The ETM reads information form a piece of mylar with metal fingers that slide across it (thus the failing part...the metal fingers dig into the mylar). It used to be that the movement of the fingers were within one particular, localized area of the mylar. From what I understand, the new software enables the fingers to travel over a greater area of the mylar, making the "digging in" effect delayed as now it will take longer to scrape through it. Eventually the ETM will still fail. So now the ETM will last longer. Good thing you got the update, but to be honest, if I'm understanding what Volvo is doing correctly, this is just a delay tactic. See www.vexedvolvo.org for more informaiton. IMHO Volvo needs to redesign the ETM to have a non-moving part.
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1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic, 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red, Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon. My cars have been running so well lately they've got me worried.