127 replies to this topic

[nervegrind3r]

oops, forgot to log in

[Petr]

Let's get the story straight. The Service Campaign 155, the update of the ECM and ETM software, is for ALL Volvo of 1999 through 2001 and some 2002 models,with the Magnetti Marelli electronic software, all part numbers including the yellow sticker 8644347. This is all covered in Tech Net Notes 25-149A. There is no charge. In general the software makes the ETM computer less sensitive to small disturbances. When you reload the software is sets all parameters back to the original performance settings, thus more pep. As you drive is learns your driving habits.

The software is a good update and it is recommended by the investigator at The National Highway Traffic Safety Administrator. If you are having ETM problem and the software does NOT fix the problem let NHTSA know.

The software does NOT fix the problem, the wearing out of the throttle position sensor, anymore than a software update to the ABS system would fix the brake pads from wearing out. It just makes the car run better until the final ETM failure.

For more than you probably want to know go to http://VEXEDvolvo.org. If you want to get on my mailing list, already over 500 in 26 countries, send an email to VEXEDvolvo@comcast.net. I will be sending out and posting a detailed description of what the software upgrade does, it will be a week or so.

Don Willson

I my case, the car started stalling irregularly after the 155 software update. Thanks to the "smaller sensitivity to small disturbances", no codes are stored to the ETM computer; and the dealer won't replace the ETM unless I pay the full price for its replacement. I called the NHTSA and reported this problem; but I have no proof unless someone slams it into me on a highway after another stall.

For me, the 155 is an extreme disappointment and a big step down in the safety and reliability of my S80.

[Petr]

Well I say that is BS because the ETM is under warranty for 10 years 200,000 miles and Volvo should replace it anyways.

Thanks for your support buddy. Unless there's a code or the problem happens in front of the mechanic at the stealership, Volvo won't accept a replacement under the extended warranty. Got that not only from the dealer but also directly from the Volvo US customers service. As the stalling happens irregularly in my case, it's been impossible for me to have them fix it under the extended warranty.

Do you have a different personal experience? Tell me.

Edited by Petr, 09 August 2006 - 05:46 PM.

[rcclass]

I can only comment on my experiance so far...

My car was surging at any constant speed, and the ETS light would illuminate (but the dealer said that no codes were stored). You could actually watch my Vac/Boost gauge fluctuate as the butterfly in the ETM opened and closed at random.

I had the 155 Campaign performed last Saturday. All I can say is WOW! It seems like a different vehicle. Now, I reserve the right to alter my opinion at any time 9if this thing starts ackint up again) but for now, I'm completely satisfied.

On a side note, I was getting two codes (I forget which ones specifically) that were saying that I was running rich. These have not come back yet... in the past, they'd come back within 24 hrs of clearing.

I'll keep y'all updated as I go...

[BtownVolvo]

On a side note, I was getting two codes (I forget which ones specifically) that were saying that I was running rich. These have not come back yet... in the past, they'd come back within 24 hrs of clearing.

If it said you were rich, wouldn't that be attributed to the O2 sensors? call me crazy or something...

[CJN]

Thanks for your support buddy. Unless there's a code or the problem happens in front of the mechanic at the stealership, Volvo won't accept a replacement under the extended warranty. Got that not only from the dealer but also directly from the Volvo US customers service. As the stalling happens irregularly in my case, it's been impossible for me to have them fix it under the extended warranty.

Do you have a different personal experience? Tell me.

Petr, had the same issue with my 99 S80-T6 stalling in stop and go highway traffic and after a few calls to Volvo USA and an official report to the NHTSA I got the an area service manager to look at my car at the dealership. This stalling occured after my 3rd ETM @ 117K and the new software update. After leaving the car for over 7 hours in the shop I was informed that the MAF sensor at the Air filter box was at fault and was replaced and that the software was reloaded. This was done as a customer concession ($0) repair. I received a follow-up call from NHTSA two days after the repair and I was asked what they found. After I told him about the MAF replacement he said he was not surprised as the new software NOW compares the ETM and the MAF and if they do not produce the same readings problems occur. This comparision of the MAF and ETM is new to the latest software and could be the cause of this new issue requiring replacement of the MAF. I recommend that everyone report this issue to NHTSA http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/ is it is well documented as a potential safety issue of stalling while the car is being driven.

