Electronic Throttle Bodys (Etm, Eth..Etc) Updated 9/09!

[gr8gatzby]

been about a month since my upgrade and the improved throttle response across the powerband has been counterbalanced only by my decreased fuel economy.

[matt1122]

The hesitation is supposed to be there, it keeps you from spinning the wheels.

[garbergtsi]

its not just a ETM upgrade....it upgrades the ECM as part of the software...its one number for 2 controllers.

but yeah, it dumbs the computer up so its not as likely to throw codes for the ETM.

and the ETM is not a recall...its a warranty extension. if you have no problem, why should they give you something for free?

[Guest Don Willson]

When I perform recall 155 I download the software If there is a white sticker on the ETM I try to get it covered (white sticker are early ones) One of the problems, the PCV system when the system gets clogged usually from lack of maintance, oil gets into the intake system causing the ETM to get loaded with oil. As far as performance maybe but the download is only for the ETM SN 30677023.. So many of these cars has new ETM's and will have a yellow sticker on them..

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

[Guest Guest]

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

welcome, and well said Don.

[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.

[Guest S7013g]

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.

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

[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.

[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...