My wife was driving our 2000 V70 XC the other night and the ETS light came on and the car basically quit running. she called me and I said turn off the car and wait a minute and restart. This happened again later in the night with the same effect. I later drove the car for a while and could not duplicte. Any suggestions, Anyone..

Thanks,.

Curtis

I'm sorry to say you are probably the victim of the infamous "throttle body" defect. You probably have 45,000+ miles. If you live in Calif. or Mass, the defect is covered by a Volvo 7yr/70,000 mile extended warranty. If not, read on:

The problem you are describing is common on '99 and newer Volvos. These use an electronic engine control system. When the on-board computer detects residue build-up in the throttle body (the device that feeds air into the engine), the computer shuts off the engine. Little or no warning. Can usually restart engine. Can't run over 30+ mph. without engine shutting off again.

Our friends at Volvo have made this problem repairable only at a Volvo dealer or the rare independent that has paid the necessary fees to Volvo. The solution is to replace the throttle body. Cost $950-1,200. Just getting the new part won't solve the problem because the on-board computer has to be re-programmed. I have heard that Volvo has issued a Technical Service Bulletin telling dealers how to clean the throttle body. I haven't seen this document so I can't vouch that it actually exists.

Hopefully you are somewhate close to a Volvo dealer. If not, you will have a long tow from wherever your car broke down back to the dealer. Sorry.

It is my understanding the the problem will re-occur on the new throttle body that is installed. Residue caused by air flowing through the throttle body. Probably about 50,000 miles down the road. No current solution to the defect.

Sorry for the bad news.

Edmnds17

From past, recent posts, your ETS has given fair warning that it is goint to expire real soon. I am afraid it is a dealer only fix and will cost a lot. Make an appointment, now. All of you ETS failure people should have written the NTSB over the years asking to be put on recall notice. 99 and 00 were pretty bad years and Volvo should have replaced it for free.

Klaus
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98 V70Rawd(101Kmi), 95 854T(85K mi), 75 164E(173K mi)

Got lucky on this one, took to dealer and covered under 70,000 mile warranty replaced at no charge.

Curtis

Yes, you got lucky. Probably a car built to Calif. and Mass. specs. where the defect was covered by the Volvo's 7 yr./70,000 mi. warranty.

Problem is, the defect will reoccur. I suggest you look at the work order. Does it say anything about "throttle body?"

These cars have a recurring defect. Will happen about ever 50,000+ mi. Residue builds up in the throttle body to the extent that the electronic throttle module shuts down the engine.

Make a mental note that you will probably get about 50,000+ mi. before the situation reoccurs. Plan on spending $950-1,200. down the road.

Edmonds17