[Petr]

Petr, had the same issue with my 99 S80-T6 stalling in stop and go highway traffic and after a few calls to Volvo USA and an official report to the NHTSA I got the an area service manager to look at my car at the dealership. This stalling occured after my 3rd ETM @ 117K and the new software update. After leaving the car for over 7 hours in the shop I was informed that the MAF sensor at the Air filter box was at fault and was replaced and that the software was reloaded. This was done as a customer concession ($0) repair. I received a follow-up call from NHTSA two days after the repair and I was asked what they found. After I told him about the MAF replacement he said he was not surprised as the new software NOW compares the ETM and the MAF and if they do not produce the same readings problems occur. This comparision of the MAF and ETM is new to the latest software and could be the cause of this new issue requiring replacement of the MAF. I recommend that everyone report this issue to NHTSA http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/ is it is well documented as a potential safety issue of stalling while the car is being driven.

CJN, thank you for the info. I had the MAF replaced less than a year ago and it should not be faulting again that quickly. by the way I still have the original ETM (@125K miles).
I second the urge to report all similar issues to NHTSA. They take this issue very seriously and AFAIK do quite a technical investigation among similarly affected Volvo owners.

[Stormtrooper1]

my 99 XC goes in next week for this update, plus the light switch recall. I've been having no problems. Seems the previous owner really loved this car as its service life (noted on car fax) was at volvo. hopefully everything will go well.

[firepuma]

Just had the etm done monday @ 160,000mi on the 00 v70r at Stutz Volvo in Salem MA. Easy, just called them, said recall 155, gave them my VIN they said "how's monday" I said "I love free stuff". BAM< Etm serviced. 30 miles later feels like it's shifting smoother and at higher rpm's. Gotta check for a vacum leak however...

[Stormtrooper1]

Just had the update done, and it only took them about 30 minutes including replacing the light switch and washing it.

It's more peppy, no odd issues. So Far I am happy.

[Exclucid]

i'm going to get mine done on Tuesday just because. I have a 99 s70 t5 5 speed. 55k miles. No hesitation yet, but I have to replace the coil packs. All I wana know is if I ever have to purchase a new etm because they won't replace it till its flat broke in the future, will it be a better etm than I currently have? By thy way this car is alot fun to drive but no where near as reliable as any of my other cars i've ever owned, all japanese. I've had about 6 cars so far. Just saying... shame on volvo.... but I'm gona put up with it because somehow I just really like this car... damn myself.

[Exclucid]

just had the reflash done today and there is a difference in the throttle response, I know this because I have a stick, and I had my shifting rythm down so well I could shift so smooth, now I'm applying too much throttle all the time, and the second big thing, is the engine doesn't shake the car when you turn it off anymore.

[XFORCE]

I had the etm software done, and the car shifted much better, than I had a ST ECU upgrade, and the car doesn't shift as smooth, and the gas milage sucks, wondering if the etmupdated software was erased ? Changed the fluids, and everything else was okay.

[VS Legend]

I had the etm software done, and the car shifted much better

You had the ETM software done, or the tranny software done?

[XFORCE]

You had the ETM software done, or the tranny software done?

The service mng said the tranny software is done with the etm software

[Tripp Mcnealy]

I'm having the update done thursday next week pray for a new ETM!

[Tripp Mcnealy]

Had the update done, definetly shifts smoother, and stays in gears to higher RPMs. Will let you know what else I see, only drove it home in traffic and to work this morning.

[TheCapn]

Just had ETM update performed, not much difference in throttle response. At least they washed my car and gave me a cup of coffee