The Volvo Electronic Throttle Module (ETM) has earned a bad reputation, perhaps unfairly, for
problems and early failures on the 1998-2001 cars. The ETM is the subject of a warranty extension by Volvo, now up to 10 years from the date the car was first put into service, or 200,000 miles. Volvo has also released a number of updates, both software and in service procedures to deal with these problems.
This car in particular had a number of throttle fault codes stored in the engine computer. Volvo has released a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) addressing this problem, with the recommendations of cleaning the Electronic Throttle Module (ETM), inspecting and cleaning the crankcase breather system, and replacing a number of parts in the breather system. Finally a software update is downloaded to the ETM to improve its operation, and make it more fault tolerant. Should the throttle problem then reoccur after this service, Volvo can verify the fault and warranty the throttle under its 10 year, 200,000 mile warranty.
In the photos below, you’ll note the heavily clogged ventilation ports, both in the black breather box, and in the engine block. Such clogging is indicative of higher mileage, extended oil change intervals, or the use of a poor quality engine oil and filter. The build up of this material prevents the crankcase ventilation system from functioning correctly, and will lead to an increase in crankcase pressure, contamination of the ETM, and even engine damage. Any problem with the ETM must first be dealt with by inspecting and serving the crankcase ventilation system.
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| Volvo S60 Turbo | Volvo Turbo Engine |
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| Engine With Intake Manifold Removed | Crankcase Breather Ports |
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| Clogged Engine Breather Assembly | Clogged Engine Crankcase Breather Port |
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| ETM Properly Cleaned and Serviced | Volvo Breather Update Kit |