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Have owned four Volvos, my most recent being a 2000 V70XC with about 60K. In the last month we have put about a thousand miles on it and just the other day the ETS light goes on. Checked the manual - Electronic Throttle Control, effects drivability, BUT if it the light doesn't come back on, no big deal. Well . . . it doesn't seem to be my lucky day, b/c that orange ETS popped back on and there seems to be some sluggishness in the acceleration.
I figured I'd check out the Brickboard and do a search about this issue. Much to my surprise and disgust this appears to be a VERY common failure that can ONLY be fixed at the DEALER at a cost of about $1000!!! I will likely need a new module and new software, all b/c they decided to get rid of the cable-based system and go with some faulty, poorly designed computer-based one. Volvo should step up to the plate on this and I intend on writing a letter - as I will definitely think twice before purchasing another one. If your ETS fails completely, you will be left stranded with no hope of starting the car until it is replaced - is that what one should expect from a company that prides itself on reliability and safety? Shame on them, this should be recalled.
-Dave
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I am from Australia. Volvo November 2000 XC. 60,000 miles ( 100,000 KM ). We had a check engine light and ETS light appear over 14 months ago. The car had to be towed 400 miles to the dealership. The car was repaired, new module, Volvo "kindly" let me pay half because it was only just out of warranty. 8 weeks. The car broke down in peak hour traffic in front of the dealership when I picked it up. They towed it and two days later I picked it up again. Exactly the same result. 12 months later the car has had a check engine light on permantly. Slow acceleration, 7 trips to the dealer, always the light returns within 30 miles. This time I was travelling on business for 4 weeks, they have had the car and fixed it... except that when I picked it up and test drove it the car broke down with the Volvo dealer manager in it.
The car is back at Volvo, registration cancelled, they are " flying an engineer from interstate " . I have cancelled my order for an XC90. Twice now. I will not buy Volvo and my lawyer is sorting out the mess.
Scott focusmed@tpg.com.au
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posted by
someone claiming to be Wil
on
Fri Feb 20 11:52 CST 2004 [ RELATED]
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Hi:
Over the past month, my ETS light also went on on a daily basis while affecting drivability. After shutting down the car for a while, it went away. However, the next day, same problem. The ETS light has been coming on every day now and affecting drivability. Just took it to the dealer and he told me I have to replace the Electronic Throttle control at a cost of $1,008. I have only 65,000 miles on the car. This should not occur that early on. There definitely is a problem with the way they designed this and the manufacturer should recognise the faulty desing and replace it free.
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When my ETS went out on my 1999 XC at 68k miles, the dealer replaced at no charge citing a 70k warranty for emissions systems, which I believe is mandatory in California. Not sure if this is true for other states as well. In fact, I didn't even know about the 70k emissions warranty requirement in CA, but it saved me $1000 and I didn't feel like arguing with the dealer about it.
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posted by
someone claiming to be Ray N.
on
Tue Feb 3 09:30 CST 2004 [ RELATED]
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Wait til we get electric controlled brake systems (no hydraulic
connection from brake pedal to the brakes) and and steer-by-wire.
At least with a throttle the failure mode means you can't go.
See:
http://www.findarticles.com/cf_dls/m3012/n8_v178/21075836/p1/article.jhtml
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posted by
someone claiming to be Frank
on
Wed Feb 4 00:24 CST 2004 [ RELATED]
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It'll get worse, no doubt.
As for electronic steering, Subaru once tried that in '87 with their '88 XT6 which had an electrically controlled steering pump (no belt) and the devices had problems, someone (or more) died when it malfunctioned so there was a big recall where many of the major components were replaced. They only used that system for one year.
There is talk of electronically controlled steering and yes, brakes too and IMHO, it'll be another bad idea as I suspect problems will occur.
There's also talk about replacing valves with electronic solenoids so no need for cams, lifters or t-belts.
All these ideas look great on paper or a computer similation but in real life, in a car? Maybe not.
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hmm i suppose you COULD end up going a LOT more than you wanted....
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Who produces all this good stuff? In general, Euro cars are having electrical problems. Is it Bosch? As big as they are and as many manufacturers as they feed it seems they could do better. Then there is ZF who sure had a bad batch of transmissions that both Volvo and BMW bit into. Of course if you come stateside, look at some of the great stuff we have had. Olds diesel, the many plastic GM transmissions, the Vega, the road oiling Corvair and on and on.
Perhaps it is cyclic, but the Jap cars seem rather steady, most of the time, till you go to a machine shop and find out that they change stuff almost yearly in their engines and parts have to come from dealers only.
So what do you buy?
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740, carb engine manual box?
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Beginning with the 2002 model year, the Electronic Throttle Control was redesigned ,due to issues with the previous model years design. The design of the ETC you have on your vehicle originally came out in 1999 and was last used on the 2001 model year (issues just like yours).
So, you'd think that any 2002 or newer Volvo with ETC would be be of a more robust design, but alas, MY 2002 V70 had it's ETC replaced under warranty at 15,000 miles. (shorted out)
I now have 27,000 miles on it and so far so good, but I have to tell you that in the back of my mind I'll always have a lack of confidence in my ETC. I don't wish to spend $1100.00 on a new one if this one gives up the ghost.
so, I will trade her in before the warranty runs out.
p.s. most all of todays automobiles are going the way of "drive by wire"
and I sure hope they get it perfected soon or there will be many more pissed off consumers such as yourself and Frankly, you have every right to be angry.
--
You will never leave where you are until you decide where you would rather be.
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Well I just got a call from the Dealer - Hard to believe, sure enough the throttle control unit is "faulty" (his word). But guess what, since they do so damn many of them, they have everything they need in stock and it'll be good as new by the end of today - only thing is, my wallet will be $1100 lighter!!! Control unit is about $650 (talk about lining your V70 pockets) and a couple of hours of labor.
