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Is the ETS problem a 'WHEN' not 'IF' problem S70

We have 65,000 miles on our 1999 S70, and have not experienced any of the signs of a bad ETS. Is the failure rate essentially close to 100%, so that the only question is WHEN the problem will occur, not IF it will occur? From what I have read, it sounds like we're past the time they usually fail...any chance we are going to be lucky on this one? Thanks.








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    Is the ETS problem a 'WHEN' not 'IF' problem V70-XC70 1999

    My V70 only has 50,000 miles, so I hope I have some time. Is there any maintenance that can be done to prolong the life of the ETS (i.e., anything to clean?). Next, is it available from someone else than Volvo, such as Bosch? Thanks!








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      Is the ETS problem a 'WHEN' not 'IF' problem V70-XC70 1999

      None. Summary of all posts I've seen say "cleaning" does nothing to prevent the failure.








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    Is the ETS problem a 'WHEN' not 'IF' problem S70

    Unfortunately it is a "when." My dealer admits that and says the part is a consumable that will need replacement. I got 102,000 miles on it. Negotiate a price for it. about $500 for the ETM and $300 labor ($800 total) is a good price. They will probably give a quote of about $1,000. Negotiate it down. Cite brickboard price quotes and internet prices for the ETM. Volvo normally charges about $640 for the ETM.

    But, you only have 65,000 miles on yours. You could get 30 to 40,000 more miles. Or it could go tomorrow. When the light has come on twice, just bite the bullet and get it done.








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      Is the ETS problem a 'WHEN' not 'IF' problem S70

      Did you keep the part? If not can you go back and get it?
      I need it for additional evidence. Yours is the highest mileage I have seen replaced.

      What I need are the end caps. I don't believe there is anything else that I can test.

      First: Does the throttle move smoothly? When pushed fully closed can you see light around the edge of the throttle plate, or is cruded up enough to cause the throttle to stick?

      Take an electric screwdriver with a T-20 tip, ( a star shaped tip), a pair of wire clippers and a blade screwdriver. Unscrew the end caps, 4 screws each. Wedge the 1/2" x 1" rubber cap off of the left side and clip 2 wires. Then brute force wedge the end caps off The solder joints near the front of the module will break nicely. This does not damage the potentiometer. Send me the complete end caps. These contain the resistance film and the wiper. One mechanic in Denver reported oil in the end cap, especially if it was a turbo. Are the end caps clean and dry inside ( of course there will be some engine dirt on the outside. )

      Copy down the information off of the front label, is the label yellow or white. If available, which I doubt, the model and year of the car. Also the date codes off of the module. One is molded into the cable where it connects to the module and one is cast into the casting, it is a circle with a bar across it. Put each endcap pair in a separate baggie with the data. Then the post office now has a 8.5 x 11 x 6" box that is a flat rate priority mail for about $7.85. You should be able to get a dozen or so pair in the box.Also at www.usps.com you can print an address label with or without postage on line. It's slick.

      If you finish taking it apart there is a dandy magnet in it.

      DonWillson@comcast.net








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        Is the ETS problem a 'WHEN' not 'IF' problem S70

        Some people here including the poster of this thread may not know what you're collecting evidence for. May be good to give them a little run-down unless of course you've talked to them or you know they know what's going on with the ETS and your efforts to get Volvo to fess up and pay up.
        --
        1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic, 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red, Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon








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    Is the ETS problem a 'WHEN' not 'IF' problem S70

    I would say it is close to 100%. I got a litle over 100,000 miles before mine failed. I drovethe car at 5000 miles with the ETS warning light on w/o any problems. I felt as though I was pushing my luck and decided to pay the piper. Read my earlier post if you'd like to avoid getting taken to the cleaners when the inevitable happens.








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      Is the ETS problem a 'WHEN' not 'IF' problem S70

      I ditto what he's saying. I avoided this problem on purpose and bought a non Electric Throttle bodied car...'98.
      --
      1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic, 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red, Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon








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        Is the ETS problem a 'WHEN' not 'IF' problem S70

        Thanks for all the replies, even though I hate hearing the answers. I'd planned to keep the car only a year or two more, and don't really want to get socked with big repair bills right before I sell it or trade it in. We just did the 60K service and also paid for the driver's door stay repair ($600 total because I did part of the 60K service myself). I'm thinking about just viewing that $600 as a sunk cost and trading the car for something easier to maintain (e.g., a Japanese car), or at least more fun (e.g., a Porsche).
        --
        1999 S70 non-turbo








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          Is the ETS problem a 'WHEN' not 'IF' problem S70 1999


          Mine has 87k and no ETS light. However, when cruising on the highway, the engine will act like it's misfiring, then surging. If I stomp the gas, goes great, or just slowly accelerate - all the power's there. It's just when I'm cruising with pedal pushed about an inch or so.

          Is this the symptoms? What triggers the light?







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