2001 V70XC Throttle control

Hello again

In October the shop (Volvo shop but not a dealer) picked up a "ECM 91A7
Throttle unit, internal fault, faulty signal" in their diagnostic run and
quoted $875 Cdn for the unit.

I didn't go for it at that time as I was having the 144k service procedure
which was something like $500 - $600 plus a couple of other smaller items so
I felt a little squeezed at the time. Since then however, I have had running
problems that feel like (in the olden days) dirty gas or fuel pump or dirty
fuel filter. I think back to the "throttle unit" diagnosis and wonder if
that's it. The last few weeks have been really miserable and I have had to
almost pump the accelerator to really get going, or to get up a hill.

I know Volvo had significant problems with fuel supply a few years ago,
which affected the XC. I had one recall with new software downloaded (free)
than another "upgrade" with new software downloaded (definitely not free) to
resolve similar symptoms.

Could someone tell me what the "throttle unit" does, and if it is failing
would the symptoms described be appropriate. Also, I have run out of time on
my extended warranty, so would love to know if there is anywhere I can go
(online) to find out about any possible silent recall or possible hidden
relief from Volvo.

Thanks in advance, this is a great group....very informative for a non-tech
but interested person.

Gerry
(British Columbia)

 

If you already had recall 155 ETM software upgrade performed & now you
have a check engine light & ECM-91A7 stored you need to have the ETM
replaced I know in the US it is covered by Volvo for 10 Years from the
original in service date or 200,000 Miles which in 321,868 Kilometers if
you can post your complete Vin # here I will check to see if you are
covered under the extended warranty from Volvo
Glenn K
Volvo Certified Technician 2008
ASE Certified Technician 2008

 

Hi Glenn;

Many thanks for your response. The VIN # is YV1SZ58D211020081. By the way,
what is the ETM, the part that needs to be replaced?

Regards,

Gerry P

 

Yes Your car is covered by the ETM Extended Warranty if under 10 Years
which you are with a in service date of 02/10/2001 & under 200K Miles
which you said so a trip to your Volvo dealer is in order to have them
read any codes in the car pertaining to the ETM (ETM= Electronic
Throttle Module ) so good luck & if I can assist with anything else just
ask.
Glenn K
Volvo Certified Technician 2008
ASE Certified Technician 2008

 

My sincere thanks and an expression of appreciation to you, Glenn, for
responding to my question. After your original comments, and my "googling",
I did find that the ETM problem was a major disaster for Volvo, resulting in
a settlement of the U.S. class action suit regarding this matter. There is a
ton of info on this subject on the www.

I felt vindicated, in a way, because for at least 5 years I have complained
that there was a problem with the fuel delivery system, even after it was
partially improved with the EMT recall software download in early '06. There
were times when the "bucking" syndrome took place..e.g. after coming out of
cruise control...after going back to auto from tektronic...after a short run
down a hill under compression, but I never got a straight answer from the
shop. No one, even at the time of the recall software download even
mentioned that there was an epidemic type problem.....well, I guess that's
business.

I will get into the dealer next week and hopefully my faith in Volvo (first
Volvo in '69......assembled by fishermen in Halifax, Nova Scotia.....that
didn't work out too well) will be restored.

Thanks again,

Gerry P

 

Don't confuse two different problems. Besides the ETM problem,there is
also a throttle-sticking-in-the-off-position problem if the throttle
body is not cleaned regularly. If the throttle is sticking in the off
position, then after you come down a hill while in cruise the car will
slow down and then will rapidly accelerate back to the speed set on your
cruise. If it isn't in cruise, you can feel the sticking when you press
the throttle. I have throttle sticking on both my '95 850 and my '01
V70XC. I get routine maintenance and have them clean the throttle body
every time. That manages the problem fairly well.