also stumped and has been told by Volvo that the car needs a "software upgrade". The car had the Service Campaign 155 software upgrade in 2006 and I'm told by Xemodex that no software upgrade is necessary. So, here I am caught in a bad three-way. Volvo saying that a software upgrade is necessary (closest dealer is 200 miles away), Xemodex saying that no software upgrade is necessary and my trusted mechanic who is befuddled as I am. Any suggestions as to how I proceed?? Do I go after Volvo help or go after Xemodex for selling a product that doesn't appear to work in my case??

 

MAF failure in most cases is ruled up by simply unplugging it and seeing how drastic the change is. a MAF that is working right will not let the car stat or run well at all if it is unplugged. A failed MAF you would see no change in running, but the car will start and run ok with out it hooked up.

As for the ETM, The computer software upgrade is a patch. Changes the degree of the butterfly's slightly so the TPS sensor inside the module wouldn't wear as quickly (talking 10s of thousands of miles) -- so I have been told and understand. In most cases its the internal circuitry that is bad and you have to replace the ETM.

 

Thanks for all the information guys

 

Sorry man. You're in a real bummer situation. I'm surprised the 30 yr volvo guy can't figure it out; does he have experience on the newer gen cars, or is he more of a 240 guy? The old gen cars are like working on tractors; very low tech.

My guess is your problem is not the ETM (since you tried two from xemodex). Hopefully the MAF you put in is the correct model and OEM; people have had many issues with aftermkt ones.

All we can do from here is guess; you really need someone who really understands these cars to do some serious troubleshooting. And I can't guarantee where you'll find that; maybe not even at the dealer. I've been shocked and dismayed when I see how pitiful some of these dealer techs are. That's why I like indy shops with good reps, or do it myself.

As far as going after anyone, I imagine xemodex would give you a refund if you asked, but what are you going to do w/o an ETM, junk the car?

 

Why would you go after Xemodex? They've already done more than you could reasonably expect in my opinion. You diagnosed the problem yourself as a faulty ETM. Their product works, it's just that the ETM appears not to be the source of your problem.

The software upgrade is NOT necessary at this point for the following reason. It's actually not an upgrade at all, it's just a band-aid fix for the design flaw in the Volvo ETM. Given that you no longer have the Volvo ETM you don't need the software "upgrade."

Volvo code P1017 is "Engine Control Module Internal Fault." I don't see that you've mentioned touching the ECM. If this were my car my next steps would be:
1. Locate the ECM, remove all the connectors, clean connectors and pins with Deoxit and reconnect with dielectric grease.
2. Closely inspect wiring harness at the ECM looking for any type of damage - fretting, corrosion or even rodent damage.

Unfortunately your car has a married ECM so you can't swap in a junkyard ECM without the help of a friendly Volvo dealer. Xemodex can supply a remanufactured ECM providing you send them the original ECM so they can extract VIN number, immobilizer codes, etc. Do not use ecmoutlet.com as that's 100% scam.

 

In working with Xemodex and their troubleshooting flowchart, it was diagnosed as a faulty ETM. However, there is more than that wrong with the car and it is in Xemodex's best interest (if nothing else, as far as education) to further help future customers in the application of their product. We all know that Volvo will point fingers at non-Volvo parts as the cause of all problems and will be less than helpful. Bottom line: I've got a car sitting at an independent repair shop 70 miles away and no clue as to next troubleshooting steps. Will have my indie look at ECU and wiring connections. Thanks.

 

Again I feel bad about your situation, but I do have a comment.

As someone who used to write diagnostic flow charts (not by choice, it was my job at the time) I can tell you that they have limited diagnostic value and come with no guarantees. To get a diag flow chart that isn't miles long you have to make some assumptions (e.g. like wiring and connectors are intact; someone didn't mill the head incorrectly on a previous OH, etc.).

I am a former auto tech who's done more than my share of diagnosing issues that other techs gave up on, I can tell you that someone can figure out the problem with your car. But it needs to be someone who thoroughly understands these cars' inner workings. When troubleshooting this car they can't take anything for granted; they'll have to ck every detail of the ignition, fuel, and engine systems. I.e. as you've already figured out that it's not the usual suspects (MAF, ETM, etc.).

If this was a newer car still under volvo warranty, and the dealer techs couldn't figure it out, they would have their regional super-troubleshooter tech come into town and look it over. But this is a used car well out of factory warranty so it comes w/o any safety net. Usually owning a high mileage volvo is not that scary, but it's kinda like gambling; eventually you may get burned. Hate to say it, but this is why I have avoided (so far) these MYs; they got way more complex in '99 and to me complexity adds up to higher incidence of break-downs; it's just the nature of the beast.

Again not wishing you any ill-will at all; quite the contrary. I sincerely hope you get your car fixed and it doesn't cost more than the car's worth. Keep us posted with any updates. Good luck!

 

You must think very outside the box because with Volvos, they arn't in a box.....but are boxy!!