Erratic Idle...

**cornclose** · Wednesday 4th February 2009, 14:48

2001 P2 V70 T5. Suddenly (like, overnight) I get poor idle, occasionally almost cutting out. Don't think it's a misfire since if I hold the revs up a bit it's fine.

I had the ETM clean and software update done about 6 months ago after having problems with limp mode/cutting out etc. I am suspecting this again, so it might be time for a new ETM.

But before I go down that route, what can I check for. My guess is that it could be fuel/air related, so I'll be looking for leaking hoses etc, but if anyone can point me to specifics I'd appreciate it.

So far, no messages or fault codes logged (I have OBDII interface and software).

Thanks chaps.

**princepugh** · Wednesday 4th February 2009, 15:56

Tried cleaning/ swapping the MAF?

**cornclose** · Wednesday 4th February 2009, 16:13

No, not yet. Last time I had the MAF off it was about 5 months ago - very clean, in fact it looked like it was brand new, genuine Bosch item.

Also, I took the MAF off to fit to another members car to see if it solved his problem, and it did, so at least then my MAF was good I think. That's not to say it's still good now of course, but it is one thing on the list to check.

I'll be doing some tests later with the software hooked up to the car to see what air flow rates and absolute throttle positions are as a start.

**princepugh** · Wednesday 4th February 2009, 16:18

There's a bundle of colour coded vac hoses which run down the left hand side of the airbox - I won't pretent I know what they all do but certainly worth a visual inspection and will be linked to turbo, ETM etc.

**cornclose** · Wednesday 4th February 2009, 16:23

Thanks - that's the kind of thing I don't know about either. Cheers

**Loadsamiles** · Wednesday 4th February 2009, 19:58

The ETM software update DOES NOT cure the fault. It just postpones it, as the fault is a failing physical component.

You will probably find that the ETM can now no longer find it's idle point.

There is Good news however.....

Volvo have slashed the price of a new ETM unit to £136 (not sure if that's ex-VAT)

I tried my local salvage dealer today, he wanted £70 for one off a scrapper... It's a no-brainer... New unit!!!

**Loadsamiles** · Wednesday 4th February 2009, 20:02

Er rat ic Idle.

**cornclose** · Wednesday 4th February 2009, 21:34

Originally Posted by Loadsamiles

There is Good news however.....

Volvo have slashed the price of a new ETM unit to £136 (not sure if that's ex-VAT)

I tried my local salvage dealer today, he wanted £70 for one off a scrapper... It's a no-brainer... New unit!!!

That is good news - thanks. I'll have to see if Rufe can get it a bit cheaper still!

The more I think about it the more I think it is the ETM failing. I've got exactly the same symptoms as before the ETM clean/software update. The only difference now is that the car isn't going into limp mode.

**Loadsamiles** · Wednesday 4th February 2009, 21:47

Having already spoken to a very friendly Volvo dealer I have it on good authority that there can be no discount on this price as it's been passed through to the customer AT COST. due to it being a "known failure" item.

I have been informed that your (all) local dealer should sell it to you at this price. There is a further 50p charge fro the gasket, and a 50p charge for the software. Your dealer should then load up the software for the cost of the allotted time. (IIRC 1/3 of an hour)

Many people have been fitting the ETM themselves. It's a very easy "bolt it on" job, so not worth paying the dealer 1 hour labour. The car (so I'm told) can be driven to the dealers without the software loaded into the ETM, but it will be in limp home mode (max 20mph)

**cornclose** · Thursday 5th February 2009, 00:20

Thanks - I'll make enquiries... :-)

**screwloose** · Wednesday 11th February 2009, 00:38

Originally Posted by Loadsamiles

The ETM software update DOES NOT cure the fault. It just postpones it, as the fault is a failing physical component.

You will probably find that the ETM can now no longer find it's idle point.

There is Good news however.....

Volvo have slashed the price of a new ETM unit to £136 (not sure if that's ex-VAT)

I tried my local salvage dealer today, he wanted £70 for one off a scrapper... It's a no-brainer... New unit!!!

how long has this been common knowledge,,,

i was too tight to pay 280, and i have put up with erratic idle and cutting out for far too long now

**cornclose** · Wednesday 11th February 2009, 07:18

Only recently happened as far as I can gather...

**screwloose** · Wednesday 11th February 2009, 12:52

i have emailed rybrooks, hopefully will get a response today or tomorrow

cheers

**screwloose** · Wednesday 11th February 2009, 15:25

well rip off rybrooks got back to me,,,

The Cost to replace the ETM on your vehicle would be £374.06 inc VAT

Labour £168.00
ETM £156.40
Gasket £0.29p
ETM software £0.58pt

£325.27

VAT 48.79

Total £374.06

the thing is they quoted me £280 a few months ago, and its supposed to have gone down,,so WTF is going on..

anywhere else in the north west guys ?, with better prices and service,,rybrooks sucks

cheers

**richiemat** · Tuesday 16th June 2009, 20:46

to re-ignite an old thread...

I had a new ETM fitted today in my '01 V70 T5

Paid £136 for the ETM, 25p for the gasket and 50p for the software + 1.3hrs labour + VAT

Really pleased with the difference its made, but thought i would just *check* this evening that it all looked ok and have noticed that the bloomin' radiator fan assembly has been refitted with only one bolt and its not clipped into the radiator casing so is swinging in mid-air. To say that i'm slightly annoyed would be an understatement, back to the dealer tomorrow

**cornclose** · Wednesday 17th June 2009, 09:31

That Stinks. And unfortunately I don't think it's that uncommon. My V70 has only been to a main dealer twice (two different ones) and on both occassions I had to refit something myself because it wasn't done properly/at all. Nothing big, bit still...