Volvo Throttle relearn

How to Perform a Throttle Relearn on Volvo Vehicles

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How to Perform a Throttle Relearn on Volvo Vehicles

If your Volvo is experiencing rough idling, stalling, or hesitation, it may be due to the electronic throttle control system losing its calibration. This can happen after disconnecting the battery, replacing the throttle body, or clearing fault codes. To restore proper throttle operation, you need to perform a throttle relearn procedure.<>

What is a Throttle Relearn?

Modern Volvo vehicles use an electronic throttle control system instead of a mechanical cable linkage between the accelerator pedal and throttle body. The electronic throttle module (ETM) contains a throttle position sensor (TPS) that monitors the position of the throttle plate. The engine control module (ECM) uses this sensor data, along with inputs from the accelerator pedal position sensor (APPS), to precisely control the throttle opening.<>

Over time, the correlation between the throttle position sensor and accelerator pedal position sensor can drift, causing poor throttle response. Disconnecting the battery or replacing the throttle body can also cause the ECM to lose its learned settings. A throttle relearn procedure allows the ECM to recalibrate the electronic throttle control system for optimal performance.<>

Volvo Models Requiring a Throttle Relearn

The throttle relearn procedure applies to the following Volvo models equipped with electronic throttle control:<>

  • 1999-2006 S80
  • 1999-2006 V70/XC70
  • 2001-2007 S60
  • 2003-2013 XC90
  • 2004-2013 S40/V50
  • 2006-2013 C70
  • 2007-2013 C30
  • 2007-2016 S80
  • 2008-2016 XC70
  • 2009-2016 XC60
  • 2010-2018 S60
  • 2010-2018 V60
  • 2011-2018 S60 Cross Country
  • 2015-2018 V60 Cross Country
  • 2015-2018 XC90
  • 2017-2018 S90
  • 2017-2018 V90 Cross Country

When to Perform a Throttle Relearn

You should perform a throttle relearn procedure if you experience any of the following symptoms:<>

  • Rough idling
  • Stalling
  • Hesitation or stumble on acceleration
  • Surging or hunting idle
  • Check engine light with throttle-related fault codes (e.g. P0121, P0122, P0123, P0222, P0223, P1120, P2135)

A throttle relearn is also required after:<>

  • Disconnecting the battery
  • Replacing the battery
  • Replacing the throttle body or ETM
  • Cleaning the throttle body
  • Clearing throttle-related fault codes

Tools Needed for Throttle Relearn

To perform a throttle relearn on a Volvo, you will need the following:<>

  • A compatible OBD-II scan tool with bidirectional control capability (e.g. VIDA, DICE, Autel, Launch)
  • A fully charged 12V battery
  • Basic hand tools if removing the throttle body for cleaning

Throttle Relearn Procedures

There are a few different methods to relearn the throttle on Volvo vehicles, depending on the model year and whether you have access to a Volvo-specific scan tool like VIDA (Vehicle Information & Diagnostics for Aftersales). Here are the most common procedures:<>

1999-2006 Volvo S80, V70, XC70, S60 (With VIDA)

  1. Connect the VIDA scan tool to the vehicle’s OBD-II port and turn the ignition on (do not start the engine).
  2. In VIDA, select “Diagnosis” then “Powertrain.”
  3. Select “Throttle/Pedal Position” then “Calibrate Throttle.”
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the calibration. The process takes about 30 seconds.
  5. Turn off the ignition and disconnect the scan tool.

1999-2006 Volvo S80, V70, XC70, S60 (Without VIDA)

  1. Turn the ignition key to position II (on, not start). Do not touch the accelerator pedal.
  2. Wait 3 seconds, then turn the key off and remove it.
  3. Wait at least 10 seconds, then reinsert the key and start the engine.
  4. Let the engine idle for 10 minutes without touching the accelerator pedal. The ECM will perform an idle relearn during this time.
  5. Turn off the engine and wait 20 seconds before restarting.

2003-2013 Volvo XC90 (With VIDA)

  1. Connect VIDA and select “Diagnosis” then “Powertrain.”
  2. Select “ECM” then “Calibrate Throttle Position.”
  3. Follow the on-screen prompts. The calibration takes about 1 minute.
  4. Disconnect VIDA and start the engine. Let it idle for 5 minutes.

2003-2013 Volvo XC90 (Without VIDA)

  1. Turn the ignition key on (position II) for 5 seconds, then turn it off. Repeat this 3 times, leaving the key on the third time.
  2. Wait 30 seconds with the key on. Do not touch the accelerator pedal during this time.
  3. Start the engine and let it idle for 5 minutes. The idle may be high at first but should gradually come down.
  4. Turn off the engine and wait 30 seconds before restarting.

2004-2013 Volvo S40, V50, C70, C30 (With VIDA)

  1. Plug in VIDA and select “Diagnosis” then “Powertrain.”
  2. Select “ECM” then “Throttle Adaptation.”
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions. The adaptation takes about 30 seconds.
  4. Exit VIDA and start the engine. Let it idle for 5-10 minutes.

