In case someone is having trouble getting their volvo dealer to replace the ETM, let them know that VCNA approved (and I'm sure paid dealer) to replace the ETM in my car free of charge just last week. I know we want a redesign of the ETM and a full recall etc etc but at least this way you can sell/trade in the car and not put more $$$ into it. I hope this helps someone

So we can jump on board with this ETM garbage.

Klaus
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98 V70Rawd(108Kmi), 95 854T(88K mi), 75 164E(173K mi)

67,000, 99' S80 T6, no warranty.

ETM breakdown was at 64k.

If you're in California or Mass. the state requires this part and labor to be covered until 70,000 miles. By chance do you live in one of these states?
Also, recently an article ran in the LosAngeles Times about Volvo knowing of defects in the ETM even as far back as '99 and made cars with it anyway. I think Volvo is nervous and we'll see more replacements without questions asked. They don't want angry customers jumping on board with an on-going lawsuit in regards to their defective unit. You'll see more about this in the weeks to come.
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1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic, 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red, Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon

The was before the LA Times article and the article does not even talk about the defective ETM or need for redesign as VEXED is demanding.

Unless CA or MA, I've never heard of any ETMs being replaced FREE on cars that are out of all warranties.

Add New York to your list. No warranty, it was not even mentioned. I did have real good first-hand knowledge re. the clas-action in CA, the research posted, into the defect I have been following on VEXED (Volvo Enthusiasts eXposing Egregious Design, ETM failure rates and some other uncomfortable info. to Volvo. They tried to play hard ball w/ me but I was able to reach the right people who quickly agreed to the complete service/replacement of the throttle assemply /reload etc etc (which also fixed the erratic cruise control toggle) at no cost.
I have never felt better leaving a volvo dealer. I think they even offered a car wash which i declined - didn't want to push my luck...

Good for you! What I have stated above and have been questioned about above is my opinion from reading the many posts on several forums including your free replacement and other related work at no charge, now in NY! Therefore, when someone asks me to back up my "findings" or where I got my information from, I can only lead them to others who are either working on resolving the ETM issue or have had some resolution, along with the current news articles.

On a similar note, I just read over on the Swedespeed forum that in Belgium where evidently there is no rule against "secret warranties," Volvo is considering replacement of the ETM for customers who complain the loudest and not for those who don't bring it up as a potential cause of their problem. This very tactic by Volvo in CA and MA is what got the ball rolling for Volvo to take some kind of responsibility to begin with. I hope they get better resolution that that in the EU. Apparently in for European owners, Volvo is still officially saying that the issue doesn't exist. It's just a matter of time (once again, purely my opinion).

Wherever you are, it pays to be educated on these issue and to know your car as well as you can.
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1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic, 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red, Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon

V70 XC. ETS light came on shortly after I bought it. I balked after learning it is $1000 to fix. Tried to contact seller. He hosed me. But he is one guy. Volvo hosed EVERYONE. Nice. 110K miles. But so what, no other car I have heard of having this problem at any miles.


So even though this is out of warantee, I want VOlvo to own up to this. If I pay for the replacement, with the same faulty design, it is a matter of time before I have to replace it again. Oh, wait, thats called an annuity for Volvo, I am right? So maybe it was not a design "flaw" but ingenious "financial planning"

Does yours have a white sticker on it or a yellow sticker? If yellow, it's already been replaced once before. I wish you the best on your situation. If already replaced once, you might have a foot to stand on with a claim, especially if Volvo starts owning up to the problem, and they may be forced to soon. If the original (white label) one, 110K is the max I've ever seen for one of these to survive. I don't think the faulty ETM was an original Volvo scheme to make $$, but I do think that the "cover-up" is. Just MHO.
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1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic, 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red, Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon

Where is the ETM unit located?

Also, Don Wilson has done a lot of research re. the ETM and why exactly it is defective (and always will be until redesigned). I used the available legal (CA class action case)and technical information when I dealt with VCNA and it worked for me. Trust me if I keep the car (I don't think so)and this part goes again, VCNA will replace it again at no charge (and ask me again if the repair was excellent, like they did this time!!). Go after them.

Apologies for my ignorance... What is an ETM?