Magnetti Marelli ETM (electronic throttle management) sensor replacement by Precision Ph 1300 886 955 (Australia)

Part numbers of modules affected: 8644347 36001822 8644346 9136793 9186793 9207831 9497244 Fitment: Volvo S70, V70, XC70, S80 1999-2001 C70 1999-2002 S60 Turbo 2001 Part numbers of modules affected: 8644344 36001821 8644345 Fitment: Volvo S60 2001-2002 without Turbo V70 2001-2002 without Turbo

What are the symptoms of a failed or failing ETM?

Poor idle or idle speed which is hunting or going up and down without pressing the accelerator pedal. The ETS light is illuminated on the dash display. Car goes into limp home mode and accelerates poorly. Also when the car is diagnosed by computer at a dealer or independent mechanic various throttle position codes are displayed. Once the cars ECU receives erratic signals or an open circuit due to the wear in this strip it goes into Limp Home mode and the ETS light on the dash display will be illuminated. In many cases various error codes associated with throttle position will also be read by the cars ECU. The check Engine light may also be illuminated. The cars speed will then be restricted to around 65kp/h or 40mp/h

What fails in the ETM?

The photo on the left shows a potentiometer strip which has become badly worn through contact with the sweeping arm which rubs across this strip many thousands of times during acceleration/deceleration of the throttle plate during normal driving over an extended period. Even though the materials that the sweeping arm is made from are relatively soft, the sweeping arms contacts will eventually wear through the carbon resistive track. Volvos 2nd generation yellow stickered ETMs used slightly softer wiping arms and a thicker carbon coating. Also Volvo released new software that would prolong the inevitable failure of the ETM. In fact you can visit your local friendly Volvo dealer and you can have the software upgrade fitted to your ETM which will only prolong the inevitable failure. In the USA lobby groups fought with Volvo America to extend the warranty to 10 years or 200,000 miles (320,000 kms). In other world markets this has not happened and cases were assessed on an individual basis. In Australia dealers are not replacing the ETM under warranty.

So Whats the Solution?

An accomplished electronic design company with a track record of excellence was commissioned to design and manufacture an improved end cap with contact less design and two angle detecting chips which would replace both sensors on the Magnetti Marelli unit. It uses Hall Effect technology similar to many cam and crank sensor applications in motor vehicles. The reliability of this sensor is far greater than the contact version it replaces and is expected to last the life of the vehicle.

Why is this better than a new throttle body?

As Volvo has not changed the basic design of the ETM a new Volvo throttle body will have the same flawed carbon resistive film which caused the ETM to fail. Documented failures have been reported with as little as 90,000 kms (56,000 miles) even after the latest software updates have been fitted. Imagine fitting a new part and not being able to assure your client it will last longer than the car.

Why this suits all budgets

If youre an independent Volvo repairer or an experienced DIYer you will find that it is far less expensive than a new ETM and when you factor in the cost of a ETM reload at the dealer (towing to the dealer may be necessary as the car might not start with a new ETM) Also because we are using your cars own ETM there is no need for a reload so this cost is saved. New ETMs from Volvo will cost around $625 if imported from the USA plus shipping and delays (locally sourced ETMs in Australia will cost around $1,300) Also the new ETM will need to be matched to your cars VIN (vehicle identification number) at extra cost which will need to be done at a dealer with special software.

What does Precision do to the ETM?

First we clean the ETM housing, and the throttle body if necessary. Then we open the casing to reveal the sensor connection points. We then remove the old sensor while retaining the wiring points so a new sensor may be fitted. We then fit the sensing magnet. Next we disengage the other throttle sensor on the opposite side, so the new throttle sensor only is recognised, then solder the new TPS in place. A high grade putty is then used to reseal the connectors to avoid corrosion. Then the case is resealed again with high grade putty to seal the unit from moisture. Finally the wiring loom is inspected for wear, repaired where necessary and a new split tubing is fitted for safety.

Cleaning out the housing

The new magnet is fitted with thread lock compound

Resealing the housing

The finished product with new sensor and new split tubing.

Warranty Conditions
-Evidence of damage either by accident of vehicle or tampering of the casing or a broken warranty seal -Evidence of natural disasters such as fire, flood or lightning -ETM was installed in another vehicle prior to return -Vehicle was used in motor sport or competitive racing -Other electrical short or overcharging of electrical system which has directly affected the ETM -The ETM was returned in such a way that damage has occurred during transit. -Original core was not returned within 12 months from the date of purchase