Unbelievable. Thanks Volvo!!
I'm considering trying to get either a website together or running list of fellow bricksters who have been subjected to Volvo's faulty units. It is just amazing to me that all you have to do is scroll down a page or two and someone else is experiencing the same exact fault. I actually count myself lucky that unlike some folks, the car didn't start surging in traffic or just die out of nowhere on the highway with my 8 month old in the baby seat and my wife behind the wheel.
-Dave
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Yep, mine too.
Apparently the ETM throws codes that a regular OBD-II reader can't pick up. I say that because the car just passed DEQ a couple weeks ago...
Here they are:
901F-904D-9150-9160-91A7-904C
Not sure why these were not readable with my Auto-X-Ray scanner.
They did the complete fault trace for these codes and all roads led to the ETM.
Needless to say I'm not happy, the only good news on the day was my VCOA membership saved me $155.42 on the total (which came to 957.33 before discount). In case you're curious, here's the price breakdown on the parts:
ETM UNIT 565.
ETM Software 26.
Intake Manifold Gasket (to access Crankcase Breather Banjo Bolt) 14.
Copper Washers (for Banjo Bolt) 5.
This is for a 2000 XC. Total parts were 607.13, total labor was 340.00 @ 85/hr (interesting since they started at sometime after 7AM and were done by 11:30AM)
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wow that s $550 labour for a couple of hours (yeh right...unit out..unit in...) or $275 per hour...no wonder they can afford fancy showrooms....
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posted by
someone claiming to be Punxsutawney Phil
on
Tue Feb 3 07:53 CST 2004 [ RELATED]
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I have the entire collection of standard 1998 Volvo repair receipts, except for the air pump!
ABS module, evaporator, the whole nine yards plus even stuff like 4 (four) cabin temp sensors etc. etc. When the car is running it's great and it least shotgunning parts into it is a lot cheaper than leasing a BMW 745iL!
-Punxsutawney Phil
'98 V70T5M, 134k mi., iPd stabilizer bars, Volvo strut tower brace and skidplate, Bilstein HD struts and shocks, Valentine-1, Mobil-1 always, e-code headlight lenses, Michelin Arctic Alpins
CLICK HERE
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posted by
someone claiming to be Paul
on
Sun Feb 22 12:50 CST 2004 [ RELATED]
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Count me as another one who has experienced an electronic throttle control failure on my 2001 V70. Ticked me off after last summer, when the cooling fan went out and the dealer couldn't find a part for 4 weeks.
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Only to add.
I heard rumour that the company that made the Electronic Throttle
Module for Volvo went out-of-business.
Let's see what happens when our 99's and later start having these
modules go more and more. Has me a little concerned.
rd
--
99 c70 hptm 37k miles
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I agree with you, It's like they won't owe up to defects. The same with the ABS module even thought it is not a safety issue or oil leaking from the turbo area. I guess it has something to do with FORD!!!
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Long before Ford, remember all those wonderful wiring harnesses that went south? How about the 84 244's and their wonderful air mass meters?
dick
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posted by
someone claiming to be don
on
Wed Feb 4 14:04 CST 2004 [ RELATED]
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it probably has to do with ford.
i have a 2001 e-250 van. pboblems started at about 3000 miles.
only runs good on rainy days
doors dont close
heat and ac dont work right
wont start right away sometimes
sounds like cement mixer when stopped in drive
rust spots in paint
if i bring it in for service all i get is - no problem found
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posted by
someone claiming to be Ray N.
on
Thu Feb 5 07:11 CST 2004 [ RELATED]
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Due to vehicle design lead time Ford has not really impacted any
engineering on Volvo's current models. Well, the very new S40 just
release in Europe could be an exception. But 70, 80 and 60 series
cars came out well before Ford aquired Volvo.
Ford did just announce new models that will sell under the Ford brand
based on Volvo chssis. Basically Volvo chassis with Ford V6 powertrains.
One is a sedan and other is a new SUV. I'd say Volvo is influencing Ford
more then the other way around.
Although, Ford could influence customer support of the existing models.
If they wanted to extend warranties for elctronic throttles they could
do so.
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all you people have nothing else to do but bitch about how volvo did this and that. you should all sell you volvo's and go buy jap cars or better yet use the bus. with new technology new problems. 30 years ago cars were gas guzzlers and not a safe as they are now. the problems you see now are only going to get more expesive. you also complain about the labor rate you have no idea what the money goes to. you have to pay the technican, the facility, the loaners that are giving out the people how pick up the cars from your house. and you show no appreciationthat are rendered to you. put yourself the person who calls you and lets you know what is wrong with you car. they provide you with a service just like a doctor does. then do you go on a message board to complain?
this is not meant for all people just the ones that take offence.
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Volvos have gotten less efficient, not more. Every new model has more power, less fuel economy. At least they've kept the emissions relatively low.
My PV544 gets about 30 MPG on the highway, even at 40 years old. Can't say that for my 2000 XC.
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Speaking only for myself, if you read my original post you would see that I'm not blaming the technicians or the dealer or the people that I spoke with at the dealership. They were all very nice and did a fine job. However, we all know what kind of mark-up the dealerships make. My point is two-fold, 1) Volvo (the corporation) is to blame as they have produced a faulty product that jeopardizes the reliability and safety of the car and 2) You have no choice but to go to the dealership for the fix, which is IMO outrageously expensive. Volvo, not the dealership or the technician, should stand behind their products, admit they have a problem and fix it or at least share the cost. For example, supply the part and the consumer pays for labor. I find their conduct to be deplorable (you may need a dictionary for that one - but it's worth it to try and learn something today).
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