Well the dreaded ETS light came on again yesterday. I had the module replaced only a couple of months ago! I have an appointment Wednesday and I will report what I learn.

Steve

UPDATE

I used my OBD-II scan tool and retrieved the following codes:

P1652 -- MFG specific PTC (Volvo code is ECM982A)
P0124 -- Throttle/Pedal position sensor/switch A circuit intermittent (ECM959F)
P0120 -- Throttle/Pedal position sensor/switch A circuit malfunction (ECM958F)

ECM982A is an ECM internal fault which is generated by several events, one of which happened (the cruise control shut off when the ETS light came on). Since the "fix" is to replace the ECM, I'm assuming the other error(s) canceled the cruise which then generated the code.

ECM959F is caused by "Poor accelerator pedal response" and the fix is to replace the ETM.
ECM958F is caused by "Poor accelerator pedal response" and the fix is to replace the accelerator pedal position sensor.

Since I seriously doubt that all three parts have failed, I'm thinking this was a glitch triggered by the slack action between the car and trailer I was towing, perhaps cruise-control related. I also seem to remember something about false codes being generated when running the auto trans in 3rd gear (as recommended when towing). Sound familiar to anyone?

For now I have cleared the codes, and am watching the car closely. Since we had the ETM replaced in Feburary, I have some time to watch without running out of the Parts warranty (12 months/12000 miles).

Steve

that's somewhat discouraging. I am going to have the ETS system in my 2000 XC replaced. I've finally broken down since Volvo apparently doesn't want to admit it's a problem and replace them even if the car is not under warranty. One thing I have learned is that the system can be fooled providing the throttle body servo is still working by replacing the temp sensor with a 3k resistor. the resistor will make the ecu think its operating at a reasonably high temperature but below the point where the throttle system goes into the feedback mode. Presumably actuating the throttle will make the engine controlled on its internal map. Of course the down side is the check engine light will come on and I would only recommend this as a fix until the car can be gotten to a dealer.

I think Volvo has really failed miserably with this system and the worst thing is that the dealers are pretty ignorant as well. I had the car in last week and spelled out to the service department exactly what I wanted done. They didn't do as I asked and consequently the ETS light came back on within minutes of my retreiving the car. In all fairness I should state that the ETS light was cleared before I brought it in having disconnected the battery and installed the fake temp signal before starting the car. I expalined to the service people exactly what I had done but because they couldn't retreive the right code they didn't fix it. I indicated to them in no uncertain terms that I would not have authorized a $1000 repair without some high degree of research. The bottom line is that the dealers are bozos and would rather nickel and dime you rather than fix anything properly. I have scheduled the ETS replacement with another dealer and will make the new guy more aware of what I want going in.

Does anyone know of an independent shop in Northeast CT with the Vadis computer system? I might be interested in letting them do the work.