I have a 99, S70 (5-speed, non-turbo) which has had a idle problem for some time. I finally decided to take it into the dealer, and asked them to trouble shoot the problem. They read the codes, and came back with an electronic throttle module which apparently has an intermittent problem. The are quoting about $1000 to replace it.

So, with 500 miles left on my extend-o warranty, I figured that I was covered. However, the good folks at the warranty company executed one of their stand by loop holes, declaring this part a "emissions and/or exhaust" part there by eliminating their liablity :). Nice. I have a couple of questions, and would like to hear what others think:


- Does the Electronic Throttle Control mean ECM?
- Is this a difficult thing to replace, and should I attempt to do so
my self?
- Would anyone consider the throttle control unit to be a piece of emissions
equipment?
- Is the Throttle Control responsible for other functions, that may be
covered by my warranty (ignition timing, for instance)?
- I've seen many posts about this part failing .... has anyone had luck
with contacting Volvo about this part? Should I complain? (The problem
has been mis-diagnosed for about 3 years on my car).


Thanks In Advance
Mike Dunn

I've had idle problems on my S70 1999. I took the throttle out and cleaned it and now it runs ok. Allthough this doesent always work I think its worth trying as a first step.

Hi,

Electronic Throttle Control Module is a component of the Engine Management.On these cars there is no direct connection between the accelerator pedal and the throttle butterfly. When you press the gas pedal you send a signal (by varying the resistance of a potentiometer) to the Engine Management Unit's computer which then looks at engine load, air temperature and engine temperature and sends a signal to the ETC Module to open the throttle butterfly by the appropriate amount. If you were really nit picking it could be considered as part of the emissions system but then so can almost any part of the fuel inkection system. In my view if it is possible for the engine to run without a component of the injection/exhaust system then it is an emissions component. In this case the engine will not run without it so imho it is not an emissions component.... As for other components that use it.... traction control systems and cruise control both use the TCM... good luck arguing...

As a footnote, the Throttle Control Module on my car was playing up and I managed to get it working again by removing it, taking off the covers and giving it a good blast out with an electrical contact cleaner.

As for replacing it.... it requires the ECU to be reset by a dealer so its not an easy job....

The electronic throttle module or ETM is not the same as the ECU which is the car electronic computer module.

The ETM is not part of the emission control or exhaust, they are pulling your chain. The ETM is part of the throttle, what makes the car speed up as the trottle's gate opens up as you step into the gas pedal.

Fight them on this one or get a lawyer.
--
'88 240, '92 745, '98 v70 John, Tampa Bay

If it is an emssions device then check your owners manual for
extended coverage. Some states require extended warranties for
emission devices that exceed the manufactures warranty (California
does). The exact length of the warranty often varies by model
year (with newer cars having longer warranty requirements for
emission devices). Details should be in the warranty book supplied
with the "glovebox documentation".

Yeah, it looks to be 80K, and I'm at 99.5K. What kills me is that my dealer has mis-diagnosed the problem 3 years ago. I haven't been back to that dealer for serveral years, for other reasons tho.

I yelled at the Warranty company, and the quickly changed their tune regarding it being an Emissions part. Instead, the gentleman dug into the details of my warranty contract, and informed me that only the parts specified in the contract are covered (the throttle body/control unit were conspicuously not present). I read the contract and, damn it, he's right :).

I think I'm going to drive it until the ETU goes into "limp home" mode, and then figure out what to do. Thanks for your advice!

Cheers
Mike

It's the throttle module, NOT ECM. They commonly go bad, posted here often too.

You can physically change the part yourself BUT it needs software downloaded by the dealers Vadis PC or the car won't start so it'll need to be towed.

That makes sense .... I did some checking around for parts, and it would appear that I get parts for about $600, but I have to tack on an additional $200 to get the software downloaded ... hrmmm.

Do you think I have any junk yard options? I've never poked around a junk yard, so I don't know if it's reasonable to find a wrecked 99 Volvo there. If so, it may be worth while, or at least fun :).

Thanks!
Mike