Speed Control Cable problems of the 2001 Volvo V70

(1) vehicle is 2001 Volvo V70 xc cross country. This vehicle uses an electronic throttle module (etm) manufactured for Volvo by magneti marelli. The etm replaces a traditional throttle cable and controls engine speed when pushing on the gas pedal. (2) on July 9, 2005, the electronic throttle module in my 2001 Volvo failed as I was entering a highway from a complete stop at an intersecting street. Traffic on this highway operates at or above the posted speed limit of 55 mph. I was accelerating at or near wide open throttle when the etm failed. The failure resulted in the etm going into "limp home mode," which caused the throttle to only operate around idle speed (approximately 800 rpm), and not allowing me to continue to accelerate to avoid being hit by approaching traffic. Moving forward at idle speed, I was able to maneuver the car between approaching vehicles and coasted onto a grass barrier separating an entrance ramp from the main lanes of traffic. The car then stalled. The car's computer readout on the dashboard displayed "reduced engine performance" and then "engine system failure. " this failure occurred without warning, and I was fortunate to not have been involved in a rear end collision. (3) don beyer Volvo in falls church, va informed me that the etm had failed after only 49,000 miles. It is my understanding that Volvo cars is well aware of this defect and is currently the subject of various investigations and lawsuits surrounding this issue. Volvo has reported to the California clean air resources board that up to 94% of etms will fail before the vehicle reaches 100,000 miles. There is no regular maintenance to be performed on the etm. Volvo technicians cannot determine when an etm is about to fail. Drivers simply have to wait to be unexpectedly stranded. The replacement part is identical or nearly identical to the original etm, making another unexpected and premature failure very likely.

The consumer was having problems with Volvo 2001 v-70 cross country wagon. The vehicle was stalling at random speeds starting in mid-August of 2004. Consumer took the vehicle to a repair shop, and the mechanic suspected the throttle was the issue. The problem was random and it would not do this for several days. The vehicle stalled on the highway while the consumer was merging into traffic. The vehicle would start after consumer let the car sit for a few minutes. Later that day the car stalled again. Consumer had to have the car towed to a dealership for repairs. This time the car did not start. The dealer replaced the throttle module, loaded software; throttle body, cable tie and etm reloaded. The car was running okay at times, but the engine was racing very high for seconds and then returns back to the normal rate. The motorwas revving and the tachometer was registering high for a moment. Consumer considered returning the vehicle because of the problems. The total cost on repairs has been over $800. 00. Nhtsa investigation, pe05041.