2004-2013 Volvo S40, V50, C70, C30 (Without VIDA)

  1. Turn the ignition key to position II for 1 second, then off for 10 seconds. Repeat this cycle 5 times.
  2. On the 5th cycle, leave the key in position II. Wait 30 seconds without touching the accelerator.
  3. Start the engine and let it idle for 10 minutes. The idle speed will be high initially but should stabilize.
  4. Turn off the engine and wait 30 seconds before starting again.

2007-2016 Volvo S80, XC70, XC60, 2010-2018 S60, V60 (With VIDA)

  1. Connect VIDA and select “Diagnosis” then “Powertrain.”
  2. Select “ECM” then “Throttle Adaptation.”
  3. Follow the prompts to complete the adaptation. It will take about 1 minute.
  4. Disconnect VIDA and start the engine. Let it idle for 5 minutes.

2007-2016 Volvo S80, XC70, XC60, 2010-2018 S60, V60 (Without VIDA)

  1. Turn the ignition on (position II) for 5 seconds, then off for 10 seconds. Do this 3 times total.
  2. On the third time, leave the key on for 30 seconds. Do not press the accelerator.
  3. Start the engine and let it idle for 10 minutes undisturbed. The idle may be fast at first.
  4. Turn off the engine and wait 30 seconds before restarting.

2015-2018 Volvo XC90, S90, V90 (With VIDA)

  1. Plug in VIDA and go to “Diagnosis” then “Powertrain.”
  2. Select “ECM” then “Throttle Adaptation.”
  3. Follow the on-screen steps to adapt the throttle. The process takes about 1 minute.
  4. Exit VIDA and start the engine. Let it idle for 5 minutes to complete the relearn.

2015-2018 Volvo XC90, S90, V90 (Without VIDA)

  1. Put the key in the ignition and turn it to position II (on, not start). Wait 5 seconds.
  2. Turn the key off and wait 10 seconds. Repeat steps 1-2 two more times.
  3. After the third cycle, leave the key in position II for 30 seconds. Do not touch the accelerator pedal.
  4. Crank the engine and let it idle undisturbed for 10 minutes. The idle will likely be high initially but should come down gradually.
  5. Switch off the engine and wait 30 seconds before restarting.

Tips for a Successful Throttle Relearn

Here are some additional tips to ensure your Volvo’s throttle relearn procedure goes smoothly:<>

  • Make sure the battery is fully charged before starting. A low battery can cause the relearn to fail.
  • Do not touch the accelerator pedal at all during the relearn process, as this can confuse the ECM.
  • If you disconnected the battery or replaced the throttle body, clear any stored fault codes before performing the relearn.
  • If the engine is cold, let it reach operating temperature first before beginning the relearn. An engine that is too cold can cause an inaccurate calibration.
  • Avoid revving the engine or driving aggressively immediately after the relearn. Give the ECM some time to fine-tune its settings by driving gently for the first few miles.
  • If the relearn doesn’t seem to work the first time, turn off the engine, wait a few minutes, and try again. It may take a couple of attempts for the settings to take hold.
  • On models with VIDA capability, it’s always best to use VIDA for the most accurate and efficient throttle relearn procedure. Generic OBD-II scan tools may not have the proper bidirectional controls.

When a Throttle Relearn Doesn’t Work

In some cases, a throttle relearn procedure alone may not fix your Volvo’s throttle issues. There could be an underlying problem with the electronic throttle module (ETM) itself, wiring, pedal sensors, or other components. Some signs that you may have a faulty ETM include:<>

  • Limp mode activation with reduced engine power
  • Fluctuating or surging idle that doesn’t improve after relearn
  • Intermittent stalling or hesitation
  • Check engine light returns soon after relearn
  • Fault codes indicating internal ETM errors

If your Volvo has a bad ETM, a proper repair will involve replacing the entire unit, not just the throttle body or TPS sensor. Volvo issued a recall for defective ETMs on 1999-2002 models, so check if your vehicle is eligible for a free replacement. For 2003 and later models, you will likely have to pay out of pocket for a new ETM, which can cost upwards of $1000 from a Volvo dealer.<>

Some aftermarket companies like Xemodex offer remanufactured Volvo ETMs at a lower cost than the dealer, usually with an improved design over the original part. If you go this route, make sure to get the ETM programmed by a shop with the proper Volvo software to ensure compatibility with your ECM.<>

In addition to the ETM, it’s a good idea to inspect the throttle body, clean the throttle plate, and check the wiring harness for any damage or loose connections. A thorough diagnosis can help pinpoint the root cause of your throttle problems and prevent them from reoccurring.<>

Final Words from Boss Erwin

The electronic throttle control system is a critical component of modern Volvo vehicles. When it loses its calibration, it can lead to a host of drivability issues like rough idle, stalling, and poor acceleration. Performing a throttle relearn procedure is often necessary to restore proper operation after a battery disconnect or throttle body service.<>

While the exact relearn process varies slightly by model and year, the general principles are the same: get the ECM into a relearn mode through a specific key cycle, then let the engine idle undisturbed for several minutes. Using a Volvo-compatible scan tool like VIDA can streamline the process on most models.<>

 

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