Application

What you need to know (please read before ordering)

This is a Program Transfer Service of your original module to a good unit you’ve supplied. You will need to source out a good used matching unit, then send them both in here for the service. Only the good unit will be shipped back to you. The original module is recycled here at our facility.

To ensure a matching unit, match up the module’s Hardware Part Number (HW-PN). See the pictures for an example.

The order will be processed during our regular business hours (Mon-Fri 8:30 – 5:30 EST). After processing your order, we will email shipping labels and shipping instructions. If you don’t see shipping labels within 1 hour of submitting your order (during business hours) please first check your junk/spam folders. If you still don’t see the labels, please contact us at 1-888-712-2525

Please Note: We recommend that you replace the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor whenever the ETM is replaced, even if the MAF appears to be working properly. We have several genuine MAF sensors available.
• See here for Turbo vehicles
• See here for Non-Turbo vehicles

Features:

Plug & Play: The programming from the original unit is moved over to the good used unit one for one, which means the module sent back to you is plug and play. No software reload or calibration is required.

Quick Turnaround: Your module will be tested, transferred to the good unit, tested again, and then the good unit is sent back to you in the same day (unless otherwise noted).

Quality Tested: All our Volvo ETMs undergo rigorous tests on our specialized custom built CAN-bus driven test bed. All functions, DTCs, and software are checked and verified for proper operation.

Lifetime Limited Warranty on the Software Transfer: This module comes with our Lifetime Limited Warranty on the Software Transfer. Please see here for more information.

Reference Numbers

13253005001 | 36001821 | 36001822 | 36050563 | 36050564 | 8603652 | 8644344 | 8644345 | 8644346 | 8644347 | 9136793 | 9186793 | 9207831 | 9451987 | 9497244

Common Failure Symptoms

Rough idle or stalling
Idle hunting up and down when stopping at a traffic light
ETS light is on
ETM fuse keeps blowing
Limp-home mode
No communication with the ETM

How This Service Works

Step 1: Purchase a good used unit with matching part number from a local scrap yard.

Step 2: Purchase our service online or over the phone.

Step 3: After processing your order, we will email you pre-paid shipping labels.

Step 4: Send us your old defective unit by dropping off the package to any UPS location, or call UPS to schedule a pick up.

Step 5: We will extract the software from the old unit, and program the good used unit with the extracted software.

Step 6: We will send you back the good module the same day (unless otherwise stated), and recycle your old defective unit at our facility.

Step 7: You install the unit back into your vehicle.

For more detailed instructions, please see here.

FAQ

Do you know where I can source a matching module?
A good source for used Volvo parts is Erie Vo-vo Inc if you’re on the East coast, and Volvo and Saab Dismantlers if on the West coast.

The scrap yard doesn’t have my module’s part number in stock, but they carry a similar module with a different part number. Can I send you that one?
No. The software in your module is hardware specific. The good used module must have a matching part number, or else we cannot perform this service.

Why don’t you send my original module back to me?
In order to extract the software, we have to do some hardware modifications to your original module. This process is irreversible and damages the module permanently. Your unit will be recycled at our facility.

Why is there no Lifetime Warranty on the hardware for Program Transfers to Customer Supplied units?
We offer a Lifetime Warranty on the Software only. We also test your used module before and after the transfer to make sure it is fully operational. Since it is a used part that you purchased elsewhere and we did not repair or recondition it, we do not extend the warranty to the hardware. Check with your scrap yard for their warranty terms on your module.

How long does it take for you to transfer my module?
We have same day turnaround. This means that this service will be performed and the module shipped back out the same day we receive it.

I found a used ETM online. Can I simply swap it into my vehicle?
Sometimes yes, but there is software involved as well as hardware, so just because the hardware matches doesn’t mean the software does. Incorrect software will lead to high idle which can damage the engine over time.
That’s one of the reasons we require your VIN when you place the order. We’ll make sure you get the correct software package for your vehicle.

What goes wrong inside the unit?


The photo on the top illustrates potentiometer strips which have been removed from a failed throttle body unit. In this case, both carbon rungs are worn right through. Each time the wier sweeps past these spots, the ETM will switch to “Limp Home” mode. “Limp Home” mode is an emergency software program that allows the vehicle to be driven in case of ETM, or other vital component failure. In this mode you will experience poor engine performance, poor throttle response and the car will not exceed 40MPH. Each ETM contains two separate potentiometers located on either side of the throttle shaft in the plastic end caps. These potentiometers are manufactured on cellulose acetate substrate (similar to camera film) as it is malleable and easily formed into a circle. The two thin carbon layers are then sprayed on this base creating resistive tracks.


Metal wipers travel across these tracks according to the gas pedal position input.ETM-Fault-tracing2-1
The fundamental flaw with this design is that the carbon layer’s chemical composition is not strong enough to withstand continuous wiper friction. As a result, the wiper scrapes off the carbon run right down to the substrate, creating an open circuit which causes the ETM to switch to limp-home mode.
Over the years, the manufacturer tried to correct this problem with wider and thicker runs as well as softer metal wipers. ETM throttles with these modifications were marked with a yellow label instead of the original white. However, since that sensor has to be rolled into a perfect circle there are limits to how thick the carbon can be, otherwise it will simply crack.

Technical Resources

ETM Removal Instructions

ETM Diagnostic Flow Chart (1999 – 2000 C70, S70, V70, and XC70)

ETM Diagnostic Flow Chart (1999 – 2001 S80, 2001 S60, V70, and XC70, 2002 S60 and V70 Non-Turbo)

Removing the ETM Cable from behind the start motor

ETM Power Supply Tech Bulletin

ETM Blown Fuse Tech Bulletin